What is ISBN and Copyright? Do i need them?

Are you thinking of publishing a book?

Are many questions popping in your mind for which you seek answers?

We have dived into our vast publishing experience and compiled a list of questions and answers that focus on the subject of ISBN and Copyright for my book.

This post will keep you armed with all the necessary information, so you can make an informed decision when you step out to publish your book.

We receive many queries regarding ISBN and do i need to copyright my book in India. We answer some of them here.

Do I need to copyright my book? 

Authors often come to us worried that their creativity may be copied and is it a must for them to have the copyright registered for their book contents or do I need to copyright my book? We believe that if your work is a work of fiction, there is no need to have a Copyright registered right away.  As soon as your book is written and published, as per The Indian Copyright Act, 1957, you have an exclusive right over the contents of your book. If anyone copies your content without your permission, it is plagiarism.

You must find out whether the publisher is keeping the copyright of your book. A Copyright page is at the beginning of the book, which clearly states your name as the copyright holder for the contents of the book, establishing that it is your Intellectual Property alone.

If your question is, copyright of books in India or how to copyright a book in India?

However, an Author can wish to have the copyright of books in India, registered through a government agency, and the publisher often helps with the same. One can also get copyright for the book registered with the government by themselves if they wish to. Read more FAQ’s on book publishing.

What is an ISBN? Is ISBN for India different?

ISBN full form is International Standard Book Number. An ISBN is a unique number given to every book around the world. This book number is valid across the globe.

ISBN is the thirteen-digit number which replaces the handling of long bibliographic descriptive records (name of the region, book and publisher details). ISBN is known worldwide as a short and clear machine-readable identification number and is unique for every book. This unique number is required to enable you to distribute your book online and in physical stores, libraries etc.

Do I need an ISBN in India?  

An ISBN is essentially a product identifier used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, internet retailers and other supply chain participants. ISBN is used for ordering, listing, sales records and stock control purposes. The ISBN identifies the registrant as well as the specific title, edition, and format. If you would like major stores both online and offline stores to sell your print book, then you will need to apply for an ISBN India.

For which type of books do I need an ISBN India?

You will need an ISBN for Print Book, both paperback and hardcover & for an eBook.

How can I get an ISBN in India?

How to get an ISBN(number)? A publisher will allot an ISBN to your book, or you can independently apply for it from Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library.

Where can I find ISBN for books?

Turn the book to the back page cover. At the bottom of the page either the ISBN is given in digits or as a barcode. You can also find it inside the book on the copyright page of the book.