The Utility of ISBN Assignment for Unpublished Rough Drafts in Publishing
Why do some authors and publishers assign ISBN numbers to rough drafts of books that haven't been published yet? This question delves into the practical benefits and internal processes within the publishing industry, revealing why ISBNs are allocated at an early stage of the book's lifecycle.
Internal Identifier Risks and Benefits
In my previous role within the publishing industry, ISBNs played a crucial role as a unique identifier for books. This system was particularly useful for internal tracking, ensuring seamless coordination throughout the publishing process. Unlike purchasing one-off ISBNs from an external service, publishers have a larger pool of identifiers which they can use flexibly. For example, a publisher might secure a prefix like 1234, allowing them to identify books with ISBNs in the form 1234-XXXX-X. This prefix provides a vast pool of 10,000 numbers to easily manage a growing number of publications.
Book Identification from Concept to Publication
A book's ISBN is often assigned as soon as a contract is signed, converting a mere idea into a solid business proposition. The process of assigning an ISBN from this point onward enables the publisher to use it for an array of functions. From initial editorial and layout tasks to marketing and distribution, the ISBN serves as a constant reference point throughout the various stages of book creation. This helps streamline processes, reduce errors, and ensure that every aspect of the publishing workflow is meticulously tracked and documented.
Why Publishers Assign ISBNs to Unpublished Titles
There are several reasons why publishing houses might assign ISBNs to titles that have not yet been published:
Wholesale Databases and Retailer Availability
One primary reason is the inclusion of upcoming titles in distributor catalogs, making them available to retailers before actual publication. These catalogs are essential for preorder sales and promotional activities, necessitating the assignment of ISBNs well ahead of publication. This practice allows retailers and distributors to showcase the book months before it hits the shelves, thereby driving interest and anticipation among potential readers.
Block Size Management
Another reason for assigning ISBNs early is the management of block sizes. Publishers must buy ISBN blocks in advance to ensure they have enough unique identifiers to cover their future publications. Even a modest publishing schedule of 50 books per year means they would need 200 years to exhaust their current pool of ISBNs. This predictability is crucial for long-term planning and inventory management.
Advance Review Copies
Advance review copies are another critical use case for ISBNs. These copies are printed and distributed to book reviewers and critics well before the official publication date. Assigning ISBNs to these copies ensures that they are tracked and accounted for in the same manner as fully published books, facilitating easier distribution and review management. Moreover, advance review copies can be several months in advance of the actual publication date, emphasizing the need for early ISBN assignment.
Internal Tracking and Management
From a publisher's perspective, the assigned ISBN is used internally to track every stage of the book's development. This includes not only substantive editing, revision, and cover design but also marketing strategies, copyediting, proofreading, layout, and production. The ISBN serves as a constant identifier that helps maintain a clear and cohesive workflow, ensuring that all phases of the publication process are accurately documented.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the assignment of ISBNs to unpublished rough drafts offers significant advantages within the publishing industry. From ensuring internal alignment and tracking to pre-publication marketing and distribution, ISBNs are an indispensable tool throughout the entire publishing process. This practice not only streamlines operations but also enhances the overall quality and efficiency of the publishing endeavor.