KNOW YOUR- KNOWLEDGE

With the advent of self-publishing and it’s growing popularity among writers, questions about ISBN numbers are being often asked. Here is a compilation of all the information you need to know about getting and using ISBN numbers in India.

What is ISBN Number?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique International Publisher’s Identifier number, which is meant for monographic publications. It identifies publisher and the title of publication. This 13 digit number is machine readable when converted into a EAN-13 barcode. You see this barcode, usually, on the back cover of books.

For what type of material can you get ISBN?

Following types of material is eligible for having an ISBN:

• 1. Printed materials

  2. Microforms

  3. Educational Videos or Movies

  4. Mixed media publications

  5. Microcomputer software (only educational)

  6. Atlases and maps

  7. Publications in Braille

  8. Electronic publications

For what type of material ISBN will not be issued?

• 1. Advertising material (sales catalogues, price lists, prospectuses, publicity flyers, etc)

  2. Wall posters, Newspapers, leaflets

  3. Lists of exhibits without additional text

  4. Programs of theatrical, musical, and other performances

  5. Curricula of schools and colleges of all kinds

  6. Lecture and teaching material of manuscript character

  7. Calendars and diaries

  8. Forms & colouring books

  9. Journals and periodicals

Is it mandatory to have ISBN number?

No, it is not mandatory to print an ISBN number on your book. You can publish your book without ISBN. But it is recommended to have ISBN because it makes your book uniquely identifiable. Also its sale becomes easier at stores where they make bill using a barcode reader. If your book will not have an ISBN bar code –it will be difficult for selling store to make bill for the purchaser of your book.

How much does ISBN cost?

Getting ISBN number in India is totally free. You don’t have to pay a single paisa for this.

Will a separate ISBN be required for hard cover book?

Yes, hardcover (hard-bound, cloth-bound, hard-back) and paperback versions of the same book require separate ISBN numbers.

Will a separate ISBN be needed for different language?

Yes. If you’re publishing the same book in a different language –you cannot use the same ISBN. You will need to assign a separate ISBN number to each of various language versions of the same book.

Who can apply for ISBN?

Any person or entity wanting to publish a book can now apply for ISBN.

• 1. Self-publisher (an individual who wants to publish book on his/her own)

  2. Publisher

  3. Author

  4. University

  5. Institution

  6. Government Department

Which authority issues ISBN numbers in India?

Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN is authorized to issue ISBN number in India. It is an agency under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

How to get ISBN in India?

In order to get ISBN numbers you would need to send an application to Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN. In your application you have to provide the following information:

• 1. Title of book

  2. Author

  3. Publisher (if you are publishing book on your own, just write “Self-Published”)

  4. Year of publication

  5. Place of publication

  6. Pages

  7. Price

  8. Subject

  9. Language

  10. Paperback or Hardback

  11. Your address for communication

In addition, you will also need to enclose the following along with the application form:

• 1. Photocopy of the cover page

  2. Identification proof

  3. A self addressed envelop for return communication

To download the form from authority’s website,click here

Where to send application form?

You need to send the completely filled form to the following address:

RAJA RAMMOHUN ROY NATIONAL AGENCY FOR ISBN

Ministry of Human Resource Development

West Block-1, Wing-6, 2nd Floor

Sector-1, RK Puram, New Delhi-110001

Other contact details of the above agency:

Email: isbn@nic.in

Phone: (+91-11)-26172903, (+91-11)-26172493/Extn 12

Fax: +91-11-23384687

How many ISBN numbers are issued?

Earlier ISBN number used to be issued in blocks of ten (i.e. you would have to apply for at least ten ISBN numbers). But as self-publishing is becoming popular, the authority has begun to issue even a single ISBN. So, if you don’t need more, you can apply for just one ISBN number.

How much time will it take to get ISBN?

Usually, if you have provided all the details in application form, you get ISBN within 8 weeks (two months)