isbn number needed

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How to Get an ISBN Number

Last Updated: November 25, 2023 Approved

This article was reviewed by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 149,646 times.

An International Standard Book Number is used to identify books, ebooks, and other publications. If you’re a publisher, self-publishing writer, or a company representative interested in putting out literature that can be easily catalogued, you should probably get an ISBN. The process of obtaining an ISBN varies somewhat from nation to nation. To begin the process, identify your national ISBN agency through the International ISBN Agency website. Click on your country and follow the directions provided by your national ISBN agency.

Gathering Necessary Information

• The website for the International ISBN Agency is available at http://www.isbn-international.org .

Completing the Application

• The application should cite the cost of submitting the application. If it does not, ask your national ISBN agency about the cost and payment options.

• In some cases you might get your ISBN mailed or emailed to you.
• The length of time required for approval varies from place to place. Your national ISBN agency should be able to tell you how long you'll need to wait.

Community Q&A

• Every publisher has their own block of ISBNs. These numbers cannot be shared or sold. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Do not reuse ISBNs for new editions. Any time you publish a new edition, a new ISBN is required. For instance, if you publish a softcover version of a book that was previously released as a hardback, you’ll need a new ISBN. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.isbn-international.org/agencies
• ↑ https://www.isbn.ac.ke/
• ↑ http://www.nlsa.ac.za/
• ↑ http://natlib.govt.nz/forms/isn

About This Article

To get an ISBN number, start by visiting the website for the International ISBN agency and clicking on the orange button labeled “Find an agency.” Next, select the national agency in which your company’s headquarters is located or your nation if you’re applying for yourself. Then, create an account with your national ISBN agency and fill out the application. In order to finish the application, you’ll need information such as the publisher’s name and address, the title of the publication, and the format of the publication. When you’re done with the application, pay the fee, and receive your ISBN by mail or email. To learn how to find the application for an ISBN, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Guides • Understanding Publishing

Last updated on Feb 25, 2022

What is an ISBN Number? A Look at Publishing’s ID System

An International Standard Book Number, or ISBN, is a 13-digit code used as a unique identifier for books. An ISBN is assigned to each edition of a book, helping publishers , bookstores, and libraries keep track of their stock and sales. Meanwhile readers can use them to look up specific editions online.

A way to organize a world of books

ISBNs are fixed and non-transferable, so if you publish a print and an ebook version of the same book, you’ll need two different numbers. If you then publish that ebook in a different language, you’ll need a new ISBN for that as well — and so on.

Do you need an ISBN number?

It'll only take a minute!

Note: ISBNs suffer from “ATM machine” syndrome, so they’re known as both “ISBNs” and “ISBN numbers,” even though the latter technically repeats “number”. We’re not too fussy, and we’ll be using both — but if you hate tautologies, stick to “ISBN”.

Its 13 digits all mean something

ISBNs consist of five parts, appearing in the following order:

• The numbers 978 or 979, indicating that this product is a book;
• A single digit to indicate the country or language group of the publication (all English-language books are 0 or 1);
• A three-digit code for the publisher;
• A five-digit code for the title, edition, and format of the book; and
• The final “check” digit indicates that the ISBN has been verified.

Did you know? ISBNs were 10 digits long until January 2007, when they changed to 13. But ISBNs never expire, and even old, 10-digit numbers can be converted into 13-digit codes with Bowker's conversion tool .

Is an ISBN the same as a barcode?

Not quite. Though they’re both numbers that appear on the back of a book cover , a barcode provides purely sales-related information: the price of a book and the currency it’s sold in. ISBNs are clearly labeled, only include numbers, and are consistent between stores, unlike barcodes.

You may notice other numbers around the barcode, such as an IAN or EAN (International or European Article Number). These also provide retailer-specific information about the price of the book — but as an author, all you need to worry about is the ISBN.

Now we’ve covered what an ISBN is, let’s tackle the next big question — do you need one?

ISBNs are necessary for selling print books…

To distribute books in print or in audiobook format, you will need ISBNs. They’re used by bookstores, libraries, and everyone in the book supply chain to identify and organize their stock. If your print book has no ISBN, it can’t be sold — simple as that.

A bonus of having an ISBN number is that your book gains access to libraries, which can seriously boost your book. US libraries spend over $3 billion annually on reading materials, and they’re also a great source of organic book reviews . If you want to get your book in libraries, we have a free course to show you how. 

Free course: How to Get Your Book into Libraries

Tap into a world of new readers by getting your book into national libraries. Get started now.

Also, if you plan to publish multiple novels and set up your own imprint , buying your own ISBNs is a good idea for administrative and professional purposes — when you’ve paid for your own number(s), you get to choose what name appears as the publisher.

Remember that obtaining an ISBN number does not mean that your copyright is automatically registered. Learn more about copyright here .

But ebooks often don’t need them

If you’re self-publishing an ebook, an ISBN isn’t strictly essential. You can upload and publish your ebook via the most popular online publishing platforms (Amazon, Apple Books , Barnes & Noble, and Kobo) without an ISBN, as all of these assign you their own identifier when you upload your book. 

ISBNs don’t improve your book’s visibility, as most readers don’t search using numerical trade codes — so don’t buy an ISBN just to boost your visibility.

There’s also the cost of ISBN numbers to consider — there are both free and paid options, which we’ll cover in the next post in this guide , but if you’re on a tight budget and only publishing ebooks, you can forego the extra cost. Just understand that it will always look more professional to get an all-encompassing ISBN than to have different serial numbers on each retail site. 

You can buy them individually or in bulk

An ISBN number costs $125 through Bowker. (Anyone offering an ISBN for more than that is trying to push you into a publishing scam .) You can also bundle your ISBN purchases and get 10 ISBNs for $295, 100 ISBNs for $575, or 1,000 ISBNs for $1,500. Needless to say, unless you’re a publisher, you’ll only need to buy 1-10 ISBNs at a time.

We’ve broken down these Bowker costs for US authors and publishers, as well as the Nielsen costs for those in the UK, in the table below:

An ISBN won’t be the most expensive item on your self-publishing shopping list , but to minimize costs, your best option is to buy a package of 10 for $295 (which works out to just under $30/ISBN). That way, you can distribute your ebook and print book with separate ISBNs, as needed, and still have a few numbers left over for the next time you publish.

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On a tight budget but still want an ISBN? Learn about discounted and free ISBN options (and their drawbacks), as well as how to go about getting yourself an ISBN number in the next post in this guide .

14 responses

JANIS says:

10/05/2018 – 19:34

Very informative article!

Susan Tilghman Hawthorne says:

10/05/2018 – 20:58

I've no need of an isbn. Amazon furnishes it's own identifier, so do other platforms. When the USA provides them as most other countries do, I might consider it. Til then it's an additional (arbitrary) expense that I feel no need to incur.

↪️ A Verb replied:

08/05/2019 – 12:28

For those platforms which provide iSBNs, such as Amazon and Smashword, publishers need to understand that they cannot use those ISBNs in other marketplaces.

marieseltenrych says:

11/05/2018 – 00:06

Martin, what a great page of information for those interested in ISBNs and Barcodes. I noticed that you had Smashwords as free, however, if you register as a publisher not living in USA you must supply your own ISBNs, therefore it is a cost for some authors. I am an Australian author and indie publisher. It is helpful to purchase ISBNs in bulk to save a lot. I purchased a block of 100 ISBNs from Thorpe Bowker in Australia. Barcodes can also be costly, but you can generate your own. US authors do not realize how privileged they are in comparison to other countries, like Australia down under but not out!

Merri says:

11/05/2018 – 13:31

I bought my ISBNS through CreateSpace. My first two ISBNs they sent me to Bowker to register my imprint (Dreaming Lizard Press. This year, I dropped the Press). This year, I bought two ISBNS and they now take the money, but didn't send me to Bowker. I was wondering if my imprint is still listed or if I should re- do them to make sure Bowker has my information. Also, I re -titled my first two books, but didn't change the ISBNS on them. Should I?

↪️ Victor Soares replied:

05/07/2019 – 00:50

I am from Timor Leste (East Timor), I need information how to get ISBN for my book. I finalize my book with local language Tetun. I need your support about that issue.

Night Owl Freelance says:

01/08/2018 – 00:11

Slightly inaccurate. eBooks are not required to have an ISBN.

↪️ Reedsy replied:

01/08/2018 – 08:21

We're not saying otherwise in the post. We're saying you need an ISBN for print, not that you need an ISBN for ebook and one for print if you're going to do POD. Thanks for reading!

↪️ Night Owl Freelance replied:

01/08/2018 – 11:39

These portions are problematic: "ISBNs are fixed and non-transferable, which basically means that if you publish both a paperback and ebook version of the same book, -->you will "need" separate numbersneedonly…" Again, misleading. Authors aren't required to purchase ISBN's for eBooks at all.

01/08/2018 – 11:44

We're not talking about requirements to *purchase* ISBNs, we're talking about requirements to *have* an ISBN. Amazon is the only ebook store where you don't need to have an ISBN. If you publish on Kobo, you'll need an ISBN for your book. Now, you can get that ISBN for free on KWL or through an aggregator. If you publish your ebook in another language and want to distribute on other ebookstores than Amazon, you'll need an ISBN. I think the post makes it clear enough that authors don't need to purchase an ISBN if they're just going to publish ebooks, but you might not have read it to the end :)

01/08/2018 – 12:08

I would NOT have commented had I not read it to the end. And ACTUALLY no you don't need an ISBN for Kobo...from their site: "You will still be able to publish your book on Kobo without an ISBN and sell in over 190 countries worldwide as we will issue our own identifier number when it goes on our site." Your wording is misleading. Period. Deal with it.

H J K says:

16/09/2018 – 23:04

Great information here! One suggested correction: Image in section 'Is it the same as a barcode?" Numeral 3 in 4th position of EAN should not be there.

sundaresh says:

05/02/2020 – 13:26

Do I have to go through a publisher or a publishing house to have printed volumes with an ISBN on them, since the publisher code is part of the ISBN this would suggest so ?

↪️ Martin Cavannagh replied:

13/02/2020 – 15:20

Nope, that is not necessary. There are certain publisher codes reserved for self-publishing authors.

Comments are currently closed.

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How to Get an ISBN

by Chris Snellgrove

Just like human beings, all books have a distinctive genetic fingerprint: the ISBN. In order for your masterpiece to be sold in brick and mortar stores, distributed in libraries, or nominated for awards, it’s going to need one of these unique codes.

But what is an ISBN, exactly? How does it work, why is it important, and how can you get one? Let’s take a closer look at what you need to do to get your own ISBN for your book!

What is an ISBN?

An ISBN is a thirteen-digit number that uniquely identifies a published book. ISBNs help publishers and booksellers communicate with each other, because a book’s ISBN is the same everywhere in the world. Writers receive ISBNs from their publishers, or they can purchase them from an ISBN agency. “ISBN” stands for “International Standard Book Number.”

(You’ll sometimes see it being called an ISBN number, a victim of the RAS syndrome, or “redundant acronym syndrome syndrome.”)

Each different edition of a book gets its own unique ISBN to identify it. For instance, if you release the same book title as a paperback, a hardcover edition, an e-book, and a Super Deluxe Special Edition With Fancy Endpapers, each of those versions will get their own separate ISBN.

Some ISBNs are ten digits; we’ll look at why below.

These numbers are issued to both publishers and authors by agencies that specialize in managing ISBNs. We’ll take a closer look at how to get a new isbn number a bit later on in this article.

Where did ISBNs come from?

WHSmith, a major bookstore chain, launched the first ISBN system in the UK in 1967 as the “Standard Book Numbering System.” These were originally nine digits, although they switched to ten digits shortly after. By the early 1970s, ISBNs had become accepted worldwide.

In 2007, the International ISBN Agency officially switched from ten-digit numbers to thirteen digits. That means that anything published before 1967 won’t have an ISBN number, anything published between 1967 and 2007 will have a ten-digit ISBN number, and anything published after 2007 will have a thirteen-digit ISBN number.

Note that these dates apply to physical books, not stories. For example, a book by James Joyce wouldn’t have originally have had an ISBN number because it was written before the ’60s; however, a re-released copy of the same book printed after 1967 would have an ISBN assigned to it.

What do all those numbers mean?

