FAQs For Existing Publishers
Where do I put the ISBN?
How do I convert the ISBN to a Barcode (or a 10 digit ISBN to a 13 digit ISBN)?
My ISBN ends with an 'X' - is this OK?
The check digit on the barcode is different from the ISBN - is this correct?
How do I work out my next ISBN?
I have used all the numbers in my allocation, can I have more?
Can I put an ISBN on the Sales Catalogue?
I am reprinting a book with no changes - do I need a new ISBN?
I am reprinting a book with a new cover-design for a TV tie-in, should I change the ISBN?
I am changing the binding on the book to produce a paperback rather than hardback (with no other changes). Do I need a new ISBN?
I am changing the format of the book from A4 to A5 - do I need a new ISBN?
I am changing the price - do I need a new ISBN?
I am publishing a multi-volume work, which will only be available as a set - how should I number it?
Iam publishing a book with another Publisher whose ISBN should appear?
We have recently acquired a list from another Publisher. Can I put a sticker over their ISBN with mine?
What do I do when I reprint a book with a different Publisher name?
Where do I put the ISBN?
The ISBN should appear on the reverse of the title page, sometimes called the copyright page or the imprint page and on the outside back cover of the book. If the book has a dust jacket, the ISBN should also appear on the back of this. If the publication is not a book, the ISBN should appear on the product (tape/CD) and on the packaging or inlay card. If the publication is a map, the ISBN should be visible when the map is folded and should also appear near the Publisher statement if this is elsewhere.
How do I convert the ISBN to a Barcode (or a 10 digit ISBN to a 13 digit ISBN)?
The barcode number for a book should be the same as the 13 digit ISBN. If you have any unused ISBN numbers in 10 digit format, they must be converted to 13 digits before using them. The ISBN Agency can convert 10 digit numbers to 13 digit form (for a fee) or you can convert numbers free of charge yourself using the International ISBN Agency's ISBN-13 Converter. The ISBN Agency does not provide actual barcode graphics, but does provide a list of barcode suppliers or bodies to contact for further information. If you have recently received your ISBN allocation, a list will be in your information pack. If not, please contact the ISBN Agency.
My ISBN ends with an 'X' - is this OK?
Not any more - This only occurred with some 10 digit ISBNs, which must now be converted to 13 digit form.
The check digit on the barcode is different from the ISBN - is this correct?
Not any more - this used to happen with 10 digit ISBNs, but 13 digit ISBNs should be identical to the barcode number.
How do I work out my next ISBN?
If you have mislaid or were not issued with a list of ISBN numbers and you wish to calculate the next number yourself, you should follow the calculation method given in section 4.5 of the ISBN User's Manual (ISBN-13) which is available free of charge from the International ISBN Agency. Alternatively we can provide a listing of all the ISBNs in your allocation calculated for you. Please see Services to Existing Publishers for current pricing.
I have used all the numbers in my allocation, can I have more?
Each ISBN publisher prefix allows for a fixed number of ISBNs under it. When these are exhausted publishers must apply for a new ISBN prefix. It is quite common for a publisher to be identified by more than one ISBN prefix. Please contact the ISBN Agency for the appropriate application form. You will need to quote your current prefix.
Can I put an ISBN on the Sales Catalogue?
Point of Sale (POS) material (including catalogues) does not qualify for inclusion in the ISBN system. We do appreciate that Booksellers often request ISBNs on such material however, and we would offer the following advice. A small proportion of your allocation (certainly no more than 10%) may be put aside to use and re-use on POS material. For example, an ISBN for a catalogue could always be the same, presuming that the Publisher will always send the customer the current catalogue. A dumpbin can be supplied empty and books invoiced separately, presuming returns are accepted against the book's ISBN anyway and then the dumpbin ISBN can be recycled for use in a future campaign.
I am reprinting a book with no changes - do I need a new ISBN?
No.
I am reprinting a book with a new cover-design for a TV tie-in, should I change the ISBN?
No. A change of cover design with no other changes should not have a new ISBN.
I am changing the binding on the book to produce a paperback rather than hardback (with no other changes). Do I need a new ISBN?
Yes. Changes in binding always require new ISBNs.
I am changing the format of the book from A4 to A5 - do I need a new ISBN?
Yes. All changes of format require new ISBNs.
I am changing the price - do I need a new ISBN?
No. Price changes with no other changes do not require new ISBNs and indeed must not change the ISBN.
I am publishing a multi-volume work, which will only be available as a set - how should I number it?
It is recommended that, other than for works produced in alphabetical-volumes, the following should apply - An ISBN should be assigned to each volume and a separate ISBN should identify the set. Both the ISBN for the volume and the set should appear on the book. For example:
ISBN for complete set of x volumes: 978 0 7000 1234 3
ISBN for this volume: 978 0 7000 1235 0
This advice is given because whilst books may only be sold as a set, they may not always be kept together, e.g. in a library. There may also be occasions when a single volume is supplied, e.g. a review copy or replacement for a damaged volume.
I am publishing a book with another Publisher whose ISBN should appear?
In the case of a joint publication, both Publishers are entitled to have an ISBN on the book. It should be made clear which number identifies which Publisher. However, if only one Publisher is to hold stock and distribute the publication, then it is recommended that only that Publisher's ISBN should appear on the book.
We have recently acquired a list from another Publisher. Can I put a sticker over their ISBN with mine?
No. Publishers must use the ISBN of the original Publisher until they reprint, at which point the ISBN and imprint can be changed, thus leading to a new edition and a new ISBN. Name & address changes, mergers and acquisitions should be notified to the ISBN Agency as soon as possible. Bibliographic Information providers should also be notified of changes to distributor arrangements.
What do I do when I reprint a book with a different Publisher name?
The new Publisher should be quoted on the title page verso with the relevant ISBN, but details of the previous edition (Publisher, ISBN, date) should also be provided
