What is an ISBN?
- Stands for International Standard Book Number
- A unique 10- or 13-digit number assigned to every published book available for retail sale
- Used by bookstores, retailers, and libraries identify books.
ISBNs Identify information about the book, such as…
- Edition
- Publisher
- Trim Size
- Binding Type
When Is an ISBN Required?
- Required: If you are publishing your book for retail distribution to bookstores and online through online retailers like amazon.com
- NOT Required: e-Book version
- NOT Required: If you are printing copies to sell directly or give away directly.
When does a book need a new ISBN?
Whenever you publish a different version of your book that includes changes as…
- Edition
- Different Title
- Different Publisher
- Different Trim Size
- Different Binding Type
- Different Language
You DO NOT need a new ISBN to make the following changes.
- Price
- Minor corrections
- Different Cover
- Different Printer
ISBN Options
- Free KDP-assigned ISBNs
- Purchase Your Own ISBN
Free KDP-assigned ISBNs
- KDP can provide you with a free ISBN to publish your paperback.
- Your book’s ISBN information will be registered with BooksInPrint.com®
- The “Publisher” field on your paperback’s Amazon detail page will read “Independently published.”
- Can only be used on KDP for distribution to Amazon and its distribution partners.
- Cannot be used with another publisher or self-publishing service.
Purchase Your Own ISBN
- You can purchase your own ISBN from Bowker U.S. or local ISBN agency outside U.S.
- ISBNs purchased from Bowker can be used to publish titles in any language
- KDP authors can purchase an ISBN at a discounted rate ($99) from Bowker at https://www.myidentifiers.com/myid_cart
- KDP will verify that your book’s imprint matches what is on file with Bowker
Where To Buy ISBNs
- If your publishing company is based in the US, you can purchase bulk ISBNs as a publisher through Bowker at My Identifiers.
- KDP authors can purchase an ISBN at a discounted rate ($99) from Bowker at https://www.myidentifiers.com/cart
- If your publishing company is based in the UK, you can purchase ISBNs from Nielsen.
- In many other countries, ISBNs are free, provided by the government through the library system or another administrative branch. To look up the agency for the region your publishing company is based, used the the search tool at the International ISBN Agency .