ISBNs and book imprints: What independent authors need to know

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is the permanent and unique number used to identify a particular edition and format of a published book. Think of it as your book’s identification number within the publishing industry. For printed books, the ISBN is usually represented with a barcode on the back cover, allowing booksellers and distributors to scan and identify the book. The barcode is generated from the ISBN, so it doesn’t have a separate identification number.

Booksellers, libraries, distributors and online retailers use ISBNs to identify and catalogue books.

Does every book need an ISBN?

Not necessarily. If you're publishing only an ebook through a platform such as Amazon Kindle, you may not need to provide your own ISBN.

However, print books generally need an ISBN if you want them distributed through bookshops, libraries and other retailers. These organisations need the ISBN and barcode for their point-of-sale transactions.

One important point is that each format of your book requires its own ISBN. A paperback and hardcover version of the same book require different ISBNs. An ebook may also require a separate ISBN depending on how and where it is distributed.

You don't need a new ISBN simply because you correct a few typos or change the cover, but a revised new edition generally requires one.

Free ISBN or buy your own?

Independent authors have two main options:

• use a free ISBN provided by a publishing platform

• purchase their own ISBN through the Australian ISBN agency, Thorpe-Bowker.

A free ISBN is adequate for many authors, particularly if they simply want to publish a book through one platform.

The trade-off is control. The organisation providing the ISBN will generally be recorded as the publisher or imprint associated with that ISBN rather than your own publishing name.

Why buy your own ISBN?

Using your own ISBN:

• allows you to control the publisher information associated with your book

• allows greater flexibility to distribute your book through different channels

• presents a more professional publishing identity, especially if you are planning to sell through bookstores or deposit your book at libraries

• gives you long-term control over your book's bibliographic information.

If you plan to publish several books, buying a block of ISBNs can also make more sense and can be cheaper than purchasing them individually.

Check prices closer to the time of publishing

What is an imprint?

An imprint is the publishing name that appears on your books. Major publishing companies often have numerous imprints, but an imprint can just as easily belong to one independent author. Penguin Random House has more than 300 independent publishing imprints worldwide which represent different sectors of its business.

Instead of publishing a book under your personal name, it's a better idea to create your own business name.

You don't need to pretend you're a large publishing company. An imprint can give your books a recognised publishing identity.

If you plan to publish several books, an imprint can be useful because your books can all appear under the same name.

Choosing an imprint name

Before deciding on a name, check that someone else isn't already using it. So it is worth checking the following:

• Australian business-name availability – (e.g. https://businessname.com.au)

• domain-name availability

• social-media handles (e.g. DNS Checker https://dnschecker.org/social-media-name-checker.php)

• existing publishers and imprints with similar names.

If you have or want a website, choosing an available domain name that matches your imprint can save frustration later and will present a consistent brand across different channels. This all involves considerable planning so think about it carefully.

Do you need an ABN or registered business name?

Choosing and using an imprint doesn’t automatically mean you need to set up a company. Many independent authors operate as sole traders.

If you’re carrying on a publishing business in Australia, you may need an Australian Business Number (ABN) and it is helpful for you to determine you are a legitimate business. This is free.

If you trade under a name other than your own personal name, you will also need to register that as a business name with ASIC. Business names are about $30 per year.

This is helpful if you plan to sell more books and build a brand.

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For more information, download this free publishing guide: From Manuscript to Publication.