The importance of ISBN

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies a specific edition of a book.

It is the device used by the books trade to keep track of titles and so is an important part of the marketing mix and is essential for any book if it is to be treated seriously. An ISBN number is also necessary to generate a barcode.

National centres throughout the world, acting on behalf of the International ISBN Agency, assign ISBNs to new books shortly before publication. The ISBN Agency for the UK and the Republic of Ireland issues ISBNs for books published in Ireland. Inspire Books arranges an ISBN number for each of its titles.

If you are publishing your book privately, and you wish to apply for an ISBN, you should contact:

The ISBN Agency Ltd,
3rd Floor,
Midas House,
Woking GU9 7LG,
England .

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: http://www.nli.ie/en/issn.aspx

Ph: +44-870-777-8712
Fax: +44-870-777-8714