SBN for Self Publishers in India

Looking to publish conference proceedings with ISBN? Click here to know more! ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number, a unique code that can be assigned to a book. While an ISBN is not required to publish a book, it is a good idea to get one for your book, specially if you want to sell it through standard book distribution channel. For selling it only through Pothi.com, you do not need to have an ISBN. ISBNs are allotted to publishers. Books on Pothi.com are usually published by the authors or their relatives individually. Earlier ISBNs were allotted only in blocks. But the good news for self-publishers is that now individual ISBNs can be allotted to the self-publishers too. What more - Getting an ISBN in India is free. You need to send an application to Raja Rammohan Roy National Agency for ISBN. The following details should be included in the application:

Title of Book: Author: Publisher: Self-Published Year of Publication: Place of Publication: Pages: Price: Subject: Language: Paperback or Hardback: Your address for communication Photocopy of the cover page Identification Proof A self addressed envelop for return communication Price: It is better if you put your price higher than that on Pothi.com (a mark-up of 40-60%). The reason being

You also need to enclose the following:

Important Points: that when sold through other channels, the prices would usually have to be high to accommodate the margins for intermediaries. Hardback/Paperback: If a book is published in hardback as well as paperback, two different ISBNs need to be taken for the same. So, be clear about which version you want the ISBN for. The application should be sent to the following (updated) address: Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN West Block-I, Wing-6, 2nd Floor, Sector -I, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066 Phone: +91-11-26172903/26172916 Before you start using ISBN, please check out all the relevant information here.

Please note that we have tried to provide the information as accurately as possible. However, we do not take responsibility of any omissions or mistakes that might have come in. This article is provided for informational purposes only. For any legal issues, please consult a qualified professional.

Summary: How to get an ISBN?

Follow these steps:

Make sure your book design is done so you know the number of pages. Finalize the book cover design. Decide on whether you want to publish paperback or hard cover book. If you want to publish both, you need two separate ISBNs for them. Decide the retail price of the book Download the template application o MS Word Format

Open office format

Complete the application by inserting the details about your book.

Include a copy of id proof (PAN card, passport, voter id card etc.), a print out of cover and a self addressed envelop for return communication Send the application to the agency at the address mentioned in the template application