How Do UK Authors Obtain an ISBN and Complete Legal Deposit?

An ISBN helps booksellers, libraries, distributors and retailers identify a particular edition of a book. Legal deposit ensures that publications issued in the UK are preserved as part of the national published record.

The two processes are connected with publication, but they serve different purposes.

An ISBN identifies a commercial book product. Legal deposit is a statutory obligation requiring publishers to provide copies of qualifying publications to designated libraries.

Authors researching ISBN legal deposit UK requirements should therefore treat them as two separate stages:

• Obtain and assign the correct ISBN before publication.
• Complete legal deposit after the book has been published.

An ISBN is not evidence of copyright ownership, and sending a book to the British Library does not automatically make it available through local public libraries. Neither process replaces professional distribution, metadata management or library outreach.

Self-published authors also need to understand that they may be considered the publisher when they take responsibility for producing and releasing the book. The Nielsen UK ISBN Agency describes the publisher as the person or organisation taking the financial and practical risk of making the publication available.

What Is an ISBN?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number.

It is a unique product identifier used for books and related publications. Current ISBNs contain 13 digits and usually begin with 978 or 979. Publishers, booksellers, libraries and retailers use the number for ordering, listing, inventory and product identification.

An ISBN identifies a particular:

• Title
• Edition
• Format
• Publisher or imprint
• Language version where applicable

For example, the paperback, hardback and eBook versions of the same title may each need a different ISBN because they are separate products.

An ISBN does not identify the abstract creative work in every possible form. It identifies a particular publication issued by a particular publisher.

Is an ISBN Legally Required in the UK?

An ISBN is not generally a legal requirement for publishing a book in the UK.

However, it is widely used by:

• Bookshops
• Libraries
• Wholesalers
• Distributors
• Online retailers
• Metadata services
• Publishing companies

Nielsen explains that the ISBN is used for ordering, listing and stock control, allowing the industry to identify the correct title, edition and format.

A book published for private family distribution may not need an ISBN.

A book intended for commercial sale, bookshop supply, library discovery or wider distribution will usually benefit from one.

Who Issues ISBNs to UK Publishers?

NielsenIQ BookData operates the ISBN Agency for the UK and Ireland.

The agency assigns ISBNs according to where the publisher’s main office is based. A publisher based in the UK normally obtains numbers through the UK agency, regardless of the language of the book or the countries in which it will be sold.

A British citizen publishing through a company based in another country may need to use the ISBN agency responsible for that company’s location.

The deciding factor is generally the publisher’s base, not the author’s citizenship or intended readership.

Does an Author Need a Publishing Company?

An author does not necessarily need to create a limited company before obtaining an ISBN.

A self-published author may act as the publisher.

The application will normally require information about the publishing identity, such as:

• Publisher name
• Imprint name
• Address
• Contact details
• Intended publication activity

An imprint is the name under which books are publicly issued.

For example, an author might publish through:

• Jane Wilson
• Northbridge Books
• Cedar House Press
• Willow Lane Publishing

Check the proposed imprint before using it.

Consider whether:

• Another publisher already uses the name.
• A similar company or trade mark exists.
• The corresponding domain name is available.
• The name suits future titles.
• The spelling will remain consistent.
• The author is prepared to use it publicly.

An ISBN publisher prefix connects the publication with the registered publishing identity, so choosing the imprint deserves careful thought.

Do Authors Need an ISBN Before Approaching a Publisher?

No.

Authors preparing a nonfiction book proposal UK agents or publishers will assess do not need to obtain an ISBN before submission.

A proposal normally contains:

• Book overview
• Audience
• Market analysis
• Comparable titles
• Author biography
• Platform
• Marketing opportunities
• Chapter summaries
• Sample chapters

If a traditional publisher acquires the book, the publisher normally assigns the ISBN from its own range.

Buying an ISBN before submitting a proposal does not demonstrate that the project is more professional or more likely to sell.

The same principle applies to fiction manuscripts.

Authors following a standard manuscript submission format UK literary agents request should concentrate on the writing, synopsis, covering letter and submission guidelines. An ISBN belongs to the publication stage, not the initial representation stage.

When Should a Self-Published Author Obtain an ISBN?

A self-published author should obtain ISBNs before finalising publication metadata and print files.

A practical point is after the author has confirmed:

• Final title
• Subtitle
• Author name
• Imprint
• Format
• Edition
• Publication date
• Language
• Trim size
• Distribution route

Do not assign a number while the title, format and publishing identity are still likely to change.

