How to Get an ISBN for Your Book in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is an important step in publishing and distributing your books. An ISBN is a unique 13-digit number identifier assigned to books, eBooks, audiobooks, and related products. It serves as a tool for cataloging, ordering, and tracking publications in the publishing industry worldwide. Each ISBN is specific to a particular edition and format of a book, making it easier for retailers, distributors, and libraries to identify and manage books in their inventory.

This guide will walk you through the steps to acquire an ISBN for your book or literary work if you are self-publishing or publishing through a small press in India.

What is an ISBN?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique identifier for books, eBooks, and other publications that are recognized worldwide. The ISBN consists of a 13-digit number that is used to identify a specific book or publication.

Before 2007, ISBNs consisted of 10 digits. In January 2007, the 13-digit ISBN was introduced to enhance the ISBN system’s capacity. As of now, the U.S. ISBN Agency has assigned 13-digit ISBNs with the 978 prefixes, facilitating the coexistence of both 10-digit and 13-digit ISBNs for all books. It’s worth noting that a 13-digit ISBN commencing with 979 doesn’t correspond to a corresponding 10-digit ISBN. Consequently, moving forward, only 13-digit ISBNs that start with 978 or 979 should be employed for book identification purposes.

Why is an ISBN important?

An ISBN is important because it enables booksellers, libraries, and other organizations to easily locate and manage books and other publications. It allows for accurate tracking of sales and inventory, and it helps to prevent errors when ordering books. Additionally, having an ISBN can help to increase the visibility and credibility of a book, as it is recognized internationally.

Eligibility for ISBN

1. Individual Authors: Individual authors are eligible to apply for an ISBN if they are self-publishing their work. This includes authors who are publishing their work through a vanity press or print-on-demand service.
2. Publishers: Publishers, both large and small, are eligible to apply for an ISBN. This includes traditional publishers, university presses, and small independent publishers.
3. Educational Institutions: Educational institutions, such as universities and colleges, are eligible to apply for an ISBN if they are publishing their own books or other publications.
4. Government Organizations: Government organizations are also eligible to apply for an ISBN if they are publishing their own books or other publications.

The Role of Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN

Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN is the official agency responsible for issuing ISBNs in India. It is a part of the Ministry of Human Resource Development and is located in Kolkata. The agency was established in 1985 and has been responsible for assigning ISBNs to books and other publications ever since.

The agency is responsible for assigning and managing ISBNs for books and other publications in India. It also maintains a database of all ISBNs issued in India and provides information and assistance to publishers and authors who are applying for ISBNs.

Preparing for ISBN Application

1. Book Title and Edition: Before applying for an ISBN, it is important to have a finalized book title and edition. The title and edition of the book should be consistent across all formats, including print and digital.
2. Book Format and Version: The format and version of the book should also be finalized before applying for an ISBN. This includes the paper size, binding, and any accompanying materials, such as a CD or DVD.
3. Book Cover and Design: The book cover should be designed and finalized before applying for an ISBN. The cover should be eye-catching and should accurately reflect the content of the book.
4. Copyright Information: The book should be copyrighted before applying for an ISBN. The copyright information should be included in the book and should be consistent across all formats.
5. Book Description and Keywords: A brief description of the book should be prepared before applying for an ISBN. This description should accurately reflect the content of the book and should include relevant keywords to help with search engine optimization.

