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How to Get an ISBN Number for a Self-Published Book

POSTED ON Jun 20, 2023

Scott Allan

Written by Scott Allan

Figuring out how to get an ISBN number for a self-published book may sound scary, but it's actually more simple than many authors think!

If you're self-publishing a printed book , the best action you can take is to get your own ISBN as a self-published author. 

Regardless if a book was self-published or traditionally published , every printed book needs an ISBN, and securing this number is a big step in your publishing endeavors.

But, many writers that are just taking the first step toward becoming an author still have a lot of questions about this topic.

Questions like… What is an ISBN number? How do you get an ISBN number for a self-published book? Do I buy one or just get it for free through KDP or an aggregator? How much does an ISBN cost? Are ISBNs for big-name publishers only?

In this post, we want to answer the commonly asked questions about ISBN numbers for self-published books , as well as everything else you need to know to buy, register, and imprint your ISBN.

Self-Publishing Company

As you read through these questions, we encourage you to open up these two websites in different tabs:

  • MyIdentifiers  
  • ISBN International  

There is a wealth of information on those sites regarding ISBNs (including how to buy an ISBN number for your self-published book) that we will cover while going through these questions.

Now, before you start thinking about ISBN numbers, let me ask you this: Do you have a book ready to publish? If not, you can start preparing for an ISBN now, but you’ll definitely want to finish writing your book first !

Here are the questions we will answer about book ISBNs:

1. what is an isbn number for a book.

Let's start with the most basic question: “What is an ISBN number?”

ISBN, which stands for International Standard Book Number , is an internationally-recognized, 13-digit number that’s used as a unique identifier for books. Each individual book, specific book edition, and any other book-like product must have an ISBN number in order to be printed and distributed in retail bookstores, libraries, and wholesale companies. This number can be used to identify the book's code digits, language, publisher, book title , edition, and format.

ISBN numbers are not required for eBooks, and for books that will not be available in stores or libraries.

2. How and why were ISBNs created?

In the days of WW2, MI6 recruited a young mathematician named Gordon Foster to work as a codebreaker, where he scanned millions of numbers looking for patterns in the code used by the Japanese military.

Decades later, when the book industry needed a standardized tracking program to organize the growing number of titles being published every year, Gordon Foster was approached by British retailer, WH Smith. He hired Foster to write a report on how to create such a system.

And this report ultimately led to the ISBN system that is now used worldwide.

3. Can self-publishers get an ISBN?

ISBN numbers can be acquired by any publisher. And a self-publisher is a publisher, so yes! You will apply for an ISBN like anyone else. Refer to myidentifiers.com or keep reading to learn how to get an ISBN number.

4. How do I buy an ISBN in the US? If I live outside the USA?

ISBNs are issued based on location. 

If you live in the United States, you can purchase an ISBN through Bowker , which is the only company authorized to administer ISBN numbers in the US. 

Here is how to buy an ISBN number in the US:

  • Go to myidentifiers.com
  • Click on “ISBN”
  • Select the quantity you'd like to purchase
  • Click “Buy Now”
  • Complete checkout

In Canada , where the ISBNs are issued for free, you can visit the ISBN Canada—Library and Archives website.

Living in the UK, Ireland, or a British Overseas Territory , check out Nielsen ISBN Store .

For other international authors, you can visit the International ISBN Agency . 

Note: While ISBNs are assigned locally, you can use them internationally.

5. Do I need a different ISBN for every country the book is published in?

No, you don’t need an ISBN if the book is available in other countries – as long as it appears in the same format and language.

However, you DO need an ISBN for each format and edition of the book. This includes publications in different languages. Refer to the International ISBN Agency for a list of language codes.

6. How to get an ISBN number for a self-published book?

As a self-publisher, you have two options. You can either buy an ISBN number for your book(s) or obtain one for free through your self-publishing platform .

If you’re a resident of the United States, you can purchase an ISBN through Bowker by following the step-by-step instructions above. Or, you can obtain one for free via Amazon’s KDP or by uploading to Draft2Digital or SmashWords . 

Regardless of how you get an ISBN number, it's important to note that you only need one ISBN number per book. This is registered to your self-published book and stays with the book – regardless of the different stores or platforms, it's sold on.

7. How many numbers should an ISBN have?

Due to the large volume of eBooks now published each year, all ISBN numbers are now 13 digits. All ISBN numbers issued prior to 2007 were 10 digits long.

Note: Older ISBN numbers with only 10 digits can now be converted into a 13-digit code with the ISBN conversion tool from Bowker .

8. What is an ISBN number used for?

An ISBN is the standard ID number used to identify books by booksellers, libraries, book wholesalers, and distributors.

It is used to identify each published book and each edition of the same book, as well as the publisher of the book. You can tell a lot about a book, its author, and the publisher by knowing how to read the ISBN number.

Let's use the picture here to show you how it works in practice.

What Is The Isbn Of A Book

The 13-digit ISBN number is broken up into 5 parts that identify the following:

  • Book Code Digits: The first three digits, “978” indicate that this string of numbers is for a book ISBN.
  • Language of the Book: The language for an English version is identified with an “0” or “1.” You can reference this complete list at the International ISBN Agency .
  • Book title, Edition, and Format: The six-digit series represents the title of the book.
  • Check Digit: “0” is the last digit and is known as the “check digit.” This number is mathematically calculated as a fixed, single digit.

9. How do I find the ISBN number of a book? 

There are several ways to look up the ISBN number of a book, both on the book itself and online. Here's how to find an ISBN number of any book:

  • Check the back cover of the book , and look for the ISBN near the publisher's barcode.
  • Look on the copyright page located at the front of the book near the title page.
  • Search for the book's ISBN online using the author or title on ISBN Search .

Find Isbn Number

11. How can I find my book’s ISBN number?

You can easily find the ISBN of your book using the same online tool.

To look up your book's ISBN number, follow these steps:

  • Visit the website ISBN Search
  • Enter your (the author's) name or book title.
  • Click “Search,” and the related books will appear in the results.

Lookup Isbn Numbers

12. Should a self-published author get an ISBN?

Yes, your self-published book should have an ISBN if you plan to sell your printed book in bookstores and libraries , through Amazon self-publishing , and/or online retailers and book aggregators.

There are limitations to this. For eBooks , a book ISBN number is not needed, except for certain exceptions, like if you publish through digital online distributors/aggregators. For example, Draft2Digital requires your book to have an ISBN. Although they will provide you with an ISBN for free, we recommend buying your own , for reasons explained further down in this post.

Here are the top reasons to buy an ISBN for a self-published book:

  • If you want your book sold in bookstores and retail stores
  • If you want your book circulated in libraries
  • If your book will be printed (not solely an eBook)
  • If you plan to use a book aggregator company to publish

In short, it doesn’t matter if you are writing a children’s book or a nonfiction book . Your printed book needs an ISBN if you envision it in the bookstore or on the shelves of your local library.

13. What reasons would a self-published author not need an ISBN?

If you are only publishing an eBook, and you have no plans to write and publish anything more, you won’t need an ISBN. 

Or, if you are happy to only publish through Amazon KDP (print edition) and not use other online retailers, you can request a free ISBN book number via Amazon. 

14. If I get an ISBN, does that mean my book is copyrighted?

No, ISBN is administered by a private company for the use of the international book trade, while copyright is administered by the Library of Congress and is an extension of intellectual property law.

15. Does a book have to be published to have an ISBN?

No, you can obtain an ISBN for your book even if it is not published yet.

ISBNs are issued to publishers, who then assign them to individual books. This can be done at any time, even before the book is written.

16. Can I register my ISBN once it has been approved?

Yes, you can register your ISBN number once it is approved.

Once you have received your number, you should register it at Bowkerlink . Bowker hosts about 12 million international titles, and registration with them places your book in their massive bibliographic database.

17. Are ISBN numbers transferable across different book formats?

No. A single ISBN can be issued for each book only.

For example, if you publish your book in paperback, hardcover, and eBook versions, a separate ISBN number is required for each format.

It is one ISBN per book only, and once assigned to a book, an ISBN number can never be reused.

18. Why would you have to assign a new ISBN number to a book?

ISBNs will need to be changed if certain changes are made to your book. This can be summarized into these 6 common changes and updates:

  • The book is printed in Large Print. Remember, every variation/version requires its own ISBN.
  • The book is published in a foreign language. This would be considered a different format and needs a separate ISBN.
  • If additional material is added to the book. For example, several new chapters are added. This could also mean the book is relaunched as a 2nd edition.
  • If the title and/or subtitle are changed.
  • If changes are made to the binding.
  • If the book is published in another size. For example, for a 5×8, 5.5×8.5, or 6×9, each of these would require a separate ISBN.

Essentially, any changes to the book that makes it appear as a “different product” would require a new book ISBN.

It's important to note that not all changes require a new ISBN number.

Changes that don't require a new ISBN:

  • Changing the book price
  • Creating a new cover design
  • Changing your distributor or printer
  • Small corrections to the content of the book. This includes correcting grammatical errors or improving a few paragraphs.

Here's a guide you can use to determine whether or not you need to buy another ISBN number for your book:

19. If I revise the inside content of a book, do I need to replace the current ISBN?

If you only make line edits or correct typographical errors and don’t make any substantial changes and/or additions to the text, this is considered a reprint, and you don’t need a new ISBN number.

A new edition would contain a significant amount of new material, a major revision, or the addition of completely new chapters and/or sections. Anything that makes it a ‘new book’ is likely to create a new edition. Therefore, a new ISBN would be required.

20. If I just change the cover or the title of the book, do I need a new ISBN?

You can continue to use the same ISBN if the cover is changed.

But if you change the title and/or subtitles and you will have to launch the print version of the book as a new title again, as this is recognized as a different book.

21. Is it acceptable to have several ISBNs for the same book?

No, you really don’t want several ISBNs for your book. This can become a tangled mess and looks unprofessional. But it can happen when several retailers issue free ISBNs for the book.

Online aggregators such as Draft2Digital and Smashwords free ISBNs are not transferable. So, if they are issuing a free one, it is exclusive to that site only. This is the same with Amazon.

