I had to take a break from self-editing Romantic Illusions as I keep getting emails asking – how can I get an ISBN? What is the Process Like?

I once wrote an epistle about getting ISBN in 2019 while working on my first book Nine Hours Till Five right here. The National Library of Nigeria had earlier mentioned they were going to launch an app to make getting ISBN and ISSN easier but to date, we are looking, watching, and waiting.

In 2020, I went through the same process for the physical copies of First Impressions and Crossroads, but the experience was slightly different. PS: I didn’t use the promised app, still the same process.

Before I begin this tutorial, if you’re like me with a preference for visuals and sounds, I have YouTube videos on how to obtain ISBN and ISSN in Nigeria. You can start watching below or continue reading.

To get more information on what an ISBN/ISSN is, click on this link to learn more.

Now let’s get started.

1. BUDGET
The cost of getting ISBN/ISSN

• Price List for ISBN
  1-2 = N2,500
  3-10 = N5,000
  I love the mathematics of this but you need to have the manuscripts of all available to buy so much. Stick to your one or two and don’t give yourself a headache, the Lord would provide when it’s time for more.
  
• Bank Charges:
  N100 (I did for N2,500)
  
• REMITA Charges
  N157.50 (Something around this price)
  
• Thank you something
  Hahaha, I didn’t type anything here o. Applicants’ discretion is advised, although they call it a processing fee. This is Nigeria.
  
  – Printing Manuscripts
  Depending on the number of pages you have.
  
• Total Budget (excluding transportation) = N3,500.

2. MANUSCRIPTS

You should be done writing the book in question, ready for print. Print your manuscript and arrange them in the order I’ll be sharing below in a folder.
PS: The book cover doesn’t have to be ready for you to apply for an ISBN. As long as you have your manuscript or rough draft ready, you are good to go.
Another important thing about your manuscript and the book you want to get an ISBN for it to have a CONFIRMED BOOK TITLE. If you change your book title after getting your ISBN, you’ll have to reapply – starting the process all over again.

3. PAYMENTS

The YouTube video has a walk-through process, but here is the written process.

Note: Payments are generally made to the bank, but you need a code from REMITA to successfully make payments. A copy of your receipt will be sent to your email.

Tools Needed: A phone or laptop, connected to the internet.

1. Log on to remita.net
2. Select: Pay TSA & States
3. Select: FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria

Insert these values in the text box:

• Who do you want to pay: NATIONAL LIBRARY NIGERIA – 051700800100
• Name of Service/Purpose: ISBN & ISSN Administrative Fees
• Description: Payment of ISBN (or ISSN as the case may be)
• GIFMIS Code: 100097203
• Insert Amount to Pay: 2,500
• Select Currency: Naira
• Fill out your name, phone number, and confirm your email address

4. Submit and proceed to payment
5. Copy/write out the code RRR (Remita Retrieval Reference) provided
6. You will be redirected to make online payment
7. Print your receipt

4. LETTER OF INTENT

Letters submitted to the National Library of Nigeria to obtain ISBNs are usually printed on letter-headed documents, but as a self-published author or new company, you might not have that. Here is a document I’ve used multiple times and also when I’m helping others submit their manuscripts. I’ve also attached an editable and downloadable copy to this post. (Make sure you thank me in the comment section 🙂

Note: you are to use the same email you used while registering on REMITA

5. IDENTIFICATION

Make a photocopy of any means of identification you have such as:
– Driver’s license
– Nigerian Passport
– Voter’s Card
– NIN card

Arrange all documents in this order.

• 1 copy of the letter of intent
• 2 copies of Payment Receipt
• 1 photocopy of Identification
• 1 copy of your manuscript

Once you have all these sorted and arranged, visit the National Library of your choice to submit your documents. I’ll suggest getting the attendant’s phone number to track your ISBN. If you don’t want to go through this stress yourself, send an email and I’ll help.
It takes at most 2 weeks for your to get your ISBN number after submission of all the documents listed above. Another thing to note is that after you have successfully printed your work, you should return back to the library with four copies of your published book for record purposes. This will also aid in marketing your book as people might see your book in the library and be interested in getting a copy for themselves.

I hope this has been helpful, as I want to help you reduce the stress of self-publishing your books, and help you make money while at it. Schedule a one-on-one consultation with me today and successfully launch your book.