Time to Get a ISBN: How Long Does It Take’s?

Getting an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a critical step in the publishing process. It is the unique identifier that allows your book to be sold in bookstores, tracked in libraries, and found by readers worldwide. But if you are a first-time author, a common question is, “How long will this process take?” The answer isn’t a single number, as it depends on your location and how you obtain your ISBN. However, with the right information, you can get your ISBN with surprising speed.

The Fast Track: Getting Your ISBN Instantly

In many countries, including the United States, you can receive your ISBNs almost instantly when you purchase them directly from the official agency, ISBN Service. The process is straightforward: you create an account, select the package of ISBNs you want (a single ISBN or a block of 10, 100, etc.), and complete the payment. As soon as the transaction is approved, the ISBNs are digitally added to your account.

This immediate delivery means you can have the numbers you need to start the book design process right away, as the ISBN is required for the copyright page and the back cover barcode. It’s important to remember that this immediate process only provides the raw numbers; you’ll still need to register each number with the book’s specific metadata (title, author, format, etc.) later.

The Slower Track: Registration and Processing

While you can get the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) numbers instantly, the time it takes for that information to be processed by the ISBN agency and disseminated to major databases (like Books in Print) can vary. After you assign an ISBN to your book and enter all the bibliographic data, the agency needs to review and approve that information.

• Standard Processing: For many agencies, the standard processing time for a new book’s registration is about 5 to 7 business days. This is the time it takes for your book’s data to be fully processed and for the ISBN to be officially linked to your title in their system.
• Expedited Processing: Some agencies offer expedited services for an additional fee. This can reduce the waiting period to as little as 24-48 business hours, which can be a lifesaver if you’re on a tight publishing deadline.

Keep in mind that this is the time it takes for the ISBN agency’s internal process. It can take additional time for that information to filter out to third-party retailers and online platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads.

The “Free” Option: What is the Catch?

Many self-publishing platforms, such as Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), offer authors a “free” ISBN. While this may seem like an easy way to save money, it comes with a major caveat: the platform is listed as the publisher, not you.

This is a key distinction that can have long-term consequences. When you use a free ISBN, you lose some control and flexibility. The ISBN is tied to that specific platform, which can make it difficult to distribute your book through other channels. If you decide to move your book to a different publisher or retailer in the future, you may have to get a new ISBN, essentially starting over.

For free ISBNs, the processing time is often integrated into the platform’s overall publishing timeline. For example, KDP’s (Kindle Direct Publishing) own publishing and review process typically takes anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to make your book live on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to get an ISBN before I finish my book?
   You can, and it is often a good idea. Many authors purchase their ISBNs early in the publishing process so they can include the number on the copyright page and back cover design. You can assign the title and other metadata to the ISBN later when the book is ready.
2. Does my ISBN ever expire?
   No, an ISBN is a permanent identifier. Once an ISBN is assigned to a book, it is forever tied to that specific title, edition, and format. It never expires nor needs to be renewed.
3. Why do some countries, like New Zealand, offer free ISBNs?
   Some countries’ national libraries or ISBN agencies provide free ISBNs as a service to their authors to encourage local publishing. In these cases, the national library is often the registered publisher and may require a copy of the final book for its archives.
4. Can I get my ISBN from a third-party website that sells them for cheap?
   You should only buy ISBNs from the official, designated agency for your country. In the United States, that’s ISBN Service. Third-party vendors may be selling ISBNs that are not legitimately registered, or the ISBNs may be tied to their publishing company, which can cause significant issues down the line.

Conclusion

While the process of getting an ISBN might seem like a small detail in your Book publishing journey, it’s a foundational step that sets the stage for your book’s success. The good news is, for many authors, getting an ISBN is a surprisingly quick and painless process, often taking just a few minutes of your time. The real work begins after you have the number, when you register your book’s information and prepare it for distribution.

By understanding the difference between a self-purchased ISBN and a free one, you can make an informed decision that gives you full control over your book’s future. Investing in your own ISBN is a small cost that can save you from a world of logistical headaches and ensure that your book is treated as a professional product in the eyes of the publishing industry. So, get that number, and get back to what you do best: sharing your story with the world.