How to Get an ISBN Online
An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier used globally to track and manage books. Whether you are self-publishing or working with a traditional publisher, an ISBN is crucial for distributing your book through various channels, including online retailers and bookstores. This guide will walk you through the steps to obtain an ISBN online, including how to get one for free, purchasing options, and understanding the costs involved.
How to Get an ISBN Number for Free
Obtaining an ISBN for free is possible, particularly if you are using self-publishing platforms. Some platforms offer free ISBNs to authors, though these may come with certain limitations.
Free ISBN Options
Amazon KDP: Kindle Direct Publishing offers a free ISBN for print books published through their platform. However, Amazon will be listed as the publisher.
Draft2Digital: Similar to Amazon, Draft2Digital provides free ISBNs for books distributed through their platform.
Smashwords: Offers a free ISBN for authors distributing ebooks through their service.
While free ISBNs are convenient, they often tie your book to the platform providing the ISBN, limiting your ability to publish under your own imprint across multiple platforms.
How Do I Get My Own ISBN?
If you prefer to have full control over your ISBN and publish under your own imprint or across various platforms, purchasing your own ISBN is the best option. Here's how you can obtain your own ISBN:
Steps to Get Your Own ISBN
Visit the U.S. ISBN Agency: In the United States, ISBNs are assigned by Bowker, the official U.S. ISBN Agency. Visit their website at myidentifiers.com.
Create an Account: Sign up for an account on the Bowker website.
Purchase ISBNs: Choose the number of ISBNs you need. ISBNs can be purchased individually or in blocks (e.g., 10, 100). Buying in bulk reduces the cost per ISBN.
Assign ISBN to Your Book: Once purchased, you can assign the ISBN to your book's title, format, and edition through your Bowker account.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an ISBN Number?
The cost of an ISBN can vary depending on the country and the number of ISBNs purchased.
ISBN Cost in the USA
Single ISBN: $125 (via Bowker)
Block of 10 ISBNs: $295
Block of 100 ISBNs: $575
Block of 1,000 ISBNs: $1,500
Why Purchase in Bulk?
If you plan to publish multiple books or multiple formats (e.g., paperback, hardcover, ebook), purchasing ISBNs in bulk is more cost-effective.
How to Get an ISBN Number? Bowker ISBN
Bowker is the official ISBN agency in the United States. To obtain an ISBN through Bowker:
Visit Bowker’s Website: Go to myidentifiers.com.
Select ISBN Option: Choose whether you want a single ISBN or a package of multiple ISBNs.
Complete the Purchase: Provide the necessary payment information and complete your purchase.
Manage Your ISBNs: Through your Bowker account, you can manage and assign your ISBNs to your books.
How to Get ISBN Online in the USA for Free
While it's challenging to get an ISBN for free in the USA without some platform constraints, there are a few options:
ISBN through Self-Publishing Platforms
KDP Print: Offers a free ISBN, but Amazon will be listed as the publisher.
Draft2Digital and Smashwords: Offer free ISBNs with the same conditions.
Considerations for Free ISBNs
Limited Control: Free ISBNs often mean you have less control over the publishing process and may have limitations on where you can distribute your book.
Publishing Imprint: The ISBN will typically be associated with the platform providing it, not your own publishing imprint.
How to Get ISBN Online in the USA for Books
If you’re publishing in the USA and want to buy an ISBN online, Bowker’s MyIdentifiers.com is the primary source.
Buying ISBNs Online
Visit MyIdentifiers.com: This is the official Bowker website where you can purchase ISBNs.
Choose Your Package: Depending on your needs, select a package (single, 10, 100, etc.).
Complete Your Purchase: Once payment is made, you will have immediate access to your ISBNs.
Assign ISBNs: Use Bowker’s system to assign your ISBNs to specific titles and formats.
U.S. ISBN Agency
The U.S. ISBN Agency is managed by Bowker. They are responsible for assigning ISBNs to publishers and self-publishers within the United States. If you need an ISBN, this is the primary agency to contact.
Contact Information
Website: MyIdentifiers.com
Services: ISBN assignment, barcodes, and other publishing-related services.
Best Place to Buy ISBN Number
The best place to buy an ISBN number in the U.S. is through Bowker. They are the official provider, ensuring that your ISBNs are recognized globally and can be used across all publishing platforms.
Advantages of Buying Through Bowker
Global Recognition: ISBNs purchased from Bowker are recognized worldwide.
Complete Control: You retain full control over your ISBN and can publish across multiple platforms.
Support Services: Bowker provides additional services like barcode generation and metadata management.
How to Get a Free ISBN Number for My Book
To get a free ISBN for your book:
Use a Self-Publishing Platform: Platforms like Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and Smashwords offer free ISBNs.
Accept Platform Limitations: Understand that using a free ISBN may limit your control over the publishing process.
International ISBN Agency
If you are outside the U.S., you can obtain an ISBN from the International ISBN Agency or the specific national agency in your country.
How to Find Your National ISBN Agency
Visit the International ISBN Agency Website: Go to isbn-international.org.
Search for Your Country: Find your national agency and follow their specific process for obtaining an ISBN.
Final Thoughts
Getting an ISBN is a crucial step in the publishing process. Whether you choose to purchase your own ISBN through Bowker or obtain a free ISBN via a self-publishing platform, having an ISBN ensures that your book can be sold and tracked globally. For U.S.-based authors, Bowker’s MyIdentifiers.com is the go-to source for purchasing ISBNs, offering flexibility and control over your publishing process. If you're looking to get started without upfront costs, free ISBNs from platforms like Amazon KDP are a practical option, especially for those new to publishing.
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