Do I Need An ISBN For My Book In Australia?

Not only do you need an ISBN for your book in Australia, but you’ll also need one for each of its formats, 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 if you plan on publishing multiple formats of your book.

Remember, always lock in your title before assigning the information to your ISBNs, 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. You can always keep a list of the ISBNs, and once the book has been finalized, go back and complete all the information on the ISBN registrations, such as title, published date, price, formats, etc.

If you are publishing an ebook on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or any of Amazon’s other self-publishing platforms, you won’t require an ISBN because Amazon will assign you an ASIN and register it for you if you prefer. However, if you choose to publish your book anywhere else, you’re also going to have to source an ISBN for it, as ASINs are only for Amazon.

Our personal recommendation is always to source your own, as it will give you the ability to control where your book is listed. Should you wish to add your book to other self-publishing platforms such as IngramSpark Publishing, Apple Books, or Draft2Digital, your book will be ready to publish.

So, What Role Does Your ISBN Play, and What’s Its Purpose?

• 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.

While you’re considering your ISBNs and collecting the information, be sure to add your book to the National Library of Australia. We wrote a comprehensive article that details not only how to do it but also the cultural importance of preserving all books written and published in Australia for future generations. You can read the full article about The National Library of Australia and Australian Self-Published Author Requirements here.

ISBNs for Australian Authors – Conclusion

Thorpe-Bowker is one of the best places to buy an ISBN in Australia.

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 the self-publishing process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

At Author Services Australia, we support Australian and New Zealand self-published authors and writers with a full range of affordable self-publishing services, including ghostwriting, copyediting, developmental editing, proofreading, ebook and paperback formatting, book cover design, children’s book illustrations, graphic design services, manuscript uploading assistance, and social media and marketing.

If you’re planning on self-publishing a book in Australia, be sure to read our self-publishing guide, The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing Australia. It’s full of practical and useful tips and advice that will help you to navigate the self-publishing world and is perfect for new authors working on their first book.