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In Australia, ISBNs are a crucial tool for authors and publishers to enhance the discoverability of their books. The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier for books, audiobooks, and other book-like products, specifying their format, edition, and publisher. Thorpe-Bowker is the primary distributor of ISBNs in Australia, and interested parties can apply for individual or bulk ISBNs through their website. This guide will outline the step-by-step process of applying for an ISBN in Australia, including any requirements, costs, and benefits, to ensure your book gains maximum visibility.
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What You'll Learn
Thorpe-Bowker: the main distributor of ISBNs in Australia
Thorpe-Bowker is the main distributor of ISBNs in Australia. ISBNs, or International Standard Book Numbers, are unique identifiers for books used internationally across the book trade and library sector. They are used to identify a book or other book-like products, such as audiobooks, and specify their format, edition, and publisher.
Thorpe-Bowker offers ISBNs for Australian publishers and self-publishers. You can apply for an ISBN through their website, either individually or in bulk. Bulk purchasing ISBNs can be more cost-effective, but it is only beneficial for those who plan to use them all. For instance, if you only intend to publish one or two books, purchasing a single ISBN when needed is a more suitable option.
After purchasing an ISBN from Thorpe-Bowker, you can assign it to your publication through your account dashboard. Within 48 hours, the metadata will be uploaded to Bowker's Books in Print and Bookwire.com.
Having an ISBN improves the likelihood that your book will be found and purchased. It enables more efficient marketing and distribution and ensures your book's information is stored in the Books in Print database, which is consulted by publishers, retailers, and libraries worldwide.
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The benefits of bulk-purchasing ISBNs
In Australia, authors and publishers can obtain ISBNs through the website of Thorpe-Bowker, the country's primary distributor of ISBNs. Thorpe-Bowker allows individuals to buy ISBNs in bulk or as single units.
ISBNs are essential for authors and publishers who want their books to be discovered and purchased. They are unique identifiers that ensure a book's information is stored in the Books in Print database, which publishers, retailers, and libraries worldwide use to search for title information. An ISBN specifies a book's format, edition, and publisher, allowing retailers to help customers understand which version of a title they are purchasing.
ISBNs also enable more efficient marketing and distribution of a book. They allow different product forms and editions of a book to be differentiated clearly, ensuring customers receive the version they require. Additionally, ISBNs help collect and analyse book sales data.
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How an ISBN helps your book get discovered
In Australia, authors can obtain an ISBN through the official distributor, Thorpe-Bowker. An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique identifier for a book or book-like product, such as an audiobook. It is a global standard that helps books get discovered and purchased by ensuring they are found in the Books in Print database, consulted by publishers, retailers, and libraries worldwide.
The ISBN identifies the publisher, book title, edition, and format, such as hardback, paperback, or audiobook. This unique identifier eliminates confusion between similar works and ensures customers receive the correct version of the book they are purchasing. For example, if someone publishes a book with the same title as yours, the ISBN will differentiate the two.
An ISBN is also beneficial for marketing and distribution, as it allows you to collect and analyze book sales data. It is a necessary step to get a barcode for the back cover of your book, making it look more professional.
Additionally, purchasing your own ISBN ensures that you are recognized as the publisher of the book, rather than the printing service or distributor. This can be important for self-published authors who want their name listed as the publisher.
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The ISBN Dashboard: assigning your ISBN to your publication
In Australia, the main company that handles the distribution of ISBNs is Thorpe-Bowker. You can apply for an ISBN through their website, either individually or in bulk. Once you have purchased an ISBN, you can assign it to your publication through your account's ISBN Dashboard.
To access your ISBN Dashboard, go to 'My Account' and select 'Manage ISBNs'. This is where you will assign your ISBN to your publication. It is important that the details you submit are the finalised details, as within 48 hours the metadata will be uploaded onto Bowker's Books in Print and Bookwire.com.
The ISBN is a unique identifier for a book or book-like product, such as an audiobook. It specifies the format, edition, and publisher. An ISBN ensures that your book's information will be stored in the Books in Print database, which is consulted by publishers, retailers, and libraries worldwide.
You will need one ISBN for each edition and format of your book. For example, if you have published your book in both hardback and paperback, you will need two ISBNs. An ISBN is also necessary for any variations of your book, such as an ebook or PDF, to properly identify it.
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The ISBN standard: what it is and how to apply
The ISBN system is a globally recognised standard for identifying books and book-like products, such as audiobooks. The code specifies the format, edition, and publisher of a book. It is a unique identifier used across the international book trade and library sector.
In Australia, the company that handles the distribution of ISBNs is Thorpe-Bowker. You can apply for an ISBN through their website, either by purchasing individual ISBNs or bulk-buying. The latter option is more cost-effective but only makes financial sense if you are certain to use all the ISBNs purchased.
If you are publishing through a self-publishing platform like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark, you can also purchase an ISBN through them. Amazon KDP, for instance, offers free ISBNs, but these are limited to distribution through Amazon only.
To apply for an ISBN, you will need to create an account on the Thorpe-Bowker website. Once you have purchased your ISBN, you can assign it to your publication through your account. This final step is important, as it ensures that the metadata for your book is uploaded correctly onto the Books in Print database, which is used by publishers, retailers, and libraries worldwide.
It is worth noting that ISBNs are different from ISMNs and ISSNs, which are numbering systems for music publications and serial publications, respectively.
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Frequently asked questions
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique identifier for books used internationally across the book trade and library sector.
In Australia, the main company that handles the distribution of ISBNs is Thorpe-Bowker. You can apply for an ISBN through their website. You can either get individual ISBNs or bulk-purchase them.
An ISBN improves the likelihood of your book being found and purchased. It links to essential information about your book and enables more efficient marketing and distribution.
You will need one ISBN for each edition and format of your book. For example, if you have a book in paperback and ePub format, you will need two ISBNs.
