How to Get an ISBN Number in the UK

Modern booksellers use ISBN numbers to track their inventory.

An ISBN is a unique product identifying number used by publishers and booksellers. With an ISBN, books can be identified according to publisher, edition and country of origin. There is no legal requirement for ISBNs, however, without an ISBN, most major bookstores and online booksellers will not sell the book. They use the ISBN to order and track their inventory. In the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, ISBNs are available through the Nielsen UK ISBN Agency.

Things You'll Need

• ISBN application form

Instructions

1. Find out if your item qualifies for an ISBN. Generally, books and electronic products like ebooks and audiobooks are eligible for ISBNs. Music CDs and other electronic products intended for entertainment do not qualify for ISBNs.

2. Decide how many ISBN numbers you need. The minimum order is 10 ISBNs. You cannot purchase a single number. However, since one ISBN is used for each edition of a book, you probably need several ISBNs. For example, if you are producing one hardcover, one softcover and one ebook edition, you need three ISBNs.

3. Read the guidance notes carefully, then fill out the four-page application. Mail the application with a copy of the title page and title page verso of your first publication, as well as a check made out to ISBN Agency or your credit card information. Send the package to: ISBN Agency for UK & Ireland, 3rd Floor, Midas House, 62 Goldsworth Road, Woking, GU21 6LQ. If you have questions, email to [e-mail] or call [phone]. It takes about 10 days to process your order.

Tips & Warnings

• The current prices for 10, 100 or 1000 ISBNs are on the order form.

• The ISBN is assigned according to the location of the publisher's main office, not the nationality of the author or publisher.

• Do not forget to write in your VAT number. If you are based in the Republic of Ireland with a valid VAT or in the Channel Islands, you will not be charged VAT.

• Your application will not be processed without payment.

• Type or print clearly in black ink. The information on the form is used to register your books, so a misspelling could be disastrous to your book sales.

• The ISBN agency reserves the right to determine how many ISBNs are issued to a publisher.

References

• Nielson Book Services: Unique Identifiers

Resources

• Nielson: ISBN Order Form Guidance Notes
• Nielson: ISBN Application Form