Shawn P. B. Robinson

We’ve covered a lot about ISBNs. In this series of blogs, we’ve looked at the following information:

1) The Ins and Outs of ISBNs
2) Why you should get your own ISBN
3) Where you get your ISBN
4) How to Get an ISBN in Canada

This is now Part 4 and in this part, we will look at How to Get an ISBN in Canada. I know this is very specific information that will not relate to a lot of my readers, but since Canada is a little on the unique side of things with free ISBNs (S. Africa also gives free ISBNs), it’s helpful to walk through the information for Canadians.

For all you non-Canadians out there, let me invite you to come to Canada in February. While it is cold here in February, we have RRRoll-Up-the-Rim-to-Win during that time, and it is more than worth it for the thousands of cups of coffee you can drink in order to win some free donuts and a chance to play again. I have not yet won a car.

Alright, to get your free ISBNs in Canada, you need to visit Library and Archives Canada.

For those outside Canada, you have to be a Canadian Publisher in order to get your ISBNs through the Library and Archives Canada.

Here are the requirements that must be met in order to be considered a Canadian Publisher:

1. Makes a publication available in Canada, and
2. Publishes from an official office of business located within Canada, and
3. Indicates that the published material’s place of publication, when it is given, is within Canada, and
4. Has at least 75% of its employees based in Canada
(This was taken directly from the Library and Archives Canada site)

So, Canadian Publishers, here is what you need to do:

1. Set up your Publishing Business

You do not need to set up a business in Canada in order to publish under your name, but if you publish under another name, you really need to. My publishing company is called BrainSwell Publishing. If you’re wondering why I named the company “BrainSwell,” you should either read My Writing Journey or my story through the Encephalitis Society.

If you are going to register your ISBNs through your Publishing Company, you must set this up ahead of time. If you don’t and just pick a name, if you lose access to that name (since you don’t have the business registered), you’re going to be in a bit of a pickle.

If you are publishing simply under your name, you won’t need to set up a business.

2. Register an Account with Library and Archives Canada

Head to the site and set up an account. They say this takes about 10 business days for them to confirm it, so don’t leave it till the last minute. For me, I set up my account on November 7 and my account was approved by November 10. I wouldn’t count on that kind of speed, but they can move quickly.

When you set up your account, they will ask you how many ISBNs you suspect you’ll need over the next three years. Take a good guess and input the number. It doesn’t appear to limit you, but try to be accurate. I’m assuming this is for their records and to help them determine how best to operate. Remember that each format of the book (paperback, hardcover, audio, ebook) requires its own ISBN so if you’re looking at four books, in three different formats, that’s twelve ISBNS.

I told them twelve, thinking that would be enough, but I’m already at eight for my books and am expecting another eight in the next couple years. I don’t believe that will be a problem, but I would recommend you guestimate high for their sake.

3. Get your ISBNs

After your account is approved, you can log into your account and get a new ISBN within seconds. It’s surprisingly easy.
Log in and head to “Manage Logbook.” Up at the top of this screen you should see an option for “Assign New ISBN.” Click that and input the information. It’s all pretty simple. Don’t overthink it. Before you hit save, select “Send ISBN confirmation by email” and you’ll get an email with the ISBN. This is helpful for your records.

Once you hit save, you have your ISBN. Simple, eh?

Getting new ISBNs is a simple process each and every time.

All the best to all of you as you work with your ISBNs.

In the words of Bob and Doug McKenzie, “Whoever said, ‘Do the job right the first time and you’ll never have to do it again,’ never shoveled off a Canadian driveway, eh?”

While that may not have anything to do with this topic, it is Canadian and it is profoundly profound.

So this is part four of the series. Hopefully, we’ve covered most of what we need to cover about ISBNs!

1) The Ins and Outs of ISBNs
2) Why you should get your own ISBN
3) Where you get your ISBN
4) How to get an ISBN in Canada

Shawn