The best solution? Buy your own ISBN (more on that later). When you buy your own, the same number is used for that format no matter where it is published.

22. How much does an ISBN cost?

The price of ISBN numbers varies and you can buy single ISBNs or a bundle of them. The going rate for a single ISBN costs $125, while 10 ISBNs cost $295, 100 ISBNs cost $575, and 1000 ISBNs cost $1500.

The most affordable option is to buy one single ISBN number on Bowker .

But just remember, if you ever publish another edition of your book, or another book entirely, you will need more than one ISBN. Therefore, buying multiple ISBNs at once could save you a lot of money over time.

How Much Does An Isbn Cost

Note: that these prices are based on the price listings at Bowker for those living in the United States. For ISBNs purchased internationally, prices do vary (and are often cheaper).

23. How many ISBNs should I buy?

Deciding how many ISBNs to buy is a personal decision and depends on your publishing goals. If you are a busy author publishing a new book every 4-6 weeks, in multiple languages and several formats, it would be smart to buy 100 ISBN numbers from the onset.

Remember that ISBNs do not expire. 

And, consider if you use 3 ISBNs for each book in one language, you could use up a block of ten very quickly if publishing regularly.

The number of ISBNs you should buy also depends on whether or not you are assigning an ISBN to your eBook as well as printed versions. Although eBooks are not, at this time, required to have an ISBN, it does look more professional.

If you write one book and you don’t have plans to do any more, one ISBN will probably do. But for career authors, you should begin with the end in mind. 

24. How to get an ISBN for free? 

If you live in Canada, ISBNs are issued for free. If you live in the United States, you can get your book’s ISBN for free through your self-publishing platform, such as Amazon and Draft2Digital .

25. What are the pros and cons of getting a free ISBN?

The main advantage is…it’s free . This can be convenient if you're publishing on a budget . Or if it’s difficult to obtain an ISBN in the region you live in. 

The disadvantage of receiving a free ISBN:

  • You have to list Amazon (or the self-publishing platform) as the publisher along with other limitations .
  • You could end up with several ISBNs for the same book, and this looks unprofessional. For example, you receive a different ISBN from Amazon, Draft2Digital, and Smashwords . 
  • Free ISBNs are non-transferable. You can’t take your free ISBN from Amazon and use it with another retailer.

If you can, we recommend buying your own ISBN.

If you are in the US, you purchase through Bowker , or if you’re in the UK, you purchase through Nielson . Both sites make it very easy to buy ISBNs. Depending on your international location, you could go through a lot of red tape to get your book ISBN number, but most authors agree it's worth the trouble.

26. Do I need an ISBN number to get my book into libraries?

Yes. If you want to stock your book in libraries, you’ll need an ISBN that you purchased and registered. 

The library market is huge, and, if you are serious about expanding the distribution of your book, this is not an opportunity you want to pass up.

Overdrive is the biggest supplier of eBooks to libraries and has circulated over 105 million+ books to date to libraries.

Again, a free ISBN will not do. The ISBN number needs to be registered to a publisher – that would be you as the author (or your self-publishing company ).

27. Where does the ISBN number need to be printed on a self-published book?

You’ll print it on the copyright page, and it’s included in the Cataloging-in-Publication data block if you use one. 

Otherwise, just print it on the copyright page and on the back cover as part of the barcode.

28. Is an ISBN the same as a barcode? If not, what are the differences?

The ISBN and barcode are different. Although both are found on the back of the book in the same place, they both fulfill a different function.

The ISBN is found above the barcode on the back of the book. And by now, you can answer the question, “ What is an ISBN number? “

The barcode is a representation of the ISBN in a form that can be identified by scanners. It includes extra information such as:

  • The book’s fixed price and;
  • The currency it’s being sold in.

Here are some facts about barcodes and ISBNs according to Bowker :

  • A barcode is not an ISBN. It's a graphical representation of your book's ISBN and price.
  • To use a barcode, you'll already need your book's ISBN number and pricing information.
  • You can purchase and download a barcode after you've created an account at MyIdentifiers.com.
  • You can store your barcodes for future use at MyIdentifiers.com .
  • Make sure you enter the correct price on the barcode . Once the barcode is generated, the price cannot be changed.
  • If you change the cost of your self-published book, you will need a new barcode. The ISBN, however, does not expire and does not need to be changed if you change the price. 

The standard barcode is known as the EAN (European Article Number) barcode and your barcode must be in this format to sell your book in bookstores.

29. What is the difference between the ASIN and ISBN numbers?

An ASIN is not the same as an ISBN. ASIN is a number used by Amazon to identify products, whereas ISBN is the universal number for identifying a book. 

ASIN numbers are only used by Amazon to manage and identify the products they are selling. It’s a 10-character alphanumeric unique identifier that’s assigned by Amazon.com only.

If you want to sell through other platforms—or in brick-and-mortar stores— you’re going to need an ISBN.

You can find this ASIN on your book page. In your browser, the Amazon ASIN will be after the product’s name and “dp.” The next place to find this is in your book or product details area of your book page.

Note: ASIN numbers are exclusive to Amazon, are non-transferable, and cannot be used in place of an ISBN.

30. What is the Bookland EAN Barcode?

According to Publisher Services, an official US ISBN Agency Partner:

“An EAN—which begins with the Bookland prefix 978—is called a Bookland EAN code and is used on books and book related products internationally. The Bookland symbol is the barcode of choice in the book industry because it allows for encodation of ISBNs (the numbers publishers use to identify their products).”

Since an ISBN is unique to one particular title (or product), the corresponding Bookland EAN symbol is a title-specific marking that is unique for that title.

For example, if a title is available in hardcover, softcover, and as an eBook, three unique ISBN Bookland EAN barcodes are required.

31. Should I use a “free” barcode-generating tool to save money?

No, it’s not a good idea to use a free barcode-generating tool, and we do not recommend it to authors. 

Here's why: While it's a tempting way to save money while self-publishing, many free barcodes are created with unreliable bitmapped images. They run the risk of not scanning when your book is being purchased. And you won’t be saving money if the barcode can’t be scanned properly.

For peace of mind, always pay for your book barcode(s) through a reliable source.

32. Are book ISBN numbers and barcodes sold separately?

Yes, the ISBN and barcode are sold separately. But, the barcode cannot be purchased without the ISBN being bought first.

You need an ISBN to get a barcode, but you don’t need a barcode to publish a book. 

Bowker offers an ISBN and barcode savings pack. It is a great value if you want to save some money and make it easier for setting up your ISBN and barcode together.

Isbn Vs Barcode

33. What are the best resources for finding out more about ISBNs and barcodes?

As we have mentioned throughout these questions, there are several best resources for finding out everything on ISBNs, including how to buy and set up for your book.

Additional resources for researching ISBNs include:

  • International ISBN Agency
  • ISBN.org by Bowker
  • Bowkerlink Publisher Access System
  • Bowker Identifier Services
  • U.S. Copyright Office
  • ISBN Guides: Basic Information
  • SmashWords ISBN Manager
  • ISBN Canada: Library and Archives Canada

That's it! You’ve reached the end of our frequently asked questions about ISBNs.

If you'd like for experienced publishing professionals to handle the entire process of getting an ISBN for your book, we can do that for you! Discover how SelfPublishing.com can help you publish your book !

Now you know exactly how to get an ISBN number for your self-published book, why it’s important, and if you actually need it.

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What is an ISBN? What is the purpose of an ISBN? What is the format of the ISBN? Does the ISBN have any meaning imbedded in the numbers? Why do some ISBNs end in an "X"? Who can assign ISBNs to a publisher? Who is eligible for an ISBN? How long does it take to get an ISBN? How much does it cost to get an ISBN? What do I do when I receive the ISBN and where is it printed? How & where do I register my ISBN? Can a publisher have both an ISBN & ISSN? How can I find an assigned ISBN? How are ISBNs used in a Bar Code & how do I obtain one? How do I select the correct amount of ISBNs? What is the format of the new ISBN-13? Does the ISBN-13 have any meaning embedded in the numbers? Where does an ISBN get placed on a book? What is the difference between a bar code and an ISBN? Does it matter where a book is printed? If a publisher is selling their books on their own and are not trying to place them in stores or libraries or with wholesalers, is an ISBN required? Do ISBNs have to be assigned to books that are not being sold? Are different ISBNs used if a book appears in different languages? Are custom publications assigned ISBNs?

What is an ISBN? The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally.

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What is the purpose of an ISBN? The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.

What is the format of the ISBN? Every ISBN consists of thirteen digits and whenever it is printed it is preceded by the letters ISBN. The thirteen-digit number is divided into four parts of variable length, each part separated by a hyphen.

  • Group or country identifier which identifies a national or geographic grouping of publishers;
  • Publisher identifier which identifies a particular publisher within a group;
  • Title identifier which identifies a particular title or edition of a title;
  • Check digit is the single digit at the end of the ISBN which validates the ISBN.

Why do some ISBNs end in an "X"? In the case of the check digit, the last digit of the ISBN, the upper case X can appear. The method of determining the check digit for the ISBN is the modulus 11 with the weighting factors 10 to 1. The Roman numeral X is used in lieu of 10 where ten would occur as a check digit.

Who can assign ISBNs to a publisher? There are over 160 ISBN Agencies worldwide, and each ISBN Agency is appointed as the exclusive agent responsible for assigning ISBNs to publishers residing in their country or geographic territory. The United States ISBN Agency is the only source authorized to assign ISBNs to publishers supplying an address in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico and its database establishes the publisher of record associated with each prefix.

Once an ISBN publisher prefix and associated block of numbers has been assigned to a publisher by the ISBN Agency, the publisher can assign ISBNs to publications it holds publishing rights to. However, after the ISBN Agency assigns ISBNs to a publisher, that publisher cannot resell, re-assign, transfer, or split its list of ISBNs among other publishers. These guidelines have long been established to ensure the veracity, accuracy and continued utility of the international ISBN standard.

