To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=128851
16 messages

How can I get an ISBN?

15 Apr 10 - 02:11 PM (#2887345)
Subject: How can I get an ISBN?
From: Tradsinger

Together with a colleague, we intend to publish a book of folk songs and tunes collected in Hampshire (UK) and would like to get hold of an International Standard Book Number (ISBN). I know that we can purchase a block of 10 ISBNs for about £112, but is there a way of getting just one? Or is there some kind soul that would sell us one?

Tradsinger


15 Apr 10 - 02:14 PM (#2887346)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: RTim

I've heard about the Book, and I know who else is involved - and am looking forward to seeing it, with ISBN or not!!

Best - Tim Radford


15 Apr 10 - 02:48 PM (#2887372)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: VirginiaTam

lulu.com a self publishing site assigns ISBNs


15 Apr 10 - 02:51 PM (#2887375)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban

ISB Numbers are usually assigned by your National Library (which will have a special branch/department for it) best to enquire there.


15 Apr 10 - 03:34 PM (#2887397)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: buddhuu

Tradsinger, try http://www.isbn.nielsenbook.co.uk/.

That's the agency you need to ask.

You definitely want an ISBN if you want your book handled by commercial outlets. They won't be interested without one.


15 Apr 10 - 05:19 PM (#2887478)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: treewind

If it's a book of songs, you might want an ISMN. (M for music) I'd never heard of them until Jack Crawford told me about how he got one when he re-published the "Red Book" of Sheffield carols. Try emailing jack (at) forgefolk (dot) com - he might have some spare...

Folkiedave a.k.a. Dave Eyre will be along soon to help out, I'm sure, and he will definitely know.


15 Apr 10 - 05:32 PM (#2887483)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: Jack Campin

You promise your local reference library to give them six copies when it's published and get your number for free. (I've done it twice, a long time ago).


15 Apr 10 - 05:49 PM (#2887493)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: GUEST,Sue Allan (need to reset cookie ...)

In the UK you have to get ISBNs from Nielson, as stated by buddhuu above. They are the only accredited agency, and you have to buy a block of 10 ISBNs - they don't do them singly - which will cost £111.86. Here's a link to their ISBN FAQs:

Getting ISBN details from Nielsen

ISMNs are for music scores and the relevant agency here is the Music Publishers Association. Here's the link:
Music Publishers Association ISMN info

I think you can get individual ISMNs from them but don't know the cost. Song books apparently qualify as 'crossover' products and so can have either ISBN or ISMN .. .or both!


15 Apr 10 - 06:17 PM (#2887512)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: Tradsinger

Lots of great help here. Many thanks and I will follow up the suggestions.

Tradsinger


15 Apr 10 - 06:21 PM (#2887514)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: GUEST, Jim Hancock

I've had two direct from The British Library, Free on both occasions.

Contact

The British Library
Bibliographic Development
Boston Spa, Wetherby
West Yorkshire
LS23 7BQ
United Kingdom

Tel: + 44 (0) 1937 546548
Fax: + 44 (0) 1937 546586
Email: bd-info@bl.uk

Web Site http://www.bl.uk/bibliographic/isbn13.html

All the best

Jim Hancock


16 Apr 10 - 01:14 AM (#2887686)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: katlaughing

I have ten, one of which I've used and two of which will be used. You're welcome to one of the others if nothing else works out. I don't know how it works from being cross the pond, though.


16 Apr 10 - 02:56 AM (#2887726)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban

The ISBN includes a country code and a number for each publisher. Each will help source your publication(s).


16 Apr 10 - 06:22 AM (#2887813)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: Mr Red

I have 10 assigned to me in the days when they gave them away, 9 unused as at present. The problem is that the last time I talked to Whittakers they seemed to want £30 before they would talk to me. Now I have the actual number they may talk differently. I also can (if I remember) generate the bar code for the numbers.

PM me.


16 Apr 10 - 06:32 AM (#2887817)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: Mr Red

Just a thought but whoever took the ISBN in the first place is probably the Publisher. Could be a bit messy with requests for books etc.


16 Apr 10 - 07:20 AM (#2887836)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: Wolfhound person

The publisher (ISBN holder)is the person who gets contacted for copies, but it's easy enough to re-direct to author(s).
Yes, for a book with music in it an ISMN is needed: if it's a score, but with little or no text then an ISBN is not needed. If it is music and comment / text, both are required.

Not having either will reduce sales: it also infringes law (I think - UK). Having an ISBN obliges you to send 5 copyright copies to the copyright libraries via an address in London. The British Library will also want one. So add the cost of 6 freebies to your cost-per-unit.

Good luck.

Paws


16 Apr 10 - 07:40 AM (#2887845)
Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban

[i]Having an ISBN obliges you to send 5 copyright copies to the copyright libraries via an address in London. The British Library will also want one. So add the cost of 6 freebies to your cost-per-unit.[/i]

But it will have the advantage that your publication will be indexed in your National Bibliography and publications like British Books in Print. That in turn will give it the benefit of turning up in bibliographic searches and may add to it getting around.