Metadata connected with the ISBN needs to match the information used by retailers and publishing platforms.

An author may purchase a block of ISBNs earlier, but each individual number should be assigned only when the product information is sufficiently stable.

How Do UK Authors Apply for an ISBN?

A UK-based publisher or self-published author can apply through the Nielsen UK ISBN Store.

The general process involves:

• Creating an account
• Entering publisher details
• Choosing a publishing or imprint name
• Selecting the quantity of ISBNs
• Completing payment
• Receiving the ISBN or publisher prefix
• Assigning individual numbers to publications
• Supplying accurate title metadata

Nielsen currently allows eligible UK and Irish publishers to obtain either an individual ISBN or blocks of numbers. The agency notes that unused ISBNs remain valid indefinitely.

Current prices and purchasing options can change, so authors should check the official Nielsen ISBN Store before budgeting.

Should an Author Buy One ISBN or a Block?

The answer depends on the publishing plan.

One ISBN may be sufficient when the author expects to publish:

• One title
• In one format
• Through one edition
• Without later alternative formats

A block may be more economical when the author plans:

• Paperback and hardback editions
• An eBook with its own ISBN
• Audiobook publication
• Large-print edition
• Revised edition
• Translation
• Several books
• A continuing publishing programme

Nielsen explains that a different ISBN is needed when a book is released in another format or substantially revised edition.

Authors frequently underestimate how quickly numbers can be used.

One book may eventually need separate ISBNs for:

• Paperback
• Hardback
• Large-print paperback
• EPUB
• PDF edition sold separately
• Audiobook
• Revised second edition

Plan for the realistic publishing programme instead of considering only the first launch format.

Does Every Format Need a Different ISBN?

Different product formats generally need separate ISBNs.

Examples include:

• Paperback
• Hardback
• Large-print paperback
• eBook
• Audiobook
• Braille edition
• Revised edition

Nielsen states that changes in binding or format require a new ISBN.

A paperback ISBN should not be reused for the hardback.

A print ISBN should not be assigned to an audiobook.

Each version has different production details, pricing, availability and ordering requirements. Separate identifiers help retailers and libraries supply the edition the reader actually requested.

Does a Kindle eBook Need an ISBN?

Amazon KDP does not require an ISBN for a Kindle eBook. Amazon assigns its own ASIN to the digital listing.

However, an independent publisher may still assign an ISBN to an eBook when:

• Supplying multiple retailers
• Using broader distribution
• Maintaining consistent bibliographic records
• Listing through library services
• Managing several digital editions

The author should decide according to the full distribution strategy, not Amazon alone.

An ASIN is an Amazon product identifier. It is not a replacement for an ISBN across the wider book trade.

Does an Audiobook Need a Separate ISBN?

An audiobook is a separate publishing format and may be assigned its own ISBN.

The identifier should not be reused from:

• Paperback
• Hardback
• eBook
• Large-print edition

Nielsen includes eligible audiobooks and electronic publications among products that can receive ISBNs.

Some audiobook platforms provide their own internal identifiers and may not require the author to supply an ISBN. Authors seeking wider trade or library distribution may still decide to assign one.

Does a Large-Print Edition Need a New ISBN?

Yes.

Professional large print book publishing UK normally creates a distinct edition with its own:

• Typesetting
• Page count
• Cover
• Format details
• Retail price
• Metadata
• ISBN

A large-print edition should not use the standard paperback’s ISBN.

Readers, libraries and booksellers need to distinguish the two products clearly.

The cover and metadata should also identify the edition as large print so it is not supplied accidentally to someone ordering the standard version.

Does a Revised Edition Need a New ISBN?

A substantially revised edition normally needs a new ISBN.

Examples may include:

• New chapters
• Significant rewritten content
• Updated research
• New illustrations
• Major structural changes
• Expanded exercises
• New translation
• Different publisher

A routine reprint with no material change generally keeps the existing ISBN.

A price change by itself does not require a new ISBN. Nielsen specifically states that price changes without other changes should not result in a different ISBN.

Minor spelling corrections may not create a new edition, while major content changes usually do.

When uncertain, consult the ISBN agency before reusing the existing number.

Can an ISBN Be Reused?

No.

Once an ISBN has been assigned to a particular product, it should not be reassigned to another title or format.

Do not reuse a cancelled book’s number for:

• Another title
• Another author
• A revised edition
• A hardback version
• A translated version
• A replacement project

The identifier remains connected with the original bibliographic record.

Reusing it can create conflicting listings, incorrect orders and library-catalogue problems.

