Isbn For Self Publishers Independent Authors In India
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique book identification numeric code which can be allocated to any single book – whether it is printed or electronically available. The ISBN must be 13 digits in size if allocated on or after January 1, 2007, and 10 digits if allocated before that time.
While publishing a book, authors or publishers may decide not to have an ISBN. But, it is always a good idea to get one ISBN allocated for the book. ISBN helps to provide the book an international identity and facilitates the sale of the book to different bookstores, distribution channels, and libraries throughout different countries.
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) system was introduced in 1972 and in India, it was put into operation in 1985 by Raja Rammohan National Agency for ISBN.
How to get free ISBN & barcode in India
Directly from Raja Rammohan National Agency for ISBN
In India, the author can have his/her own free ISBN by applying to Raja Rammohan National Agency for ISBN. By default, you need to generate your own EAN barcode as they DO NOT provide the same along with the ISBN. There is no fee associated with it and it may take approximately 20 to 50 days to get the ISBN in your hand if approved. Download and print the following proforma and send that to Rammohan National Agency for ISBN along with a letter of application requesting registration and delivery of ISBNnumber to your postal address.
http://mhrd.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/upload_document/ISBN_Proforma.pdf
Raja Ram Mohun Roy ISBN Agency
Room No. 13,
Jeevan Deep Building,
4th Floor,
Parliament street
New Delhi
Phone: +91-11-26179675
Via 24by7Publishing.com
If publishing process is powered by 24by7Publishing.com, books are generally assigned with a fresh free ISBN with no delay unless the standard of the content and presentations are not up to the mark as per the editorial team. The ISBN becomes machine-readable in the form of a 13-digit EAN bar code which is fast to read & less error prone. 24by7Publishing.com provides the related barcode along with the ISBN for free in case the book is getting processed by them.
Please note: 24by7Publishing.com is not the authority in India to provide the ISBN. 24by7Publishing.com requests Raja Rammohan National Agency for ISBN in bulk due to the large numbers of books processed by them.
When you Do need a new ISBN
- New editions
- New Publisher
- Revised editions
- Change of format
- Breaking a title in series
- Different product forms (hardback, paperback, audiobook, electronic publication etc.)
- Different electronic formats (.pdf, .lit, .html, .pdb etc.)
- New types (novel, graphic novel etc.)
When you DON’T need a new ISBN
- Unchanged impression/reprint of same book (same format, same publisher)
- Price change(same format, same publisher)
Who Can apply for ISBN in India?
- Publishers
- Authors
- Institutions/Universities
- Government Departments
Summary: How to get an ISBN in India?
- Follow either of these steps: Publish YOUR book from some leading Indian book publishers like 24by7Publishing.com OR Do the processing as an individual directly
- Freeze the size & number of pages for the book.
- Finalize the book cover design.
- Decide on the book format (paperback/hard-cover/electronic – each needs separate ISBN).
- Set the maximum retail price.
- Complete the application.
- Send a copy of id proof (PAN card, passport, voter id etc.), a print out of cover and a self-addressed envelope for return communication.
- Send the application to the agency at the address mentioned in the template application.