Book data
Learn how to correctly configure your book data.
When you create a book product on Print Trail, a new ‘Book data’ panel appears on the product’s detail tab.
As the name suggests, the book data fields only apply to books.
These fields are optional, however the most important is probably the ISBN, which is explained below.
ISBNs
ISBNs are unique, global product identifiers, used only for books. An ISBN is usually printed on the rear cover of a book as a barcode image, and an accompanying long number (the printed number and the barcode are the same thing, the difference is that the barcode line image is a machine-readable version of the same number).
Each edition of a book product (‘title’) requires a separate ISBN; hardcover, softcover, and ebook versions of a book will each have their own unique ISBN.
ISBNs come in two types; ISBN-13 and the older ISBN-10 format. But they are actually the same data. ISBN-13 and ISBN-10 are interchangeable – they can be converted in format.
When you add an ISBN number, we check it is valid. If the ISBN is valid, it will be automatically converted to the alternative format so that both versions of ISBN are displayed (ISBN-13 and ISBN-10).
Also, the ISBN will also appear in the GTIN and EAN fields. This is because ISBNs are a subset of the global GTIN/EAN product identifier system which applies to all product types (not just books).
Each country has an organisation which manages ISBN registrations. For example, the official ISBN agency of the United States and Australia is Bowker, and the UK’s ISBN agency is Nielsen.
👉 ISBNs are optional on Print Trail