What Is the Difference Between an ISBN and Copyright?

An ISBN identifies a book product.

Copyright protects original creative work.

An ISBN does not:

• Register copyright
• Prove authorship by itself
• Prevent plagiarism
• Grant publishing rights
• Confirm ownership of third-party content
• Replace a publishing contract

Copyright in an original literary work generally arises automatically under UK law when the work is created and recorded. An ISBN is an industry identifier used to describe and manage a publication.

Authors should still keep:

• Dated manuscript drafts
• Contracts
• Rights agreements
• Editing records
• Illustration licences
• Permission correspondence
• Publication files

These documents may help establish ownership and rights if a dispute develops.

What Is the Difference Between an ISBN and a Barcode?

The ISBN is the number.

The barcode is a machine-readable visual representation used on the cover.

Nielsen advises that the barcode number should match the 13-digit ISBN. It also states that the ISBN should appear on the copyright page and on the outside back cover of a book.

The barcode is commonly placed in the lower section of the back cover.

The cover designer should leave adequate space and avoid placing essential text or images where the barcode will appear.

Depending on the printing platform:

• The author may supply a barcode.
• The printer may generate one.
• The platform may add one automatically.

Always check the final proof to confirm that the number:

• Matches the assigned ISBN
• Scans correctly
• Is readable
• Is not stretched
• Is not obscured
• Has sufficient contrast

Where Should the ISBN Appear Inside the Book?

The ISBN normally appears on the title-page verso, commonly called the copyright or imprint page.

A print edition may list:

• Paperback ISBN
• Hardback ISBN
• eBook ISBN
• Audiobook ISBN

Label each format clearly.

For example:

Paperback ISBN: 978-X-XXXX-XXXX-X
eBook ISBN: 978-X-XXXX-XXXX-X
Large-print ISBN: 978-X-XXXX-XXXX-X

Do not place one unlabeled list of numbers in the book and expect readers or retailers to determine which format each number represents.

The number printed inside the specific edition should match the ISBN supplied in its retailer and distributor metadata.

What Is Book Metadata?

Metadata is the information used to describe and identify the publication.

It may include:

• Title
• Subtitle
• Author
• Contributors
• Publisher
• Imprint
• ISBN
• Publication date
• Language
• Edition
• Format
• Page count
• Dimensions
• Subject categories
• Description
• Price
• Territory
• Distribution status

Accurate metadata helps bookshops, libraries and retailers find and supply the correct product.

An ISBN by itself does not make a book discoverable.

The number must be connected with complete and consistent information.

Keep Metadata Consistent Everywhere

The following should match:

• ISBN record
• Title page
• Copyright page
• Book cover
• Distributor listing
• KDP account
• IngramSpark account
• Retailer listing
• Goodreads edition
• Author website
• Media kit

Common inconsistencies include:

• Different subtitles
• Author initials used inconsistently
• Old publication dates
• Incorrect imprint
• Paperback ISBN entered for hardback
• Misspelt contributor names
• Different series numbers
• An old cover attached to a new edition

KDP requires authors using their own ISBN to enter details that match the information registered with the ISBN agency. A mismatch involving the title, author or imprint may prevent publication.

Should Authors Use a Free KDP ISBN?

KDP currently offers free ISBNs for eligible paperback and hardback books. A KDP-provided number can only be used through KDP, and the public publisher field appears as “Independently published”.

A free ISBN may suit an author who:

• Plans to publish only through KDP
• Does not need a personal imprint
• Wants to minimise initial costs
• Is testing one straightforward edition

Buying an ISBN may be preferable when the author wants:

• Their own publishing imprint
• The ability to use the ISBN across publishing services
• Broader print distribution
• Greater control over bibliographic identity
• A consistent independent publishing programme

The decision should be made before publication because changing the ISBN later may require issuing a new edition.

Can a KDP ISBN Be Used on IngramSpark?

A free ISBN supplied by KDP is restricted to KDP and cannot be transferred for use through another publishing service.

An author who intends to publish the same edition through both KDP and IngramSpark should consider purchasing and controlling the ISBN directly.

The title, author, format and imprint must remain consistent across the services.

Do not assign two different ISBNs to what is intended to be the same edition merely because it is printed through two platforms. The publishing setup should be planned before either listing goes live.

What Is Legal Deposit?

Legal deposit is the system through which published material is collected and preserved by designated libraries.

The British Library explains that legal deposit applies to publications distributed in the UK and Ireland, regardless of their content, language or format. The system was extended to electronic publications in 2013.