ISBN numbers may look random, but they’re mathematically calculated using a special formula. A modern ISBN consists of five distinct parts (older, ten-digit ISBNs are made up of four parts). Each of these parts communicates something specific about the book.

As an author, you don’t need to be too concerned with knowing what all of these numbers are for—there won’t be an exam. But understanding the way it’s put together can make things a little easier if you’re looking at getting your own ISBN for your book.

Prefix element

The prefix element is always three digits—978 or 979 (this may change in future as these numbers get used up). Ten-digit ISBN numbers don’t have this piece. It just tells us that we’re looking at an ISBN number instead of another type of product code.

Registration group element

This number tells us what language the book is in. Majority languages are usually only one digit, but less widely spoken languages can be several. English-language books are 0 or 1, French-language books are 2, German is 3, and so forth.

Registrant element

This step represents the particular publisher. If you’re a self-published author, you’ll get your own registrant element, or publisher code. Traditional publishers with a registered publishing company will have the same registrant element for all their books.

Publication element

This is the crux of the book’s ISBN number. Every unique title and edition gets a different publication element to identify which volume it is. This is how retailers and readers can tell one edition or format of your book from another.

Check digit

This final number of a book’s ISBN will always be a single digit, and it shows that your unique number has been verified by the correct authorities.

Why is an ISBN important?

The ISBN is used to help identify your book. When publishers, retailers, and libraries order and sell books—whether it’s a print version or a digital book—they rely on the ISBNs to keep track of sales and their own stock. It also gives your book a place in library catalogues.

If you don’t get an ISBN number, it will be impossible for a customer to know if they’re getting one edition of the same book over another (or even the right title).

You won’t necessarily need to get an ISBN number for self-published books, especially if you’re only planning to sell it through your personal website or direct at events. But if you self-publish without an ISBN number, it’ll limit who you’ll be able to reach with it.

For example, you may only be able to distribute on your own or through a specific online publishing platform. With an ISBN, you can distribute through any retailer or platform all around the world.

ISBNs, ISSNs, and ASINs

So now we have a clear idea of what an ISBN is and why it’s important. But there are a couple other book identification numbers you might come across in your literary travels: ISSNs and ASINs.

ISSN stands for “International Standard Serial Number.” These are eight digits, shorter than an ISBN, and are used for recurring publications. This might be a magazine or literary journal, or a novel that’s released in chapbook-like episodes (like a limited series on Netflix).

ASIN stands for “Amazon Standard Serial Number.” These apply to all products sold through Amazon, not just books. ASINs are ten digits, like oldschool ISBNs, and are assigned by Amazon’s self-publishing platform. In fact, they don’t cost anything extra in addition to your self-publishing costs.

Sounds pretty great, right? Tread carefully, my friend—Amazon’s free asin number only allows you to seek through Amazon. Although you’ll sometimes see this being called a “free ISBN,” this number isn’t recognised by the publishing industry and won’t let you distribute through libraries or brick and mortar stores.

The difference between ISBN and barcode

You’ll notice that most books have both an ISBN number and a barcode (sometimes written as bar code). The barcode might even have the ISBN right on it, but they’re not the same thing or interchangeable.

You can think of it this way: an ISBN has to do with what a book is and where it comes from. A barcode has to do with money . It communicates how much the book costs and what currency the book’s fixed price is in.

Your book’s ISBN will be the same everywhere, but it might be sold under different barcodes.

You’ll often see a second number on the barcode alongside your ISBN—the UPC (in North America—this stands for Universal Product Code) or the EAN (in Europe—this stands for European Article Number). The shop uses these codes to tell them the set price. As an author, you just need to know your ISBN number.

Who can get an ISBN number?

ISBN numbers are available to anyone who’s written a book. If you’re a traditionally published author, your publishing house will supply you with one. If you self-publish your book (including ebooks), it’s possible for you to get an ISBN number in the same way that traditional publishers do. Alternatively, you may be able to get a free ISBN from your self-publishing platform.

If you’re only distributing through your personal website, then it’s up to you whether or not to get an ISBN number. You may not want to incur the extra cost right away, but having one up front ensures that more retailers and libraries will be able to buy your book and readers will have an easier time finding it.

How to get an ISBN number as a self-published author

Getting your own ISBN numbers will help you sell more books in more places. It also makes it easier for your fans to find your book and buy it.

Fortunately, getting your own ISBN as a self-published author is very easy! There’s no universal, international ISBN agency that handles all books (yet), so the processes can be a little different depending on where you’re located.

We’ll walk you through hot to get an ISBN number when you self-publish and other info you need to know.

Getting an ISBN number in the United States

Bowker is the official ISBN agency in the United States. Visit their main site to start the process of purchasing an ISBN for your book. They’ll present you with a number of different pricing options.

You’ll want to know how many ISBNs you want to buy (you get discounts for bulk purchases), and whether you also want to purchase barcodes and/or QR codes from them.

Barcodes make it easier for retail shops to sell your books (just point and scan) while QR codes allow for reader interaction. You might set them up to have your readers directed to your author website, or to some exclusive bonus content. However, these are optional extras—they’re not necessary.

If you’re working with a tight budget, you can buy a single new ISBN number to start off; however, remember that each format of your book needs a separate ISBN. You’ll get a much better value if you buy ten ISBNs, which cost just over double the cost of a single number. With ten ISBN numbers, you’ll be able to release several formats of at least two novels.

After purchasing, your new ISBN number will be processed and ready within five days.

Getting an ISBN number in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Nielsen is the ISBN agency for the UK (including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and the Republic of Ireland.

Just like the United States, the UK offers options to buy a single ISBN or ISBN numbers in bulk, which offer a better value; packs of ten are the most popular. These ISBNs cost roughly the same as those in the US.

Nielsen also offers barcodes and “ Book2Look biblets ” (similar to QR codes but fancier), which are interactive features that offer readers an inside look into your writing.

Their online shop offers two starter packages: the Self Publisher Pack and the Self Publisher Plus. The Self Publisher Pack contains one new ISBN, one barcode, one Book2Look biblet, and a year’s subscription to their enhanced marketing service. The “Plus” is the same format, only it offers ten ISBNs, ten barcodes, five Book2Looks, and a year’s subscription to their service. You might find that one of these packs is a great place to get started.

Once you purchase your chosen ISBN number or ISBN package, it will be processed in approximately five days.

Getting an ISBN number in Canada

Much like their enviable healthcare system, ISBN numbers are FREE to publishers and self-publishers in Canada.

First you’ll need to create an account with ISBN Canada . You only need to compete your ISBN registration once, and then you can apply for as many free ISBNs as you want.

You can request your free ISBN number with either an English-language code or a French-language code, and you need to provide proof of Canadian residency (sorry Yanks—no Friday-night drive bys). Once you fill out the form, your ISBN will be processed within ten days.

The Canadian free ISBN program, however, does not supply barcodes or interactive codes—you’ll need to find another source for those and order them separately.

Getting an ISBN number in Australia

Thorpe-Bowker is the official ISBN agency in Australia. They use a very similar system to Bowker in the US, and offer similar ISBN packages. Their pricing is substantially lower than their US counterparts; however, they do charge a first-time setup fee for new customers which the American Bowker doesn’t.

Ten-packs of ISBN numbers are their most popular option. They also sell barcodes, as well as ISBN/barcode package deals.

Thorpe-Bowker Australia does not list a processing time estimate, but their US counterpart quotes a wait time of five days.

Finding ISBN processes for your country

We’ve listed the major English-speaking countries and how you can find your local ISBN agency in each one. However, there are many more countries with their own ISBN agency. You can reach out to one of the one closest to where you live.

You can find the right agency for your particular country via the International ISBN Agency website . ISBN costs and processes can vary widely by country, so get in touch with your own ISBN agency and they can advise you on the next steps.

How much should you spend on an ISBN?

Depending on where you live, you might be able to get a free ISBN for your book. Other countries charge for them, but you can receive a better rate by purchasing several at a time.

At the time of writing, a single ISBN costs $125USD in the United States compared to $44AUD in Australia. A package of ten different ISBN numbers—which you can use for various formats and titles for as long as you need—cost $295USD or $88AUD, or approximately $30USD and $10AUD per number (although the Australian ISBN agency does charge that pesky setup fee!). In the UK, ISBNs cost £91 for a single ISBN and £169 for a block of ten.

As an emerging author, expect to spend around $100-$200 (or the equivalent in your home currency) on your first ISBN numbers.

While you can save some money only buying one ISBN to start off, it’s something of a false economy; you’ll inevitably need more later and wish you’d gotten a better value when you had the chance. Remember—every book format and new edition of the same book title needs its own ISBN number.

Larger quantities are designed with small-press publishers in mind. If you’re considering starting up your own publishing company, a pack of 100 ISBNs ($575 in the United States) is a good place to start; you can release several titles a year under several editions for the first few years.

Do ISBNs expire?

ISBNs do not expire—once you have one, it’s yours forever. They’re also firmly non-transferable within the book industry, which means you can’t sell it off or repurpose it for another book once you don’t need it anymore.

However, remember that you need a different ISBN for every version of your book. You can use the same ISBN if you catch a few typos in your first printing and promptly publish a new batch, but if your book undergoes a major revision, or if it’s released with new material, it will need an ISBN of its own.

For example, if you publish a “book club edition” of your book with extra author’s notes, interviews, and discussion questions, that book will need its own new edition ISBN—even if the old one and the new one are both paperbacks or both hardcovers.

Where will the ISBN appear on my book?

In a printed book, the ISBN should appear on the copyright page. All your books will have their own ISBN, but they’ll be different for different editions such as paperbacks, hardcovers, or rereleases.

Your ISBN will also appear on sales pages for various online bookstores. For example, if you’re selling a book on Amazon or other online retailers, the item listing will show the ISBN number. That way, potential readers know that they’re getting exactly the right edition they’re after.

Getting an ISBN for your book is quick and easy

An ISBN is the universal standard used by publishing companies to identify books. Getting an ISBN helps make it easier for you to enhance book sales and distribute across different markets, including your local library.

The process is quick and easy for self-publishing authors, and it brings you one step closer to selling your book to the largest possible audience!

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A Comprehensive Guide to ISBNs

Originally published May 25, 2020; most recently updated July 25, 2023.

When I presented “Self-publishing 101” at a conference, one of the biggest topics during the Q&A was ISBNs. Lots of questions and lots of confusion surfaced. ISBNs are one of the elements of indie publishing that took me a long time to figure out, so if you’re puzzled by them, you’re in good company.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of ISBNs as well as ISBN-related logistics to pay attention to when publishing via KDP and IngramSpark , the two major self-publishing platforms.

What is an ISBN?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. And it’s just what it sounds like: a unique identifying number for your book. It is a global standard and required by most retailers. Through December 2006, ISBNs were 10 digits; now they are 13 digits.

An ISBN usually looks something like this: 978-1-945209-05-5.

• The first element (978) indicates it is an ISBN.
• The second element (1) indicates country or language.
• The third element (945209) indicates the publisher.
• The fourth element (05) indicates the title and format.
• The fifth element (5) is a check digit (a number that verifies the other digits were entered correctly).

When someone looks up a book, the owner of the ISBN is listed as the publisher of record. (Note: The ISBN is separate from copyright; owning an ISBN does not necessarily mean you hold the copyright.)

In addition to being part of your book’s metadata , the ISBN is usually located on the back cover of a book and listed in the front matter along with the publisher, copyright, and so on.

How do I get an ISBN? What does it cost?

The publisher acquires the ISBN—and this includes author-publishers, i.e., those who are self-publishing.

ISBNs are distributed by country. In the US, ISBNs can be purchased from Bowker Identifier Services .

As of November 2021, Bowker charges:

• $125 for a single ISBN
• $295 for 10 ISBNs
• $575 for 100 ISBNs
• $1500 for 1000 ISBNs

(Note: KDP and IngramSpark offer free or discounted ISBNs. I recommend getting your own. More info below.)

Once you’ve purchased a block of numbers, you can hold them until you are ready to assign them to specific books. When you assign a title to an ISBN, it gets added to Bowker’s Books In Print database, which is used by publishers, retailers, and libraries. (Read more Bowker FAQs .)

If you’re based outside the US, you’ll have to find your national ISBN agency to determine the process for getting ISBNs. For example, in Cyprus, ISBNs are provided by the Cyprus Library and are free; the application process includes assigning the ISBN to a specific book.