As defined by the ISO Standard, the ISBN publisher prefix (or "root" of the ISBN) identifies a single publisher. If a second publisher subsequently obtains an ISBN from the assigned publisher's block of ISBNs, there will be no change in the publisher of record for any ISBN in the block as originally assigned. Therefore, searches of industry databases for that re-assigned ISBN will identify the original owner of that assigned prefix as the publisher rather than the second publisher. Discovering this consequence too late can lead to extensive costs in applying for a new prefix, re-assigning a new ISBN, and potentially leading to the application of stickers to books already printed and in circulation.

If you are a new publisher, you should apply for your own ISBN publisher prefix and plan to identify and circulate your books properly in the industry supply chain. You may encounter offers from other sources to purchase single ISBNs at special offer prices; you should be wary of purchasing from these sources for the reasons noted above. There are unauthorized re-sellers of ISBNs and this activity is a violation of the ISBN standard and of industry practice. A publisher with one of these re-assigned ISBNs will not be correctly identified as the publisher of record in Books In Print or any of the industry databases such as Barnes and Noble or Amazon or those of wholesalers such as Ingram. If you have questions, contact the US ISBN Agency for further advice.

Who is eligible for an ISBN? The ISBN Agency assigns ISBNs at the direct request of publishers, e-book publishers, audio cassette and video producers, software producers and museums and associations with publishing programs.

How long does it take to get an ISBN? Allow 5 business days for non-priority processing from the time an ISBN application is received at the agency (not from the date sent by the publisher.) Priority processing is two business days from the time an application is received at the agency. Express processing is 24 business hours.

How much does it cost to get an ISBN? There is a service fee to process all ISBN applications. Service fee information is contained on the application. Priority and Express processing involve an additional fee.

NOTE: The processing service charge is NON-REFUNDABLE.

What do I do when I receive the ISBN and where is it printed? An ISBN should be assigned to each title or product, including any backlist or forthcoming titles. Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN (i.e. hardcover, paperbound, VHS video, laserdisc, e-book format, etc). A new ISBN is required for a revised edition. Once assigned, an ISBN can never be reused. An ISBN is printed on the lower portion of the back cover of a book above the bar code and on the copyright page.

How & where do I register my ISBN? Once ISBNs have been assigned to products they should be reported to R.R. Bowker as the database of record for the ISBN Agency. Companies are eligible for a free listing in various directories such as Books in Print, Words on Cassette, The Software Encyclopedia, Bowker's Complete Video Directory, etc.

NOTE: Receiving just your ISBNs does NOT guarantee title listings. To ensure your titles get in the Books in Print database you must submit your title information.

Book titles should be registered with Books in Print at www.bowkerlink.com

Can a publisher have both an ISBN & an ISSN? Both numbering systems are used for books in a series and with annuals or biennials. The ISBN identifies the individual book in a series or a specific year for an annual or biennial. The ISSN identifies the ongoing series, or the ongoing annual or biennial serial. If a publication has both, each should be printed on the copyright page.

How can I find an assigned ISBN? The Publications (hard copy listings) in which the assigned ISBNs appear are Publishers, Distributors & Wholesalers of the United States, published by R.R. Bowker, and Literary Market Place, published by Information Today.

How are ISBNs used in a Bar Code & how do I obtain one? The ISBN can be translated into a worldwide compatible bar code format. Publishers who wish to have their ISBNs translated into worldwide compatible bar codes can now make their request directly online at www.isbn.org or www.bowkerbarcode.com . Bar code scanning is a required step required by for many retailers in the sales transaction process for book publications and book-related items. We hope that offering this service will save you time and enable you to meet all of your transaction partners' requirements.

How do I select the correct amount of ISBNs? ISBNs are sold in blocks of 10, 100, and 1000. When purchasing ISBNs, we recommend that you estimate the amount of publications you will be publishing within the next five years, and select the block that best suits your needs. It is always best to select the block that will last you for a few years because you will be able to maintain one publisher prefix, and minimize the unit cost per ISBN. When purchasing a larger block of ISBNs, the price per ISBN decreases.

What is the format of the new ISBN-13? Every ISBN will consist of thirteen digits in 2007. The thirteen digit number is divided into five parts of variable length, each part separated by a hyphen.

  • The current ISBN-13 will be prefixed by "978"

Where does an ISBN get placed on a book? An ISBN gets placed on the copyright page and, if there is no bar code, on the back cover.

What is the difference between a bar code and an ISBN? An ISBN is a number. A bar code is the graphic with vertical lines that encodes numerical information for scanning purposes. An ISBN and a bar code are two different things.

Does it matter where a book is printed? No, books can be printed anywhere. ISBNs are assigned based on the geographical location of the publisher, not the printing company.

If a publisher is selling their books on their own and are not trying to place them in stores or libraries or with wholesalers, is an ISBN required? No, an ISBN is not required.

Do ISBNs have to be assigned to books that are not being sold? No, they do not have to be assigned, but they can be.

Are different ISBNs used if a book appears in different languages? Yes. Each language version is a different product.

Are custom publications assigned ISBNs? No, custom publications are not assigned ISBNs unless such assignment is necessary for a publisher’s back office systems, such as finance, since there is only one customer in such arrangements.

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Home / Book Publishing / How To Get An ISBN: Quick Guide for Self-Published Authors

How To Get An ISBN: Quick Guide for Self-Published Authors

Self-published authors need to get through many surprising hurdles before their books are ready to be published. One checkbox that most first-time authors don’t anticipate is getting an ISBN. 

What is an ISBN number? An ISBN number is a unique 13-digit number (formerly 10 digits) used to identify your book. An International Standard Book Number allows publishers and booksellers to track and recognize books.

Your unique ISBN is like a fingerprint for your book. It helps people identify your book and eliminates confusion between similar works. An ISBN could be critical if someone decided to publish a book with the same title as yours, for example.

  • Why ISBNs are important
  • What the numbers in an ISBN mean
  • 3 fast steps to follow to get your own ISBN
  • The pros and cons of free ISBNs
  • The types of books that need ISBNs and the books that don’t
  • Questions to ask yourself to find out if you should buy your own ISBN

Table of contents

  • Why Does Your Book Need An ISBN?
  • Getting Your Own ISBN For Self-Publishers
  • Free or Discounted Options 
  • Which Books Need An ISBN?
  • Which Books Don’t Require An ISBN?
  • ISBN Costs: A Breakdown
  • Locating A Book’s ISBN
  • Common Questions About ISBNs

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. However, it helps me continue to write these awesome articles that anyone can read for free!

For more on this topic, visit our post on what an ISBN number is , as well as our free barcode generator to integrate your ISBN into a custom barcode.

ISBNs are assigned by the International ISBN Agency. The ISBN Agency then stores the information for your book, which helps wholesalers, retailers, and libraries find your book.

You also need an ISBN to get a barcode for the back cover of your book when you self-publish it. A book’s barcode includes the same digits as the identification number.

A 13-digit ISBN may look like a random series of numbers, but those numbers contain metadata and can tell you a lot about the book. Here’s an example ISBN and what its numbers mean:

978-0-679-80527-3

  • EAN Prefix (978): The first 3 digits of all ISBNs are always 978 or 979.
  • Registration Group (0): This number can be 1-5 digits long and tells you the country or region where the ISBN is registered.
  • Registrant Element (679): The registrant element tells you which publisher created this book.
  • Publication Element (80527): This number tells you the title of the book, format, and edition of the book.
  • Check Digit (3): This number is mathematically calculated and helps ensure that the ISBN has been typed out properly.

Can I use the ISBN number for my book on my other books? No, you can’t use the ISBN number from your book on other books. Each printed book must have its own unique ISBN — each number is created to identify just one title or edition.

Getting your own ISBN is a relatively simple process. Depending on the country you live in, you can either get an ISBN directly from your government or through an agency that handles ISBN registration. The U.S. ISBN agency is Bowker MyIdentifiers.

Who can I contact to get an ISBN? You can contact Bowker MyIdentifiers to get an ISBN if you’re in the U.S. If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll need to look up your country’s ISBN agency and contact them.

Get A New ISBN In 3 Fast Steps

How do I get an ISBN number for my book? To get an ISBN number for your book, follow these three simple steps:

  • Create an account with Bowker MyIdentifiers at myidentifiers.com .
  • Choose a package with the number of ISBNs you’ll need. If you plan to get multiple books into print, you might choose a package with 10 or more ISBNs. You’ll need a different ISBN for each format you produce (hardcover, paperback, abridged, etc.).
  • Check out and pay for your ISBNs.

Once you’ve paid, your ISBNs will be under your account. Simply go to My Account > My Identifiers and fill in the information for your book, such as its title, author, publication date, and pricing. 

When you’re done, simply submit the form. For peace of mind, Bowker keeps all of your book’s data.

Amazon’s KDP Print (formerly CreateSpace) is the most popular printing service that gives authors who use its service a free ISBN. But beware: You cannot use the free ISBNs to print your book elsewhere.

To take advantage of the free ISBN from KDP, simply choose “Get a free KDP ISBN” in the “Edit print book content” area when you’re adding your book to KDP. 

Other printing services offer free ISBNs as well, including Blurb, BookBaby, Smashwords, and D2D (Draft2Digital) Print.

Why would you choose to pay for an ISBN if you can get one for free? The printing service or distributor is listed as the publishing company if you get a free ISBN, not you. For example, if you use KDP Print, your publisher will be listed as “independently published” instead of your name.

KDP Print, IngramSpark , and BookBaby offer discounted ISBNs to customers who use their printing services. If you buy ISBNs with a discount from one of these services, then you will be listed as the publisher, rather than the service being listed as the publisher.

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How To Determine If You Need An ISBN

Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if you need an ISBN:

  • Are you publishing your book physically? (If your answer is yes, you need an ISBN, either free or paid.)
  • Where do you plan to publish your ebook? (Some ebook publishers and distributors require an ISBN for ebooks.)
  • Is it important to you that your name or publishing company is listed as the publisher for your book? (If yes, you should consider buying your own ISBN.)

If you’re going through a distributor that doesn’t need an ISBN, you won’t print physical copies, and you don’t care about being listed as the publisher, then you may not need an ISBN.

