What Is an ISBN Number?
An ISBN number is a unique identification number used for books. ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number, and it helps booksellers, libraries, distributors and online retailers identify a specific book, edition and format.
If you are self-publishing or preparing a book for sale, an ISBN is one of the key publishing details to understand before printing. It is especially important if you want your book to be available through bookshops, libraries, distributors or online sales channels.
For authors printing private books, family histories or internal-use publications, an ISBN may not always be required. For books being sold publicly, however, it is usually an important part of the publishing process.
What Does ISBN Stand For?
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number.
It is a standard book identification system used around the world. Each ISBN is assigned to a specific book product, helping the book trade identify exactly which title, edition and format is being ordered, sold or catalogued.
Think of an ISBN as a unique product number for a book. It helps avoid confusion between different books, editions, bindings and formats.
What Is an ISBN Used For?
An ISBN is used to identify a book in the publishing, retail, distribution and library systems.
An ISBN can help identify:
- The book title
- The publisher or self-publisher
- The edition of the book
- The format of the book
- The country or registration group
- The specific book product being sold or catalogued
This makes it easier for bookshops, libraries, distributors and online retailers to list and manage books accurately.
Is an ISBN the Same as a Barcode?
No. An ISBN and a barcode are related, but they are not the same thing.
The ISBN is the book’s identification number. A barcode is the scannable graphic that can be printed on the back cover so retailers and distributors can scan the book at point of sale or during stock handling.
In many cases, the ISBN is used to generate the barcode for the printed book cover.
Do I Need an ISBN for My Book?
You may need an ISBN if you plan to sell or distribute your book publicly.
An ISBN is commonly needed for:
- Books sold through bookshops
- Books listed with distributors
- Books supplied to libraries
- Books sold through many online retailers
- Self-published books intended for public sale
- Paperback and hardcover editions sold as separate products
You may not need an ISBN if the book is only being printed for private use, family distribution, internal business use or a small personal project that will not be sold through retail or distribution channels.
Does Each Book Format Need a Different ISBN?
Yes. Different formats of the same book usually need separate ISBNs because they are treated as different products.
For example, the same title may need separate ISBNs for:
- Paperback edition
- Hardcover edition
- Ebook edition
- Audiobook edition
- New revised edition
If you print a paperback and a hardcover version of the same book, each format should usually have its own ISBN. This helps sellers, libraries and distributors identify the correct version.
Do Reprints Need a New ISBN?
A simple reprint of the same book usually does not need a new ISBN if the title, format, publisher and edition have not changed.
However, a new ISBN may be needed if the book is changed enough to become a new edition, or if it is published in a different format such as hardcover, paperback or ebook.
If you are unsure, it is best to check with the official ISBN agency or your publishing adviser before printing.
Where Do Australian Authors Get an ISBN?
In Australia, ISBNs are issued through the Australian ISBN agency, Thorpe-Bowker / MyIdentifiers Australia.
Self-published authors and publishers can apply for ISBNs before publishing their book. Once assigned, the ISBN can be included in the book’s internal copyright page and used to create the barcode for the back cover if required.
If you are preparing a printed book, it is a good idea to organise the ISBN before finalising your cover artwork, especially if the barcode needs to be placed on the back cover.
Where Does the ISBN Go in a Printed Book?
The ISBN is usually printed in two main places:
- On the copyright or imprint page inside the book
- On the back cover as part of the barcode area, if a barcode is required
For printed books, the barcode is commonly placed on the lower section of the back cover. It should be positioned clearly and kept away from important text, images and trim edges.
If you are supplying your own cover artwork, make sure there is enough space for the barcode before the cover is finalised.
Do I Need an ISBN Before Printing?
You do not always need an ISBN before requesting a print quote, but you should organise it before final artwork is completed if the book will display an ISBN or barcode.
For books being sold publicly, it is best to have the ISBN ready before the final cover file is prepared. This allows the barcode to be added correctly and avoids last-minute changes to the cover design.
If your book is only being printed privately and will not be sold or distributed through book trade channels, you may not need an ISBN.
ISBNs and Self-Publishing
For self-published authors, an ISBN helps identify the book as a published product. It can make the book easier to list, sell, order and catalogue.
If you are self-publishing, it is worth thinking about your long-term plans before deciding how many ISBNs you need. If you only plan to print one paperback edition, you may only need one ISBN. If you plan to release paperback, hardcover and ebook versions, each format may need its own ISBN.
You may also need to consider who should be listed as the publisher. For independent authors, this may be the author’s publishing name, imprint or self-publishing business name.
ISBNs, Barcodes and Book Covers
If your printed book needs a barcode, the barcode is usually created from the ISBN and added to the back cover artwork.
Before finalising your cover, check:
- That the ISBN is correct
- That the barcode is clear and scannable
- That the barcode has enough white space around it
- That the barcode is not too close to the trim edge
- That it does not cover important back cover text or images
If you are unsure how to set up your cover, our book and cover design services can help prepare professional artwork before printing.
What Information Do I Need Before Printing a Book with an ISBN?
Before printing a book with an ISBN, it helps to have your publishing details organised.
Useful details include:
- Book title
- Author name
- Publisher or imprint name
- Book format, such as paperback or hardcover
- Edition information, if relevant
- Final book size
- Page count
- Barcode file, if required for the cover
Having these details ready can make the book design and printing process smoother.
Can The Book Printing Company Supply an ISBN?
The Book Printing Company can help you print your book, but Australian ISBNs are issued through the official Australian ISBN agency.
If you need an ISBN, you should apply through the official ISBN provider before finalising your book for publication. Once you have your ISBN and barcode, we can help you prepare your files for printing.
You can also use our Author Resources section to learn more about preparing your book for print.
Frequently Asked Questions About ISBN Numbers
What is an ISBN number?
An ISBN number is a unique international identification number for a book. It helps booksellers, libraries, distributors and online retailers identify a specific title, edition and format.
What does ISBN stand for?
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number.
Does every book need an ISBN?
Not every book needs an ISBN. Books being sold publicly or distributed through bookshops, libraries or online retailers usually need one. Private books or internal-use publications may not need an ISBN.
Does a paperback and hardcover need separate ISBNs?
Yes. Paperback and hardcover versions are different book formats and usually need separate ISBNs.
Does an ebook need a different ISBN?
Yes. An ebook is a different format from a printed book and may require its own ISBN.
Is an ISBN the same as a barcode?
No. The ISBN is the identification number. The barcode is the scannable graphic often printed on the back cover using the ISBN.
Where do I put the ISBN in my book?
The ISBN is usually included on the copyright or imprint page inside the book. If a barcode is required, it is usually placed on the back cover.
Where do Australian authors get an ISBN?
Australian authors and publishers can apply for ISBNs through the official Australian ISBN agency, Thorpe-Bowker / MyIdentifiers Australia.
Preparing Your Book for Print
If you are preparing a book for publication, it is worth organising your ISBN, barcode, cover artwork and internal files before printing.
The Book Printing Company can help with paperback book printing, hardcover book printing, short-run book printing and custom book projects for authors, self-publishers, businesses and organisations.
If you are ready to price your project, you can get an instant quote or contact The Book Printing Company for help with your book printing options.