Whether or not you’re an indie author, one thing is for sure… you’re going to need an ISBN
The difference comes whether you’ll need to purchase one for yourself or will it be provided to you. If you’re working with a self-publishing company they will provide one to you. If you self-publish via Amazon, Amazon will provide you with one for free.
Do you know how to get an ISBN?
Depending on where you’re located, the rules will vary when it comes to getting an ISBN. I’ve seen many authors having issues around getting an ISBN. If you don’t know how to properly obtain an ISBN, you’re basically wasting your time and money. Do the proper research.
I am not a publisher, nor do I have any queries about using free ISBN. However, if your goal is to publish multiple books or make a living being an published author, I suggest getting your own ISBN and registering your metadata so you’re the owner and not someone else.
The publishing world has changed a lot in the past 10 years. Amazon, in my opinion, is leading the self-publishing world with KDP. It is low-cost, and since taking over create space (throwback) many authors are using KDP to self-publish. I don’t blame them. It’s cost effective.
Every book needs an ISBN. And each format of your book needs a different ISBN. Which means, if you publish the same book in paperback, hardcover, ebook and audio book. You’ll need four different ISBN.
Whether you’re using Amazon, IngramSpark, or other online self-publishing platforms, they will provide you with free ISBNs
However, the cons about using a free ISBN is that, free iSBNs are the property of the platforms that give it to you. Which means your metadata will be owned by them. Which makes them the publisher on record, not you.
Personally, I don’t see an issue with this. But everyone might not feel the same way. I think it all depends on your goals and what you want to accomplish as a self-published author.
Tips: Things to think about when deciding on getting an ISBN (bookstores won’t sell Amazon books). Which means you’ll need to republish your book and purchase your own ISBN.
With that being said, if you’re using a self-publishing service like BookBaby, your book will be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other book distributors.
I think getting your own ISBNs is only necessary if you want to be listed as the publisher.
So, how do you get your own ISBN? To get your own ISBN, you can purchase it on Bowker. “Bowker, the official ISBN agency for the United States, provides resources to help authors publish, distribute, and promote their books.” (no affiliation)
Should you choose to purchase your own ISBN, you will have control and ownership of your metadata and all of the key information associated with your book(s). With your own ISBN, you’ll always be able to put your book on any sale platform without having to republish.
If you have plans to publish more than one book, it’s best to buy a pack of ISBNs. Especially if you’ll have your book in other formats (paperback, ebook, etc), it’s more cost effective to buy 10 or more at the same time.
Again, this is only necessary if you choose to be the publisher of your book and want to have your book available on other platforms other than Amazon.
The choice is your but also, do the proper research.
