Getting an ISBN
As an aspiring or self-published author, there are many steps that you cannot skip when publishing your book.
One of those steps is getting your ISBN.
If grabbing those 13 digits is still on your "To Do" list, here are four things to consider:
What is an ISBN and why do you need it? ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It’s the 13-digit code that is associated with the specific title, edition, price, and format of your book. Having an ISBN improves the likelihood your book will be found and purchased. And if that isn’t reason enough, most retailers- including bookstores and online shops such as Amazon- require an ISBN.
Is an ISBN different from a bar code? Yep. Stores and online sales platforms, including Amazon, also require a scannable barcode that automatically captures the ISBN in order to complete the sale. You can work with your printer or publisher to convert your 13-digit ISBN into a scannable code for your book.
Which book formats need an ISBN? Each book format requires its own ISBN. So if you plan to publish a hardcover, paperback, and audio version of your book you will need 3 separate ISBNs. Additionally, if you make significant changes to your book later on, you will need to a new ISBN to capture this second edition.
Where can I get an ISBN? Bowker Identifier Services seems to be the most “tried and true” location to get your ISBN. As of the time of this post, a single ISBN is $125 and a 10-pack is $250. So if you are planning multiple book formats or think you’ll publish more books in the future, I recommend springing for the 10-pack as it will definitely save you money in the long run!
In general, the process of purchasing your ISBN is much less daunting than it may originally sound. So go ahead and check this off your list today!
Getting an ISBN is just one step in the self-publishing process. Want to make sure you have all of the other steps covered? Let’s set up a time to talk!
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