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Unwrapping ISBNs
Why pay for an ISBN for your next self-published book, when some platforms will freely gift one to you?
(*= affiliate link: I sometimes use affiliate links in my posts. This won’t cost you anything, but if you go on to buy from a link I may earn a small commission.)
All businesses want lower costs to maximise profits, and that goes for our writing businesses too. Going for the free ISBN option seems good business sense. But is it a false economy?
An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is unique. In fact, it’s unique for each edition and format (hardback, paperback, ebook, audiobook, etc) of the book. So if a reader wants a paperback edition of your book, having the ISBN will ensure they find it.
Having an ISBN on your book is not a legal requirement. However, some retailers only stock books that have one. So, from a business perspective, obtaining an ISBN not only makes it easier for readers to find your book, but it may also increase the potential outlets where your book can be bought.
ISBNs were first used in the late 1960s and began life as 9-digit codes. Since January 2007, all ISBNs are 13-digits. Each country has its own ISBN agency and it is their responsibility to issue ISBNs and record your book’s information against that unique…
