FAQs

Who should apply for ISBN?

It is always the publisher of the book who should apply for the ISBN. For the purposes of ISBN, the publisher is the group, organization, company, or individual who is responsible for initiating the production of a publication. Normally, it is also the person or body who bears the cost and financial risk of making a product available. It is not normally the printer, but it can be the author of the book if the author has chosen to publish their book themselves.

In a number of countries, there is detailed legislation regarding publishing so contact your national ISBN agency at a good time for advice.