ISBN Registration
ISBNs in South Africa are issued free of charge by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA). Follow these three simple steps to get yours.
Gather Your Information
Before emailing the NLSA, collect all required details about your book and yourself.
Book Title
The full, final title of your book
Publisher / Author Name(s)
Your full name or publishing company name
Cell Number & Email Address
Contact details for correspondence
Physical Address
Your registered physical address
Format(s) Required
Specify: eBook, Hardcover, Softcover, or all three
Send the Email
Email your request to the National Library of South Africa with all the details above.
Send to
Rhulani.Bila@nlsa.ac.za
Email Template
Dear Rhulani, I would like to apply for an ISBN for my book. Book Title: [Your Title] Author / Publisher Name: [Your Name] Cell Number: [Your Number] Email Address: [Your Email] Physical Address: [Your Address] Format(s) Required: [eBook / Softcover / Hardcover] Thank you, [Your Name]
Await Your ISBN
The NLSA typically responds within 3–5 working days with your ISBN and a form to complete for each number.
Each format (eBook, Softcover, Hardcover) requires its own separate ISBN.
You will need to fill in a form for each ISBN number you are assigned.
Keep your ISBN(s) safe — they are unique identifiers permanently linked to your book edition.
Don't Want to Do This Yourself?
All Creative Books SA publishing packages include ISBN registration as a standard service. We handle the full NLSA application, form completion, and ISBN management on your behalf.
View Publishing PackagesISBN FAQs
Ready to Publish Your Book?
Get ISBN registration included as standard with all our publishing packages. Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on your writing.