How many ISBNs do I need?

You need an ISBN for each version of your book: hardback, paperback, ebook, audiobook, large print, and so on. Got a fancy illustrated special edition? It needs its own ISBN. Doing a color version of a book already in black and white? Again, it needs its own ISBN.

Most of my clients have at minimum a paperback and ebook, so they need a minimum of two ISBNs. Many indie authors quickly realize that it makes sense to get a block of 10 ISBNs even if they are only planning on one book in paperback, hardback, and ebook. Authors who plan to create multiple books might want to consider the block of 100 in order to keep the per-unit cost down.

Do I really need an ISBN for my ebook?

Some online retailers (like Amazon) do not require an ISBN for an ebook. Amazon will assign an ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) instead.

However, many online retailers DO require ISBNs for ebooks, e.g., iBooks and Kobo. Additionally, libraries require ISBNs on ebooks.

If you don’t assign an ISBN up front, you may end up with multiple ISBNs (for example, if you get a free one on one platform, then another on another platform) or multiple other identifiers (the equivalent of Amazon’s ASIN) for the same ebook. All this can do is muddy the waters for people looking for your book.

Even if initially you’re publishing only a Kindle version, I recommend assigning your ebook an ISBN so that in the future it can be clearly identified and sold on as many platforms as you’d like.

Do I need a separate barcode?

The ISBN barcode is a machine-readable version of the ISBN—the larger barcode at left in this image (the price is at right). You’ll see the human-readable digits above and below the barcode.

If you never plan to sell in a retail setting, you don’t need a barcode; however, I recommend having one simply because it is standard practice.

Bowker will try to sell you a barcode on top of the 13-digit number you purchase, but there is no need to pay for a barcode.

If you use KDP or IngramSpark to self-publish, they will generate a barcode for you based on the digits you provide. If you use KDP’s cover creator, it will create a barcode for you; likewise with IngramSpark’s cover template creator. If you create your own cover without a barcode and upload it to KDP, KDP will add a barcode using the number you provide.

You can also search online for free barcode creators. Just be sure to test that the barcodes actually work (use your phone’s camera or download a scanner app to your phone and test it to make sure it reads the numbers correctly).

Do I need the price in my barcode?

In addition to the ISBN barcode, you can have a supplemental barcode that includes the price—the smaller barcode at right in this image. The price is indicated in human-readable form as a five-digit number, in this case 52495. The first digit indicates the currency, e.g., 5 is the code for US dollars. The next four digits are the price, in this case $24.95.

Most barcode generators will ask if you want to include the price in the barcode. And there are actually three barcode variations you could choose:

• ISBN barcode only with no supplemental price barcode.
• ISBN barcode and price barcode with no actual price in it. You’ll notice books like this have a “price” of 90000.
• ISBN barcode and price barcode with the price (as shown).

Include the price in the barcode:

• If you plan to sell in retail stores. This is standard practice and an expectation for retailers.
• As a marketing strategy. For example, if you plan to do bulk sales, you may want to anchor the perceived value at $24.95 even though the volume price may be $17.95.

You could skip the price in the barcode:

• If your primary sales will be online and/or if you will be handling them in person.
• If you think you might change the price of your book, e.g., for different events.

When do you buy and assign ISBNs?

In the US, you can purchase your ISBNs any time before publication and hold them indefinitely. You must assign your ISBN to your book prior to publication.

If you plan to request US Library of Congress (LOC) cataloging, be sure to assign the ISBN well in advance of publication to allow for LOC processing time.

One tactical note: You must have your title finalized before assigning the ISBN. If you change the title, you need a new ISBN. I mention this because I sometimes have clients who want to change titles all the way up until just before publication. Be sure to recognize the potential snags that that approach can throw into your timeline (not to mention the crimp it puts in your pre-launch marketing).

Can you buy a block of ten ISBNs and then resell them?

ISBNs cannot be resold. Ownership of ISBNs can be transferred for an entire block (e.g., when one company buys another), but ownership of individual ISBNs cannot be.

If you find someone other than Bowker selling ISBNs, exercise caution: they will likely end up listed as the publisher of record.

What about the free ISBNs from KDP and IngramSpark?

When self-publishing on KDP and/or IngramSpark, you can get an ISBN for free. If cost is an issue, this is a nice benefit; however, it comes with a few strings…

• The free ISBNs can be used only on the platform where you acquired them and can limit your distribution options.
• The “Publisher” field (e.g., on your Amazon product page) will show “Independently published” rather than your publisher or imprint name. On IngramSpark the publisher will be listed as “Indy Pub.”
• My understanding is that your book information will get into Bowker’s Books In Print database, but to the best of my knowledge, you will not have access to update that information directly.

One final string that may or may not matter to you: while many readers won’t care who is listed as the publisher, many bookstores will. My sense in talking to bookstores is that when they do not carry books published through KDP, it is for two primary reasons:

• If the book is not available and returnable via Ingram (the book distributor, not IngramSpark the self-publishing arm), it is too inconvenient for them. (KDP’s expanded distribution actually does go through Ingram; however, the books are not returnable.)
• They don’t want to support the competitive 800-pound gorilla, Amazon.

Do bookstores have the same reaction to IngramSpark’s free ISBN? To date, I have not heard of this being an issue. (Let me know if you have direct experience to the contrary.)

How do I use my own ISBN on KDP and IS? Any tips I should know?

Now there are a couple of tricky spots to be aware of when using your own ISBN.

Using Your ISBN on KDP

Let’s look at KDP first:

• When you upload your files to KDP, they do a check against Bowker to make sure your imprint matches what is on file. If there is a mismatch, you won’t be able to proceed.
• When KDP does the check, they are also looking for whether the ISBN is in use elsewhere, e.g., on IngramSpark. If it is in use elsewhere, you will not be able to use KDP’s Expanded Distribution.
• In fact, using your own ISBN appears to limit some of the Expanded Distribution options, regardless of whether the ISBN is in use elsewhere. (I am having trouble finding any nitty-gritty details in KDP’s Help, and I don’t use this option enough to have recent first-hand experience.) However, if you plan to use a KDP–IngramSpark combo, this is not a problem.

Using your ISBN on IngramSpark

On IngramSpark, you can assume they do a check against Bowker as well. However, the question of whether the ISBN is already in use is less of an issue. Here’s why…

When IngramSpark makes your book available for distribution, they basically send a data feed to all their distributors, including Amazon. The distributors get to decide (presumably via some algorithm) whether to accept the data and list your book for sale. If IngramSpark sends the data feed to Amazon and Amazon is already listing the KDP version of your book with the same ISBN, they will not accept the IngramSpark listing.

The Combo Strategy

Many indie authors use both KDP and IngramSpark for the same version of their book, typically a paperback. (Remember, it has to be the exact same book to use the same ISBN–same trim size, cover format, etc.) Using KDP is believed to give your book a boost in the Amazon search algorithm, and author copies (books purchased at cost) are usually less expensive than those from IngramSpark; however, IngramSpark gives you better access to bookstores and in some situations can pay higher royalties. So using both platforms–KDP for Amazon and IS for everything else–is believed to provide the best of both worlds.

If you plan to use both platforms , here’s my suggestion:

• Buy your own ISBNs.
• Set up KDP so that the KDP data populates the Amazon marketplaces. Do NOT enable Expanded Distribution. Don’t press Publish yet.
• Set up IngramSpark to populate everything else. Don’t press Publish yet.
• When you’ve got both platforms set up, go back and press Publish on KDP, then press Publish on IngramSpark.

If you publish via IngramSpark first, the data feed can actually populate Amazon, so you end up selling the IngramSpark version of the book rather than the KDP version, thus negating the whole algorithm strategy (presumably).

I will add a caveat: I have experienced this issue with publishing in the “wrong” order, and I’ve talked to other authors who have run into this problem. In working with KDP and IngramSpark to try to resolve version issues in the listing, neither has been helpful; each pointed at the other as the party responsible for fixing the issue. But it’s possible they will resolve this issue systemically (or have resolved it), so at some point the order in which you publish may not matter.

How do ISBNs apply to a series of books?

Say you have a series of books–it could be a fiction trilogy or a series of related nonfiction books. How do ISBNs apply to the set?

• Each book needs its own ISBN, as described above.
• If you package multiple books into a box set, the set itself needs an ISBN. (The individual books already have their own ISBNs.)
• Depending on the type of series, you may also want an ISSN (International Standard Series Number), available from the Library of Congress. They are most commonly assigned to magazines, journals, and other types of continuing publications. The acronym is similar but an ISSN is a different thing, so read more on the LOC ISSN site .

The Bowker FAQ page is useful for more on series and packages.

Still have questions?

ISBNs are a surprisingly confusing topic. If you’ve still got questions, send me an email, and I will do my best to answer or point you to another resource, and I’ll update the comments with the information. (I turned off comments after getting tired of managing spam.)

And don’t miss these related articles:

KDP vs. IngramSpark: Which Publishing Platform Is Right for You?

KDP and IngramSpark Printing Options

40 Comments

Karin, thank you so much for this article! I am about to purchase a pack of ISBN’s for my first (but not last) book Suicidal to Superhuman: Accepting Mental Illness and Its Role in Global Sanity. I have family members who also write, and while I realize you cannot transfer ISBN’s to family members, could they use my additional ISBN’s and publish under my name? Or, alternatively, if I create a (very basic) publishing company could we all publish under that instead of buying our own blocks individually? And would doing that hurt my chances of being picked up by a more well known publisher? Thanks in advance for any more insights.

Hi, Mike. Thanks for the questions. Yes, you could purchase a block of ISBNs and let your family members publish under your name or your agreed upon publishing imprint. When you purchase the block you’ll need to include the name of the publisher, so it would be good to hash that out with them up front. I have a block of ISBNs under Clear Sight Books that some clients choose to use–they want to have a publisher name for marketing purposes and/or don’t want to deal with setting up everything up themselves. For your question about hurting your chances with a more well known publisher, that’s kind of a big topic. If you are hoping a publisher will pick up your self-published book, that is pretty uncommon. But how you do on this book could help or hurt future books. If you are sloppy on this first self-published book, it could hurt future books. If you do a good job with the first book though–show professionalism, good marketing, good sales, good reviews–it could actually make your next book more appealing to a publisher.

When I buy one ISBN number, is that number for all the copies I make so long as it’s for the same book that his been copyright. for example if I make 1000 copies of one book can I purchase one ISBN number for that amount?

When you buy one ISBN, it is for all copies of one specific size/format/edition. For example, if you have a 6×9 paperback, you need one ISBN regardless of the number of books printed. But if you decide to also make the same book into a 5.5×8.5 paperback, you need a new ISBN because it is a different size.

The ISBN is not directly related to copyright. You still hold the copyright on your creative work even if you do not get an ISBN, e.g., if your book is unpublished or if you publish an ebook on KDP without an ISBN. To be able to ENFORCE the copyright, you must register it though. Visit https://www.copyright.gov/ for details on copyright.

Thanks a lot for clarifying this! Now, what can someone do if already published in KDP (extended distribution) and got a free ISBN from them and now want to publish in Ingramspark? What do you advice? Thanks.

Hi, Carol. If you have a free ISBN from KDP and are using expanded distribution, the book is actually going through the Ingram distribution channel to reach all the retailers outside Amazon. Even if you are able to turn off KDP expanded distribution and add your book to IngramSpark, you would have to have a new ISBN–you cannot use the one from KDP. And that would give you two ISBNs for essentially the same book (assuming you are talking about, for example, having your paperback on both platforms), which is not a best practice. You could purchase your own ISBNs from Bowker, give your book a new ISBN, and republish on KDP (without ED) and on IngramSpark (using the same new ISBN that you own). The challenge here is that you may lose your reviews on Amazon–I’d suggest doing some research on that point before you proceed. You may want to consider why you are interested in making this change and if it is really needed. Could it wait for a second edition, for example? –Karin

Hi Karin, Great information! My question relates to an author using IngramSpark for the print version (hardcover) and KDP for the eBook so he can distribute through Kindle. Does it matter which one he sets up first? He wants to release the print version then follow up with the eBook, but after reading your article I wonder which order is best. Thanks!