ISBN Online Application Process

Gone are the days of lengthy paperwork and office visits. With the Digital India initiative in full swing, you can now apply for an ISBN from the comfort of your home or office. Follow these simple steps to obtain your ISBN:

1. Registration: Head over to the official ISBN portal at https://isbn.gov.in/ and start by registering yourself. Provide your name, email, mobile number, and address. Once you’ve filled in the details, a verification email and SMS will be sent to you, containing your login credentials.
2. Application Form: Log in to the portal using the provided credentials. You’ll find an easy-to-fill application form awaiting you. Enter all the necessary details about your publication, including the title, author’s name, language, category, format, price, and any other relevant information. You even have the option to upload a cover image if you have one.
3. Submission: Once you’ve filled out the form, hit that submit button. Now it’s time to play the waiting game. You’ll be notified via email and SMS when your application is approved or rejected. Remember, the approval process can take up to 15 working days.
4. Approval and ISBN Issuance: Congratulations! Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email and SMS containing your very own ISBN number and a barcode image. The portal also allows you to download your ISBN certificate for safekeeping.
5. Publication: With your ISBN in hand, it’s time to put it to good use. Print the ISBN number and barcode on the back cover of your publication. Now, your work is officially ready to be shared with the world.

Benefits of Online ISBN Application

Applying for an ISBN online offers several benefits that are hard to overlook:

1. Convenience: You can complete the entire application process from the comfort of your home or office, eliminating the need for physical visits to government agencies.
2. Cost-Free: The online application process is absolutely free, which means you save both time and money.
3. Efficiency: The process is streamlined, allowing for quicker approvals and reducing unnecessary delays.
4. Easy Tracking: You can easily monitor the status of your application, make edits if necessary, and even apply for additional ISBNs if you have multiple publications.

Special Cases and Exceptions

1. Republished Books: If a book is republished with significant changes, a new ISBN should be assigned to the book. However, if the changes are minor, such as correcting typographical errors, a new ISBN may not be required.
2. Translations and Adaptations: If a book is translated or adapted into another language or format, a new ISBN should be assigned to the book. This allows for accurate tracking of sales and inventory for the translated or adapted book.
3. Reprints and Re-editions: If a book is reprinted or reissued in a new edition, the original ISBN can be used if there are no significant changes to the content of the book.
4. Anthologies and Collections: Anthologies and collections of previously published works require a unique ISBN. However, if the individual works in the anthology or collection already have an ISBN, the individual ISBNs can be used instead of assigning a new ISBN.

ISBN and Copyright

1. ISBN vs. Copyright: ISBN and copyright are two separate things. ISBN is used to identify a book or publication, while copyright protects the content of the book or publication.
2. Protecting Copyrighted Works: Authors and publishers should take steps to protect their copyrighted works, such as registering the copyright with the appropriate authorities and using digital rights management (DRM) to prevent unauthorized distribution.
3. Legal Implications and Infringement: Infringing on someone else’s copyright can have legal implications. Authors and publishers should ensure that they have the proper permissions and licenses before using copyrighted materials in their works.

ISBN and Distribution

1. ISBN and Booksellers: Booksellers use ISBNs to track sales and inventory of books. Having an ISBN can make it easier for booksellers to stock and sell a book.
2. ISBN and Libraries: Libraries use ISBNs to catalog and manage their collections. Having an ISBN can make it easier for libraries to acquire and catalog a book.
3. ISBN and Online Platforms: Online platforms, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, use ISBNs to identify books and other publications. Having an ISBN can make it easier for authors and publishers to sell their books online.

Maintaining ISBN Records

1. ISBN Database and Updates: The Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN maintains a database of all ISBNs issued in India. Publishers and authors should ensure that their ISBN records are accurate and up-to-date.
2. ISBN Transfer and Ownership Changes: If the ownership of a book or publication changes, the ISBN should be transferred to the new owner. This ensures that the book or publication is accurately tracked and managed.
3. ISBN and Book Cataloging: Libraries and other organizations use ISBNs to catalog and manage books and other publications. Authors and publishers should ensure that their books are accurately cataloged using their ISBNs.

Wrapping Up!

As an author, publisher, or educator, obtaining an ISBN is a significant step in establishing your presence in the literary landscape. With the online application process provided by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN, you can obtain your unique identifier hassle-free, without any fees or bureaucratic red tape. So, don’t wait any longer—apply for an ISBN today and give your work the recognition it deserves. Your knowledge and creativity are ready to make a lasting impact!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)