How Do I Get an ISBN Number for my Book?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit code that identifies your book worldwide. Think of it like a social security number for your book—it's how retailers, libraries, and distributors track and sell your title.
Do I Need an ISBN?
Yes, if you want to:
- Sell your book in physical bookstores
- Distribute through retailers beyond Amazon (Barnes & Noble, IngramSpark, etc.)
- Make your book available in libraries
- Publish a print version (paperback or hardcover)
No, if you're only:
- Publishing an eBook exclusively on Amazon Kindle (Amazon assigns a free ASIN instead)
Does selfpublishing.com Provide ISBNs?
Yes. If you're enrolled in a program that includes Book Production Services, our team handles ISBN assignment for you as part of the publishing process. You don't need to purchase or register your own.
Your Publishing Assistant will:
- Assign an ISBN to your book
- Register it with the appropriate databases
- Handle all technical setup for Amazon KDP and IngramSpark uploads
This is covered in your Book Production Services training modules in the Author Portal.
When You Need Multiple ISBNs
You need a separate ISBN for each format of your book:
- Paperback: 1 ISBN
- Hardcover: 1 ISBN
- eBook (if not using Amazon's free ASIN): 1 ISBN
- Audiobook: 1 ISBN
Example: If you publish your book as a paperback on Amazon AND as a hardcover through IngramSpark, you need 2 different ISBNs.
Do I Need to Buy My Own ISBN?
Only if:
- You're NOT using selfpublishing.com's Book Production Services
- You want to publish completely independently
- You're publishing "wide" (multiple platforms) without our team's help
How to Buy Your Own ISBN (If Needed)
In the United States:
- Go to https://www.myidentifiers.com (run by Bowker, the only authorized U.S. ISBN agency)
- Create an account (use your author name or publishing company name)
- Purchase ISBNs:
- 1 ISBN: ~$125
- 10 ISBNs: ~$295 (better value if you plan multiple books/formats)
- 100 ISBNs: ~$575
- Wait 5 business days for approval
- Assign your ISBN to your book title through your Bowker account
- Use this ISBN when uploading to Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or other platforms
Outside the United States:
- Canada, South Africa, Australia: ISBNs may be free or low-cost through government agencies
- UK: Purchase through Nielsen (~£89)
- Find your country's ISBN agency: https://www.isbn-international.org/agencies
Free ISBN Warning: Why Amazon's "Free" ISBN Has Limits
Amazon offers a free ISBN for print books through KDP, but:
- It can ONLY be used on Amazon—you can't sell your book anywhere else with this ISBN
- Amazon is listed as the publisher (not you)
- You lose distribution flexibility
Bottom line: If you plan to sell your book beyond Amazon (IngramSpark, bookstores, libraries), don't use Amazon's free ISBN.
What's the Difference Between ISBN and ASIN?
- ISBN: Universal identification number recognized worldwide by all retailers and libraries
- ASIN: Amazon-only product ID used exclusively on Amazon.com (cannot be used elsewhere)
If you publish an eBook on Amazon without providing your own ISBN, Amazon automatically assigns an ASIN. This is fine if you're only selling on Amazon.
Common Questions
Can I reuse an ISBN for a second edition?
No. If you significantly revise your book (new content, updated edition), you need a new ISBN. Minor typo fixes don't require a new ISBN.
Do ISBNs expire?
No. Once assigned, an ISBN is yours forever and never expires.
Can I use the same ISBN in different countries?
Yes. ISBNs are international—you can sell your book worldwide using the same ISBN.