What Is an ISBN?
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Numbers, and it is a unique 13-digit numeric code that identifies a specific book title, publisher, edition, and format.
It functions as a digital fingerprint for books, and it is essential for libraries, bookstores, distributors, and readers so they can catalog, track, market, and sell publications efficiently.
Who Should Own the ISBN?
The best practice is for the publisher, not a publishing services provider, to own the ISBN.
For the publisher to own the ISBN, the account associated with the ISBN purchase should be established in the name of the publishing company or its owner.
- If you are the publisher, then this means you.
- If you sign a book deal with a traditional publisher like Penguin Random House, then they would own the ISBN, because they are the publisher.
- If you are working with a legitimate hybrid publisher who provides all of the same services as a traditional publisher but operates as an author-subsidized model, then the hybrid publisher would own the ISBN because they are the publisher.
Your illustrator, editor, designer, consultant, etc. should NOT own the ISBN.
Why Ownership of the ISBN Matters
Although the ownership of the ISBN does not establish formal copyright or ownership of the creative content, the person who owns the ISBN controls access to the associated metadata, which is a contributing factor in distribution.
Where Does the ISBN Show?
In the physical realm, the ISBN is listed on the copyright page of the book, on the carton label provided by the printer before shipment, and is embedded in the barcode on the physical book.
In the digital realm, the ISBN is listed anywhere the book is listed for sell and is also available across all of the many digital platforms that books are associated with (review sites, ordering sites, etc.).
Barcodes
It’s important to note that a barcode is not the same thing as an ISBN.
Barcodes hold various types of information, and an ISBN is just one type of data that a barcode can hold.
You do not need to buy barcodes. I will provide the barcode for each project.
When Does a Book Need an ISBN?
If your plan is to sell your book using only resources that belong to you, then you don’t need an ISBN.
For example, if you only plan to sell your book direct-to-consumer via in-person events or only through your own website, you don’t need an ISBN.
However, while that may be your initial plan, it’s always best to consider all of the places your book could go, and most of those places will require an ISBN.
Where Do ISBNs Come From?
The International ISBN Agency, based in London, coordinates the global ISBN system. Cambridge Information Group (CIG) own the exclusive rights to issue ISBNs in the United States through its subsidiary R.R. Bowker.
If you operate in another country besides the US, visit https://www.isbn-international.org/agencies and select your country of origin. Some countries assign ISBNs at no charge.
Since an ISBN is an international number, you can still sell your book in other countries regardless of which country issued your ISBN.
As a publisher who operates in the United States, you will purchase your ISBNs directly through Bowker’s website, myidentifiers.com.
Purchase Options
ISBNs are available for purchase as a single ISBN for $125, a pack of 10 for $295, a pack of 100 for $595, and a pack of 1000 for $1500.
Each distinct format of a book, such as a paperback, hardcover, audiobook, and an ePub requires its own ISBN, so a pack of 10 ISBNs may only be enough for 2 or 3 books, depending on the formats you choose for each title.
If your plan includes advertising on Amazon, they favor ISBNs that start with the 978 prefix, which is only available in the packs of 100 or more.
It’s important to note that while you are unable to transfer ISBNs to another person or entity, the ISBNs never expire.
