Tips, Tricks, Advice, & General Information | ISBN Numbers: What Indie Authors Need to Know

(Quick Side Note: I am a relatively new author and not an expert by any means. What I’m going to share with you are things I’ve learned along my own journey into self-publishing. I have ADHD and Autism, which is relevant because when I start something new, I tend to dive into a lot of research on the topic so I can learn as much as possible. Essentially, I’m a bundle of random information on a variety of topics. You really never know what I’m going to say if you ever meet me in person—LOL. I figured I’d share my plethora of information with you.)

For indie authors, the world of self-publishing can sometimes feel like a crash course in both creative writing and business management. Among the many decisions you’ll face, one of the most debated is whether or not you need an ISBN (International Standard Book Number).

• What is it?

• Is it truly necessary?

• Can you sell books without one?

• And why do they cost so much?

Let’s break down the essentials of ISBNs to help you decide if they’re right for you.

What is an ISBN?

An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique identifier assigned to a book. It acts as a fingerprint for that specific title, edition, and format (e.g., hardcover, paperback, eBook). ISBNs are globally recognized, helping booksellers, libraries, distributors, and readers distinguish one book from another.

An ISBN typically consists of 13 digits, which encode information about the book’s country of origin, publisher, and title. For example, if a bookstore or library wants to order your book, they’ll use your ISBN to make sure they’re getting the correct edition and format.

Do Indie Authors Need an ISBN?

The answer is: it depends. While ISBNs offer benefits, they’re not strictly required in ALL situations. Here’s a closer look at when they’re needed and when they might not be:

When ISBNs Are Necessary

• Selling Through Major Retailers: If you want to sell your books through traditional retailers (e.g., bookstores, libraries, or online platforms like Barnes & Noble), an ISBN is likely required. Retailers rely on ISBNs for inventory systems and distribution channels.

• Establishing Professional Credibility: Having an ISBN can make your book look more professional and “official,” signaling to readers and retailers that you’ve taken the time to publish your work properly. It also ensures your book is cataloged in global databases like Bowker’s Books in Print.

• Selling Multiple Formats: Each edition and format of your book (e.g., paperback, hardcover, eBook) requires a separate ISBN. If you want to make your work widely accessible across formats, ISBNs are essential for keeping everything organized and trackable.

When ISBNs Might Not Be Necessary

• Exclusively Using Certain Platforms: Platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) don’t require an ISBN for eBooks. Amazon assigns its own identifier (an ASIN), which allows you to sell your book exclusively on their platform.

• Personal Sales: If you’re selling books directly to readers—through your website, at events, or via social media—an ISBN may not be necessary.

• Limited Distribution Goals: If your goal is to share your work with a small, specific audience (e.g., family and friends), you can likely do without an ISBN.

What Does an ISBN Add to Your Book?

While not mandatory in all scenarios, ISBNs come with several benefits that can enhance your book’s visibility and accessibility:

1. Global Recognition: An ISBN allows your book to be listed in major databases that bookstores, libraries, and distributors use to search for and order titles. Without an ISBN, your book is essentially invisible in these systems.

2. Professionalism: Readers and retailers often associate ISBNs with professionalism and legitimacy. Having one can help establish your credibility as an indie author.

3. Ease of Distribution: ISBNs streamline the process of selling your book across multiple platforms, ensuring it’s correctly cataloged and easy to find.

4. Metadata Management: The ISBN is tied to metadata about your book—such as the title, author name, genre, and publisher—making it easier for readers and retailers to discover your work.

   
   

Can You Sell Books Without an ISBN?

Yes, you can sell books without an ISBN, but there are limitations:

• On Amazon, eBooks don’t require an ISBN because the platform assigns its own identifier (ASIN). However, if you’re publishing a paperback or hardcover through Amazon, you’ll need an ISBN. (Amazon allows you to use your own ISBN [Purchased from Bowker) or to use one for free through their platform... with a few caveat’s, of course.)

• Selling directly to readers, whether through your website, at book fairs, or on social media, doesn’t require an ISBN. However, these sales are typically limited in scope compared to what you’d achieve through retailers and libraries.