Legal deposit supports the long-term preservation of the country’s:

• Literary record
• Scientific work
• Historical material
• Cultural publications
• Social record
• Commercial publishing output

The obligation can apply to major publishing houses, organisations, small presses and self-published authors.

Is Legal Deposit Optional?

No.

Legal deposit is a statutory publishing obligation for qualifying works.

The Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003 requires a copy of UK print publications to be supplied to the British Library. The other five legal deposit libraries can request copies.

Legal deposit is not:

• A marketing programme
• A paid library-placement service
• An optional catalogue submission
• A replacement for trade distribution
• A guarantee of local library lending

The publisher must complete the requirement even when the book has sold only a small number of copies.

Who Is Responsible for Legal Deposit?

The publisher is responsible.

For a traditionally published book, the publishing company normally handles legal deposit.

For an independently published book, responsibility may rest with the author or the author’s publishing business.

The use of a print-on-demand company does not necessarily make that company the legal publisher of the book.

Check:

• Who owns the ISBN
• Which imprint appears in the book
• Who controls publication
• Who receives sales income
• Who accepts the publishing risk
• What the platform agreement says

Do not assume that Amazon, IngramSpark, a printer or a publishing-services provider has completed legal deposit unless the agreement explicitly confirms it.

Which Libraries Receive Legal Deposit Copies?

There are six legal deposit libraries within the UK and Ireland system:

• British Library
• National Library of Scotland
• National Library of Wales
• Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
• Cambridge University Library
• Library of Trinity College Dublin

The publisher sends one copy directly to the British Library.

The other five libraries may request copies through the Agency for the Legal Deposit Libraries.

How Do Authors Deposit a Printed Book With the British Library?

The publisher should send one copy of the printed publication to the British Library’s Legal Deposit Office.

At the time of writing, the British Library instructs publishers to send print publications to:

Legal Deposit Office
The British Library
Boston Spa
Wetherby
West Yorkshire
LS23 7BY

The Library asks publishers to continue submitting print publications and not wait for an automated claims letter. Its legal deposit service remains affected by recovery work following the 2023 cyberattack, and it may currently be unable to issue receipts or display newly received material promptly in its catalogue.

Check the British Library’s current legal-deposit page before posting, since service arrangements may change.

What Is the Legal Deposit Deadline?

A printed publication should be delivered to the British Library within one month of publication.

The other five legal deposit libraries can request copies, and the publisher must normally supply them within one month of publication or one month from receiving the request, whichever is later.

Do not delay the British Library copy while waiting to see whether the other libraries make a request.

Create a publication checklist that includes the deposit deadline alongside:

• Retail upload
• Distributor activation
• Author copies
• Review copies
• Website update
• Media outreach

What Copy Should Be Sent?

Send a complete copy of the published edition.

The deposit copy should contain:

• Final cover
• Complete interior
• Copyright page
• ISBN
• Illustrations
• Appendices
• Index where included
• Accompanying printed material forming part of the publication

Do not send:

• Uncorrected proof
• Incomplete advance copy
• Bound draft
• Marked editorial copy
• File with missing pages
• Cover-only sample

The deposited item should represent the edition made available to the public.

Where multiple print formats exist, confirm the deposit expectations for each distinct publication.

Should Authors Include a Covering Letter?

A short covering note can help identify the publication and publisher.

It may contain:

• Title
• Author
• ISBN
• Publication date
• Format
• Publisher or imprint
• Contact name
• Email address
• Postal address

Keep a copy of:

• Covering note
• Postal receipt
• Tracking number
• Publication details
• Date sent

The British Library currently warns that receipts and catalogue updates may be delayed while its services recover, so an author’s own records are especially useful.

What Happens With the Other Five Libraries?

The Agency for the Legal Deposit Libraries acts for:

• National Library of Scotland
• National Library of Wales
• Bodleian Libraries
• Cambridge University Library
• Library of Trinity College Dublin

When requested, publishers supply five copies to the Agency, which distributes them to the libraries.

The Agency states that publishers must supply the requested copies free of charge and cover the cost of postage.

Keep any request letter or email and note the submission deadline.

Do not send one copy directly to the Agency and assume it will cover all five libraries unless the Agency’s current instructions explicitly say so.

Must Authors Send Six Copies Immediately?

The standard print process involves:

• One copy sent directly to the British Library
• Five further copies supplied when requested through the Agency for the Legal Deposit Libraries

The other five copies are not necessarily sent automatically on publication, although a publisher may choose to follow current Agency arrangements or respond promptly when a claim is received.