An ISBN can be necessary for your book for many different reasons. Some of the most common reasons for getting an ISBN can include: 

  • Publishing books in print rather than just online
  • If you publish a new edition , you’ll need new ISBNs for each print version.
  • Printing a book in different formats (e.g., paperback and hardcover). In this situation, you’ll need a separate ISBN for each format.

Some ebook distributors require you to have an ISBN, though most major ebook retailers won’t need one. Check with the service you’re using to distribute your ebook to online retailers to determine if you’ll need an ISBN. 

The ebook version of your book (PDF, epub, Mobi, etc.) may or may not need its own ISBN, depending on where you submit it for distribution. If you sell your ebook directly from your website or publish it on Amazon Kindle (KDP), you don’t have to use an ISBN.

Audiobooks also do not require an ISBN if they’re distributed digitally through a service like Audible or Apple Books. 

On the other hand, if you create an audiobook that’s produced physically, like a book on CD, you are required to have an ISBN.

How much does it cost to get an ISBN number for a book? It costs anywhere from $0 to $125 to get an ISBN number for a book in the U.S. The costs in other countries vary.

Depending on the country you live in, you might be able to get an ISBN for free. For example, Canadians can get free ISBNs from Library and Archives Canada . Unfortunately, the United States and the United Kingdom don’t have similar systems for free ISBNs.

In the UK, publishers get their ISBNs from Nielsen . Nielsen charges £89 for a single ISBN, or you can buy blocks of 10, 100, or 1000 ISBNs at a discounted price.

How do I get an ISBN number for free? You can get an ISBN number for free through a book printer that offers them (like KDP Print, BookBaby, or Blurb). You can also use your country’s ISBN services if you live in a country like Canada that offers free ISBNs to its citizens.

A single ISBN for U.S. publishers from Bowker is $125. If that’s out of your budget, some printing and distribution services offer ISBN discounts to their customers. 

Here are the biggest printer-distributors that offer discounted ISBNs and the discounted price per ISBN:

  • BookBaby: $39
  • IngramSpark: $85 

You can also purchase packages of ISBNs from Bowker at a discounted price. They have a 10-ISBN package for $295, for example, bringing the price of one ISBN down to $29.50. If you’re going to publish multiple books, buying a package of ISBNs is a great idea.

You’ll generally find a book’s ISBN on its copyright page . A tip: Make sure your book has its ISBN on the copyright page if you want your book to look professional.

If possible, include the proper dashes in your ISBN so that it’s easier to locate the country, publisher, and title, as well as to check digit numbers.

The barcodes on the back cover of a book also contain the ISBN. Depending on where you get your barcode, there may be a second smaller barcode that includes the price of your book. 

Your average new author has rarely heard about ISBNs, or never at all. Here are some of the most common questions asked about these numbers.

  • What’s the difference between an ISBN and ASIN? An ASIN number is Amazon’s version of an ISBN. Everything that Amazon sells gets an ASIN when it’s added to their website, including books. You’ll get a free ASIN automatically when you put your book on Amazon.
  • What’s the difference between a barcode and an ISBN? A book’s barcode includes the ISBN in a format that can be scanned and put into a computer system so stores can sell the book.
  • How long does it take to get an ISBN? It varies by ISBN agency, but you can usually get the number itself almost instantaneously. However, it can take the agency several days to process the information you submit ( book title , author, etc.).
  • Do ISBNs expire? No, ISBNs don’t expire. Make sure to keep any login information for your ISBN agency in a safe place so that you don’t lose access to any unused ISBNs you’ve purchased.
  • Do I use the same ISBN if I’m printing my book in another language? No, each translation of your book is considered a separate entity and will need its own ISBN.

Video: How to Get an ISBN Number

For a nice summary of this article, along with a few additional thoughts on the subject, here is a video I did to further cover the subject. Leave a comment on the video with any questions, ideas, or feedback that you have.

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

Will You Get An ISBN for Your Book?

At first glance, ISBNs can seem complex, but good news: they’re actually pretty straightforward. You probably don’t need an ISBN for your ebook. However, if you’re planning to go to print, then you’ll need an ISBN for each format that you publish.

Buying your own ISBN is a good idea for self-published authors who are printing their work. It helps your book look more professional, so it doesn’t scream, “I’m self-published!” Avoid having your printing service or “independently published” listed as your publisher if you can.

Once you’ve written your book (I recommend using Scrivener and editing with ProWritingAid ) and you have your ISBN, it’s time to format and publish your work.

I love Vellum for DIY book design and formatting. If you don’t have the patience for perfect DIY formatting, check out Ebook Launch . I use their services for my books, and I’ve been thrilled with the results. Once you add in your ISBN, you’re good to go. Happy publishing!

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.

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ISBN for eBooks

Isbn for paperbacks.

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How to get a free ISBN from KDP

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  • 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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How To Get An ISBN (For Authors That Are Self-Publishing)

isbn number cost

Getting an ISBN—the 13-digit number above the barcode at the back of your book—is necessary, but kind of a pain.

If you’re just planning to publish an eBook , you technically don’t need one.

But we recommend that most self-published Authors go through the trouble of getting one.

Even if you’re publishing in a digital format, there are perks to having your own ISBN.

ISBNs are unique identifiers used by every party involved with ordering, listing, selling, and stocking your book.

Most booksellers, aside from eBook platforms (like Amazon’s Kindle Store), require ISBNs. Without one, your book will be invisible to publishers, brick-and-mortar stores, libraries, online retailers, and other links in the supply chain.

ISBNs are a pain, but they’re worth it.

This post will walk you through everything you need to know about ISBNs, from understanding what they mean to finding out how to get one.

1. What Does ISBN Stand For? 2. Which Is Correct: ISBN or ISBN Number? 3. What Is an ISBN? 4. What Is the Difference Between ISBN-10 and ISBN-13? 5. Is an ISBN the Same as an ASIN? 6. Do I Need an ISBN for My Book? 7. How Can I Get an ISBN for Self-Publishers? 8. Is There a Downside to a Free ISBN? 9. When Should I Get My ISBN? 10. How Much Does an ISBN Cost? 11. How Many ISBNs Do I Need? 12. How Do I Read My ISBN? 13. How Do I Use My ISBN? 14. Does My ISBN Come with a Barcode? 15. Where Do I Get a Barcode for My ISBN? 16. How Do I Read My ISBN Barcode? 17. How Do I Use My ISBN Barcode? 18. Does an ISBN Mean My Book is Copyright Registered? 19. If I Change My Book, Do I Need a New ISBN? 20. If I Need a New ISBN, How Do I Change It?

1. What Does ISBN Stand For?

An ISBN is an International Standard Book Number. It’s a 10- or 13-digit number that identifies books, eBooks, CDs, etc. They are like SSNs for books, and everyone that sells books uses them.

2. Which Is Correct: ISBN or ISBN Number?

ISBN is correct.

The acronym stands for International Standard Book Number. You don’t need to say “number” twice.

3. What Is an ISBN?

An ISBN tells bookstores and libraries all the important info about your book. The number identifies the region, language, publisher, edition, and format of each book.

Across the world, booksellers, distributors , and wholesalers use the ISBN to identify books in their stock.

Every version of a book receives a different ISBN. If your book is printed as a paperback, published as an eBook, and distributed as an audiobook , you will have 3 ISBNs.

4. What Is the Difference Between ISBN-10 and ISBN-13?

The 10-digit ISBN was developed in 1970 by the International Organization for Standardization. They were in use until January 2007, when 13-digit ISBNs were adopted.

You might still see 10-digit ISBNs on some books, but all new ISBNs have 13 digits.

Thanks to the rise of eBooks, self-publishing, audiobooks, and other publishing innovations, the old system would eventually have run out of numbers. The format changed to make sure ISBNs could live on.

5. Is an ISBN the Same as an ASIN?

ASIN is an Amazon Standard Identification Number. Each eBook published on Kindle Direct Publishing is assigned a 10-digit ASIN. Unlike ISBNs, which are all numbers, the ASIN is a combination of letters and numbers.

The ASIN will be unique to your book. It helps Amazon identify the books they are selling.

Kindle books are not required to have an ISBN number. They will automatically receive an ASIN.

ASINs only apply to Amazon. ISBNs are used internationally. Every library, book retailer, and book website worldwide will use the same ISBN to identify a book.

6. Do I Need an ISBN for My Book?

If you are publishing an eBook only, you do not need an ISBN. But having one will make you look more legit.

You may still want one, though. Having an ISBN ensures your book is in the Books in Print database. This makes it easier for your book to be found and purchased.

Most booksellers, aside from eBook platforms (like Amazon’s Kindle Store), require ISBNs. They are also used by everyone involved with ordering, listing, selling, and stocking your book.

7. How Can I Get an ISBN for Self-Publishers?

With traditional publishing , it’s the publisher’s responsibility to buy an ISBN.

The same goes for self-publishing Authors.

We recommend buying an ISBN through Bowker . It’s the official ISBN agency for the United States.

Your self-publishing platform may offer you a free ISBN. We don’t recommend this option for reasons explained below.

8. Is There a Downside to a Free ISBN?

If you use a free ISBN assigned to you by CreateSpace or IngramSpark, there are downsides.

First off, your book looks more self-published.

Second, you’ll limit your chances of a bookstore carrying your own book, as many won’t take books from CreateSpace.

Third, you run the risk of ending up with several ISBNs for the same book. Free ISBNs are often untransferable, meaning that you can’t get one from Draft2Digital or Amazon and use it with another retailer.

If you decided to sell the book somewhere else, you’d need a different ISBN. That’s confusing for retailers, and it looks unprofessional.

9. When Should I Get My ISBN?

Publishers buy ISBNs and then assign them to books. That means you can buy an ISBN at any time, even before your book is written.

Once your book is ready to be published, you have to register the ISBN with Bowker so that the book is added to the database of Books in Print.

Be sure to register before your book is printed and launched.

10. How Much Does an ISBN Cost?

ISBNs come in a variety of price ranges . Some self-publishing platforms like KDP (Kindle Publishing Direct) offer free ones, while the official U.S. ISBNs available from Bowker cost $125.