• If you plan to sell on multiple platforms (e.g., Apple Books, Kobo, IngramSpark), an ISBN is usually necessary to manage your book across different systems.

Why Do ISBNs Cost So Much?

One of the most frustrating aspects of ISBNs for indie authors is their cost. In the United States, a single ISBN purchased through Bowker costs $125. Even in bulk, the price can add up—10 ISBNs cost $295, for example. So why are they so expensive?

1. Monopolized Pricing: In many countries, ISBNs are controlled by a single organization. In the U.S., Bowker is the only authorized ISBN provider, giving them a monopoly over pricing. This lack of competition drives costs up.

2. Perceived Value: ISBNs are considered a professional publishing tool, and pricing reflects their perceived value to authors and publishers. For indie authors, this can be a frustrating barrier to entry.

3. Bulk Discounts for Publishers: Larger publishers often buy ISBNs in bulk, significantly reducing the cost per unit. Unfortunately, indie authors who only need a few ISBNs don’t benefit from these discounts.

   
   

Are ISBNs Worth It?

The value of an ISBN ultimately depends on your publishing goals. If you’re an indie author looking to distribute your book widely, appear in libraries and bookstores, or establish a professional reputation, investing in an ISBN is worth considering. On the other hand, if your goal is limited to selling eBooks on Amazon or sharing your work with a small audience, you may not need one.

Tips for Indie Authors Considering ISBNs

• Buy in Bulk: If you plan to publish multiple books or formats, purchasing ISBNs in bulk can save you money in the long run. (Maybe get together with other just starting out Indie Authors and pool the cost of the numbers to save money.)

• Research Country-Specific Rules: In some countries, ISBNs are free or significantly cheaper than in the U.S. (e.g., Canada offers ISBNs for free through Library and Archives Canada).

• Consider Long-Term Goals: If you’re serious about building a career as an indie author, investing in ISBNs early on can help set the foundation for broader distribution and recognition.

• Use Alternatives When Appropriate: For eBooks sold exclusively on Amazon or direct sales, ISBNs might not be necessary. Take advantage of platform-specific identifiers like ASINs when possible.

• Use Amazons Free ISBN: To start with, using Amazons 'free' ISBN numbers is a good way to get your book published and out to people to read. But there are caveat’s to be aware of when you use them.

  • What You CAN Do:

    • Use the ISBN for free on paperback and hardcover books through KDP

    • Distribute your book through Amazon's platform

    • Access basic KDP distribution channels

    • Save money on ISBN costs (typically $125-$295 for purchased ISBNs) 

    
    

  • What You CANNOT Do:

    • Use the ISBN on other publishing platforms or retailers 

    • Transfer the ISBN to another platform or service

    • List yourself or your company as the publisher

    • Use the ISBN for eBooks (KDP uses ASINs instead)

    • Customize your imprint name 

    
    

  • So what does that mean? It means... you cannot expand to other platforms without getting a new ISBN, When you finally purchase your own ISBN, you will have to republish with a different ISBN to use other services and possibly change your cover art with the new ISBN which may complicate marketing and branding efforts.

  
  

So there you have it, an explanation of what ISBN numbers are and if you need them. All the facts in a nice and tidy place.

ISBNs are an important tool for indie authors, but they’re not always essential. Whether or not you need an ISBN depends on your publishing goals, distribution plans, and budget. While they can be expensive, ISBNs offer significant benefits for authors looking to expand their reach and establish credibility in the competitive world of publishing.

By understanding when and why ISBNs are necessary, you can make informed decisions about how to invest in your self-publishing journey—and ensure that your book reaches the right audience, no matter where they find it.

Have a lovely day, every one and happy reading!!

Disclaimer: I do not claim to be an expert on the topics discussed in this blog. I am constantly learning and evolving, and the information provided is based on my personal experiences, conversations with friends, and research. If you come across any inaccuracies or incorrect information, I encourage you to kindly bring it to my attention so that I can make the necessary corrections. While I strive to be as accurate as possible, I am not an expert in topic of conversation, I'm not sure I believe anyone can be an expert in anything when we are always learning and new information is always being discovered. Your feedback is valuable to me, as I am always eager to learn and improve. (The key word is KINDLY bring any errors to my attention, rudeness will be ignored.)