The Agency confirms that five copies must be supplied on request.

Check current instructions before dispatching a large or expensive publication.

Does Legal Deposit Apply to eBooks?

The legal-deposit system also covers qualifying non-print publications, including eBooks and online material.

The 2013 regulations extended legal deposit beyond print to electronic publications.

Electronic deposit procedures can differ according to:

• Format
• Distribution method
• Access controls
• Website
• Volume of publications
• Publisher location
• Existing arrangements with a deposit library

At the time of writing, the British Library’s electronic publisher portal and bulk file-transfer services remain disrupted. It advises publishers to contact its Digital Processing team for alternative arrangements and says publishers in Scotland may deposit electronic publications through the National Library of Scotland.

Authors should follow current official guidance instead of emailing files to a general address without instructions.

Are Websites and Blogs Covered?

UK web content may be collected through the UK Web Archive.

The British Library states that it identifies UK websites through signals such as UK-related domain names, including .uk, .scot and .london. It continues to acquire and preserve websites even while some public-access systems remain affected.

Website archiving is separate from sending the print edition of a book.

An author should not assume that having a website archived fulfils the requirement to deposit a printed publication.

Does Legal Deposit Put the Book in Public Libraries?

No.

Legal deposit preserves the publication within the national deposit-library system.

It does not automatically:

• Place copies in local council libraries
• Make the book available for ordinary public borrowing
• Create wholesale distribution
• Generate library orders
• Register the author for Public Lending Right
• Guarantee catalogue visibility everywhere

Authors trying to get a self-published book into UK libraries need a separate strategy involving:

• Professional metadata
• Trade availability
• Suitable ISBN
• Library suppliers
• Wholesale terms
• Reviews
• Local relevance
• Direct outreach
• Public Lending Right registration where eligible

Legal deposit is a preservation obligation, not a library-sales campaign.

Does Legal Deposit Register the Author for Public Lending Right?

No.

Public Lending Right, commonly called PLR, is a separate scheme through which eligible authors can receive payments related to qualifying public-library loans. The PLR Office operates as part of the British Library.

Completing legal deposit does not automatically create a PLR registration.

Authors interested in the scheme should review current eligibility, registration dates and edition requirements separately.

Complete Legal Deposit for Every Relevant Edition

An author may publish:

• Standard paperback
• Hardback
• Large-print paperback
• Revised edition
• eBook
• Audiobook

Each publication may create its own metadata and deposit considerations.

Do not assume that depositing the paperback permanently covers all later editions.

When a new edition contains substantial changes or is issued as a distinct format, check the current legal-deposit requirements.

Maintain a deposit register containing:

• Title
• Format
• ISBN
• Publication date
• Deposit requirement
• Date sent
• Recipient
• Tracking information
• Request status
• Notes

This is particularly useful for authors publishing several titles.

ISBNs for Books Adapted From Podcasts

Authors who turn podcast into a book are creating a new publication.

The book should have its own ISBN, even when the source podcast already has:

• Episode numbers
• RSS feed
• Platform identifiers
• Website links
• Audio files

A podcast identifier cannot replace a book ISBN.

When the adaptation is published in paperback, eBook and audiobook formats, each relevant edition may require its own number.

The author should also confirm rights involving:

• Guest quotations
• Transcripts
• Listener messages
• Archival audio
• Photographs
• Companion resources

The ISBN identifies the finished product. It does not clear permissions for material adapted from the podcast.

ISBNs and Advance Reader Copies

A campaign involving advance reader copies UK authors distribute often begins before the retail edition is available.

An ARC may display:

• Forthcoming ISBN
• Provisional publication date
• Temporary cover
• Statement that it is not the final edition
• Review embargo where relevant
• Publisher contact information

The ISBN should belong to the final edition being promoted.

Do not obtain a new ISBN simply because the ARC has minor proofreading differences or a temporary cover.

However, an ARC should not be sent to legal deposit in place of the completed published edition.

Legal deposit should receive the final publication distributed to the public.

Update Goodreads With the Correct ISBN

Goodreads marketing for authors depends partly on accurate edition data.

A Goodreads listing may include:

• ISBN
• Format
• Cover
• Publication date
• Publisher
• Page count
• Language
• Series position

Incorrect ISBN information can lead to:

• Duplicate editions
• Reviews attached to the wrong version
• Paperback and hardback confusion
• Incorrect covers
• Missing format links

Check the book page after publication.