When it comes to ISBNs, you often get what you pay for. Bowker is the official ISBN Agency for publishers in the United States and its territories.

If an ISBN comes from a source other than the official ISBN Agency, it might not identify the publisher accurately. That can make it harder for retailers and wholesalers to sell your book.

It can be cheaper to buy multiple ISBNs at once. If you know you’re going to publish your book in different formats (e.g., paperback and hardcover), it makes sense to buy them at the same time.

Remember, though: the ISBN is specific to the book format. If you buy a bunch of ISBNs before you have a publishing plan, they might end up being useless.

11. How Many ISBNs Do I Need?

The ISBN identifies the publisher, book title, edition, and format (hardback, paperback, ePub , pdf, Mobi , audio, etc.) That means that you need a unique ISBN for every version.

Before you buy your ISBN consider:

  • How many books you plan to publish
  • How many formats each one will be in
  • Whether you plan to revise them in the future

Remember, even if it’s the same book, if you have a hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and e-Book version, each one will need a separate ISBN.

12. How Do I Read My ISBN?

The thirteen digits are divided into five parts separated by a hyphen:

  • Prefix: The first three digits signal that the number is an ISBN. This prefix is designated by GS1, a nonprofit organization that maintains standards for global business communication. So far, GS1 allows ISBNs to start with 978 or 979.
  • Group: This set of numbers identifies a geographic location or language. English-language groups are identified with a 1 or 0. Books published in rare languages have longer group identifiers. You can download a complete pdf list from the International ISBN Agency .
  • Registrant: This identifies the publisher. There are more than 900,000 assigned publisher codes.
  • Publication: This identifies the edition or format of your book. Is it an audiobook or an eBook? Has it been reissued with updated information or a new foreword ? That’ll be reflected in this set of numbers.
  • Check digit: This is a number between 0 and 10 calculated with an algorithm. It helps detect errors and validates the ISBN. If the check digit is 10, the ISBN will have an “X” (the Roman numeral for 10) at the end.

13. How Do I Use My ISBN?

Once you’ve bought your ISBN, you have to register it. For a step-by-step guide to the registration process, here’s Bowker’s pdf tutorial .

Be sure to include the ISBN on your book’s copyright page. For more information and a copyright page template, see this post .

Finally, use the ISBN to create a barcode for the back of your book. Barcodes make it easier for distributors and retailers to use your ISBN to stock and sell your book.

You need an ISBN in order to get a barcode. But you don’t need a barcode to publish a book.

14. Does My ISBN Come with a Barcode?

Not automatically.

ISBN is a number, while the barcode is the graphic that encodes that number so it can be easily scanned.

They are two different things, so you have to get them separately.

15. Where Do I Get a Barcode for My ISBN?

You can buy barcodes from Bowker at the same time you buy your ISBN, or you can buy them separately from bowkerbarcode.com .

You can also get them free from a barcode generator site .

Before you create one, make sure you have your ISBN number, the retail or list price for your book, and the size for your symbol. (The standard is 2 inches by 1.25 inches.)

16. How Do I Read My ISBN Barcode?

The barcodes on a book’s back cover are formatted with EAN-13 (European Article Number-13).

That means that the barcode represents your 13-digit ISBN in a form scanners can read.

The barcode usually also has other information embedded in it, like the price of the book and the currency.

17. How Do I Use My ISBN Barcode?

The barcode goes on the back cover of your book or, in mass-market paperbacks, the inside of the front cover.

The barcode is machine-readable, which makes automated sales and inventory tracking faster. This is a must for large retailers like Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

If you change the price of your self-published book, you will need a new barcode. You can keep the same ISBN, though.

18. Does an ISBN Mean My Book is Copyright Registered?

No. Copyright is separate from ISBN.

ISBNs are administered by GS1, a private company that oversees the international use of ISBNs for the book trade.

Copyright is an extension of intellectual property law. In the United States, it’s administered by the Library of Congress.

For more information, see the Scribe Guide to Copyright .

19. If I Change My Book, Do I Need a New ISBN?

That depends on how big the changes are.

Here are some cases where you don’t need a new ISBN:

  • If you changed the price
  • If you changed the cover design or made other marketing changes
  • If you’re reprinting the book with no changes
  • If you corrected some small grammatical mistakes
  • If you switched to a different printer (Note: Printers and publishers are different. Printers actually print and bind your book. Publishers are involved throughout the whole writing process .)

Here are some cases where you do need a new ISBN:

  • If you switched to a different publishing company
  • If you translated the book to a new language
  • If you changed the book title or subtitle
  • If you published the book in a new format (e.g., paperback, audiobook, etc.)
  • If you added more content
  • If you changed the layout significantly (e.g., large-print version or a different book size)

20. If I Need a New ISBN, How Do I Change It?

If you made major changes, your book’s basically a new product. You’ll have to publish the new edition like a separate book.

That means you’ll leave your old ISBN alone. All the existing copies of your book with that ISBN will stay the same.

For the new version, register a separate ISBN. The new ISBN goes on the copyright page. You’ll also need a new barcode on the back of the book.

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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.

Infographic showing the parts of an ISBN number

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.

Illustration showing parts of a barcode compared with a ISBN number

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:

Chart showing how much ISBNs cost in the US and UK

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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Isbn: official identity of your book | get your book registered for sale.

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Book writing is a tough task on its own, but book publishing and distribution is a time taking and hefty procedure. But book writing professionals and book writing companies have made it possible for anyone to write a book. Even  book editing , book formatting, and book cover designing services are easily available.

There are a number of ways in which you can get your book noticed and bought by the seekers. You can reach out to publishing houses, each of which offers different publishing packages that include a book deal, printing services, and  book marketing  strategies. Self-publishing requires you to take care of the brand yourself; including marketing, sales, and shipping, which is very difficult to take care of on your own. Hence, it’s always a smart choice to hand over the heavy lifting to book writers at  Penguin Book Writers  who specialize in helping you with all that.

In order to publish your book, there are some legal requirements that you must go through. One of them is ISBN Registration. In this article, you will learn everything that you need to know about ISBN, focusing mainly on registering through Bowker (US ISBN Agency).

What is an ISBN?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique identifier assigned to books and other publications to facilitate their identification in bookstores, libraries, and other distribution networks. An ISBN is typically a 13-digit number that is assigned to a specific edition and format of a book, such as a hardcover or paperback. It provides information about the book’s publisher, country of origin, and title, among other things.

Why is an ISBN Number Important?

For self-published authors, obtaining an ISBN is important because it helps to make their books more discoverable and accessible to readers. Most retailers, including online booksellers, require books to have an ISBN in order to be listed for sale. In some countries, such as the United States, it is also necessary to have an ISBN in order to sell a book in bookstores or libraries.

What is the Cost of an ISBN Number for a Book?

  • Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing program offers free ISBNs to authors who publish their books through their platform.
  • In the  United States , ISBNs are available for purchase from Bowker, the U.S. ISBN agency, and the cost of a single ISBN is currently $125. However, Bowker offers discounts for purchasing multiple ISBNs at once.
  • In  Canada , ISBNs are available for free through the government agency responsible for ISBNs.
  • Australians  Spend Approximately $40 for an ISBN.
  • The Cost of an ISBN for UK Residents: 89 Pounds.
  • Some other countries offer a mix of free and paid ISBN options.

Also Read:   How Much Does It Cost To Publish A Book?

What Is the Purpose of an ISBN Number?

The main purpose of an ISBN number is to identify a particular book and distinguish it from other books. It allows publishers, booksellers, and libraries to order and catalog books more efficiently. It also helps to prevent counterfeiting and piracy of books.

Getting an ISBN Outside of the USA

In the US and the UK, Bowker and Nielsen respectively are responsible for managing ISBN numbers and charge a fee for obtaining them. However, in many other countries, such as those with government or publicly-funded agencies, ISBN numbers are provided free of charge. This means that if you are located outside the US, you may be able to obtain an ISBN number at no cost through these agencies.

You can find out your local ISBN agency by searching for it on the  official ISBN website . While ISBNs are assigned locally, you can use them internationally.

How Long Does It Take to Get an ISBN Number?

When you apply for the ISBN through Bowker (US ISBN Agency), you will get your ISBN within 5 days depending on the nature of your application.

  • Non-priority Processing:  You can get your ISBN within 5 business days if you apply for non-priority processing.
  • Priority Processing:  You can get your ISBN within 2 business days if you choose priority processing.
  • Express Processing:  You can get your ISBN within 24 business hours if you choose express processing.

How to Register Your Book’s ISBN Number

Here’s a list of some general steps that you may need to follow:.

  • Obtain your ISBN Number:  If you have not already purchased an ISBN number, you will need to do so before registering it for your book. You can purchase an ISBN number from the agency responsible for ISBNs in your country or region.

Now you can go to  Bowker’s official website  or the one responsible for your country’s ISBNs in order to register your book’s ISBN. An alternate method is mentioned below.

  • Complete the Registration Form:  The registration form for your book’s ISBN number may be available online or in print. You will need to provide the necessary information about your book and your ISBN number in order to complete the registration process.
  • Submit the Registration Form:  Once you have completed the registration form, you will need to submit it to the agency responsible for ISBNs in your country or region. This may involve sending the form via email, mail, or an online submission system.
  • Wait for Confirmation:  After submitting your registration form, you will need to wait for confirmation that your ISBN number has been registered for your book. This may take a few days or longer, depending on the agency and their processing times.

By following these steps, you can register your book’s ISBN number and ensure that it is properly linked to your book for distribution and sales purposes.

How Many ISBN Numbers Should You Get?

First of all, let mw clarify some common misconceptions surrounding the usage of ISBNs:

  • An ISBN can be used only once (for one book).
  • An ISBN can be used internationally, hence selling your book in different countries doesn’t require you to purchase different ISBNs.
  • You need an ISBN for every specific format of the book and any new versions. (For example; if you want to sell your book in print, as an eBook, and also as an audiobook).
  • You can’t use the same ISBN for books belonging to a book series.
  • However; for a book series, you can use the same ISSN (International Standard Series Number) from the Library of Congress, on top of different ISBNs for each book.

