ISBN for a self-publisher- how do I get one?
An ISBN (International Standard book number)- is a way of identifying your book around the globe.
It is normally made up of 13 digits.
It is an essential part of publishing your print book if you are going to distribute it anywhere.
It is how the book sellers online and offline, retailers and libraries for example know which book it is and what format it is in.
I remember reading somewhere once that an ISBN is like a thumbprint. It is very unique to each and every FORMAT your book is in. This is the easiest way to remember it.
If you publish a second edition of your book, you would give it a new ISBN to separate the identity from the first edition.
Your eBook would have a different ISBN from your print book. It is even suggested that best practice says your eBook in various formats would have a different ISBN again- for example your MOBI file would have a different ISBN to your EPUB file.
Your audio book and PDF version would have its own ISBN too, in theory.
When do you not need an ISBN
However there are cases where you do not actually need to have an ISBN number (or barcode) for example. The barcode is simply a black and white scannable version of your ISBN (often with printer details and price embedded too).
For example if you are going to use your book as a promotional/marketing tool or a gift for example where you are distributing the books yourself or through JV partners or affiliates (but not actually using an online distributor) then you do not need one.
Some POD book printers will now allow you to upload files for physical print where book distribution is not required, without an ISBN.
I do however always think it is great to include an ISBN, as you never know, and in my opinion looks so much more professional when used with a barcode for a print book.
You can buy an ISBN as a single ISBN number or for slightly more you can get a block of 10- which is what I recommend. Particularly if you are doing a print book and an eBook (as you will need two ISBNs anyway). In some countries, like Canada they are free.
If you are in a tight budget you could get just one or there are free ones available from some of the major POD publishers. I personally prefer to get my own as part of the ISBN number identifies the ‘publisher’ -(that’s you if self-publishing).
The ISBN number is placed on your imprint page of the book.
eBooks and ISBNs
A lot of the eBook publishing platforms do not require an ISBN. For example eBooks on Amazon Kindle do not require an ISBN. Amazon issues its own ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification number). So whether it be an eBook or any other product Amazon provides their own unique product identification.
Smashwords is the same, in that an ISBN number can be provided for your eBooks when you upload your files and distribute with them.
If you are producing an eBook only and just doing digital or electronic publishing then you don’t need to buy your own. You can publish without purchasing one in most cases, or they are supplied via the online platform you choose.
Where do you get an ISBN?
Both the ISBN and the barcode can be obtained from Bowker which is the ISBN agency in Australia and the US. In Australia look up Thorpe-Bowker. In the UK the agency is Nielsen. In Canada the ISBN agency is CISS.
You can also purchase your barcode with the ISBN– however a lot of the POD printer/publishers will supply this free when you supply the ISBN. They are often produced as part of the book cover template when you upload your book files.
You just need to check the fine print around this option.
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Fiona Jones
9 times Best-selling author of The Millionaire Books and co-founder of Author Express
www.AuthorExpress.com
P.S I love this thumbnail graphic. It is by an artist Cheryl Sorg who makes unique portraits using your own thumbprint and things you love- such as your favourite books, movies and anything you like.