Not only do you need an ISBN for your book in Australia, but you’ll need one for each format of your book, including ebooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers!
An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier for your book or audiobook. Your ISBN specifies information such as the book format, the edition, and also the publisher. When you release a new book, you’ll need one for each format. This includes the ebook, paperback, hardcover, or audiobook. That’s four in total.
Remember, always lock in your title before assigning your ISBN, as it can be difficult to change or edit your information once it has been assigned. The last thing you want to do is to change numbers or titles and waste money buying new ones.
If you are publishing an ebook on amazon.com.au or any of Amazon’s other platforms, you won’t require an ISBN because Amazon will assign you a member and register it for you. However, if you choose to publish your book anywhere else, you’re also going to have to source an ISBN. Our personal recommendation is always to source your own, as it will give you the ability to control where your book is listed.
So, What Does Your ISBN Do?
- It will improve the likelihood that your book will be discovered and purchased.
- Your number links bookstores, libraries, and other businesses to your book’s information.
- Your ISBN will allow you to market and distribute your book effectively across various platforms.
- Almost all retailers require you to have it.
- Your ISBN will allow you to collect and analyze any sales information.
- Your number ensures that your book information will be stored in the Books In Print Database, which is consulted by retailers, publishers, and libraries worldwide.
ISBNs for Australian Authors – Conclusion
When it comes to buying an ISBN in Australia, Thorpe-Bowker is one of the best places to do it. They have several different ISBN packages. All of their packages are designed to give you the best value for money. Of course, the best value for money any new author can get is their 10 x ISBNs for $88, as most books you self-publish will require a minimum of three. Prices will vary depending on where you live. However, always purchase through a reputable seller.
If you have any questions about self-publishing your book or would like to learn more about our book design and formatting services, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. We also offer a variety of other self-publishing solutions, such as editing and ghostwriting. We’re more than happy to help you with the self-publishing journey.
I am trying to add my ISBN on KDP but it’s not recognizing it. The ISBN I have is on the book and on websites where my book is sold so I am unsure why this is happening.
Do I need a new ISBN for KDP? I want to sell internationally, so I am confused why it’s not being recognized.
Hi Tania, I did a quick Google search to see if this was a reoccurring issue or a one-off. The below thread in KDP support may be able to offer you some solutions. My next piece of advice would be to contact KDP support and ask them to check the error on their end. They often have more specific information about what’s causing the issues from their end.
https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/question/0D52T00005IIOCkSAP/solvedwont-use-my-bowker-isbn?language=en_US I hope this helps!
Do i need the barcode? I was going to buy the 10 ISBN package so that I have them for future publishing. Does that mean i need 10 barcodes? Or do i only need 1 bar code?
This is what the package says: 1 barcode and 1 ISBN is $89 but 10 ISBN’s and 1 barcode is $133.
I would get the $133 deal but just to check that I only need ONE barcode in total?
Many Thanks
Hi James, most cover designers can generate the barcode for free, without you having to buy it. In my opinion, the 10 pack represents the best value for money.
Hi, I am the artist of a children’s book, the author is no longer with us, sadly
but I would like to republish our book, printing them myself. Can I get a new isbn? or use the same isbn? And reading the other comments, I guess there is a barcode attached there somewhere. I have illustrated a few books and would like to get them happening again.
Any info will be really helpful.
Lynne Wilson
Hi Lynne, I think there may be some copyright/legal issues in regard to republishing another author’s book, even a co-author, unless you have something in writing from the author or estate, but I’m not a legal expert by any means. In theory, you should be able to republish the book with new ISBNs, however the old book would still potentially floating around, so a new title would probably be a good idea also.