Plain-English guides for Australian authors.

How to get an ISBN in Australia

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit number that identifies one specific edition and format of your book. Retailers, distributors and libraries use it to order and catalogue your book.

Who issues ISBNs in Australia?

In Australia, ISBNs are issued by Thorpe-Bowker, the official ISBN agency. You can buy a single ISBN or a block, which is cheaper per number if you plan more than one format or book.

Do I need more than one?

Usually, yes. Your paperback, hardcover, ebook and audiobook are different products, so each normally gets its own ISBN.

Why it matters who owns it

The ISBN records the publisher of the book. If it is registered in your name, you remain the publisher. That is how we set things up for our authors.

Legal deposit: the step many authors forget

Under Australian law, published works must be deposited with the National Library of Australia, and each state and territory has its own legal deposit requirements for its state library.

Legal deposit preserves Australian publishing for future generations, and it means your book becomes part of the national collection.

What do I need to send?

Generally, one copy of each new print edition. Many ebooks can be deposited electronically through the National edeposit (NED) service.

Requirements can change, so check the National Library and your state library websites for current details. We guide our authors through the process step by step.

5 signs your book cover is working

1. It signals the genre instantly. A thriller should look like a thriller at a glance.
2. It works as a thumbnail. Shrink it to phone size. Can you still read the title?
3. There is one clear focal point. Busy covers get scrolled past.
4. The typography is professional. Fonts carry as much genre information as images.
5. It sits well beside best-sellers. Put it next to the top 10 in your category and see if it belongs.

If your cover ticks all five, you are in great shape.

Self-publishing vs traditional publishing

Traditional publishing means a publisher buys the rights to your book, pays for production and gives you a royalty. It can bring prestige and bookshop reach, but acceptance is highly competitive, timelines are often long and you give up a lot of control.

Self-publishing means you remain the publisher. You invest in editing, design and distribution, and in return you keep your rights, set your price, control your cover and keep your royalties.

Which is right for you?

If speed, control and ownership matter most, self-publishing with a professional team is a strong choice. The key is to publish to the same quality standard readers expect from any bookshop book.

How to price your ebook in Australia

Start by researching the top sellers in your exact category on Amazon Australia and other stores. Genre expectations vary a lot: romance and thrillers often sell at lower price points, while non-fiction and specialist books can sit higher.

Check the royalty bands

Retailers pay different royalty rates at different price points, so check the current terms on each platform before you decide.

Use promotions

Short price promotions around launch or with new releases can help your book gain visibility and reviews.

Your book launch checklist

• 8 weeks out: finalise your cover, description and categories.
• 6 weeks out: send advance copies to early readers for reviews.
• 4 weeks out: prepare social posts, graphics and your email announcement.
• 2 weeks out: contact local bookshops, libraries and media.
• Launch day: share everywhere, thank your supporters and celebrate!
• After launch: keep asking for reviews and try a small ad campaign.