As we can see that the count of ‘Self Published Authors’ are growing day by day the queries regarding the methods of obtaining the ISBN are also coming up much more frequently. Now, through this write-up we shall be discussing the various methods through which one can obtain ISBN in India. However, before exploring the ways of getting an ISBN, we need to understand the very concept of this term first. So, what is ISBN? ISBN stands for “International Standard Book Number” and it is a 13 Digit Number that uniquely identifies the books & the various book-like products published internationally. In other words, an ISBN is a unique identifier assigned to a book that helps it to be easily identifiable and traceable in the global market.
Obtaining an ISBN for a book is an important step for authors as well as the publishers, as it helps to ensure that their work is recognized and can be easily found by readers & booksellers around the globe. The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or an edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition. Now, this is something that allows a much efficient marketing of products by the various booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers & distributors. In India, there are several methods for obtaining an ISBN, including online registration, submitting a physical application, and applying through a publisher!
Now, the good news is that there are more than a single method of obtaining ISBN and you can choose any method, whichever seems more feasible to you. So, let us have a look over the various methods of obtaining ISBN in India –
Method 1) Obtaining an ISBN through the National ISBN Agency: The National ISBN Agency is the official body responsible for assigning ISBNs in India. It is run by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN, which is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. To obtain an ISBN through the National ISBN Agency, you will need to follow these steps:
A) Visit the official website of the National ISBN Agency and download the ISBN application form.
B) Fill out the form with the required information, including the title of the book, the author’s name, and the publisher’s details!
C) Submit the form along with the required fees, which can be paid through a demand draft or online payment.
D) The National ISBN Agency will then review your application and assign an ISBN to your books!
This process is simple and straightforward and requires the submission of basic information about the book, such as the title, author, publisher, and other relevant details. Once the application is submitted, the ISBN will be assigned to the book and the author or publisher will receive a confirmation email.
Method 2) Obtaining an ISBN through a Publisher: Many publishers (both traditional as well as the self-publishers) in India also provide ISBNs to authors as part of their publishing services. If you are working with a publisher, they will typically handle the ISBN application process on your behalf. The publisher will provide you with the ISBN once it is assigned. Since, many publishers in India are authorized to apply for ISBNs on behalf of their authors!
Method 3) Obtaining an ISBN through the submission of the Physical Applications: The third method for obtaining an ISBN in India is by submitting a physical application. In this method, the author or publisher will need to fill out a physical application form, which can be obtained from the RNRNA, and submit it along with the relevant documents and a processing fee. The application will be reviewed by the RNRNA, and if it is approved, the ISBN will be assigned to the book. Publishers who are applying for ISBNs for multiple books at once generally use this method.
Now, it must be noted here that this particular method of obtaining ISBN in India is quite outdated and is not practiced a lot these days. As, ever since the online method was introduced almost every publishing houses in India shifted to that method. However, even though this method had tremendously declined still it is carried out at times by individuals as well as the publishers too!
Written By NEEL PREET – Author of the Books, Voice From The East (2016); Journey With Time Place And Circumstances (2018) & Indian Defence Files (2021).
