How much is an ISBN and do I need one?

If you plan to sell your book or make it available to libraries/retailers, get an ISBN. It identifies your book’s edition and format and enables proper listing, ordering and reporting. In the UK, ISBNs are purchased from the national agency (you can buy singles or blocks). One ISBN is required per format (paperback, hardback, eBook). If you only print a few copies for private use, you technically don’t need one — but most distribution routes do. Retain the imprint details in your name so you control your metadata.

Further reading: /information/isbn-do-i-need-one

How many copies of my book should I send to the copyright libraries?

UK legal deposit requires you to supply one copy to the British Library upon request. Additionally, five other deposit libraries can request copies via the Agency for the Legal Deposit Libraries (ALDL). Many publishers send all six proactively; self-publishers often wait for a request. Budget for this at publication: it’s part of being on the record and available to scholars. Legal deposit is separate from any review copies or marketing mail-outs.

Further reading: /information/legal-deposit-libraries

How do I create a barcode for my book?

Use your ISBN (with the correct price add-on if you want it encoded) to generate an EAN-13 book barcode. Most cover designers will create the barcode as part of the cover artwork; reputable generators output a high-resolution vector (EPS/PDF) or transparent PNG. Place it on the back cover, bottom right, at a readable size (typically 80–100% magnification). Always proof the digits match your ISBN and that the contrast is strong enough to scan reliably.

Further reading: /information/book-barcodes