Category: From the ISBN team

  • Advice from the ISBN team

    How is a barcode file opened? Please do not try to open a barcode file. Barcode files are inserted, not opened. Do NOT double-click on the barcode to begin working with it. Open the book cover file and insert the barcode file from the toolbar as you would a picture file. The barcode file will…

  • Advice from the ISBN team

    If a spouse or family member passes away, can a relative or surviving spouse use their remaining ISBNs? ISBNs are considered property of the publisher and all of their ISBNs can be transferred to a new owner, including a family member. The entire block of ISBNs is transferred to a new company owner(s). The block…

  • Advice from the ISBN team

    Who should apply for an ISBN? It is always the publisher of the book who should apply for the ISBN. For the purposes of the ISBN, the publisher is the group, organisation, company or individual who is responsible for initiating the production of a publication. Normally, it is also the person or body who bears…

  • Advice from the ISBN team

    Why does a book need an ISBN? ISBNs are linked to essential information. They allow booksellers and readers to know what book they are buying, what the book is about, and who the author is. They are the global standard for identifying titles. ISBNs are used worldwide as a unique identifier for books. They are…

  • Advice from the ISBN team

    When registering at MyIdentifiers.com.au you can choose a pen-name or pseudonym to include as the publisher name. When assigning title detail, the author’s name can also be a pen-name, however, it is mandatory to supply your proper name as the contact person during registration. This needs to be added as an internal contact. This name wouldn’t be…

  • FAQ with the ISBN team

    What is the ‘Need to add a Distributor? Click Here’ link on my title’s Sales & Pricing detail page, and when do I need to use it? You should only click on this link when you are contracted to a book distribution company who is managing your titles’ marketing and sales. If you are marketing your…

  • FAQ with the ISBN team

    Many websites generate an ISBN barcode for free—what is the advantage of purchasing an ISBN barcode from MyIdentifiers? First, a few things about barcodes for your books: The barcode which is generated from your ISBN is called a 13 digit EAN barcode, or Bookland EAN, and is specific to the publishing industry. Although the EAN barcode…

  • FAQ with the ISBN team

    What is the difference between buying my own ISBN and using one supplied to me by a publisher/service provider? The ISBN identifies a book or other book-like product (such as an audiobook) in a specific format and edition, but an ISBN also identifies the publisher. The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify…

  • FAQ with the ISBN team

    What is double allocation of ISBNs and how can I avoid it? ‘Double allocation’ is when an ISBN that is already assigned to a title is used again for a new title in error. It is not advisable to assume that all your previously allocated ISBNs will have title information visible against them in your…

  • FAQ with the ISBN team

    How do I buy and apply barcodes for my books? Barcodes are a separate purchase to ISBNs. They are usually purchased individually when your book is ready to go to print. They cost $45 AUD per ISBN, and are credited to your ISBN account at MyIdentifiers as soon as purchased. You will receive instructions on how…