Do not reuse the same ISBN across several edition records merely to combine reviews. Edition relationships should be managed accurately through the platform’s bibliographic system.

Include ISBNs in the Author Media Kit

An author media kit UK journalists, librarians and event organisers use should list publication details clearly.

For each edition, include:

• Format
• ISBN
• Publication date
• Price
• Page count
• Publisher
• Distributor
• Retail availability

For example:

Paperback
ISBN: [number]
Publication date: [date]
Price: £12.99

Large-print paperback
ISBN: [number]
Publication date: [date]
Price: £16.99

Clear labelling helps reviewers and booksellers request the correct version.

Do not list one ISBN without identifying its format.

Does Amazon A+ Content Need an ISBN?

Amazon A+ Content for books is connected with eligible Amazon book listings and author or publishing accounts.

The A+ modules do not replace ISBN metadata.

Before creating enhanced content, make sure:

• The correct edition is connected.
• The cover matches the listing.
• The author name is consistent.
• The series order is accurate.
• Format comparisons use the correct books.
• Images do not display incorrect ISBNs.

A+ Content may improve how a book is presented on its retail page, but it does not fulfil legal deposit and cannot correct an incorrectly assigned ISBN.

Common ISBN Mistakes

Frequent problems include:

• Buying an ISBN before deciding who the publisher is
• Reusing one number for several formats
• Entering a different imprint on KDP
• Assigning a paperback ISBN to a hardback
• Forgetting the large-print edition
• Using a free platform ISBN outside that platform
• Changing a title after assigning metadata
• Printing the wrong number on the cover
• Confusing an ASIN with an ISBN
• Assuming an ISBN registers copyright
• Reusing a cancelled number
• Failing to update edition information
• Publishing before checking metadata

Correcting an ISBN mistake after publication may require a new edition.

KDP states that an ISBN cannot be changed once a book has been published through its system. A new edition is generally required when the number or other locked bibliographic details need to change.

Common Legal Deposit Mistakes

Frequent problems include:

• Assuming legal deposit is optional
• Expecting the printer to handle it
• Waiting for the British Library to request the book
• Sending an advance proof
• Missing the one-month deadline
• Forgetting a later edition
• Ignoring a request from the other deposit libraries
• Sending the wrong number of copies
• Failing to keep postage records
• Treating legal deposit as public-library distribution
• Assuming the ISBN agency completes deposit
• Failing to check current electronic-deposit instructions

ISBN assignment and legal deposit are managed by different organisations and should appear as separate items on the publishing checklist.

A Practical ISBN and Legal Deposit Workflow

A reliable process may include:

• Decide whether the book will be traditionally or independently published.
• Confirm the publisher or imprint.
• Identify every planned format.
• Decide whether to buy one ISBN or a block.
• Obtain ISBNs from the appropriate national agency.
• Assign one number to each relevant format.
• Record the title, author, edition and imprint accurately.
• Place the correct ISBN on the copyright page.
• Add the matching barcode to the print cover.
• Check all distributor and retailer metadata.
• Order and inspect a physical proof.
• Publish the final edition.
• Record the official publication date.
• Send one finished print copy to the British Library within the required period.
• Retain proof of postage and publication information.
• Respond to any request from the Agency for the Legal Deposit Libraries.
• Follow current electronic-deposit guidance for digital publications.
• Record every deposited format and edition.
• Update Goodreads, the author website and media materials.
• Review the process again before issuing a revised or alternative edition.

An organised record is especially important for independent authors because no publishing department is managing these duties on their behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every UK book need an ISBN?

No. An ISBN is not generally a legal requirement, but it is widely needed for commercial ordering, bookshop supply, library listing and distribution.

How many ISBNs does one book need?

One ISBN is required for each separately identified format or edition. A paperback, hardback, eBook, audiobook and large-print edition may therefore need separate numbers.

Can a UK author use a free KDP ISBN?

Yes, for eligible KDP paperback and hardback editions. The number can only be used through KDP and the publisher field will normally appear as “Independently published”.

Must a self-published author send a book to the British Library?

Yes, when the author is the publisher of a qualifying UK print publication. One completed copy should be deposited with the British Library within the statutory period.

Must authors automatically send copies to all six legal deposit libraries?

One copy must be sent directly to the British Library. The other five libraries may request copies through the Agency for the Legal Deposit Libraries, after which five copies are normally supplied to the Agency.

Is legal deposit the same as getting a book into UK public libraries?

No. Legal deposit preserves the publication in designated national libraries. Public-library availability requires separate distribution, acquisition, metadata and outreach work.