ISBN Supply and Independent Publishing Agreement

1. Sale and Price

1.1. The Company resells ISBN codes issued by the UK ISBN Agency Nielsen and holds an allocation registered to SmithWrite Publishing Ltd.

1.2. As of May 2025, each ISBN is offered at a price of £25, inclusive of VAT.

2. Publishers Role and Imprint Requirement

2.1. The Customer agrees to use the publisher imprint “SmithWrite Books” on all editions of their work with specific ISBN purchased from the company. This includes, but is not limited to, the copyright page, edition information, and any publisher fields required by third-party distribution services (e.g., Amazon KDP).

2.2. Failure to use the specified imprint may hinder the sale or distribution of the publication, and the Customer accepts any consequences arising from such non-compliance.

2.3. No Additional Publishing Services:

Aside from supplying the ISBN and allowing the use of the ‘SmithWrite Books’ imprint, SmithWrite Publishing does not engage in any editorial, marketing, or distribution services, and shall not be deemed to be the legal publisher of the Work.

2.4 Publisher Status:

The Author expressly acknowledges and agrees that by using the provided ISBN, they are acting as an independent publisher of the Work. All rights, responsibilities, and liabilities associated with publication are assumed solely by the Author.

3. Content Restrictions

3.1. The Customer represents and warrants that their publication does not contain materials that:

Constitute adult content; or
Promote or incite hateful conduct, including violence or harassment based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, or disability.

3.2 Any breach of this condition could cause the Nielsen ISBN entry being adjusted and your book to be delisted.

4. Legal Deposit Obligations

4.1. As a self-published author, the Customer acknowledges and accepts the legal obligation to supply copies of the publication as required by law. Specifically, the Customer shall, at their own expense:

Provide five (5) copies of the publication upon request to: Agency for the Legal Deposit Libraries 21 Marnin Way Edinburgh EH12 9GD
Provide one (1) copy of the publication within 30 days of publishing to: Legal Deposit Office – The British Library Boston Spa, Wetherby LS23 7BY

4.2. Each delivery must be accompanied by a cover note that clearly lists the ISBN and the publisher name.

5. Book Details and Registration

5.1. The Customer agrees to provide the Company with all necessary details to register the publication with Nielsen. The required information includes, but is not limited to:

The ISBN purchased from the Company.
Book title and, if applicable, subtitle.
Author name and contributor details (e.g., Illustrator, Editor).
Publication date and edition (e.g., 1st edition, 2nd edition).
Book language.
Format (e.g., Paperback, Hardback, or eBook).
Main genre and any sub-genres.
Pricing information.
Cover image.

6. Registration, Distribution, and Fulfillment

6.1. Upon registering the provided publication details with Nielsen, the publication information will be distributed to retailers and libraries.

6.2. The Customer accepts full responsibility for fulfilling any distribution orders or related obligations that may arise as a consequence of such registration.

7. Notification of Publication Changes

7.1. The Customer agrees to notify the Company promptly of any changes regarding their publication, including but not limited to changes in availability or out-of-print status.

8. Non-Compliance and Registration Status

8.1. In the event that the Customer fails to meet the legal deposit obligations detailed in Clause 4, the Company reserves the right to amend the registration status of the publication to “Unavailable.”

9. Acceptance of Terms and Communication

9.1. Upon purchase, the Company will send the Customer an email containing a PDF copy of these Terms and Conditions. The PDF will include the Customer’s ISBN number, and by using the ISBN, the Customer confirms their acceptance of these Terms.

9.2. A copy of these Terms is also available on the Company’s website https://www.smithwrite.co.uk/isbns-buying-from-us/.

10. Support and Promotional Services

10.1. With the purchase of an ISBN, the Customer is optionally granted access to a support network comprising other authors and Company representatives as part of an independent author journey.

10.2. The Customer will also receive a PDF help guide containing instructions for joining our exclusive Facebook support group, which is available only to ISBN purchasers.

10.3. The Company may, at its discretion, promote the Customer’s publication through its website, social media channels, and email communications. Such promotional activities are voluntary and do not impose any contractual obligation on the Company.

11. Modification of Benefits

11.1. The Company reserves the right to amend, remove, or add benefits related to the ISBN purchase at any time without prior notice.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

12.1. These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

12.2. Any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

13. Waiver of Liability

13.1. The Author hereby acknowledges and agrees that by using the provided ISBN, they assume full responsibility as the publisher of the Work. Consequently, the Author expressly waives any claims, rights, or causes of action against SmithWrite Publishing (and its personnel, officers, or agents) for any legal consequences, penalties, or liabilities arising from the Author’s failure to comply with legal deposit obligations.

13.2. The Author agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SmithWrite Publishing from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses (including legal fees) arising directly or indirectly from the Author’s non-compliance with legal deposit obligations.

By purchasing an ISBN from the Company, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.