Hi, Kari. Technically it should not make any difference which version you do first since they are two different products. The problem comes when you do a paperback on KDP and a paperback on IS and the data feeds get crossed. Strategically I think you usually see the hardback and ebook released at the same time, then the paperback a year or so later. But that’s more a matter of choice. One thing to watch for is that the hardback and ebook get properly matched on Amazon so that you see all the versions on the same product page. When doing paperback and ebook on KDP, it usually takes a few days after publication, so it might take a little longer to get the IS product matched. If they still aren’t matched after a couple weeks, KDP/Amazon has usually been really helpful resolving the issue.

This is really useful. Thanks for posting it. I’m so confused with it all!! Can I just check that I have understood correctly? 1. Get Ebook available using KDP under my own bought ISBN 2. Then use Ingram for ebook (with same ISBN as the one used for KDP) and for print paperback (second ISBN that I have bought) 3. This will mean Ingram send data of paperback to Amazon and it will appear as saleable on there? Will it show up with the listing of the ebook, that I’ve placed on there with KDP? But Ingram data for ebook will be refused as the ISBN no. recognised to be the same as already in use with KDP? Oh God! It’s all so scary! And returns could see you bankrupt couldn’t they? Thanks for your help, Jeni

Hi, Jeni. You will want 2 ISBNs–one for ebook, one for paperback. You can use the same ISBN on multiple platforms (e.g., KDP and IS) as long as you own it.

Re paperback, I would suggest KDP for Amazon (not the expanded distribution) and IngramSpark for everything else. However, you can do just IS and the data feed will go to Amazon, so that works too.

Re ebook, I would probably rethink what you are describing. If you want to be exclusive to Amazon, just use KDP. Exclusive can be a good idea if you only have one book and you want to build readership by using the free download days, for example. If you want to go wide, I would probably not use IngramSpark. I would look at Draft2Digital. I have not used them personally, but my understanding is that they pay a much higher royalty than IS does.

Re returns, if your goal is to sell your paperback in bookstores (rather than online), yes, you will want to make your paperback returnable. And yes, you need to price carefully and understand that you take a hit when books are returned (including shipping costs). If your goal is to sell mostly online via Amazon, your website, social media, etc., you can choose to not make the books returnable. And on IngramSpark you can also set the discount to the lowest amount (30-35% instead of 50-55%)–thus earning you more on each sale. There is not a clear right/wrong answer–it all depends on your goals.

I know self-publishing can be nerve-wracking, but honestly, even if you screw something up, it can almost always be fixed (some fixes are uglier than others, but still fixable), so do your research but don’t let nerves hold you back.

Congrats on your book–and good luck with it!! –Karin

Printing hardcover on IS for client. If I use the free IS ISBN will it be usable for selling this book on Amazon? Thanks

Hi, Pete. If you are using IngramSpark for hardback, when you approve the book for distribution, the data feed will go everywhere that Ingram sends it, including to Amazon. So in that sense, using a free ISBN from IngramSpark to sell on Amazon is not a problem. However, if you were ever to publish on a different platform–say for instance KDP decided to offer hardback as an option and you wanted to use it–I suspect you would not be able to take the ISBN with you from IngramSpark–just as you can’t take a free KDP ISBN elsewhere. IngramSpark just started offering free ISBNs relatively recently and I haven’t seen good documentation from them, but here is what I did find: https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/isbn-facts-for-self-publishers .

I just want to double check that I am understanding this correctly. I purchased ISBN’s from Bowker. Do I assign the title information to the ISBN in my Bowker account first, and then use that ISBN to go through the title set up process with KDP and IS?

Hi, Amanda. I think you got it. In Bowker, assign one ISBN to paperback and one to ebook (assuming that’s what you have). When you set up your books in KDP or IS, they will ask whether you want them to assign a free ISBN or you want to use your own. Use the ISBNs you assigned to those books. Note that when you assign an ISBN to a book in Bowker, there are a few fields that you won’t be able to change after the fact (like title, I think), so you need to be firm on those. But many of the fields can be updated later, and usually I find I need to go back to Bowker near or after publication to update a few, e.g., price or publication date, or to upload the cover file, so don’t panic if you don’t have all the fields finalized when you first assign the ISBN.

I’m about to self-publish my first book and have acquired my own ISBN. I intend to use a local printer to print a few dozen copies and also use KDP for wider distribution. The only difference will be, presumably, the type and quality of paper used between my local printer and KDP. Can I use the same ISBN in both cases? Or should I go for the free ISBN for the KDP version?

Hi, Sam. If you own your own ISBN, you can use it at the printer and on KDP. If you plan to publish on IngramSpark, you can use it there as well, but in that case, do be sure to read my article about how to set it up correctly (link is at top of this article). One more note about your printer and KDP… You are probably right about the paper being different. That can lead to differences in the spine width, so be sure you get the correct calculations for your cover designer; you may need two slightly different versions of the cover (it should be minimal work). Good luck! –Karin

Hello, Thank you for some great info on this. I have spent days trying to resolve this with KDP and IngramSpark. I briefly has expanded distribution with KDP checked before my two books were published but I then unchecked the box. I then tried to input the basic infor to setup the books on Ingram. It said the print ISBNs were already in use. A KDP manager has said that I can’t use the same ISBN for KDP and Ingram, even though I own the ISBNs (from Nielsen) and my own imprint. He said that I can transfer the ISBN to Ingram. However, what does this mean for the KDP/Amazon book distribution and sales? Can I still use the KDP platform? Who prints the KDP books. This is a nightmare!

Hi, Nyla. I’m sorry your having so much hassle. Aarrgh. The KDP manager is wrong. If you own your own ISBN, you can use it on both platforms; you just can’t use it on KDP expanded distribution and IngramSpark at the same time. Here’s the problem: KDP uses Ingram for its expanded distribution, as does IngramSpark. (IngramSpark is a sister company of Ingram the distribution company–they are not the same thing even though we sometimes speak of them that way as shorthand.) When you checked the expanded distribution box, you sent your book (its metadata) into Ingram’s distribution stream. So when you tried to send it from IngramSpark, the data was already there, thus the message it was already in use.

I honestly am not sure whether you will be able to untangle expanded distribution. Sometimes if you wait a few days for the metadata to cycle through (it takes a while to propagate to all the systems), things get resolved, but I wouldn’t count on that. I know at least one person in your situation who ended up purchasing another ISBN for her book (or maybe she assigned one she’d already bought–I suggest buying at least a package of 10 just because the marginal cost is less). If you have to do that, it’s annoying but just chalk it up to life experience and the cost of doing business.

The other option you mentioned is to use just IngramSpark. If you do this, Ingram sends your book’s data feed everywhere (just like KDP’s expanded distribution did, because remember it’s the same thing), including to Amazon. So your book would be on Amazon, but all your sales and royalties would be reported and paid to you through IngramSpark. The slight drawback as I mentioned in the article is that there is a presumption that Amazon’s algorithms treat KDP books more favorably than books from other sources.

Re printing, KDP and IngramSpark both have print facilities and networks of printers around the world, so they are printing their own respective books. (Do they ever use each other’s printers? Maybe, but I’m not sure.)

Hang in there–you’ll get this sorted! –Karin

ps would you use IngramSpark for ebooks or not?

No. The royalties are not competitive. Mostly I use Kindle because that suits my clients and their goals. But if you want to go broad (many ebook platforms), look at Draft2Digital. And DO assign an ISBN to your ebook; some platforms will require it.

You are a rock star Karin. This has been so so helpful. I have a simliar issue to Nyla Just put my book up on KDP and I chose expanded distribution. I had no idea what this meant. I need to try and de-select. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. 🙂

I appreciate your taking the time to leave a note, Theresa. I’m glad the information is helpful! –Karin

This was very helpful, Karin. Thank you so much!

You are welcome! –Karin

Hi Karin – I have published with Amazon KDP and used an ISBN that I purchased from Bowker. When I imputed the ISBN information into KDP I listed Bowker as the imprint, not realizing Bowker would then show up as the listed publisher. I have updated my information in the Myidentifiers section of Bowker (listing myself as the publisher) and the information is pending. Do you know if this will resolve the issue of KDP listing Bowker as the publisher or if I will have to further edit my book details on Amazon KDP?

Hi, John. Before you publish, the imprint field stays changeable. After you publish, it locks. I am a little surprised KDP let you put Bowker as the imprint, because my understanding (from the hover help) is that they verify that the imprint and ISBN exist/match before they let you proceed with publishing. Since you used your own name as the imprint in Bowker/MyIdentifiers, that should have caused a red flag for their check. I’m not entirely sure, but I don’t think that Bowker is sending their data feed to KDP, and if they are, I’m not sure it updates anything, so I think your best bet may be to contact KDP and see if they can change the imprint name for you in their database. (You’ll probably need to prove to them the correct name.) When you get this resolved, I’d be happy to have you come back and share what happened in case other people run into a similar situation. Good luck! –Karin

Thank you so much for this article. It’s the most concise and informative explanation of a very confusing issue that I’ve found so far. My question is related to barcode pricing options for the print book. I am publishing my sci-fi novel through both KDP and Ingram Spark (and in the order you’ve suggested). I own my own ISBNs, registered to my own publishing company imprint. With Ingram Spark, it works out that I need to price the book at a minimum of 14.99 in order to go with the 55% wholesale discount option, which they recommend as the best (or the only) way to insure that brick-and-mortar book stores will carry my book. And they highly recommend using a barcode that encodes the price (coded as 51499). On the other hand, all the feedback I’m getting from indie authors using KDP points argues for using a barcode with the “no-price” option (coded as 90000)–presumably, to allow more freedom to alter pricing strategies. IngramSpark discourages this practice (for several seemingly good reasons), but almost all the indie sci-fi books I’ve seen sold on Amazon carry the “no-price” 90000 code. What to do?So, why not generate two different barcodes (same ISBN)– one with the 14.99 price on the cover for the IS book, and another one with the “no-price” 90000 code for the KDP book? I already need two separate pdf cover layouts from my cover designer due to differences in spine width between IS and KDP, so it would be easy enough to print just different barcode prices on them. Would this be considered an acceptable practice? Thanks again for the light you’re shedding on this topic. ~David

Hi, David. Thanks for the message. You raise an interesting question. Indeed brick-and-mortar stores are unlikely to carry your book unless it is available through Ingram (with an appropriate discount and returnability). However, simply setting up those options does not “ensure” stores will carry your book. It takes some significant marketing effort to make stores aware of your book and interested in stocking it. If they do carry it, they will want the price encoded–it simplifies their processes. If they are just ordering a one-off copy for a customer who requests it, the price barcode may be less important. Just make sure you have realistic expectations about getting into stores.

For the above reason, many indie authors focus on online sales rather than store sales, which is why the price barcode is less helpful/important. In fact many of my clients who use IS set the minimum discount/non-returnable because they know the difficulty of getting into stores. (But realize also that my clients tend to be focused on using their book as a marketing tool for other services, not so much as a product to make money on, which I think is a different approach from yours.) If stores are not part of your strategy, then the 90000 code makes sense.

I thought about your idea of using a price barcode on the IS version and not on the KDP version. Initially I thought, “Well, that’s a clever solution.” And it may be, if you want to be able to set varying prices at in-person events (higher or lower, box sets, etc.). Where my hesitation arises is in the pricing online. I would suggest it is a bad practice to set different prices for the same product on different platforms. If you are pricing at 14.99 on IS, that price is going to all the places IS sends their data feed, in your case, everywhere except Amazon. If you then price your book at, say, 12.99 on KDP, that’s what Amazon will show. How will a customer feel if they buy your book at a higher price on B&N and then see the lower price on Amazon? To me, it’s important to provide consistency in pricing for equivalent purchases. I could easily argue that an in-person sale is not equivalent (signed copies, personal interaction with the author, etc.), which is why I could see pricing those sales differently and the benefit of the 90000 code. But I would not price IS and KDP versions differently online.

Nutshell: If you are committed to one price online and use a price barcode on IS and not on KDP, and want to use the books with the 90000 code for in-person events, that may be a good approach.