Now purchasing a single ISBN may seem economical on the surface, but if you are really serious about writing books and making sales, then you must sell your book in every possible format, which would require different ISBNs (a print book ISBN, an E-book ISBN and an audiobook ISBN). And if you are planning on writing more books in the future, then why not purchase more ISBNs altogether, especially when Bowker offers tremendous discounts?

Do ISBNs have an Expiry Date?

No, ISBNs cannot be expired. Even if you have a decade-old purchased and unused ISBN, you can revive it and use it for your book. In fact, if your really old ISBN is not according to the newly reconstructed format, then you can easily convert it from the same place you purchased it.

Reading an ISBN Number (with an Example)

As of 2007, the ISBN is a 13-digit number. You can tell a lot about a book and its author by reading the ISBN number. Let’s learn how to read an ISBN through an example:

Suppose a book has this ISBN:  978-1-20-335943-0

You’ll notice that the number is divided into 5 combinations, and each one determines a specific property of the book.

  • “ 978 ” simply tells us that this whole number is an ISBN.
  • “ 1 ” determines the language of the book, which in this case is English. 0-1 is for English, 2 for French, 3 for German, 4 for Japanese, 5 for Russian and 7 is for Chinese. Other rare languages have a longer number; for example, Indonesian is 602 whereas Turkish is 9944.
  • “ 20 ” indicates the publisher code specific for each publisher, it can be as long as 9 digits.
  • “ 3335943 ” identifies a specific book or a specific edition of a book as assigned by the publisher. It can be a single or multiple digits.
  • “ 0 ” is the last digit and is known as the “check digit”. This number is mathematically calculated as a single, fixed digit.

Where Is the ISBN Number on a Book?

The ISBN number can be found on the back cover or on the title page of a book. It is also usually listed on online retailers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Searching Your Book’s ISBN

If you want to look up the ISBN of your book or any book out there, you can do so easily by visiting the website  ISBNSearch.org . You can search by typing in the ISBN, book title or author’s name.

Reading a Barcode on a Book (with an Example)

The barcode on a book contains two barcodes: the EAN generated from the ISBN number on the left, and an EAN-5 on the right containing the book’s price, with the first digit being 5 and the following 4 digits indicating the price. For example, if the number reads 53250, this means the price of the book is set at $32.50. If the price of the book changes, a new barcode must be used, though the ISBN wouldn’t change.

To buy a barcode you must first purchase an ISBN. You can buy your barcodes at Bowker and they even offer a barcode-ISBN combo.

Read More:  How to Publish Your Book For Free And Get Paid 

ASIN and ISBN: What’s the Difference?

ISBNs are used to track books globally and identify their unique characteristics, while an ASIN, or Amazon Standard Identification Number, is a unique identifier assigned by Amazon to identify a product in their catalog only.

Why Do I Need an ISBN?

Self-published authors can benefit from acquiring an ISBN, as it can increase the visibility and availability of their books to potential readers. The majority of book retailers, including online platforms, mandate the use of ISBN for listing books for sale. In certain nations like the United States, selling books in bookstores or libraries also necessitates an ISBN.

How Do You Buy an ISBN Number?

The ISBN number is assigned by the publisher when the book is published. The publisher must apply for an ISBN number from the International ISBN Agency or a local ISBN agency in your country. In some countries, self-publishers can purchase a single ISBN for their book, while in others they may need to purchase a block of ISBNs. It’s important to research the requirements in your country and to ensure that your book has an ISBN before publishing. Once the publisher has been assigned an ISBN number, they will assign it to the book.

Should You Buy Your Own ISBN Number?

Using multiple free ISBNs for the same book, obtained from different publishers, can make self-publishers appear unprofessional to bookstores. Sometimes bookstores refuse to stock your book due to the  self-publishing  company being identified as the publisher.

This can be avoided by purchasing your own ISBN from Bowker.

Libraries and ISBN Numbers

As eBooks gain popularity, libraries are playing a bigger role in their distribution. For example, “Overdrive” is the largest provider of eBooks to schools and libraries worldwide, serving over 30,000 institutions. They also distribute eBooks to retail stores around the globe, generating millions of sales. Hence, it is high time that you should get an ISBN and start stocking your book in libraries!

ISBN: Resource Links

International ISBN Agency

ISBN.org by Bowker

Bowkerlink Publisher Access System

Bowker Identifier Services

U.S. Copyright Office

ISBN Set Up Guide

ISBN Guides: Basic Information

For self-published authors, obtaining an ISBN is important because it makes their books more discoverable. But what is the point of going through all that if your book is not even up to the mark? There is a lot of competition out there, so making sure that your book stands out and is desirable enough is not easy. Don’t worry! Expert book writers at  Penguin Book Writers Company  have helped  emerging authors  in their journey! So, hurry up and enlighten us with your ideas and let us help you in authoring award-winning books.

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Basic ISBN Number

The Basic ISBN Service is by far our best-seller and offers a fast, reliable and affordable ISBN solution for independent authors and publishers. ISBNs included in this service may be used for print and ebook projects as well as DVDs, CDs, pamphlets and many other types of media.

Custom ISBN Number

As an authorized agent for Bowker, the US ISBN Agency, we’re able to offer our Custom ISBN package: the best and lowest-cost alternative for ISBN purchasing and registration. 

Why pay $150 for an ISBN and barcode through Bowker ($125 for the ISBN and $25 for the barcode) when you can have the  exact same  ISBN and barcode for $109.99?

“I’m still new to this site but I’ve found it exceptional! Navigating the site is pretty easy even for me with no pc skills. Delivery is always timely and the service is great! I’m a continuing customer!”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ISBN? ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number and is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and writing-related products.

How many ISBNs do I need? A single ISBN will cover 1 format of 1 book. So if you’re publishing 1 book in paperback and ebook format, you’ll need 2 ISBN numbers.

Do ISBNs Expire? ISBNs do not have an expiration date. Once you purchase an ISBN, it will stay in your account forever.

I’m planning to publish in the future. Should I buy my ISBN now, or wait until I’m ready to publish? You can purchase the ISBN at any time. 

Is the charge for the ISBN a recurring or one-time fee? ISBN only require a one-time fee. There are no recurring charges.

I’m not from the United States, can I take part in the Basic ISBN package? No, the Basic ISBN is only available to authors with a valid U.S. address. 

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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 148,958 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

Step 1 Find your national ISBN agency.

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

Step 2 Select the national agency in which your company’s headquarters is located.

Completing the Application

Step 1 Find your 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.

Step 4 Get your ISBN.

  • 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

Community Answer

  • 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

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Understand an ISBN Code

  • ↑ 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

Gerald Posner

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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The most important identifier your book can have is the ISBN. As the U.S. ISBN Agency, Bowker is the ONLY official source of ISBNs in the United States. ISBNs provide unique identification for books and simplify the distribution of your books throughout the global supply chain. Without an ISBN, your book will not be found in most bookstores, either online, or down the street from your house.

Tools for getting discovered

Tools for getting discovered

The top three important tools for discovery are the ISBN, Barcode and Marketing your book. The 13 digit ISBN links to essential information used in sales tracking, retail inventory systems, library catalogs, bookstores, online stores, and for new digital editions for old books.

Complete, accurate identification

Complete, accurate identification

The purpose of the ISBN is to identify one specific version of a book. If you wish to have a print (hardbound or softbound) or electronic (ePUB, PDF, or MOBI) version, or even register a new version, you will need a unique ISBN for each format. This allows retailers to help the customer understand exactly which version of a title they are purchasing.

Bibliographic immortality

Bibliographic immortality

A book can be found by its ISBN and the title data connected with it, long after the publisher has ceased to sell the book itself.

Link to essential Information

Link to essential Information

You may ask - why do I need an ISBN? An ISBN is essential for linking information which allows booksellers and readers to know: what your book is about, who the author is, and who the publisher is. Along with the barcode, it is crucial for tracking sales and inventory.

Related Products

Barcode

A barcode is a graphical representation of your book's ISBN and in the United States, the price information. A ISBN is the most widely used format for identifying your book in the publishing industry.

ISBN AU

The most important identifier your book can have is an ISBN (International Standard Book Number). Thorpe-Bowker is the ONLY official ISBN Agency for Australia.

Professional Editing Services

Professional Editing Services

Bowker offers editorial services to help ensure the quality of your book’s content. Professional copy editing and developmental editing will help ensure your book will be error-free and provide the best possible reading experience.

isbn number cost

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

  • Updated on January 25, 2023

Everything to know about ISBN

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 stand for

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.

ISBN cost

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.

ISBN examples

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.

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What are ISBNs and why do you need them?

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique product identifier for books and related material. Whilst it is not a legal requirement to allocate ISBNs to your books, it is used by publishers, booksellers and libraries for ordering, listing and stock control purposes. It enables them to identify a particular publisher and allows the publisher to identify a specific edition of a specific title in a specific format within their output. Systems used by publishers, booksellers and libraries all rely on the ISBN to identify books ensuring they select and stock the correct title and edition.

To buy ISBNs from this site, you must be based in the UK, Ireland or a British Overseas Territory. If you are publishing elsewhere, you can find your national ISBN Agency on the International ISBN Agency’s website here

If you are going to publish only one book in only one format, the single ISBN will be enough.  If you plan to publish more than one book, or to publish a revised edition of the original, or if you are going to publish your book in different formats (such as paperback and e-book), you will need a different ISBN for each version and each format, so ten ISBNs would be more suitable. Unused ISBNs remain valid indefinitely.

All prices are inclusive of UK Standard Rate Value Added Tax.

buy single isbn

If you want to purchase larger quantities or to discuss your requirement in more detail, please email us at [email protected]

can your product have an isbn?

