Menu
Welcome to the world of bookselling! If you've dreamt of seeing your book on the shelves of brick-and-mortar stores or featured on popular online marketplaces like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, having an ISBN and barcode is your ticket to success. These powerful tools are like secret agents working behind the scenes to ensure seamless sales and inventory management. To make it easier, we’ve spelled out how they work, how to get them, and how to use them effectively.
Obtaining an ISBN is a straightforward process you can complete in just a few minutes. Visit MyIdentifiers.com to purchase your ISBN. A single ISBN costs $125.00, while a block of ten numbers is available for $295.00. It's important to note that each edition of your book, such as hardcover, softcover, ebook, audiobook, etc., requires a separate ISBN, so we recommend going with the pack of 10. Plus, they never expire, so the ones you don’t use now can be used for a later book!
Once purchased, you will receive your ISBN by email, enabling you to proceed with the next steps of your publishing journey.
A book barcode for self publishers complements your ISBN by providing a scannable representation of your book's ISBN. Barcodes simplify the sales and inventory management process when purchasing a book in a physical store or online. It is the same thing you would find on the back of a soup can or cereal box at the grocery store.
Bowker, the company responsible for ISBNs, offers the option to obtain a barcode when you purchase your ISBN. Alternatively, if you have already acquired your ISBN from MyIdentifiers.com, we can generate a barcode for your book for $25. We will email you the barcode, allowing you to incorporate it seamlessly into your book cover.
While seeking cheaper alternatives for barcodes may be tempting, we strongly advise against purchasing barcodes from resellers. These reseller barcodes can cause complications and potential issues, as they may not adhere to the proper barcode standards recognized by retailers and libraries. By acquiring your barcode directly from us, you can rest assured that it meets all the necessary requirements for a smooth distribution process.
If you aim to place your book in libraries, obtaining a Library of Congress Number (PCN) alongside your ISBN is crucial. This registration number is required by libraries to effectively distribute and catalog books. You can easily apply for a PCN through the Library of Congress website. Once you receive your PCN, add it to your book's copyright page, preceded by "Library of Congress Control Number." This step showcases your book's availability for borrowing.
Obtaining a Library of Congress Number or PCN opens up exciting possibilities for your book. Libraries play a crucial role in connecting readers with diverse literary works, and your inclusion in their catalogs increases your book's visibility and potential readership.
If you believe that your work aligns with the interests of library patrons, we encourage you to apply for a PCN through the Library of Congress website at http://pcn.loc.gov.
Ready to bring your book to life? Connect with Gorham Printing, your trusted partner, for all your book printing needs. Whether you're a first-time author or an experienced publisher, our dedicated team is here to guide you through the printing process and make it as seamless as possible. Have questions about ISBNs, barcodes, or any other aspect of book printing? We've got the answers. You can download our Guide to Printing & Publishing or feel free to reach out to us.
Let's turn your vision into a beautifully printed reality. Complete our contact form to get started.