I would be curious if anyone else has feedback on this point. Let me know where you land! –Karin

Thanks for your response. This is really great info. Especially your point about not using two different prices on different platforms. So, I’m thinking one approach would be to keep the 90000 barcode on the KPD books and set the online price the same as the books from IS–$14.99. Except that’s a bit high for the books in my genre I’m seeing on Amazon. All the 90000-coded sci-fi paperbacks I checked out had list prices between $9.99 and $15.99. I had planned on $12.99 for Amazon. So why not simply lower the barcode price of the IS book to $12.99 and just not worry about that 55% wholesale discount issue? (That was another good point you made–I have to be realistic about the chances of B&N rushing to carry the work of an unknown sci-fi author). So, if I used the above strategy, I could keep the flexabilty of the 90000 code on KDP for possible future price changes down, and used the $12.99 barcode with IS, I’d avoid their clear disdain of the 90000 code. Then the prices on both platforms would be the same. (And only my cover designer will be unhappy at having to redo the IS cover 🙂 Anyway, does that sound like a better approach? Thanks again so much for what you’re doing to help indie author’s figure this stuff out. Yours is truly the clearest voice out there in these matters. ~David

Based on what you are telling me, David, I think 12.99 sounds like a reasonable price for both platforms, and having one cover with no price code gives you some flexibility for pricing variations in person. If you decide not to worry about brick-and-mortar sales for now, you can set IS to be the lowest discount (30% or 35%) and nonreturnable. If you want to test out bookstores, you could always approach your local indie store to carry your books on consignment; they’ll most likely expect a 40% discount. (Incidentally on IS, when you set the discount to 55%, the store usually gets 40% and Ingram, the distributor, gets 15%. The store is not getting 55%.)

Two other things: 1) When I recommend keeping prices the same across platforms, that doesn’t mean you can’t do price promotions on occasion (e.g., have a 9.99 sale for a week). They are easier to manage on KDP, but you can do them on IS too–it just takes more planning because the data changes only once a week and takes time for it to propagate through the various retailer systems. 2) If you grow an audience and think you could find some interest from bookstores, you could create a different edition of the book that you price specifically for that market, e.g., a hardback, a larger size, or an illustrated edition–something that can support a higher list price.

Reminder to everyone: Before finalizing prices, be sure to run the KDP and IS calculators so you know what books will cost you to order author copies and what your royalties will be–the arithmetic needs to work!

Question from email: I’m helping my brother release a new series he’s writing. He’s releasing the first 3 books at once and I’ve been looking into the publishing / formatting end of things. Your articles are extremely helpful, thank you!!!

I’m planning on using Ingram for the hardcover release, and have been considering offering a box set as well. I haven’t seen anything about box sets anywhere on Ingram, and am considering using a different offset printer that does them. Do you know if I would need a different ISBN for the box set / each book in the box set, or – assuming it’s the same dimensions, formatting etc. and the only difference is the printer – I can use the same ISBNs as the POD?

My response: Hi. Thanks for the message.

To the best of my knowledge KDP and IS do not offer POD for boxed sets, so yes if you want a physical box for the 3 books, you’ll need to use a different printer–at least for the box, though I suppose you could use KDP- or IS-printed individual volumes and just package them into the box.

If you own the ISBNs on the 3 volumes, you can have a printer print the exact same format of the book (e.g., trim size, paperback) using those same ISBNs. If you have the free KDP or IS ISBNs, you can use the ISBNs only on those platforms and would need new ones.

For the boxed set, my understanding is that you should leave the individual ISBN on the individual books (again, same format, etc.) and also assign an ISBN to the set collectively.

Here is what the ISBN organization says: Assigning ISBNs to multi-format/multi-volume works An ISBN must be allocated to the whole set of volumes of a multi-volume work; also, if the individual volumes of the set are sold separately, each volume must have its own ISBN. Even when each volume is not sold separately, the allocation of an ISBN to each volume is advisable. It facilitates the handling of returns (damaged volumes) and eliminates the possibility of confusion over specific publications. Each volume should list all ISBNs.

Similar rules apply to kits (e.g. a CD-ROM with accompanying booklet). If any of the parts are available separately, then each part that qualifies for ISBN assignment should be given a separate ISBN, in addition to the ISBN for the kit as a whole.

Good luck! –Karin

Thanks so much for this great article. I have been struggling with ISBNs and my first book release. I have a question about how Barnes and Noble fits into all of this. For my second book, can I use the same ISBN at Barnes and Noble? Should I publish there first, then to KDP, then to Ingram? Or should I let Ingram distribute to Barnes and Noble for me? I’m asking because I published my first book to KDP first and accidentally chose expanded distribution. BN would not let me use the same ISBN even when I took the book out of expanded distribution.

In a related question, now I want to get my first book into the Ingram catalog. Should I publish to Ingram with the same ISBN as my KDP book or my BN book?

Thanks in advance.

Hi, Leslie. I have not used B&N as a POD platform personally. When I researched them, the pricing was not competitive (but that may have changed). For print, I usually just stick with KDP for Amazon and IS for everything else. But to answer your question, if you own the ISBN, you can use it on all platforms (as long as you don’t enable KDP’s expanded distribution). However, I suspect you will run into the same issue with BN.com and IS as you do with KDP and IS. That is, the IS data feed goes everywhere, including Amazon and BN.com. So if you want to set Amazon and BN up directly, do that first. Then set up IS for everything else.

For your catalog question, as long as you own your ISBN, don’t use KDP’s expanded distribution, and do everything in the right order, you should be able to use the same ISBN on all platforms and that should work for the IS catalog. I think once you enable KDP’s expanded distribution, it is almost impossible to undo it–the data likes to hang out wherever it has already gone.

I hope that helps! –Karin

Great information, very useful stuff!

I have a slightly different question related to ISBNs. On the official ISBN International site it says that an author can purchase an ISBN from the country he resides in, and not necessarily the country in which he wants to publish his book.

For instance I’m based in Romania and I want to self-publish my children’s book via Amazon and Ingram Spark. Do I still have to go through Bowker to get my ISBN?

Hi, Denisa. You get the ISBN in your own country (or sometimes through the international agency). Check this page for the list of agencies . Also, I can’t read this very well, but I think this is the Romanian ISBN page .

However, do make sure you get onto the KDP and IngramSpark sites and see that you can create accounts. I had one client who, due to his country, could use KDP but not IngramSpark.

Hi Karin. Thank you again for your very informative response. I’ve gone ahead and priced the print book at 12.99 on both KDP and IS (but won’t “Enable” on IS until well after everything is settled on Amazon). I chose IS’s %35 wholesale discount to get about a buck in royalties, and am totally OK with that. Interesting about how IS so strongly advises that %55 discount, especially now that I know IS gets a nice cut of that. Also, I concur with your suggestion for everyone at this pont in the game to do the math for print cost and royalty compensation on both IS and KDP calculators, before deciding on pricing and generating a barcode for it. I made the miskake of not doing that before printing a barcode price for my first book, and because of the calculations from IS, I had to back-track and readjust the wholesale discount figure. It caused an unexpected delay. I would add to your suggestion to do the calculations for IS first, before doing it for KDP. If you’re going with both platforms for the printbook and using the same price, the IS calculation will give you an idea of how low you can set that price. IS will not publish your book with a negative value in the compensation column. KDP’s compensation formulas are way more generous, so as long as you’re getting a positive compensation from IS, even if it’s $0.03, you’re assured a a much more “positive” rate from KDP for the same book pricing. Thanks again for your help. This is an awesome forum! ~David

Hey, David. Thanks for coming back to fill us in on your resolution. Really appreciate it.

Just to clarify, IS and Ingram are sister companies, but not the same company. When you set the discount to 35%, Ingram the distributor still gets their 15%; the bookstore gets only 20%, which is not enough to make it worthwhile for them to carry your book (but they might special order it for a customer if asked).

Isn’t it astonishing how this topic goes on and on–it’s no wonder people get so confused about ISBNs!

Thanks again, and good luck with your book! –Karin

I’m using my own ISBN for my books for the first time, but it’s asking for a *book price* in before assigning the ISBN to a book. I have no idea what I should price it at since this will be my first time owning it and I know it will be going to different retailers and libraries. Should I just price it at what I priced it on Amazon? Can I change the price in my ISBN? Is there a cost to change the price if I decide to change it later?

Hi, K.F. When you fill in the Bowker info to assign an ISBN, it does help to have things like price already defined; however, price is one of the fields you can change after the fact, so take your best guess for now, then make sure to put an action item on your project plan to go back and double check Bowker for any changes needed post-publication.

Re pricing itself, in my opinion the same book should have the same retail price regardless of platform. If you price it at 9.99 on Amazon, price it at 9.99 on IngramSpark. That doesn’t mean you can’t do price promotions occasionally or price it differently for in-person sales (e.g., at a conference or book signing). And it doesn’t mean Amazon won’t play pricing games with your book’s price (out of your control). But as a general rule, the price should be the price. (That said, make sure you understand the royalty calculations on all the platforms you are using so that you choose a price that will make you enough $$.)

Comments are closed

• About the ISBN standard
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• ISBN Converter

Welcome to the U.S. ISBN Agency!

Bowker is the official source for ISBNs in the United States.

An ISBN uniquely identifies your book, and facilitates the sale of your book to bookstores (physical and digital) and libraries. Using ISBNs allows you to better manage your book's metadata, and ensure maximum discoverability of your book. Your book is listed in Bowker Books in Print ® , which is used by all the major search engines and most bookstores and libraries.

You can go to My Identifiers to get your ISBNs instantly.

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Home / Book Publishing / What Is An ISBN? 11 Facts For Self-Publishing Authors

What Is An ISBN? 11 Facts For Self-Publishing Authors

When you get ready to produce your self-published book, you’ll need something called an ISBN. This 13-digit number can be an enigma if you’re not well-versed in the technical side of self-publishing .

The good news is that the ISBN system is easy to figure out.

If you just want to know how to get an ISBN, check out our article on How To Get an ISBN . And check out our ISBN barcode generator for a free tool to get a custom barcode that you can use in the design of your book.

• What an ISBN is
• Why identification numbers are important
• Which books need an ISBN
• What self-publishers must know about ISBNs to look legit

Table of contents

• 1. The Meaning Of ISBN
• 2. Who Needs An ISBN?
• 3. Do Different Publishing Methods Require Separate ISBNs?
• 4. Can You Recycle An ISBN?

5. How Are ISBNs Issued & Assigned?

• 6. To Whom Are ISBNs Issued
• 7. Disadvantages Of Publishing Without An ISBN
• 8. How Do I Get An ISBN?
• 9. Does My Ebook Need An ISBN?
• 10. ISBNs vs. Barcodes
• 11. The Meaning Of An ISBN Number
• The Final Word

Links in this article may earn me a small commission if you use them to purchase a service or product. This has not affected my opinion, and it’s at no extra cost to you. However, it helps me continue to write these awesome articles that anyone can read for free!

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It’s a numbering system that provides each published book with a unique identifier to make it easier for booksellers, libraries, and readers to find the exact version they need.

Every single digit has meaning, but we’ll get into that below. ( Jump to section 11. )

Why is ISBN important? An ISBN is important because ISBNs help distinguish multiple books with the same title , multiple versions, or various editions of the same book. For example, if you’re looking for a particular version of Jane Eyre , it’s much easier to find if you have the correct ISBN.

How many digits are in the ISBN number? There are 13 digits in current ISBN numbers. Prior to 2007, ISBNs had 10 digits, but the ISBN agency was running out of available numbers, so they added a 3-digit EAN prefix to the beginning of each 10-digit ISBN to create a 13-digit ISBN.

It’s important to note that ISBNs do not assign rights to a book. Copyright is entirely separate from ISBNs and book identification.

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All publishers creating books in print need an ISBN, including self-publishers. It’s essential to have that unique number if you want booksellers and readers to find your book.

Does every book have an ISBN number? Every printed book has an ISBN number, but not every digital book does.

If you’re publishing your book digitally, either as an eBook or a digital audiobook, you’ll only need an ISBN if your book distributor requires it. You don’t need an ISBN to publish an eBook on the following major digital distribution services:

• Amazon Kindle
• Barnes & Noble
• Apple iBooks
• Google Play Books

Do Self-published Authors Need to Buy ISBNs?

While every book must have an ISBN, the big question is whether you should get it for free from Amazon or a distributor like Draft2Digital, or if you should buy your own.

For the vast majority of self-published authors, I don't actually recommend that you get an ISBN. It will not affect the money you make online, your ability to build a loyal audience, or to make a living as an author. All it will do is drain your wallets.