Publications that are monographic (one-off publications, not periodicals or serials), text-based (or predominantly text-based) and available to the public are considered eligible within the scope of the ISBN Standard. Examples of the types of publication that qualify for ISBN:

  • Printed books and pamphlets
  • Individual chapters or sections of a publication if these are made available separately
  • Braille publications
  • Publications that are not intended by the publisher to be updated regularly or continued indefinitely
  • Individual articles or issues of a particular continuing resource (but not the continuing resource in its entirety)
  • Educational/instructional films, videos and transparencies. General-interest documentaries are not eligible, the product must have a definable educational outcome.
  • Audiobooks on physical media (talking books)
  • Electronic publications either on physical carriers (such as machine-readable tapes, diskettes, or CD-ROMs) or on the Internet for download or streaming.
  • Digitised copies of print monographic publications
  • Microform publications
  • Educational or instructional software
  • Mixed media publications (where the principal constituent is text-based)
  • Print on demand publications (print on demand is just a method of very short run printing)

Ineligible products

Any publication that is without a defined end should not be assigned an ISBN. For example, publications that are regularly updated and to continue indefinitely (such as journals, serials, magazines, newspapers, updating loose-leafs, updating websites) are ineligible for ISBN. Some examples of products that do not qualify for ISBN:

  • Journals, periodicals, serials, newspapers in their entirety (single issues or articles, where these are made available separately, may qualify for ISBN)
  • Abstract entities such as textual works and other abstract creations of intellectual or artistic content
  • Ephemeral printed materials such as advertising matter and the like
  • Customised print on demand publications (Publications that are available only on a limited basis, such as customised print on demand publications with content specifically tailored to a user’s request shall not be assigned an ISBN.)
  • Printed music
  • Art prints and art folders without title page and text
  • Personal documents (such as a curriculum vitae or personal profile)
  • Greetings cards
  • Music sound recordings
  • Software that is intended for any purpose other than educational or instructional
  • Electronic bulletin boards
  • E-mails and other digital correspondence
  • Updating websites

ISBN Information

Cost of isbn numbers.

By Bill Pearce. Last reviewed and updated on Tueday, August 31, 2021.

The cost of ISBN numbers to individual publishers can depend on a number of factors, the first to be considered being what regional, national or linguistic group that you are part of. The global ISBN system is administered by grouping itself into a large number of groups, each of which largely oversees its own affairs. One of the things that each group administers is the cost of that region's, nation's or linguistic group's ISBN numbers.

As well as providing ISBNs, regional ISBN agencies may offer other products and services, such as barcodes for ISBNs, and self-publishing packages to assist self-publishers with services and products such as marketing, ebook creation and book cover design.

  • To understand how the international agency organises group agencies, see the Administration of the ISBN System page.
  • If you want to get a single ISBN, then see the Get a Single ISBN page.

The Cost of ISBN Numbers in the USA

The ISBN authority for the USA is R R Bowker in New Providence, NJ.

You purchase ISBN numbers in blocks of 1, 10, 100 or more.

The table below shows the fee for each number of ISBNs purchased.

Bowker also offer larger quantities of ISBNs for purchase, price upon application.

The Cost of ISBN Numbers in the United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland

The ISBN authority for the UK and Ireland is Nielsen Book Services in Surrey.

You can purchase ISBN numbers singly, or in blocks of 10, 100, 1,000 or more.

The table below shows the total fee for each number of ISBNs purchased.

To order ISBNs if you're a United Kingdom publisher, including self-publishers, go to the Nielsen ISBN Store .

If you need further information or would like to discuss your particular requirements regarding ISBNs in the United Kingdom, then email Nielsen at [email protected] .

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How to get an ISBN for your book in the UK?

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1. The basics of ISBN numbers

2. What does ISBN stand for?

3. What is an ISBN number used for?

4. What is the purpose of an ISBN number?

5. Where is the ISBN number on books?

6. How much does an ISBN cost in the UK?

7. How to register your book and ISBN number

8. How long does it take to get an ISBN number?

9. How many ISBN numbers should you get?

10. Do ISBNs expire?

11. Begin the self-publishing process

➡️  ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. An ISBN number is a unique 13-digit number that identifies each published novel.

➡️  The average cost of an ISBN number is £80. This doesn’t always include the image of the barcode, which you can purchase separately.

➡️  You can easily register for an ISBN for your book online. Once you’ve purchased your ISBN, you won’t need to renew it or reapply for it - it’s yours forever.

With an industry worth over £1.63 billion , the UK publishing and bookselling market is the third-largest in all the world.

As a nation of readers, many British people eagerly await the newest titles from their favourite authors, reissued versions of the books they love, and debut novels that sound appealing and engaging to them. When they go online to pre-order these titles, there will be a small code beside the 'add-to-cart' button: the book's ISBN.

If you're looking to publish your book this year, you likely are wondering what this ISBN is and how you can get one for your next release. Here, we're going to tell you all about UK ISBN numbers, so read on to get ready for putting out your debut publication!

The basics of ISBN numbers

An ISBN number is a unique 13-digit number that serves as identification for a published novel. Prior to 2007, these numbers used to consist of only 10 digits.

Each one of these numbers is unique. Additionally, each edition of a book has a different ISBN number, so if you reprint and republish your novel in the future, you are going to need a new ISBN. An ISBN is intended to not only identify the title of the publication, but also its format and edition. eBooks will also have different ISBN numbers than their corresponding print publication.

What does ISBN stand for?

ISBN stands for 'International Standard Book Number.' ISBNs are used internationally, but two editions of the same book that are published in different countries will have different numbers. For example, a novel published in both the US and the UK will have different ISBNs even if both are the book's first printing.

This allows publishers, booksellers, and consumers in different countries to identify the location of publication so that they can select the appropriate version for their needs.

What is an ISBN number used for?

An ISBN number is used to communicate specific information about a book. Each section of its numbers has a different meaning:

  • A prefix element (3 digits), which currently can only be 978 or 979.
  • A registration group element (1-5 digits), which identifies the nation or geographical region of a publication.
  • A registrant element (7 digits or fewer), which denotes the specific publisher or imprint of the text.
  • A publication element (6 digits or fewer), which identifies the specific edition of a title (1st edition, 2nd edition, paperback edition, digital edition, special edition, etc).
  • A check digit (1 digit), which mathematically validates the rest of the number.

What is the purpose of an ISBN number? An ISBN is used by supply chain participants to identify each book in their records. These participants include publishers, libraries, booksellers, online retailers, and more. The number assists them in ordering and listing the books that they have in their collections so that they can keep record and control stock. ISBN numbers also help consumers make sure that they are ordering the edition of the book that they want for their collection. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Where is the ISBN number on books? The ISBN number is generally on the back of the book's cover . It usually is beside the barcode in the bottom righthand corner. If you don't see it there, it will be on the page that features the book's copyright and publisher information. This page is where it will always be found on digital editions. eBooks also have ISBNs but they’re not included in the front cover. Because they are published digitally, you’d usually find them in the details of the order page. How much does an ISBN cost in the UK?

The average cost of an ISBN number is around £80 and usually doesn’t include the image of the barcode itself. The barcode can be purchased separately and you can get greater discounts for purchasing multiple barcode images. Especially useful if you're already working on a shoe-string budget. Here's how to make further savings on your book editing .

If you plan to exclusively publish independently, you can get an ISBN from the UK Independent Publishing Network with barcode images for £40.00 or without barcode images for £30.00. It's worth factoring in this to the overall cost of book cover design .

How to register your book and ISBN number

ISBNs are easy to register for and purchase on websites like Nielsen Books . You will pay £82.5 and register with a username and password on the website. Keep this somewhere safe for the next time that you need to make a purchase from the agency (an ISBN number from a different edition, one for a future publication, etc).

If you prefer not to make an account on the site, you can also apply using the ISBN application on their website. Note that this is a longer process than the instant online application. It would need to be sent via the post, so an email or online application is generally the superior option.

How long does it take to get an ISBN number?

If you use the online form, you will receive your ISBN number as soon as the application is processed. If you choose to send a print application via the post, allow 5 business days for it to get there.

Additionally, it may take 2 more days after that for the application to be processed in person.

How many ISBN numbers should you get?

That depends on how many editions you’re going to publish as each one would require a separate ISBN number.

For example, if you’re self-publishing a paperback, a hardback and an audiobook , you’ll need three unique ISBNs. If you’re publishing a trilogy and each book requires three ISBNs, then you will end up needing to register 10! Which could mean that you may be able to get a discount as well.

Do ISBNs expire?

No. Once you apply and pay for an ISBN, it's yours forever. It will never expire. This makes applying an even more worthwhile investment than it otherwise would be!

Begin the self-publishing process

Now that you know all about ISBN number and how you can get one for your UK publication, it's time to begin creating a book cover for your upcoming book release.

‍ Get in touch to find out how much cover design will cost. We, as book cover designers, are committed to creating the perfect book jacket that matches your vision, so we look forward to hearing from you!

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After your payment, the ISBNs will be delivered to your email address instantly along with a URL to Download your ISBN barcode.

ISBN Assigned to Your Book

Your book information is sent to the International ISBN registry within 24 hours of your order to make sure your book is cataloged in the global database.

If you are an independent author or publisher, and want to publish your book. You need to have an ISBN for each format of your book. Searching for an ISBN to self-publish a book can be frustrating. We are here to help you obtain ISBNs, save time and money. We provide ISBN service to help your book get indexed into the global ISBN database record. With our ISBN assignment service, you can publish your book on any platform and anywhere in the world.

Why Buy ISBN from us

1. no need for local address and id proof.

Many ISBN agencies will ask you for a valid local address and ID card at the time of ISBN purchase. Your address will be accessible publicly. This is not good for privacy reason.

2. ISBNs at Affordable Cost

Single ISBN number in United States cost $125. You can get two ISBN from us for the same price. Our custom ISBN comes with all the benefits that you can get from any other ISBN agency.

3. Easy to obtain ISBN

We have designed an easy-to-access platform to obtain ISBNs. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about book metadata will take care for you.

4. No Upsell

No unnecessary upsell, like selling barcode, book widget, QR code etc. We do offer publishing and marketing services under different brand name. But, we won’t upsell you.

5. Free Barcode

All ISBNs purchased from us get Barcode in PNG file format. We also provide you support regarding barcode and work with you to get thing done.

6. Lifetime support

No need to worry about ISBN provided by us. If you face any issue in the future, just drop us an email, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

What is the difference between basic and custom ISBN?

