How can I get an ISBN?

Subject: How can I get an ISBN?
From: Tradsinger
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 02:11 PM

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

Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: RTim
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 02:14 PM

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

Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 02:48 PM

lulu.com a self publishing site assigns ISBNs

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

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

Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: buddhuu
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 03:34 PM

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.

Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: treewind
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 05:19 PM

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.

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

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).

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

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!

Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: Tradsinger
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 06:17 PM

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

Tradsinger

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

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: [e-mail]

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

All the best

Jim Hancock

Subject: RE: How can I get an ISBN?
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 01:14 AM

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

[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.