That said, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution for anyone. There are instances where you might want to consider buying ISBNs for your book. See this table for a breakdown:

The big sticking point for a lot of authors is this: not having your name or your publishing company's name listed as the publisher. But honestly, this means little. It doesn't mean Amazon has a legal right to your content. You still own the copyright. It does not mean you'll earn more or less royalties. All it means is that their name will be there instead of yours.

It's absolutely okay if you want to have your name there, but understand that it gives you no benefit. It's almost entirely a point of pride, nothing more.

With ONE exception.

There is some evidence to make us believe that libraries and bookstores are less likely to order your book if it carries Amazon's name on it. So in that case, it could be beneficial to buy your own ISBN so you can have your own name there instead. However, since most bookstores and libraries rarely stock physical versions of your books anyway, this is less of an issue than it might seem.

You need a separate ISBN for each format you publish in.

For example, if you print your book as a paperback and hardcover, you’ll need a different ISBN for each.

If you choose to publish a second edition of a book, you will need a new ISBN for each version of that book you create as well.

Digital books (eBooks and digital audiobooks) don’t require an ISBN, but you may want to get one anyway. An ISBN for your eBook version can make it easier for readers to find your book, but it’s not necessary.

You can’t recycle or reuse an old ISBN. The bibliographic information for an ISBN can’t be updated and switched over to a new book.

If you need an ISBN for a new edition or new book, you’ll need to get a brand new ISBN.

ISBNs are assigned by each country’s ISBN agency.

R.R. Bowker is the U.S. ISBN agency — and in Australia, too. In the U.K. and Ireland, Nielsen distributes ISBNs. These local agencies collect information about their country’s books and submit it to the International ISBN Agency.

ISBNs are issued to publishers. But if you’re self-publishing, ISBNs you purchase can be issued to you . If you’re registering a new ISBN, you can list your name as the publisher if you don’t have your own publishing company .

The free ISBN you can get from print-on-demand services like Amazon’s KDP or BookBaby will list that service or “independently published” as the publisher, not you directly. This screams, “I’m self-published!” so it’s best to purchase your own ISBN directly if you have the budget.

Is there an ISBN for magazines? There is an ISBN for magazines, called an ISSN, or International Standard Serial Number. ISBNs should not be used with magazines or any other serialized content.

There are a few disadvantages of publishing a digital book without an ISBN, including:

• It can be more difficult to track eBook sales across platforms without an ISBN.
• Your book won’t be available to readers who prefer print books.
• Your book won’t be included in the Books in Print database .

For most self-publishers, it’s not a big deal to publish an eBook without an ISBN. However, some with very particular needs might want to purchase an ISBN.

To get a unique ISBN for your book, head to your country’s ISBN agency. Some countries provide ISBNs to publishers for free, and other agencies charge a fee for ISBNs. You can purchase a single ISBN or buy a bundle of ISBNs at a discounted price.

Unfortunately, if you live in the U.S., you’ll have to pay for your ISBNs, unless you get a free ISBN through a print-on-demand service. (Reminder: You won’t be officially listed as the book’s publisher if you go this route.) Print-on-demand services sometimes offer discounted ISBNs.

Video: How to Get an ISBN

I've also got a video on this subject that will walk you through the process to get ISBNs for yourself.

Want more videos like this? Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly videos!

Depending on where you publish or distribute your eBook, it may or may not need its own ISBN.

Most of the major eBook distributors do not require ISBNs for eBooks. These distributors will usually have a place to add an ISBN if you want one, but it’s not needed to publish.

If you’re concerned that your eBook might need an ISBN, check with the service(s) you’ll be using to distribute your book. Most likely, they won’t require one, but it never hurts to check.

Book barcodes typically contain the same information as an ISBN, but they are not actually ISBNs.

Barcodes are what retailers use to scan books into their computer systems to sell them. ISBNs don’t require a barcode.

Barcodes are found on the book’s back cover, whereas ISBNs are typically located on the copyright page. If you’re formatting your own book, be sure to follow best practices for creating a copyright page and include your book’s 13-digit ISBN.

What does the ISBN number tell you? The ISBN number tells you where a book was published, who published it, its title, format, and other basic information about the book.

A full ISBN contains 5 sections, all separated by hyphens. Those sections are:

• The EAN, currently either 978 or 979
• The registration group, which tells you where the book was published (country or region)
• The registrant element, which tells you who published the book
• The publication element, which correlates to the book titles , format, edition, author (with author biography ), category , and synopsis of the book
• The check digit, the mathematically-calculated last digit that ensures the ISBN was typed out properly

ISBNs can seem confusing at first, but they’re pretty straightforward. Get one ISBN for each print version you offer, and only if you buy one for your eBook if you really want it.

It’s a good idea to buy your own, if you can, and skip the free ISBNs handed out by print-on-demand services.

If you’re ready to self-publish your book, along with an ISBN, you’re also going to need to format your book. I love and recommend Ebook Launch for formatting, but Vellum and Atticus are great options if you’d prefer DIY formatting.

You’ll also need a killer book cover to help your book sell well. Sci-fi and fantasy authors can’t beat Jeff Brown Graphics . Authors in other genres should check out Damonza . If you’re on a budget, try finding a cover designer on Fiverr , or learn how to DIY your book cover.

Once you have a formatted interior, a great cover, and your ISBN, it’s time to publish and get your book into your readers’ hands. In that case, check out these 70+ Book Marketing Tips .

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

• 5. How Are ISBNs Issued & Assigned?

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Understanding When and Why Your Book Needs an ISBN

When it comes to publishing, my favorite quote is, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” And sure, that might seem like a hopeless conundrum to enter into, but oftentimes writers are so singularly focused on creating something fantastic that questions like “Who is my target audience?” or “What is an ISBN?” don’t come up until they’re ready to cross the proverbial finish line, sending them right back to the starting blocks.

I hope to help you avoid this quandary by equipping you with information that you may not know, but need to understand to successfully publish your book: what is an ISBN, and when do you need one?

An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a string of numbers that identifies pertinent information ( called metadata ) about your book, such as: title, author, type of book, physical properties, and location of publisher. An ISBN is a unique identifier for every single published version of a book, meaning that if you choose to publish in multiple formats (paperback, hardcover, ebook, etc.) each version would need a separate ISBN. It’s kind of like your book’s fingerprint, unique and specific to that edition. 

Publishers, booksellers, libraries, and internet retailers use ISBNs for ordering, listing, sales records and stock control purposes. Your project’s ISBN essentially provides all of the details retailers need to appropriately stock and sell your book.

Do You Need an ISBN for Your Book?

ISBNs play a critical role in book distribution, but there are opportunities for you to sell your work without assigning an ISBN. How do you know if an ISBN is right for your project? There are a few things to ask yourself before deciding. 

• Do you want to sell your book through retail distribution channels such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble? 
• Would you like your book to be available to libraries? 

If these things are important to you, then yes, an ISBN is necessary. Retailers and libraries will not accept a book that does not have an ISBN assigned, so Lulu makes it a requirement for you to assign an ISBN to any project you wish to enroll in Global Distribution . For many authors, retail distribution is a gold standard and will necessitate assigning an ISBN to the project. 

There are situations, however, where using an ISBN to sell your book is unnecessary. If your end goal is to sell your book through Lulu’s Bookstore, you do not need an ISBN to do so. Likewise, if you are interested in selling your books directly, either by hand or through your own website , you do not need to assign an ISBN to the title. For nonfiction authors, or authors who have already established their audience, selling your books without an ISBN makes sense.

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Another way to think about this is if you are interested in publishing multiple titles or accessing retail distribution, ISBNs are for you! If you publish in a unique format (such as saddle stitch or coil bound) and already have an established connection with your audience, an ISBN may not be necessary. 

To decide if you need an ISBN for your project, review your book’s goals. If hitting an Amazon bestseller list or seeing your book on the shelves of your local bookstore are your goals, then ISBNs will be an essential part of your publishing journey.

Where To Get an ISBN

If you need an ISBN, there are a few different places you can acquire one. If you publish your work on Lulu, we offer free ISBNs and the option for you to supply your own. For many of our authors, using a free ISBN from Lulu is perfect for their needs. It allows them to access retail channels and distributors worldwide using our Global Distribution service. If you decide to use a free ISBN from Lulu, be aware that Lulu.com will be listed as the publisher in your book’s metadata.

If you are interested in using Lulu as a white-label service or starting your own publishing imprint, purchasing a batch of ISBNs to assign to your projects might be a better option. In the US, ISBNs can only be purchased from Bowker . Some countries provide ISBNs for free, so if you are outside the US and unsure how to acquire ISBNs, ISBN International can help.

Buying Your Own ISBNs

Purchasing your own ISBNs has a few distinct advantages. The first is you can create your own publishing imprint . Doing so will keep your brand front and center and help you maintain brand continuity if you plan to publish multiple titles. If someone comes across your book and Googles the ISBN, your publishing imprint will be listed as the publisher. 

Secondly, if you own your ISBNs, you can move them with the book. For example, if you use a free ISBN from Lulu, you cannot take that ISBN to another platform if you choose to publish elsewhere. However, if you purchase your own ISBNs, you can assign them to your Lulu project and move them to a different platform if need be . Another benefit of purchasing your own ISBNs is that they will never expire, so any unused ISBNs you own can be assigned to future projects. If you have any old ISBNs lying around that do not fit the current format, you can convert them here: https://www.isbn.org/ISBN_converter

Now there is one less thing you don’t know about publishing! To ISBN or not to ISBN is a question worth considering for every project you publish, and this information can help lead you to the write answer.

Public Service Announcement

ISBN is an abbreviation for International Standard Book Number. In recent years, a strange phenomenon has taken hold among authors and publishers online—calling it an ‘ISBN number’. Please help us all make the world a little more clear by using the correct abbreviation or, if you really like the word ‘number’, spelling out the entire abbreviation.

Chelsea Bennett is the Education and Community Manager for Lulu.com and host of Lulu’s YouTube series, Lulu University, as well as their monthly webinar series. Her areas of expertise include self-publishing, Print-on-Demand technology, building an author brand, direct sales, and marketing. When not thinking about publishing, Chelsea can be found playing disc golf with her husband or having in-depth conversations about the universe with her cat, Batman.

I purchased my own official ISBN and used it to publish on Amazon. I am now trying to publish on Lulu, but it is telling me that I must use a previously unused ISBN. It’s the exact same book in the same format.

Hi Gerard, Unfortunately, you will need to use a new ISBN. Even if the specifications are the same, this would be considered a new format.

I would like to sell my book through retail distribution channels such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as via LULU. What kind of ISBN do I need, and where do I purchase it? Also, where do I place it? Inside jacket? Back cover?

Hi Michael, You’ll want to get an ISBN from whichever service operates in your country. In the USA that’s https://www.isbn.org/ . Purchasing an ISBN allows you to apply your own imprint, but if you want a free one simply select that option while publishing on Lulu (on the Copyright Step). Either way, you’ll enter the ISBN and we’ll generate a barcode for your back cover.

If you design your own cover, you’ll need to add that barcode to the design. If you use our Cover Creator, we’ll place it on the back cover for you. It’s also smart to include the ISBN information on the copyright page inside your book.

I am in the process of setting up my book with a lulu free ISBN. The generated file with the bar code does not include the typed out line above it that shows in the example in this article – i.e ISBN 978-3-16-148410-4. Should I add that information, type it in, above the barcode file? (Meaning add my ISBN number that came with the downloaded file, not the one shown in the example.)

Hi Jan, I see what you mean about the numbers not appearing above the barcode. I’ve noted this for our developers to see if they can amend the file.

You can absolutely use online tools to generate a barcode with the numbers. https://barcodeqrcode.com/isbn-barcode-generator/ is a simple one that I’ve used in the past.

In the Bowker website they offer ISBNs with a barcode for more money. What advantage does that give over the regular ISBN?

Hi Jeremy, When you purchase an ISBN from Bowker, you’ll assign all the information to the ISBN. This includes your imprint name. When you use a free ISBN from Lulu, we’ve already purchased them and as such the imprint will be listed as ‘Lulu’. There’s no particular disadvantage to using a free ISBN, but many authors prefer to include their own imprint or business name with their book.

I have the same issue as Anne Rothwell has with the ISBN. We have published several books (over 10) through Lulu and only once has the ISBN actually been included in the barcode that we downloaded.

