Nielsen Book runs the ISBN Agency for the UK and Ireland, provides a range of information and enriched data services for publishers, booksellers and libraries and works with the industry to improve the quality of data, which in turn improves discoverability of your book, leading to increased sales. Our retail sales analysis service helps you understand the market, see what sales you have achieved and if you wish those of your competitors. Our portfolio of products enables you to use our data services as a shop-window, displaying your book information to thousands of book buyers worldwide and ultimately to millions of consumers.

ISBN Agency for UK and Ireland

The ISBN Agency is the national agency for the UK and Republic of Ireland and British Overseas Territories. Publishers based elsewhere will not be able to get numbers from the UK Agency (even if you are a British Citizen) but can contact the Nielsen ISBN Agency for details of the relevant national Agency.

ISBNs are assigned to publishers in the country where the publisher's main office is based. This is irrespective of the language of the publication or the intended market for the book.

If you have queries that are not answered here, there is more information about ISBNs on the UK and Ireland ISBN Agency’s website: view website

ISBN User Manual

The ISBN Users’ Manual contains useful information about ISBNs and their use. The most current version of the Manual is on International ISBN Agency’s website: view manual

NielsenIQ

NielsenIQ (NIQ) is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™.

NIQ, is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population. For more information, visit NIQ.com.

Important Information for Publishers and self-published authors

The Nielsen ISBN Agency for UK & Ireland is here to help and support you in the process of purchasing and allocating your ISBNs to your books. You can either use the Nielsen ISBN store to purchase your publisher prefix and range of ISBN(s) or contact us direct for an application form and guidance to ensure the process of acquiring your publisher prefix and first batch of ISBN(s) is as smooth as possible.