ISBN and Printing Guidelines for Book Writing in Australia

Introduction

Self-publishing gives Australian authors full creative control, with more ways than ever to print and distribute books globally. But success starts with understanding ISBNs and proper printing standards. This guide explains the essentials you need to publish professionally and prepare your book for global distribution.

Understanding ISBNs: The Backbone of Book Identification

1.1 What Is an ISBN?

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 13-digit numeric identifier used worldwide to distinguish one book or book format from another. Think of it as a digital fingerprint for books: unique, globally recognized, and essential for book distribution.

An ISBN identifies:

• The book’s title

• The author

• The format (hardcover, paperback, eBook, audiobook)

• The publisher

• The edition

Each different version of a book needs its own ISBN. For example:

• Paperback = 1 ISBN

• Hardcover = 1 ISBN

• eBook = 1 ISBN

• Audiobook = 1 ISBN

This structure allows bookstores, libraries, and distributors to track, catalogue, order, and manage your book accurately.

1.2 Why ISBNs Matter for Self-Publishing Authors

For Australian authors publishing independently, the ISBN is essential for

• Global Distribution

Major retailers, including Amazon, Booktopia, Dymocks, Apple Books, Kobo, and most library systems, use ISBNs to manage book listings, stock, and metadata.

• Professional Credibility

Having an ISBN signals that your book is a professional product ready for retail shelves and catalogues.

• Library Acceptance

Australian libraries rely on ISBNs to catalogue books in the libraries’ Australia database.

• Accurate Metadata and Discoverability

ISBNs help ensure consistency across book databases, improving visibility and searchability.

Without an ISBN, your book may only be sellable through limited channels or internal platforms like KDP, which assigns its own identifier (ASIN).

How ISBNs Work in Australia

2.1 Where to Buy an ISBN in Australia

“In Australia, ISBNs are issued exclusively through Thorpe Bowker MyIdentifiers, the official ISBN registration agency.”

Thorpe Bowker (MyIdentifiers.com.au)

This is the official ISBN registration agency for Australian publishers and authors.

You can purchase

• Single ISBNs

• Blocks of 10, 100, or 1000 ISBNs

Buying in bulk significantly reduces the cost per ISBN, making it ideal for authors producing multiple titles or formats.

2.2 What You Need Before Applying

To register an ISBN, you’ll need:

• Book title (temporary or working titles are allowed)

• Author name

• Publication date (you can update this later)

• Format type (paperback, hardcover, ebook, etc.)

• Publisher name (your name or business name)

Your ISBN becomes tied to the publisher of record. This is important when considering free vs. paid ISBNs (covered later).

2.3 How ISBN Registration Works in Australia

Step-by-step

1. Create an account at myidentifiers.com.au.

2. Choose to buy a single ISBN or a block of ISBNs.

3. Provide book details (metadata).

4. Assign the ISBN to a specific book and format.

5. Use the ISBN on your book and its cover.

Unlike some countries, ISBNs in Australia are not free, but they never expire.

Free ISBN vs Purchasing Your Own ISBN

Many platforms, especially Amazon KDP and Ingram Spark, offer free ISBNs, but it’s important to understand the trade offs.

3.1 Free ISBN: Pros and Cons

Pros

• No upfront cost

• Instant assignment

• Convenient for authors who want a simple, platform

• restricted distribution path

Cons

• The platform becomes the publisher of record.

• You cannot use the same ISBN across multiple distributors.

• Limited control over metadata

• Some retailers may reject platform-issued ISBNs

If you want a professionally published book that reflects you as the publisher, buying your own ISBN is the best choice.

3.2 Purchasing Your Own ISBN: Benefits

• You retain full ownership.

• Allows wide global distribution

• You control metadata (categories, publisher name, imprint)

• Gives a professional edge

• Enables expansion into bookstores and libraries

 “Most serious Australian authors choose to purchase their own ISBN, giving them full control over metadata and distribution.”

Using ISBNs for Print Books and eBooks

Print Books

Each physical format requires its own ISBN, such as:

• Paperback edition

• Hardcover edition

• Large-print edition

eBooks

Ebook formats also need their own ISBN if you want distribution outside Amazon.

However:

• Amazon KDP does not require an ISBN for Kindle eBooks.

• They assign an ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number).

Still, if you want your eBook on Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play, and library systems, an ISBN is essential.

Adding the ISBN to Your Book

Front Matter Placement

Include the ISBN on the copyright page, usually in the following format:

Printing Guidelines for Book Writing in Australia

Printing standards are critical for ensuring your book looks professional and meets retail expectations. Whether you’re printing with Ingram Spark, Amazon KDP Print, a local Australian printing press, or an offset printer, the guidelines are largely consistent.

6.1 Trim Sizes: Choosing the Right Book Dimensions

Common trim sizes for Australian self-published books include

Fiction / Memoir

• 5″ × 8″ (127 × 203 mm)

• 5.25″ × 8″ (133 × 203 mm)

• 5.5″ × 8.5″ (140 × 216 mm)

Nonfiction

• 6″ × 9″ (152 × 229 mm)

• 7″ × 10″ (178 × 254 mm)

Children’s Books

• 8″ × 8″ square

• 8.5″ × 8.5″

• A4 or custom sizing

Always check the platform’s available trim sizes before formatting.

