What Is an ISBN?
An ISBN is a unique 13-digit identifier assigned to books. Think of it as your book's fingerprint—it's how your books are tracked through the global book industry, from retailers to libraries. Each format of the book (paperback, hardcover, ebook) needs its own ISBN.
ISBN Options for Indie Authors
Retailers and distributors offer free ISBNs. Amazon KDP provides free ISBNs for paperbacks. IngramSpark offers free ISBNs. Draft2Digital provides free ISBNs.
Free ISBNs come with advantages such as zero cost, quick and simple processes, and integration with the platform's publishing system. However, they also have limitations, as the platform is listed as the publisher.
Paid ISBNs can be purchased from official agencies such as Bowker or Nielsen. Paid ISBNs ensure you are listed as the publisher, offer a professional appearance in trade databases, give full control over your publishing identity, and allow you to create your own imprint name.
Paid or free? Making the Right Choice for Your Publishing Goals
Free ISBNs can be a practical choice if you're publishing your first books or are an experienced author publishing in international markets, if your budget is limited, or if you're not concerned about building a publishing brand.
Free ISBNs are offered by retailers, aggregators, and distributors, such as Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital, to simplify the publishing process. However, when you use a free ISBN, the platform providing it is listed as the publisher of record.
IMPORTANT!
Using a free ISBN does not limit your ability to distribute your book, as each retailer assigns an ISBN specific to its platform.
An Amazon ASIN is not an ISBN. Amazon assigns an ASIN to all ebooks, even those with an author's own ISBN. An ASIN is simply Amazon's in-house numbering system. If Amazon assigns your paperback a free ISBN, this does not stop you from selling the book elsewhere or uploading it to other retailers.
Investing in your own ISBNs might be beneficial if you have non-fiction books and are targeting professional or academic institutions, if you want to create your own publishing imprint, or if you're targeting brick-and-mortar bookstores or libraries.
Some authors choose a mixed strategy, using paid ISBNs for print versions and free ISBNs for ebook editions. Bulk purchasing can also be a cost-effective approach, as buying a block of 10 or 100 ISBNs significantly reduces the per-ISBN cost. Remember that each format of a book requires its own ISBN.
Professional Considerations
While paid ISBNs aren't necessary for successful book sales, they can offer advantages for authors building a long-term publishing business. These include greater credibility with bookshops and libraries and complete control over your publishing identity.
The Bottom Line
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the ISBN question. Your choice should align with your publishing goals, budget, and long-term plans. Many successful indie authors use a combination of free and paid ISBNs, and some have never paid for a single one. Readers, ultimately, don’t choose books based on ISBNs.
Here is a link to the interational ISBN agency where you can find your own countrty, By the way, Canadians get ISBNs for free!