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 a free ISBN & barcode in India
Directly from Raja Rammohan National Agency for ISBN
In India, the author can obtain their own free ISBN by applying to the Raja Rammohan National Agency for ISBNs. By default, you need to generate your own EAN barcode, as they DO NOT provide one with the ISBN. There is no fee associated with it. Processing time varies based on RRRNA review and volume. Download and print the following proforma and send it to Rammohan National Agency for ISBN, along with a letter of application requesting registration and delivery of the ISBN number 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 your book is published under 24by7 Publishing (or our officially operated imprints), an ISBN is allocated from our publisher’s ISBN pool as part of the publishing process, subject to completion of required publishing inputs (final files, metadata, approvals). The ISBN becomes machine-readable as a 13-digit EAN bar code, which is fast to read & less error-prone. Barcode support is included when publishing under 24by7 Publishing and its imprints.
Please note: 24by7Publishing.com is not the authority in India for issuing ISBNs. 24by7Publishing.com requests the Raja Rammohan National Agency for ISBNs and obtains ISBN allocations under its registered publisher account for titles published under its imprint. These ISBNs are used only for titles published under our imprint / operated imprints and are not transferred or sold.
When you Do need a new ISBN
- New editions
- New Publisher
- Revised editions
- Change of format
- Breaking a title in a 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 an ISBN in India?
- Publishers
- Authors
- Institutions/Universities
- Government Departments
Summary: How to get an ISBN in India?
- Option A: Publish under 24by7 Publishing (or our operated imprints) (ISBN allocated under our publisher imprint via approval from RRRNA). Option B: Apply directly to RRRNA as an individual/organization.
- Freeze the book’s size and page count.
- Finalize the book cover design.
- Decide on the book format (paperback/hardcover/electronic – each needs a separate ISBN).
- Set the maximum retail price.
- Complete the application.
- Send a copy of id proof (PAN card, passport, voter id etc.), a printout of the cover, and a self-addressed envelope for return communication.
- Send the application to the agency at the address mentioned in the template application.