If you’re planning to self-publish a book in Australia, you’ve probably already encountered terms like ISBN, metadata and legal deposit.
For many authors, these publishing requirements can feel confusing. One of the most common questions we hear is: “Do I actually need an ISBN?”
The answer depends on how you plan to publish and distribute your book.
At the same time, many self-publishers spend considerable time researching ISBNs but overlook legal deposit requirements altogether. Unfortunately, that can create unnecessary complications after publication.
In this guide, we’ll explain how ISBNs work in Australia, when you need them, how to obtain them, and what legal deposit obligations may apply to self-published authors.
ISBNs vs Legal Deposit: What's the Difference?
Many first-time self-publishers assume ISBNs and legal deposit are connected. In reality, they serve completely different purposes.
An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier used by booksellers, distributors, retailers and libraries to identify a specific publication.
Legal deposit, on the other hand, is a legal requirement designed to preserve Australia’s published record for future generations.
Put simply:
- ISBNs help books operate within the publishing marketplace.
- Legal deposits help preserve Australia’s published record.
In many cases, self-publishers will need to address both.
If you’re new to publishing, you may also find our guide to self-publishing in Australia helpful.
ISBNs in Australia
Do You Need an ISBN to Self-Publish a Book in Australia?
The short answer is no. There is no general legal requirement that every self-published book in Australia must have an ISBN.
However, whether you need one depends on what you want to do with your book.
Most self-publishers will require an ISBN if they intend to:
- sell books through online retailers or bookstores;
- supply libraries;
- distribute through wholesalers;
- publish in multiple formats;
- establish a publishing imprint; or
- improve discoverability through industry catalogues and metadata systems.
The better question for you, as the author, is not whether an ISBN is legally required, but whether your publishing goals might actually make an ISBN necessary. In many cases, the answer is yes.
How to Get an ISBN in Australia
Once you’ve decided you need an ISBN, the next question is usually how to obtain one. Fortunately, the process is relatively straightforward.
ISBNs in Australia are issued through the Australian ISBN Agency.
As a self-publisher, you can obtain ISBNs directly rather than relying on a retailer, distributor or publishing platform to assign one for you.
Many authors choose this option because it allows them to retain control over their publication records and publishing identity.
Authors should generally obtain ISBNs before finalising publication metadata and before releasing their book. This can help ensure publication records are accurate and reduce administrative issues after launch.
Can You Buy a Single ISBN or Multiple ISBNs?
Yes. You can generally purchase either a single ISBN or a block of ISBNs.
If you’re publishing a single book in one format, a single ISBN may be sufficient.
However, many authors discover they need multiple ISBNs sooner than expected. This is because retailers, distributors and libraries treat each format as a separate product. This is discussed further below.
When Do You Need a Separate ISBN?
One of the questions we hear most often is:
“If the content is the same, why can’t I use the same ISBN?”
The answer is that retailers, distributors and libraries generally treat each format as a separate product, even where the content is identical.
For example, a:
- paperback;
- hardback;
- ePUB eBook; and
- PDF eBook,
will usually require separate ISBNs.
Using the same ISBN across multiple formats can create confusion in metadata records, distribution systems and library catalogues.
Common ISBN Mistakes Made by Self-Publishers
In our experience, these issues rarely arise because an author deliberately ignores the requirements. More often, we see authors assume a publishing platform will take care of everything for them, or they simply do not realise that different formats are treated as separate products.
Common mistakes include:
- using the same ISBN for both an eBook and paperback version;
- publishing before metadata has been finalised;
- using inconsistent publisher or imprint names across records;
- assuming an ISBN proves copyright ownership;
- accepting a platform-provided ISBN without understanding the implications; and
- assuming an ISBN satisfies legal deposit obligations.
Fortunately, most of these issues are relatively easy to avoid before publication, but can require additional administrative work later.
Planning to self-publish a book? Speak with Prosper Law’s publishing lawyers for advice on ISBNs, legal deposit requirements and publishing compliance.
Legal Deposit Requirements in Australia
What Are Legal Deposit Requirements for Self-Publishers?
In practice, we find that many authors are familiar with ISBNs but have never heard of a legal deposit until they start researching publication requirements.
Unlike ISBNs, a legal deposit is not simply a publishing best practice. For eligible publications made available to the public in Australia, a legal deposit is generally mandatory.
Depending on the publication, this can apply to printed books, eBooks, reports, digital publications and other various types of published materials.
Importantly, obtaining an ISBN does not satisfy legal deposit obligations. These are separate requirements.
How Does Legal Deposit Work in Australia?
If you’re self-publishing a book, legal deposit will often involve one or both of the following:
- depositing print publications with the National Library of Australia; and
- lodging eligible electronic publications through the National edeposit (NED) service.
Depending on where you are located, additional state or territory requirements may also apply.
If you’re unsure whether legal deposit applies to your publication, it’s worth checking before publication rather than after your book has already been released.
What Can Go Wrong
Imagine you’ve just published your first book in paperback and eBook formats. Because the content is identical, you decide to use the same ISBN for both versions.
A few weeks later, a library or distributor identifies inconsistencies in the publication records because each format should have been treated as a separate product.
The issue can usually be corrected. However, it highlights an important lesson: Publication planning is almost always easier before launch than after launch.
For a broader overview of the legal issues involved in self-publishing, read our guide on legal issues to consider when self-publishing a book.
How Prosper Law Can Help
Ready to publish your book but unsure about ISBNs, legal deposit requirements or publishing compliance?
You don’t have to work it out alone. Prosper Law’s publishing lawyers work with Australian authors and self-publishers to help them navigate the legal side of publishing with confidence.
If you’d like guidance on ISBNs, copyright, publishing agreements, legal deposit obligations or self-publishing generally, get in touch with our team for practical, commercial advice tailored to your publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an ISBN cost in Australia?
The cost depends on whether you purchase a single ISBN or a block of ISBNs. Authors should check the current pricing offered by the Australian ISBN Agency.
Can I publish a book without an ISBN?
Yes. However, publishing without an ISBN may limit distribution opportunities and make it more difficult for retailers, distributors and libraries to identify your publication.
Does an ISBN prove copyright ownership?
No. An ISBN is a publication identifier. Copyright ownership arises separately under copyright law.
Who Issues ISBNs in Australia?
ISBNs in Australia are issued by the Australian ISBN Agency. Self-published authors can obtain ISBNs directly from the agency rather than relying on a retailer, distributor or publishing platform to provide one.
Obtaining your own ISBNs can give you greater control over your publication records, metadata and publishing imprint. Depending on your publishing plans, you may be able to purchase either a single ISBN or a block of ISBNs.
If you’re planning to self-publish a book in Australia, it’s often worth considering your ISBN requirements early, particularly if you intend to publish in multiple formats or release additional books in the future.
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