The ISBN on the book

What is an ISBN?
An ISBN is a code consisting of 13 digits. Its full name is: International Standard Book Number. It is a unique identification number that distinguishes every book in the world from others.

Bookshops and libraries can use the ISBN to register and sell a book;
But this code can also be used to find the book online, for example in online bookshops.
The book is recognized as an official publication. 

What is the purpose of an ISBN?
An ISBN is important for professional distribution. Although an ISBN is not mandatory, it allows you to participate in online and offline book sales, create a barcode, and distinguish between a paperback, a hardcover, and an e-book, for example.

 Publisher or self-publish?
When publishing a book through a publisher, an ISBN is usually arranged for the book by the publisher. If you publish a book yourself, you are responsible for arranging and applying for an ISBN.

Creating an ISBN
The process for applying for an ISBN differs between the Netherlands and Belgium. In the Netherlands, you can contact Bureau ISBN, and in Belgium, you can apply via boek.be. For French-language books, AFNIL is used for this purpose. An ISBN can be created by creating an account on one of the above websites and filling in the details of the book. You can request an ISBN for one book, but it is also possible to purchase multiple ISBNs in one package (for example, 10, 100, or 1,000). This depends on how many different books you want to publish. Important information when requesting an ISBN A number of details are required when requesting an ISBN, also known as metadata. These include the following details:
- Title, subtitle if applicable
-Author(s)
-Publisher
-Language
-Publication date
- Format and type of book (hardcover, softcover, or e-book)
- Retail price
- Summary

ISBN created
Once the ISBN has been created, you will receive a 13-digit code, which must be converted into a barcode so that it can be placed on the back of the cover and scanned at points of sale. If any changes are made to the book in the meantime, these can be communicated and will be updated in the system. Please be aware that the ISBN code itself cannot be changed once it has been created.

11-11-2025 | Laura Schouw

March 24 2025 | Laura Schouw