ISBN in Zambia

For every author dreaming of publishing a book, whether it’s fiction, poetry, or academic work, there’s one crucial step that often gets overlooked: obtaining an ISBN. In Zambia, understanding what an ISBN is and why it’s essential can make the difference between a book that is taken seriously and one that struggles to reach readers.

What Is an ISBN?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique numeric identifier assigned to every published book — a digital fingerprint that distinguishes your work from every other book globally.

An ISBN ensures that your book is cataloged properly in libraries, bookstores, and online platforms, both locally and internationally. Without one, your book may be harder to sell, track, or distribute effectively.

Why Every Author in Zambia Needs an ISBN

• Professional Credibility: Shows that your book is professionally published.
• Easy Distribution: Makes your book searchable in bookstores locally and internationally.
• Library Cataloging: Librarians use ISBNs for accurate cataloging.
• Sales Tracking: Enables tracking of sales and distribution.
• Rights Management: Each edition gets its own ISBN, protecting your intellectual property.

Who Issues ISBN Numbers in Zambia?

In Zambia, ISBN numbers are officially issued by the Booksellers and Publishers Association of Zambia (BPAZ). Authors and publishers must submit details about their book, including:

• Title of the book
• Author name
• Format (paperback, hardcover, eBook)
• Publication date
• Publisher details

To learn more about how to get an ISBN in Zambia, Click Here .

ISBN Support for Our Authors

At Sotrane Publishers, we ensure every book we publish receives a valid and registered ISBN. Our authors do not pay for an ISBN — the publisher covers that cost entirely.

For authors who are not published under Sotrane Publishers, we also offer professional assistance in securing an ISBN through BPAZ.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining an ISBN in Zambia is more than a requirement — it is a mark of professionalism that expands your book’s reach, ensures proper cataloging, and protects your intellectual property.

Ready to publish your manuscript with a registered ISBN? Sotrane Publishers is here to guide you every step of the way.