ISBN Allocation Update
Following my last post about ISBN number allocation challenges with the National Library of South Africa (NLSA), I’m happy to report progress: the missing ebook ISBN for The Seventh Kill has finally arrived. I now have both numbers—one for the paperback and one for the ebook—so the publishing process can move forward.
You can follow updates on The Seventh Kill here.
Progress Without Answers
While I’m relieved, the resolution came without explanation—no policy clarification, no acknowledgment of the earlier confusion, and no hint at what changed between the initial single-format allocation and this late arrival.
Which leaves me wondering:
- Was the original limitation simply a mistake?
- Do self-publishers still face the “one ISBN until legal deposit compliance” rule?
- Has the NLSA updated its procedures to better match modern publishing workflows?
Without answers, it’s hard to tell if this was a lucky one-off or the start of systemic improvement for South African authors.
Bigger Issues Still Unresolved
My core concerns remain:
- The blurred lines between ISBN number allocation and legal deposit compliance
- The misalignment with international publishing standards
- The knock-on effect this has on local authors’ global competitiveness
The silence accompanying this latest ISBN suggests these wider issues may still be under the radar.
Planning Ahead
While waiting, I took what’s considered standard practice for many publishers: I requested a block of 10 ISBNs through my own publisher. With each title needing two (ebook and paperback), this would cover five books—enough to avoid repeat delays and streamline future releases.
And… More Waiting
Unfortunately, that forward-thinking request has been met with silence. It’s been eight working days—well past the stated 5–7 day turnaround—with no response. I’ve sent a follow-up, but this delay feels all too familiar: slow processing with little transparency.
This is a lesson for fellow authors—always build extra buffer time into your publishing schedule. Persistence can yield results, but delays remain a real risk.
A Cautiously Optimistic Note
Whether the missing ISBN’s arrival signals a policy shift, a one-time exception, or just a different staffer handling the case, it’s still progress. But we need an NLSA process that’s consistently responsive and aligned with industry norms.
The Seventh Kill will soon have its official pre-order announcement—complete with the ISBNs that nearly became the story themselves.
Have you dealt with ISBN allocation recently in South Africa? Have things improved, or are the same challenges still in play? Sharing experiences can help us build a clearer picture of where publishing support stands today.