If you want to sell your book online, in international bookstores, place it with distributors or put it in libraries, you should take getting an ISBN very seriously. Why? Because it is an international requirement before you can do any of those. More so, it is an author’s defense against being sued for plagiarism. In this article, you’ll be learning exactly how to apply for an ISBN in Nigeria.
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How To Apply for ISBN in Nigeria
But first, let’s look at what an ISBN is.
What Is ISBN?
ISBN is an acronym that stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique identifier that is assigned to books and other published materials to help them be easily identified and catalogued.
ISBN consists of 10 or 13 digits that identifies a published book for the aim of marketing and supply. It is unique to every publication and every edition of a particular book has to have a separate ISBN.
Step By Step Guide To Apply For ISBN In Nigeria
Here are the steps to apply for ISBN in Nigeria:
- To apply for an ISBN in Nigeria, you will need to contact the National Library of Nigeria. The National Library is the official ISBN agency for Nigeria and is responsible for issuing ISBNs to publishers and authors in the country. You can visit any of their branches in the country.
- Obtain and complete the ISBN application form. If you decide to take the form away to fill it, you will need to return the completed form within 2 weeks of getting it along with some other documents.
- You’ll need to submit the following required documents to the National Library.
- The completed ISBN application form
- An ISBN application letter addressed to the Director of National Library of Nigeria and printed on your company’s letter-headed paper.
- A photocopy of your business certificate of incorporation obtained from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
- A copy of your book’s manuscript.
- You will submit the above documents with the ISBN processing fee (usually between #2500-#3000).
- The agency will review your application and, if approved, assign an ISBN to your book.
Keep in mind that there may be slight additional fees associated with obtaining an ISBN, so you should be prepared to pay these costs. Additionally, it may take some time—typically 1-2 weeks—for your application to be processed and for you to receive your ISBN.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining an ISBN for your book in Nigeria is an important step for any author or publisher looking to sell their book in the global market. By following these steps and working closely with the National Library of Nigeria, you can successfully apply for an ISBN and take the first step towards getting your book out into the world.
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