Hi Karl, You should probably contact our support team for a more detailed answer. If you’re using a free Lulu ISBN and the file you download from the Copyright step is not including the barcode information, they’ll be able to help resolve that issue.

Should I not get an ISBN until my book is thoroughly and completely edited, formatted and ready to print? This question goes astray but here it is: During the process of editing and formating, etc., should I protect the material, the content with a copyright?

Hi Steve, If you’re purchasing your own ISBNs, you can buy them whenever you’d like and have them ready when you’re publishing the book. If you want to use a free Lulu ISBN, you won’t be able to assign it until you start the publishing process (though be sure to add the digits to your copyright page in the interior file!). For your question about copyright, it’s important to note that anything you create is yours (and protected by copyright law) as soon as you create it. You’ll only be able to register a book with the US Copyright Office (for the added security that offers) once you’ve completed and published the book.

I purchased a block of 20 ISBN’s a few years back. Is it possible to give two ISBN’s to a friend who is publishing a book?

Hi Tony, I believe you can, though the catch would be that the imprint you assigned when you purchase the block would still be attached to the ISBNs you give away. For most, that’s probably not an issue, but important to be aware of. I hope that helps!

Help! I have just published a book through Lulu with the ISBN on the back, but the top line, starting ISBN is missing. What can I do?

Hi Anne, I’m sorry to hear that! It sounds like the barcode might not have been placed exactly right on the cover file. Or it’s possible this was a printer error. I suggest contacting our support team and sending them a picture of back cover. I’m sure they’ll be able to help you sort it out.

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What is an ISBN Number: A Quick Guide for Self-publishing Authors

• Updated on January 25, 2023

If you write or are into publishing books you probably already know what an ISBN is. But for the ones who have no idea about it, you have landed on the right spot.

When you design your book , make sure you pay attention to getting the ISBN right. In this article, we are going to discuss everything important that you need to know about ISBNs.

What does ISBN stand for?

ISBN is a short form of International Standard Book Number. ISBN numbers used to be 10 digits in length until the end of December 2006. But from 1 st  January 2007, they are now 13 digits long.

ISBN numbers are calculated with the help of a special mathematical formula. They include a check digit that validates the number. Every ISBN number is known to consist of five elements. Each of the sections is separated using hyphens and spaces. The five elements include:

• Prefix element
• Registration group element
• Registrant element
• Publication element
• Check digit

What is an ISBN number used for?

ISBN numbers are mainly used by booksellers, publishers, internet retailers, libraries and all the other supply chain participants. It is used for listing, ordering, sales records, and stock control purposes. With the help of the ISBN Number, you can also identify the specific title, format, edition and the registrant as well.

The ISBN number system is recognized worldwide. Using this standardized format, publishers all around the world are able to identify their work. Every edition or title must carry a unique identifier ISBN number. You can say that an ISBN of a book is similar to a license plate of a car. This guarantees that each of the book types is identified uniquely.

How much does an ISBN cost?

The cost of a single ISBN is $125, but if you buy 10 ISBNs together, it is going to cost you $250. If you increase the number and buy 100s of them then it is going to come at a price of $575. Also, 1000 ISBNs cost $1000.

From the ISBN pricing structure, it is clear that the price drops as you buy a number of ISBNs. Therefore, it is best to buy ISBNs in bulk so you can avail it at a cheaper price.

What is the purpose of an ISBN?

Many of you may want to know the purpose of using an ISBN number. The fact that the format is used by publishers worldwide has to have at least some purpose.

The main purpose of an ISBN number is to establish and identify one edition or title from one specific publisher and that particular number is unique to that very edition. Using ISBNs are actually beneficial for the publishers as it allows them for more efficient marketing of their books or products. This is why every library, wholesaler, retailer, university, and distributor makes use of this standardized format.

How to read an ISBN with examples?

Reading an ISBN number is easy only if you know the right way to do so. Here is how you can learn to read or understand an ISBN number.

Let’s take a 10 digit example:

0-936385-40-2

You can see that the number is divided into 4 combinations. But only three of them are useful. The first digit 0 is just the initial number.

• 0 is basically the language group identifier. In this case, it indicates English.
• The next 6 digits are the publisher identifier.
• The next two digits are the title identifier. This is assigned by the publisher himself to a specific edition or particular book.
• The last single digit is the check digit which is calculated mathematically. This helps in assuring that the rest of the ISBN has been scanned or recorded accurately.

ISBN 10 vs ISBN 13

Each ISBN-10 has four sections: group identifier, publisher identifier, title identifier, and check digit. A typical 10-digit example is: ISBN 0-545-01022-5. The group identifier is used to identify the country or region. This section may have one to five digits. The example has a global identifier of 0.

Since 2007, the new format of 13 digits has been introduced. You need to apply the same process to read it. The only difference is that it adds 978 at the beginning which identifies the following series of numbers as an ISBN.

What is the ISBN number of books?

The ISBN number on a book can be located on its back cover right next to the barcode. In case, if the book doesn’t have its ISBN number on the back, look for it on the page featuring the publisher information and  copyright .

An ISBN number is assigned to a book or title so that they can be identified uniquely. Even when a publisher reprints the book, they use the same ISBN number.

Do eBooks need ISBN?

Depending on where you publish or distribute your eBook, it may or may not need its own ISBN. Most of the major eBook distributors do not require ISBNs for eBooks. These distributors will usually have a place to add an ISBN if you want one, but it’s not needed to publish.

If you’re concerned that your eBook might need an ISBN, check with the service(s) you’ll be using to distribute your book. Most likely, they won’t require one, but it never hurts to check.

ISBN search

As ISBN number is very useful for a publisher and that’s why every one of them assigns a specific number to their book or title. The ISBN can help you to learn about the title, edition, publisher and the details about the book. Now the main question is how you do it.

There is this site called ISBN search( https://isbnsearch.org ). When you type in the ISBN number of a book or title in the Search Box, it will fetch you all the details you wish to know. This is the easiest way of searching for a book using the ISBN number. Also, it is both reliable and accurate. You can use this search engine to find the best prices for the books as well. All you need to do is type in the ISBN number given on the back cover.

ISBN vs Barcode

Book barcodes typically contain the same information as an ISBN, but they are not actually ISBNs. Barcodes are what retailers use to scan books into their computer systems to sell them. ISBNs don’t require a barcode.

An ISBN number is graphically represented as a barcode. The digits and coding printed have a certain value through which you can retrieve the book and the publisher information.

The difference between ASIN and ISBN

In order to understand the difference between ASIN and ISBN, you need to understand what they are used for. ASIN stands for Amazon Standard Identification Number which is known to consist of a unique combination of 10 numbers or letters. It is used to easily identify items. Every time a new product is uploaded on the Amazon site, a new ASIN is assigned to the product. If you check the product detail page, you can find the ASIN number. The ASIN number is known to vary if the product is sold in the US and other marketplaces.

On the other hand, ISBN stands for International Standard Book Numbers. This is used as a unique identifier by commercial books along with a barcode. Every book that you read comes with an ISBN number which comprises 10 or 13 digits. You can find the ISBN number on the back of the book cover. Books do not have ASIN numbers.

From the above distinction, it is clear that ASIN and ISBN are different formats but they serve the same purpose for a product.

ISBNs can seem confusing at first, but they’re pretty straightforward. Get one ISBN for each print version you offer, and only if you buy one for your eBook if you really want it. It’s a good idea to buy your own, if you can, and skip the free ISBNs handed out by print-on-demand services.

If you’re ready to self-publish your book, along with an ISBN, you’re also going to need to format your book.

Related Blogs you Might be Interested in

• Steps to format your print book
• Book Formatting Mistakes to Avoid

• eBook Formatting Services
• Book Cover Design Service
• Print Book Formatting Services
• eBook Conversion Services

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ISBN for eBooks

Isbn for paperbacks.

• ISBN for hardcover

How to get a free ISBN from KDP

How to use your own isbn.

• What is an Imprint

Compare using KDP ISBN or your own ISBN

View your isbn, change your isbn, re-using an isbn from outside of kdp.

• Troubleshooting:
• Error message saying information doesn't match

Error on KDP after updating my information on Bowker

Isbn for hardcovers.

• Sign in: http://kdp.amazon.com .
• On your Bookshelf , next to the book you want to update, click the ellipsis ("…") under Paperback or Hardcover Actions.
• Select Edit Paperback Content or Edit Hardcover Content .
• In the Print ISBN section, select Get a free KDP ISBN.
• Click Assign me a free KDP ISBN.
• Sign in:  http://kdp.amazon.com .
• On your  Bookshelf , next to the book you want to update, click the ellipsis ("…") under Paperback or Hardcover Actions.
• Select  Edit Paperback Content or Edit Hardcover Content
• In the Print ISBN section, select  Use my own ISBN.
• Enter your own ISBN and Imprint in the fields provided. 

What is an Imprint?

• Go to your Bookshelf next to the book with the ISBN, click the ellipsis ("…") under Kindle eBook Actions.
• Select Edit eBook Content .
• Scroll down to the Kindle eBook ISBN section to see the ISBN you’ve assigned.
• For paperbacks:
• Go to your Bookshelf next to the book with the ISBN, click the ellipsis ("…") under Kindle Paperback Actions.
• Select Edit Paperback Content .
• Scroll down to the Print ISBN section to see the ISBN assigned.
• For hardcover:
• Go to your Bookshelf next to the book with the ISBN, click the ellipsis ("…") under Hardcover Actions.
• Select Edit Hardcover Content .
• Scroll to the Print ISBN section to see the ISBN assigned.

• Go to your  Bookshelf  next to the book with the ISBN, click the ellipsis ("…") under Kindle eBook Actions.
• Select  Edit eBook Content .
• Clear the ISBN field. Remember that an ISBN is not required for eBooks. 
• Go to your  Bookshelf  next to the book with the ISBN, click the ellipsis ("…") under Kindle Paperback Actions.
• Select  Edit Paperback Content .
• Under the Print ISBN section - click on Assign me a free KDP ISBN .
• Save the change.
• Re-enter the ISBN in the book you want to use your ISBN.
• For hardcovers:
• Go to your  Bookshelf  next to the book with the ISBN, click the ellipsis ("…") under Hardcover Actions.

Troubleshooting

Error message saying information doesn’t match.

• Go to Bowker's website . This is not an Amazon website. You will need to contact Bowker and/or myidentifiers.com if you have questions about ISBN metadata.
• Verify the imprint name, title, and author associated with your ISBN.
• Go to your  Bookshelf .
• Click the ellipsis button (“…”) under Paperback Actions  or Hardcover Actions next to the book you want to update.
• Click Edit Paperback Content or Edit Hardcover Content .
• Update your ISBN and imprint name options as needed. Your ISBN information must match  myidentifiers.com . To ensure you are providing the most accurate information you can copy the imprint name from the myidentifiers.com website and paste it into your title setup on KDP.
• Be sure to update your interior and cover files to match any recent ISBN changes.

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ISBN Numbers: The Ultimate Guide

• February 22, 2023
• Catalog Enhancement

What is ISBN?

ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier assigned to books, e-books, and other publications. This system was first introduced in 1967 and has since become the global standard for identifying books. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide everything you need to know about ISBN numbers, including their history, how they are assigned, and their importance in the publishing industry.

History of ISBN

The ISBN system was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the late 1960s to address the growing need for a standardized identification system for books. The first ISBN was assigned to a book titled “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain in 1967. Since then, the system has been widely adopted and expanded to cover other forms of media.

ISBN Format

An ISBN is a 13-digit number that is divided into four parts, each separated by a hyphen. The first part identifies the language or country of origin, the second part identifies the publisher, the third part identifies the title of the publication, and the fourth part is a check digit that ensures the ISBN is valid.

The ISBN Five Parts

The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is composed of five parts, which are:

• Prefix Element – This identifies the specific language or geographic location in which the publication was issued. It is represented by either a 978 or 979 prefix.
• Registration Group Element – This identifies the country or group of countries participating in the ISBN system. It is a number between 0 and 9.
• Registrant Element – This identifies the publisher or the individual responsible for publishing or distributing the book.
• Publication Element – This identifies the specific title, edition, and format of the publication.
• Check Digit – This is a single digit at the end of the ISBN that is calculated using a mathematical formula to ensure the accuracy of the other digits in the number.