Basic ISBN is the cheapest ISBN that comes with our imprint name. On the other hand, the custom ISBNs will allow you to publish your book in the imprint name of your choice. You can use anything as an imprint name at the time of publishing your book. Make sure the same imprint name is mentioned in your copyright page inside the book and your imprint name is unique. You can also use your author name as your imprint name.

How many ISBNs do I need?

You can use one ISBN with only 1 format of your book title. So if you want to publish 1 book in paperback, ebook, and hardcover format, then you’ll need 3 ISBNs. Main while must platform doesn’t ask ISBN for ebooks publishing. We recommend using ISBN for ebook publishing too for extra distributions.

Does your ISBN get indexed in Global ISBN database?

We assign ISBNs to your book after your order. But, ISBN get indexed in database only after your book is published online. You can use ISBN Searcher or any ISBN lookup tool to find metadata about a book.

Can I get a barcode along with ISBN?

Yes, we will send you barcode for each ISBN purchase from us.

Is it ISBN-10 or ISBN-13?

Do isbns expire.

No, Once you publish your book using an ISBN, that ISBN can’t be reused or expire. It is permanent.

I’m planning to publish in the future. Should I buy my ISBN now?

You can purchase the ISBN now and use it whenever you want.

Is the charge for the ISBN a recurring or one-time fee?

One-time fees only.

I’m not from the United States, can I purchase ISBN from you?

Yes, you can purchase ISBN from us and use it to publish your book in any countries. ISBNs are international.

Do you provide bulk discount for ISBNs?

Our custom ISBNs pricing are: 1 ISBN $69, 2 ISBNs $125, 3 ISBNs $160, 4 ISBNs $190 (Bulk discount is applied to your cart automatically.) There is no bulk discount on basic ISBN, we can offer you a custom offer, please contact us.

Do you offer a refund if the ISBN doesn't work?

Yes, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. You have to return the unused ISBN to us as the same ISBN will be reassigned.

What if ISBN provided by you is not unique?

We keep a good record of each ISBN issued by us. A duplicate ISBN will be rejected by the publishing platform and if, for some reason, you think the ISBN issued to you is not unique then contact our support.

What if my book faces ownership or copyright issue due to using an ISBN provided by you?

ISBN is just a serial number for a book that is used for inventory management and sales tracking. ISBN doesn’t provide you with ownership or copyright protection. But as a self-publisher, you must set up a copyright page with ISBN and imprint name inside your book correctly.

Can I change my book ISBN in the future?

You can’t change the ISBN of a book after it’s published. However, you can unpublish and republish using a different ISBN. Make sure to mention your previous publication ISBN in the new book to avoid confusion and ownership issues.

Can I reuse the same ISBN on some other book?

No, once a book is published, you can’t use the same ISBN on the other book. Even the previous book get unpublished.

Contact us if you have any questions regarding our website and services that we offer.

Bookllo Publishing

Please contact us via WhatsApp or via email [email protected]

IMAGES

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

    isbn number cost

  2. How to Get an ISBN Number: Everything You Need to Know

    isbn number cost

  3. How to Get an ISBN: Fast Guide & Need-To-Know (+ Tips)

    isbn number cost

  4. Guide to Barcodes: ASIN, UPC, EAN, ISBN, SKU

    isbn number cost

  5. What Is the Isbn Number on Books Used for

    isbn number cost

  6. How to Get an ISBN Number for a Book

    isbn number cost

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COMMENTS

  1. Buy ISBNs & Other Identifiers

    Buy ISBNs & other Identifiers Buy your ISBNs from the Official US ISBN Agency Today! Bowker is the only authorized provider of ISBNs to the US Publishing community.

  2. How to Get an ISBN Number as a Self-Published Author

    As a self-publishing author, you can get an ISBN barcode for your book by purchasing it from an ISBN agency like Bowker for $125, or for free from other publishers and distributors, like Draft2Digital. Keep in mind you'll need an ISBN number for each version of your title (e.g. print or ebook).

  3. How to Get an ISBN Number for a Self-Published Book

    Do I buy one or just get it for free through KDP or an aggregator? How much does an ISBN cost? Are ISBNs for big-name publishers only? In this post, we want to answer the commonly asked questions about ISBN numbers for self-published books, as well as everything else you need to know to buy, register, and imprint your ISBN.

  4. How to Get an ISBN: Fast Guide + 13 Tips

    Number of ISBNs Cost; 1: $125: 10: $295: 100: $575: First off, it rarely makes sense to purchase a single ISBN. A single ISBN would cost you $125, but a bulk of 10 only costs $295. Meaning if you purchased 10, each ISBN would cost you $29.50, a 76% discount.

  5. Buy ISBNs

    Learn how to buy ISBNs from Bowker, the official ISBN Agency for publishers in the United States and its territories. Find out why you need an ISBN, how many you need, and how much they cost for different formats and editions of your book.

  6. FAQs: General Questions

    The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Back to top. What is the purpose of an ISBN? ... How much does it cost to get an ISBN? There is a service fee to process all ISBN applications. Service fee information is contained on the application.

  7. How To Get An ISBN: Quick Guide for Self-Published Authors

    ISBN Costs: A Breakdown. How much does it cost to get an ISBN number for a book? It costs anywhere from $0 to $125 to get an ISBN number for a book in the U.S. The costs in other countries vary. Depending on the country you live in, you might be able to get an ISBN for free. For example, Canadians can get free ISBNs from Library and Archives ...

  8. International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

    An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique number that is assigned to every published book. An ISBN identifies a book's edition, publisher, and physical properties like trim size, page count, and binding type. ... You cover the cost of the ISBN. You can publish outside of KDP. Register your own imprint with Bowker or local ISBN ...

  9. How to Get an ISBN Number: Everything You Need to Know

    Number of ISBN's Price Cost Per ISBN; 1: $125: $125: 10: $250: $25: 100: $575: $5.75: 1,000: $1,200: $1.2: As you can see, the cost per ISBN goes down from $125 for a single ISBN to $1.2 per ISBN if you buy 1,000 - that's a whopping 99% decrease in the cost per ISBN!

  10. How To Get An ISBN (For Authors That Are Self-Publishing)

    Some self-publishing platforms like KDP (Kindle Publishing Direct) offer free ones, while the official U.S. ISBNs available from Bowker cost $125. When it comes to ISBNs, you often get what you pay for. Bowker is the official ISBN Agency for publishers in the United States and its territories.

  11. What is an ISBN Number? A Look at Publishing's ID System

    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.

  12. How to Get an ISBN for Your Book: A Guide to Secure an ISBN for Your

    In the United States, ISBNs are available for purchase from Bowker, the U.S. ISBN agency, and the cost of a single ISBN is currently $125. However, Bowker offers discounts for purchasing multiple ISBNs at once. In Canada, ISBNs are available for free through the government agency responsible for ISBNs.

  13. What Is an ISBN & How to Get One: The Complete Guide

    How much do ISBN numbers cost? ISBN costs vary by country and quantity. In the U.S., one ISBN is around $125, with lower per-unit costs for bulk (10 for $295, 100 for $575). Some countries offer ISBNs for free through national libraries or agencies. Check with your country's ISBN agency for precise pricing.

  14. Buy ISBN Number & Barcode $22.99

    Get a 13-digit ISBN number and a high-resolution barcode generator for print and ebook projects, as well as other media types. The Basic ISBN Service is fast, reliable and affordable, and includes book data registration, usage rights and lifetime support.

  15. ISBN & Barcode From $22.99

    Buy Now - $22.99 Custom ISBN Number As an authorized agent for Bowker, the US ISBN Agency, we're able to offer our Custom ISBN package: the best and lowest-cost alternative for ISBN purchasing and registration.

  16. How to Get an ISBN Number: 8 Steps (with Pictures)

    1. Find your application. The path to the ISBN application varies from nation to nation. In some cases, after accessing the site of your national ISBN agency, the option to get an ISBN will be front and center. In other cases, you'll have to hunt around the site a bit in order to find the application. [3]

  17. ISBN US

    Benefits Tools for getting discovered The top three important tools for discovery are the ISBN, Barcode and Marketing your book. The 13 digit ISBN links to essential information used in sales tracking, retail inventory systems, library catalogs, bookstores, online stores, and for new digital editions for old books. Complete, accurate identification

  18. ISBN

    The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) ... ISBN: -345-24223-8), and it cost US$5.95. Since 1 January 2007, ISBNs have contained thirteen digits, a format that is compatible with "Bookland" European Article Numbers, which have 13 digits. ...

  19. What is an ISBN: Quick Guide for Self-publishing Authors

    How much does an ISBN cost? What is the purpose of an ISBN? How to read an ISBN with examples? ISBN 10 vs ISBN 13 What is the ISBN number of books? Do eBooks need ISBN? ISBN search ISBN vs Barcode The difference between ASIN and ISBN What does ISBN stand for? ISBN is a short form of International Standard Book Number.

  20. Nielsen UK ISBN Store

    £979.00 per block of 1000 Add to Basket > If you want to purchase larger quantities or to discuss your requirement in more detail, please email us at [email protected] can your product have an isbn?

  21. ISBN Information

    You can purchase ISBN numbers singly, or in blocks of 10, 100, 1,000 or more. The table below shows the total fee for each number of ISBNs purchased. To order ISBNs if you're a United Kingdom publisher, including self-publishers, go to the Nielsen ISBN Store.

  22. How To Get An ISBN For Your Book In The UK?

    8 minute read This guide will cover the following: 1. The basics of ISBN numbers 2. What does ISBN stand for? 3. What is an ISBN number used for? 4. What is the purpose of an ISBN number? 5. Where is the ISBN number on books? 6. How much does an ISBN cost in the UK? 7. How to register your book and ISBN number 8.

  23. Buy ISBNs at Low Cost, Publish Book Using Your Imprint Name

    2. ISBNs at Affordable Cost. Single ISBN number in United States cost $125. You can get two ISBN from us for the same price. Our custom ISBN comes with all the benefits that you can get from any other ISBN agency. 3. Easy to obtain ISBN. We have designed an easy-to-access platform to obtain ISBNs. Moreover, you don't have to worry about book ...