ISBN
The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a 13-digit number used to identify the self-publisher (you) and book title. Booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers, and distributors use this number to order, price, and keep track of inventory. If you plan to sell and distribute your book through these channels, your book will need an ISBN. If books are meant for family, friends, or sold directly to smaller local retailers, you will most likely not need an ISBN. Check with retailers if you are not sure.
The 13-digit number must be printed in legible form (no smaller than 9 point type) on the copyright page. The ISBN is also used to create a bar code that may be required on your book’s back cover. The ISBN must appear above the bar code. If you have old, unassigned 10-digit ISBNs or want to reprint an older title, you must convert any 10-digit ISBNs to the newer 13-digit ISBNs at www.isbn.org/converterpub.asp.
Bowker is the Official ISBN Agency for the United States, exclusively responsible for the assignment of the ISBN prefix to those publishers with a residence or office in the U.S. You must apply for the ISBN so a unique ISBN will be assigned to you (the publisher). Morris Publishing cannot apply for you since we are the printer, not the publisher. Use caution – some companies offer "discounted" ISBNs; however, they will be listed as the publisher, not you.
Filing for a single ISBN can be done at www.myidentifiers.com for $125. Create an account so you can manage all your ISBNs. When you file for a single ISBN, you will receive it right away and can then assign book information that will automatically be filed with Books in Print, the main directory used by bookstores, retailers, and libraries.
If you plan to publish multiple books, ISBNs are also sold in blocks of 10 or 100. File for 10 or more ISBNs at www.isbn.org. The fee for 10 ISBNs is $275 ($30 registration fee plus $245 for 10 ISBNs) for regular processing of 15 business days. Priority service (24 hours or 2 business days) is an extra charge. Plan ahead to avoid delays. If you purchase multiple ISBNs, you will need to register titles to Books in Print at www.bowkerlink.com.
Bar Code
An EAN bar code is your ISBN transferred into an OCR (optical character readable) scannable image. An EAN bar code is not necessary in most cases. If you plan to sell your book through distributors, wholesalers, and larger retailers, you will need a bar code. Smaller retailers may not require it; ask if you are not sure.
The bar code must be placed on the back cover and printed in black ink on a white background. Morris Publishing can create a bar code and place it on your back cover for an extra charge. Provide us your ISBN and reserve space for the bar code if you create your own cover. Follow the templates and instructions in our document, Submitting A Press-Ready Cover (PDF 598kb). If you don’t include a bar code on your book and later discover that you need one, bar codes can be printed on pressure sensitive labels (to adhere to your back cover) for an extra charge.
In addition to the EAN bar code, a book may require a Universal Product Code (UPC) bar code if it will be sold to retailers other than bookstores. Depending on your marketing plan, the book may require both EAN and UPC bar codes. Ask retailers if you are not sure. For more information, visit www.uc-council.org.