ISBN-10 vs. ISBN-13

In 2007, the ISBN system was updated to a 13-digit format to accommodate the growing number of publications and the need for more unique identifiers. While the ISBN-10 format is still used in some countries, it is gradually being phased out in favor of the ISBN-13 format, which provides more options for identifying publications.

How to Obtain an ISBN

Obtaining an ISBN is a relatively simple process. In most countries, you can apply for an ISBN through your national ISBN agency. The application process typically involves providing information about your book, such as the title, author, and publisher. Once your application is approved, you will be assigned a unique ISBN that can be used to identify your book in the marketplace.

The Importance of ISBN

ISBNs are essential for the publishing industry as they provide a standard method of identifying books and other publications. They are used by booksellers, libraries, and publishers to track inventory and sales, and they enable readers to easily find and purchase books online and in stores. Additionally, many retailers and online marketplaces require books to have an ISBN in order to be sold.

Who needs an ISBN number?

The use of an ISBN is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for authors, publishers, and distributors who wish to make their books available to a wider audience.

Here are some of the reasons why an ISBN may be required:

• Sales : Many booksellers and online retailers require an ISBN in order to sell books. Having an ISBN makes it easier for booksellers to identify, list, and sell books in their inventory.
• Libraries : Most libraries use ISBNs to catalog and identify books in their collection. Without an ISBN, it may be difficult for a book to be added to a library’s collection.
• Discoverability : Having an ISBN makes it easier for readers to find and purchase books online and in bookstores. This can increase the visibility of a book and make it more accessible to potential readers.
• Distribution : Distributors often require an ISBN in order to track inventory and sales of books. Without an ISBN, it may be more difficult to distribute books through various channels.
• Credibility : Having an ISBN can lend credibility to a book and its author. It shows that the book has been professionally published and is part of the global publishing industry.
• Copyright : In some countries, having an ISBN is a requirement for copyright registration. This can provide legal protection for authors and publishers, as well as help prevent copyright infringement.
• International Distribution : If an author or publisher wants to distribute their book internationally, having an ISBN can make the process easier. The ISBN system is used in more than 200 countries, which means that books with an ISBN can be easily identified and sold in multiple markets.

In general, any individual or organization that plans to publish, distribute, or sell books should consider obtaining an ISBN. It is an essential component of the publishing industry that can make it easier to market, distribute, and sell books to a global audience.

The Differences Between an ISBN and a Barcode

While an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and a barcode may appear similar, they serve different purposes.

An ISBN is a unique identifier used to identify books, e-books, and other publications. It consists of a 13-digit number that is divided into five parts, which provide information about the language or geographic location, country or group of countries participating in the ISBN system, publisher, title, and a check digit to ensure accuracy.

On the other hand, a barcode is a graphical representation of a product’s unique identifier, which can be scanned at the point of sale to identify the product and retrieve its price and other details. Barcodes can be used for a variety of products, not just books.

While an ISBN is not always required, it can be beneficial for authors, publishers, and distributors who want to make their books more discoverable and accessible to potential readers. A barcode, on the other hand, is often required by booksellers and retailers to track inventory and sales of books, as well as facilitate the checkout process at the point of sale.

How do I look up an ISBN number?

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) lookup can be done through a variety of methods. Here are some of the most common ways to do an ISBN lookup:

• Online Databases : There are several online databases, such as the ISBN Agency or Bowker Books In Print, that allow you to search for books by their ISBN. These databases can provide information about the book’s title, author, publisher, publication date, and other details.
• Library Catalogs : Many libraries use ISBNs to catalog and identify books in their collection. You can search for books using their ISBN in a library’s online catalog or by using the library’s physical card catalog.
• Booksellers : Booksellers, both online and in physical stores, often provide an ISBN lookup feature that allows you to search for books by their ISBN. This can be useful if you are looking to purchase a specific book.
• Smartphone Apps : There are several smartphone apps, such as Book Crawler or ScanLife, that allow you to scan the ISBN barcode on a book and retrieve information about the book.

Is there an ISBN database?

There are several ISBN (International Standard Book Number) databases that are available online. These databases are designed to provide information about books and other publications by lookup by ISBN.

Here are some of the most commonly used ISBN databases:

• International ISBN Agency : The International ISBN Agency maintains a database of all ISBNs assigned to books and other publications. This database can be searched by country, language, or publisher.
• Bowker Books In Prin t: Bowker Books In Print is a database that provides bibliographic information on over 20 million book titles. It can be searched by author, title, or ISBN.
• Google Books : Google Books is a database of millions of books that have been scanned and digitized. It can be searched by author, title, or ISBN.
• Library of Congress : The Library of Congress maintains a database of books and other publications that have been cataloged by the library. This database can be searched by author, title, or ISBN.
• Open Library : Open Library is a free, open-source database of over 20 million books. It can be searched by author, title, or ISBN.

How Cluster Can Help

Looking up an ISBN can be done through an online ISBN database, barcode scanner app, library catalog, or bookseller. These methods allow you to quickly and easily find information about a book, including its title, author, publisher, and publication date. Cluster can identify products from both structured and unstructured data so customers can enhance their product listings with more attributes and robust data. Book a demo now !

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• There is no such thing as an eISBN

Different products require unique identification

• Best practices for eBook publishers

The Myth of the eISBN: When eBooks Need an ISBN

The International Standard Book Number, or ISBN, was first devised in 1967. The intent was, and still is, to uniquely identify a specific edition or variation of a book.

Fast-forward to the age of digital reading, and some people have begun calling an ISBN for an eBook an eISBN. The truth is, there is no such thing as an eISBN . An eBook is simply a different variation of a book, just the way a hardcover edition differs from a paperback, or from an audiobook, for that matter.

Bowker’s MyIdentifiers website—the official source of ISBNs for US publishers—allows publishers to choose from seven different book mediums (a form a book can take). Note that an eBook is just one of seven types of mediums in this screenshot from our Bowker account.

There are no “types” of ISBNs! And once you select one of those seven choices in the Medium drop-down, the Format field to the right provides the format options available for the medium you chose.

For example, if you choose Print for the medium, the Format drop-down gives you 16 different types of print books to choose from (paperback and hardcover being the most common).

When does a book need an ISBN, regardless of print or digital?

Bottom-line rule: this is up to the store or distributor that is helping you sell your book or eBook. Here are two examples:

• Amazon does not require Kindle eBooks to have an ISBN when you upload your eBook using KDP. However, if you use Draft2Digital to distribute your book to the Kindle store—or any store they distribute to—it’s Draft2Digital that requires your book to have an ISBN. (You can provide it, or they provide a free one.)
• Your print or eBook, sold from your website, does not require an ISBN. But if you want to sell it in a store, it’s up to the store or distributor (for example, IngramSpark) helping you sell your book as to whether or not your book needs an ISBN.

It is safe to say that all printed books require an ISBN if the publisher wants to sell that book in a store.

Do all types of eBook files use the same ISBN?

Only if they are the same book. Typically, the eBook file (EPUB) uploaded to the major eBook retailers—Amazon, Apple, B&N, Google, Kobo—is the same content. The eBook your reader buys from any of those stores is going to have the same content and display in the same way.

But sometimes this isn’t the case.

Several years ago, the Boston Globe released an eBook titled 68 Blocks . The version in the Apple iBooks store was a completely different product than the eBook in the Amazon Kindle store, although their branding is exactly the same.

The Apple edition was created with the proprietary iBooks Author tool and differs from the Kindle edition significantly. The Apple version makes extensive use of video, while the Kindle version is all text and images. They should have assigned different ISBNs but did not.

Another example is the popular children’s book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom . Purchased from Amazon, the eBook’s text can be enlarged by double clicking, and there is no sound.

Purchased from Apple's iBooks store (at four times the price, as of this writing), the book is enhanced with audio read-along. Both eBooks share the same ISBN, 978-1-4424-3891-0, but again, they should have different numbers.

Contrast these examples with the superb Warner Bros. series Inside the Script (unfortunately, it is no longer available). The differences between the Kindle and iBooks editions were recognized by the assignment of different ISBNs.

If the book differs from another version, regardless of its medium and format, it should have a different ISBN.

Best practices for eBook publishers (and other industry stakeholders)

If you are distributing directly to the major stores, you don’t need an ISBN. If you use an aggregator such as Draft2Digital or PublishDrive, they offer a free ISBN, but user beware.

• Whoever owns the ISBN is technically the publisher.
• Read the fine print. We’ve never seen a contract that allows you to use one company’s ISBN with another service. For example, if you start out by distributing your book using Draft2Digital and use their free ISBN and later want to move your eBook to PublishDrive, your eBook needs a new ISBN. And remember, changing the ISBN might result in a new listing on Amazon and the possible loss of customer reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an eisbn.

There is no such thing as an eISBN. (Ignore the fact that Google and Kobo use this term.)

What is the difference between ISBN and eISBN?

They are the same. When people or entities mistakenly refer to an eISBN, they just mean an ISBN that’s been assigned to an eBook.

Does an ISBN matter?

The requirement for an ISBN is up to the store or distributor you use to help sell your book. If you want to sell your book through a store or use a distributor such as IngramSpark, it matters a great deal. It nearly always matters for printed books. It’s also required by aggregators such as PublishDrive and Draft2Digital.

Also, the ISBN is tied to a publisher name. Once the ISBN has been assigned to a book, the publisher name cannot change without changing the ISBN. Also read our article, ISBN Essentials: An FAQ for eBook Publishers .

How do I get an eISBN?

Buy ISBNs directly from Bowker via their website, MyIdentifiers.com. In the meantime, please stop putting an “e” in front of ISBN!

Should different eBook file types have different ISBNs?

If the content is different between the books, the answer is yes. For example, if one has pictures and the other is all text, it’s a different book. Or if one has videos and the other doesn’t, it’s a different book. Equally important, make this distinction clear on the cover of the book.

ISBN Essentials: An FAQ for eBook Publishers

The ISBN and Self-Publishing: Learn the Essentials in 5 Minutes

Learn more about publishing imprints and ISBNs by visiting this page: What is a book imprint? How is a book publishing imprint name used?

My Publishing Imprint: How to Create a Self-Publishing Book Imprint & ISBN Essentials

Register Your Book: The Essential Guide to ISBNs, Barcodes, Copyright, and LCCNs

About The Author

David Wogahn

6 thoughts on “the myth of the eisbn: when ebooks need an isbn”.

Fantastic article David! :)) Thanks a lot – i was absolutly confused when i was reading about a “eISBN” in Kobo… Crasy 😀 Now i can sleep in peace.

Thanks Elisa, I’m glad it cleared things up.

I am converting our paper book to an ebook. I noticed on a Hunger games ebook, that there was an e-isbn number included in the copyright information. Glad to find your information and know that is incorrect!

The correct way is to get a new ISBN for each format I use (EPUB, MOBI). What is the best (and most economical) way to get these numbers? Should the paper format ISBN numbers be referenced when Applying?

Our book currently has an ISBN number for Paperback, one for Hardcover, and also a Library of Congress number. I should also mention that the content will Not change from paper to electronic, but I will not include an index and some of the fonts and formatting etc will obviously change.

Thank you, Cindie

Hi Cindie. The only official source of ISBNs in the US is Bowker at MyIdentifiers.com. Also, Bowker has changed their position and you do *not* need a separate ISBN for the EPUB and Mobi…just one number will do unless those two files have different content (i.e. one has video embedded and the other doesn’t). If you already have an ISBN, you must have an account with Bowker. Just buy more numbers for that account.

I have recorded a 10 part training video on ISBNs and it covers all this. It is currently free for a limited time. You can learn more at http://www.EpubHelp.com .

I agree with you in part. I agree that different versions/editions of a book need a different ISBN. However, as a matter of our quality control and workflow we create the mobi from the epub, therefore it is the same edition of the book, and we use the same ISBN. We only use different ISBNs as a standard procedure for the enhanced edition, or for a completely different layout (as in the case of an iBooks Author version of the same book).

Yes, that is the accepted best practice now: use the same ISBN if the content is the same. Bowker’s guidance about assigning ISBNs has changed since this post was written. Nevertheless, the publisher may wish to assign unique ISBNs to different formats if they are tracking and reporting sales by format (not unlike how and why a serial number is used). Thanks for sharing your experiences.

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