ISBN’s

What is an ISBN?

If you’re hoping to publish an eBook, you will need to familiarize yourself with ISBNs. The good news is that this article is going to tell you everything you need to know about them, including why they’re a necessary component of all eBooks and where you can purchase them from.

What exactly is an ISBN?

ISBN is short for International Standard Book Number, and that description perfectly introduces its purpose. Each ISBN is unique, and since January 2007, they always consist of thirteen digits. You will find them on the back cover of any book that you pick up from a store, as well as on eBooks.

How is an ISBN used?

An ISBN and its barcode are how a book is identified by anyone hoping to search for it. It is used by publishers, distributors, libraries, online catalogs, and internet retailers to list and record the various titles in their possession.

Do I need an ISBN for my eBook?

Yes. In fact, you require an individual ISBN for each format of your eBook. So, if you intend to publish an eBook and then decide to add a paperback copy, you will need to add a second, unique ISBN when you’re ready to publish your work in a new format.

That being said, it’s not essential. If you plan on distributing your eBook yourself [via your website and social media sites, for instance] you don’t necessarily need an ISBN. But every distributor has its own requirements. Here is a short guide on the requirements of various distributors:

• Amazon: When publishing through Amazon KDP, Amazon assigns you a 10-digit Amazon Standard Identification Number [ASIN].
• Barnes & Noble: If your book is distributed via B&N’s PubIt service, you will be issued with an internal 13-digit identifier, which will appear once your book is listed for sale.
• Apple: To publish via Apple’s iBookstore, you require an ISBN that has been published elsewhere.
• Others: On distribution sites like Lulu, Smashwords, Draft2Digital, and Sony, etc., you will have to research their individual requirements yourself. If you elect to publish with them you should be sure to check the requirements.

Overall, buying an ISBN for your book won’t cause you an issue with any site, so it might be worth just adding them to your book anyway. This means you will save time and effort if you seek to distribute your eBook through more than one source.

Where can I buy an ISBN from?

The good news is that it’s super easy to buy an ISBN. You can purchase an ISBN directly from myidentifiers.com – the site run by Bowker to specifically ensure books are cataloged and identified. A one-off ISBN costs $125, but you can buy a block of ten for $295. Even if you initially only plan to publish your book in one format, it’s better to opt for the block often, as you will save yourself money when you inevitably want to add a new format to your publication in the future.

How does an ISBN help my eBook?

ISBNs don’t just serve as an identifier. They improve the likelihood that your book will be found and purchased and links any critical information regarding your book if anyone wants to find out more about it. While not every retailer requires an ISBN, most do, so it ensures your work can be published without any delays or issues.

Does an ISBN have anything to do with copyright?

Your book’s ISBN doesn’t offer any form of copyright protection. Just because your book has an ISBN, it doesn’t mean that copyright laws protect it and you will need to approach the copyright office in your jurisdiction to protect your work. In the US, you can contact the copyright office here. It currently costs $45 to copyright a text.

Closing thoughts.

You should definitely consider adding an ISBN to each format of your eBook. They help customers find your eBook and ensure they are documented and cataloged. They can be easily purchased online and never expire, meaning you’re only subject to a one-off payment. Even if the retailer who will distribute your eBook doesn’t require an ISBN, it’s a good idea to include one anyway, so you can opt to change your distribution options in the future.