ISBN and barcoding question

[Mystique]

Hi all,

I downloaded the free version of Barcode 97 from the GPA site, and I have a question regarding which format (EAN, UPC, etc) should be used for ISBN bar coding. I plan on applying for an ISBN prefix for my printed publications, and would prefer to print the barcodes myself rather than using a paid service. Any help would be greating appreciated.

Mike

__________________
Mystique Enterprises
www.mystiqueenterprises.com

 

[mroberon1972]

What contry are you in?

In the USA you have to buy them in lots of 10, for a little under $300.

You can't just print any old barcode, since that would no Register you with the proper databases...

 

[Mystique]

What contry are you in?

In the USA you have to buy them in lots of 10, for a little under $300.

You can't just print any old barcode, since that would no Register you with the proper databases...

I am in the U.S. I planned on purchasing the 10 (lowest quantity). Dont you need to use the ISBN numbers you are given to generate barcodes? I assumed they do not email you barcodes, but rather just the numbers. Correct?

Mike

 

[mroberon1972]

Dunno, myself. Never bought any after seeingthe pricetag...

 

[Dimwhit]

I am in the U.S. I planned on purchasing the 10 (lowest quantity). Dont you need to use the ISBN numbers you are given to generate barcodes? I assumed they do not email you barcodes, but rather just the numbers. Correct?

Mike

You are correct. First, you purchase the ISBN numbers. You will be sent a list of all your ISBN numbers. However, you're not done. When you put a number to a product, you have to register it. I don't know how many companies do it, but we used a company called Bowker's or something. When we have a book to publish, we tell them the book title and the ISBN number we are assigning to it. You are responsible for coming up with the Bar Code yourself, though many print houses will do it for you.

I think we bought 100 numbers for $150 when we did it a few years back.

 

[Mystic Eye]

You are correct. First, you purchase the ISBN numbers. You will be sent a list of all your ISBN numbers. However, you're not done. When you put a number to a product, you have to register it. I don't know how many companies do it, but we used a company called Bowker's or something. When we have a book to publish, we tell them the book title and the ISBN number we are assigning to it. You are responsible for coming up with the Bar Code yourself, though many print houses will do it for you.

I think we bought 100 numbers for $150 when we did it a few years back.

You are correct, it is Bowker (www.bowker.com) that officially handles ISBN numbers. Most printers will do your bar code for you and once it has been assigned you need to enter it in books in print at bowkers site.

 

[jmucchiello]

On further reading, apparently you prefix the ISBN with 978 and leave off the check digit. Then generate a new check digit in EAN 13 format.

Information Source: http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/iso/tc46sc9/isbn.htm

The most interesting item in that FAQ is the comment on different e-book formats. Each should have its own ISBN. (See the FAQ) This implies to me that the e-book and POD of your books should have separate ISBNs. Makes sense since they are sold as separate entities.

 

[pensiv]

every different format of a publication has a different ISBN--trade paperback, mass market paperback, hardcover, eBook, audio book cassette, audio book CD, audio book cassette abridged, etc.