How To Get An ISBN Number For A Self-Published Book
To get an ISBN for your self-published book in the UK, you need to apply through Nielsen Book Data, the official UK ISBN agency. They issue ISBNs in blocks (usually 10 at a time) and register them under a publishing imprint, which becomes your publishing brand. Each format of your book: paperback, hardback, eBook – needs its own ISBN.
At Spiffing Publishing, we’re proud to be the only self-publishing company recommended by Nielsen. Unlike other companies that resell ISBNs under their own name, we set you up directly with Nielsen so you become the publisher of record.
We handle all the paperwork, secure your ISBN allocation, and register you under your own imprint. This fast tracks the process while ensuring you keep full copyright, full royalties and establish a publishing brand that’s future proof from day one.
Start your ISBN registration with Spiffing today – the only self-publishing company recommended by Nielsen.
Click here.
What Is An ISBN?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is your book’s unique identifier. This 13 digit number links into a global cataloguing system introduced in the 1970s, giving your title a permanent record in book trade and library databases.
Every ISBN is tied to all of your book’s data: title, author, edition, format and publisher – making it the key that connects your book to retailers, wholesalers and libraries.
Without an ISBN, your book won’t appear in the systems the trade relies on to order, stock and sell titles.
Do I Need An ISBN To Self Publish?
You don’t need an ISBN just to self publish a book. It’s perfectly fine for you to create and distribute your work without one. However, if you want your book to be widely available, an ISBN is essential.
It’s the number that makes your book visible and manageable in the systems the trade relies on. While it may feel like a small detail at the start of your publishing journey, your ISBN becomes increasingly important as your sales grow since it’s what retailers use to check stock levels, libraries use to catalogue titles and distributors use to process orders.
Why ISBNs Matter For Distribution & Sales
An ISBN is more than just a cataloguing number, it’s your ticket to retail accessibility. Without it, your book will struggle to find its way into bookstores, online retailers and libraries.
With an ISBN, your book can be ordered through the same systems retailers already use. It makes your title discoverable by the public and the trade, ensuring that sales opportunities aren’t missed.
At Spiffing Publishing, we often remind authors that acquiring ISBNs isn’t just a box ticking exercise. It’s a practical step that affirms your publishing brand and positions your book for professional distribution.
How Many ISBNs Do You Need?
Every format of your book requires its own ISBN. That means if you publish a paperback, hardback and an eBook version – you’ll need 3 ISBNs.
ISBNs are available in blocks of 10, 100 or 1000. At Spiffing Publishing, we help authors apply for blocks so they’re set up as independent publishers. This means every ISBN you use will be tied to your publishing imprint and all searches performed will return results under your chosen publishing name.
For most authors starting out, we’d recommend a block of 10 ISBNs, as that provides the right balance between cost and flexibility.
What About Barcodes?
ISBNs are also used to generate barcodes, which are essential for printed editions. Retailers scan these barcodes at the point of sale and for stock management. Without a barcode, your book can’t be sold in most bookstores.
When you purchase ISBNs with Spiffing Publishing, we provide free barcoding for your printed editions. This means every book you publish under your imprint is retail ready, with the ISBN correctly linked to the barcode for smooth distribution.
How To Choose Your Publishing House Name
When you register for ISBNs, you’re also registering your publishing imprint. This name will appear in databases and on your book’s spine, marking you out as an independent publisher.
Many authors find this one of the most satisfying parts of the process. Choosing a publishing house name ties your titles together under a professional brand and reinforces your author profile.
We advise authors on the best approach: whether to register ISBNs under your own name, a publishing brand or even around a book series that spans multiple titles.
However you choose, your publishing name becomes part of your long term author identity.
How Much Do ISBNs Cost?
A block of 10 ISBNs costs £185 + VAT when purchased through Spiffing Publishing. This includes full registration of your publishing brand with Nielsen Book Data, plus free barcodes for your printed editions.
Unlike other companies that resell ISBNs under their own name, we connect you directly with Nielsen (the sole supplier of ISBNs in the UK). This ensures you are the publisher of record, retaining complete control of your works, your royalties and your imprint.
It’s a one time investment that secures your independence and sets up your publishing house properly from the start.
Need Help With Your Book?
At Spiffing Publishing, we support independent authors at every stage of the journey: from ISBN registration and publishing brand setup, to editing, design, typesetting, ebook development, marketing, distribution and more. Whatever you need, we make the process simple.
Get started today by booking in a free conversation with a member of our team.