6.2 Interior Formatting Requirements

A professionally formatted interior is essential for readability and retail acceptance.

Margins & Bleed

• Standard margin: 0.75″ to 1″ depending on page count

• Gutter margin: Extra space on the binding side

• Bleed: Required for illustrations or full page elements

Font Recommendations

Common fonts include:

• Garamond

• Times New Roman

• Minion Pro

• Georgia

• Bookman Old Style

Font Size

• Standard fiction: 11–12 pt

• Nonfiction: 12–13 pt

• Children’s books: 16–24 pt

Line Spacing

• 1.15 – 1.5 for adult books

• 1.5 – 2.0 for children’s books

Paragraph Formatting

Avoid using the space bar or tabs; use styles in Word or InDesign.

6.3 Paper Types

Australian printing platforms commonly offer

White 55–70 gsm

Best for nonfiction, academic books, and illustrated text.

Cream 70 gsm

Ideal for novels and memoirs.

Glossy / Matte Coated Papers

Used for children’s books, photography books, and cookbooks.

6.4 Binding Options

Perfect Binding

This is the most common for paperbacks.

Case Laminate Hardcover

Durable, professional, available on Ingram Spark and local printers.

Saddle Stitch

Suitable for small booklets (under 48 pages).

6.5 Cover Design Requirements

“Whether using professional cover design tools or services, your cover must meet correct trim size, correct spine width, 300 dpi images, CMYK color format for printing, and ISBN barcode on the back cover.”

Platforms like Ingram Spark provide downloadable cover templates

6.6 Print Ready PDF Standards

Your final PDF must include:

• Embedded fonts

• Correct trim size

• 0.125″ bleed

• Flattened transparency

• CMYK color for cover

• Black & White or CMYK for interiors

Amazon KDP and Ingram Spark automatically check files for errors during upload.

Distribution Options for Australian Authors

You can choose between:

7.1 Amazon KDP Print

Pros:

• Free to upload

• Global Amazon distribution

• Great for beginners

Cons:

• Limited access to bookshops

• Print quality varies

7.2 Ingram Spark

Pros:

• Bookstore and library distribution

• High print quality

•  “Supports Australian bookstores such as Dymocks, QBD, and Booktopia, giving authors professional distribution options.”

7.3 Local Print Companies

Such as:

• Ligare (NSW)

• McPherson’s Printing Group (Victoria)

• BookPOD (Melbourne)

Pros:

• High quality

• Great for bulk orders

• Supports Australian businesses

Cons:

• Higher minimum order quantities

ISBNs, Distribution, and Metadata: Getting Found

Metadata includes

• Title

• Subtitle

• Author name

• Publisher name

• BISAC categories

• Keywords

• Book description

• Format and price

Accurate metadata helps your book get discovered through

• Online searches

• Retailer categories

• Library catalogues

• Bookstore ordering systems

Using your own ISBN gives you full control over all metadata.

Common Mistakes Authors Make With ISBNs and Printing

• Using one ISBN for multiple formats

• Forgetting to update metadata

• Choosing the wrong trim size

• Poor interior formatting

• Low-resolution cover images

• No bleed on illustrated pages

• Relying solely on KDP’s free ISBN

• Overlooking Australian legal deposit requirements

Legal Deposit Requirements in Australia

All Australian publishers, including self-publishers, must deposit their books with:

• National Library of Australia, and

• The relevant state or territory library

This applies to print and digital books.

ISBNs help libraries correctly catalogue your submission

FAQs

Q 1. Do I need a different ISBN for each format of my book?

A. Yes. Each format, paperback, hardcover, eBook, and audiobook requires its own unique ISBN. This helps bookstores and libraries distinguish between each version.

Q 2. Where can I buy an ISBN in Australia?

A. Australian authors must purchase ISBNs from Thorpe Bowker (MyIdentifiers.com.au), the official issuer of ISBNs in Australia.

Q 3. Can I use a free ISBN from Amazon KDP or Ingram Spark?

A. Yes, but free ISBNs make the platform the publisher of record and may limit distribution options. Purchasing your own ISBN gives you full control and wider flexibility.

Q 4. What are the standard trim sizes for books in Australia?

A. Common sizes include 5″x8″ or 5.5″x8.5″ for fiction, 6″x9″ for nonfiction, and various square or A4 sizes for children’s books.

Q 5. What files do I need to print my book?

A. You need a print ready PDF for the interior and another for the cover. These must meet printing specs such as correct trim size, bleed, embedded fonts, and 300 dpi images.

Final Thoughts

Understanding ISBNs and following printing guidelines is essential for Australian self-publishing authors who want to publish professionally and distribute globally. An ISBN is more than a number; it’s your book’s identity, affecting how it is catalogued, sold, discovered, and represented in the publishing world. Similarly, meeting printing standards ensures your book not only looks polished but also meets industry expectations for retail acceptance.

Whether you publish through Amazon, Ingram Spark, or a local Australian printer, taking control of your ISBNs and mastering basic printing guidelines empowers you to act as a true independent publisher. With the right preparation, your book can stand proudly alongside traditionally published titles and reach readers across Australia and beyond.