Do I Need My Own ISBN or Is the Free One Good Enough?
Do I need my own ISBN or is the free one good enough? It depends on your goals. The free ISBN works for selling on Amazon, but owning your own ISBN gives you more control and flexibility.
An ISBN is the number that identifies your book in stores and libraries. When you use a free ISBN from a platform, that platform is listed as the publisher, and the number usually can only be used with that platform.
In this article, you will get a clear answer, then the solution step by step, and then an industry hack that helps you decide without wasting money.
Questions and Answers
Q: Do Kindle ebooks need an ISBN?
A: No. Amazon gives Kindle ebooks their own identifier. Print books do need an ISBN.
Q: Do I need a different ISBN for each format?
A: Yes. Paperback, hardcover, and audiobook editions each need their own.
The Solution
Decide where you plan to sell your book.
If you only sell on Amazon, the free ISBN may be enough.
If you want wide distribution or your own imprint name, buy your own.
In the U.S., buy ISBNs from Bowker, the official agency.
Use one ISBN per format.
The Industry Hack
If you plan to publish more than one book or more than one format, buy ISBNs in a block instead of one at a time. The price per number drops sharply, and you will have them ready for every future edition. Check current pricing at the official agency's website before you buy.
Keywords for Amazon and YouTube
ISBN for self-publishers, free ISBN vs paid ISBN, do I need an ISBN, buy ISBN Bowker, ISBN for paperback, KDP ISBN, how ISBNs work
Want to see how your book measures up? Download the free 10-point checklist at selfpublishmedia.com.
Comments