ISBN is an abbreviation for International Standard Book Number. Similarly to how hardcover texts have a separate ISBN from their paperback counterparts, the eBook version of your content requires a unique identifier as well. You might see this informally called an "eISBN", in reference to an ISBN that refers to an ebook.
ISBN is an abbreviation for International Standard Book Number. Similarly to how hardcover texts have a separate ISBN from their paperback counterparts, the eBook version of your content requires a unique identifier as well.
You will be able to publish through Kobo without an ISBN, but we strongly advise that you have one so you can take full advantage of Kobo’s partnership with leading retailers around the world.
ISBNs are a requirement of a number of our international retail partners and the inclusion of an ISBN will allow us to distribute your eBook through all possible channels.
Depending on where in the world you are located, there are different agencies that can supply you with an ISBN number for different costs.
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Canada |
Publishers based in Canada can get an ISBN number from Library and Archives Canada for free. How to Apply. |
| United States |
The United States ISBN Agency is the only official source authorized to assign ISBNs to publishers based in the United States. Prices for ISBNs range from $100 USD to $1000 USD, depending on the number of ISBN numbers you purchase. |
| UK and Ireland |
The Nielson UK ISBN Agency is responsible for assigning ISBN numbers to publishers based in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Prices for ISBNs range from £89 to £576.48, depending on the number of ISBN numbers you purchase. |
| Rest of Europe | To find the agency that is responsible for issuing an ISBN in your country or region, visit the International ISBN Agency website. To find the institution responsible for issuing ISBNs in your country, follow the “National Agencies” link on the left hand-side of the page and then use the dropdown menu to select your country. |
| New Zealand |
The National Library of New Zealand provides ISBN numbers to publishers based in New Zealand for free. |
| Australia |
Publishers based in Australia can obtain an ISBN number from the ISBN Agency Australia. Prices for ISBNsrange from $40 AUD to $2,750 AUD, depending on the number of ISBNs you purchase, plus a $55 AUD publisher registration fee. |
More information about ISBNs can be found here.