As owner of Writers on the Move Self-Publishing Service, I tell clients that it’s in their best interest to get their own ISBNs.
But why?
In the world of self-publishing, one of the critical decisions an author faces is whether to use their own International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) or opt for generic ones provided by self-publishing platforms.
An ISBN is a unique book identifier intended to streamline book distribution and sales processes. While many self-publishing platforms, like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, offer free or low-cost ISBNs, there are major reasons to invest in your own.
Control and Ownership
When you use your own ISBN, you maintain complete control over your work. This control extends to how and where your book is sold.
Along with this, you control the metadata as well.
The metadata includes crucial information such as the book’s title, author name, genre, publisher, description, and more. With your own ISBN, you can ensure that this data accurately represents your work across various platforms and retail outlets.
On the other hand, when you use a generic ISBN provided by a self-publishing service, that company, like BookBaby, is listed as the publisher, not you. This can affect your rights and control over your work, especially if the platform has restrictive terms and conditions.
And the generic terminology used with services like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, such as Indy Publisher or Independently Published, is just as bad as the company being listed as the publisher. It’s an immediate telltale mark that your book is self-published.
By purchasing your own ISBNs, you assert yourself as the publisher, which can be important for branding and long-term control over your book.
Professionalism and Credibility
Using your own ISBNs adds an extra layer of professionalism to your publishing efforts. It signals to industry professionals—such as bookstores, libraries, and literary agents—that you are serious about your work and career as an author.
Books with an ISBN registered to the author’s imprint or company are often taken more seriously than those with generic ISBNs linked to self-publishing platforms.
In addition, owning your ISBN can improve your chances of getting your book into bookstores and libraries. Many of these institutions prefer or require that the publisher listed on the ISBN is not a self-publishing platform. By owning your ISBN, you can create a custom imprint, making your book appear more polished and legitimate.
Flexibility and Distribution
Owning your own ISBN allows you to distribute your book wherever and however you choose. Many self-publishing platforms impose distribution restrictions when you use their ISBNs, limiting your ability to sell your book on other platforms or in different formats.
This is from Amazon KDP’s site:
"Free ISBNs from KDP cannot be used outside of our publishing service. If you plan to publish your book elsewhere, it’s recommended you purchase (and register) your own ISBN. Our free ISBNs only work on KDP."
With your ISBN, you can distribute your book across multiple platforms—both online and offline—without being tied to a single service provider.
This flexibility also extends to future editions or translations of your book. If you decide to release a second edition, translate your book into another language, or adapt it into a different format (like an audiobook), having your own ISBN allows you to manage and control these processes seamlessly. You can assign new ISBNs as needed while maintaining consistent branding and metadata across all versions.
Longevity and Legacy
Using your own ISBNs ensures that your book remains under your control for the long term. Even if the self-publishing platform you originally used goes out of business or changes its policies, your book's ISBN will remain linked to you, allowing you to continue selling and marketing your book without interruption.
Moreover, owning your ISBNs can be crucial if you plan to build a career as an author with multiple publications. As your body of work grows, having a consistent publishing imprint linked to your books through your ISBNs can help establish your brand and reputation in the literary world.
Cost Considerations
While purchasing your own ISBNs requires an upfront investment, it’s important to view this as a long-term investment in your publishing career.
The cost of an ISBN is relatively low compared to the potential benefits of maintaining control, credibility, and flexibility over your work. In the U.S., for example, a single ISBN costs around $125, but discounts are available when purchased in bulk. Buying ISBNs in bulk will be a cost-effective strategy for authors planning to publish multiple books.
From my experience, authors like to publish paperback, hardcover, and often ebooks. That’s three ISBNs as each book format needs its own. That’s $375. Even if you just want the paperback and hardcover, it’s $250.
The ten-pack is $250. That’s $25 per ISBN. And they last forever. If, down the road, you decide to publish a second book, you’ve already saved a lot of money.
This is a no-brainer.
Summing It Up
When self-publishing, using your own ISBNs is a decision that can significantly impact your control, credibility, and success as an author.
While generic ISBNs might seem convenient and cost-effective initially, the long-term benefits of owning your ISBNs far outweigh the costs. By taking charge of your ISBNs, you assert your role as a professional publisher, maintain control over your work, and have unlimited possibilities for your book’s distribution and longevity.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
PICTURE BOOK AND CHAPTER BOOK COACHING
Four to ten-week coaching programs.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING HELP.
One-stop self-publishing help for children’s authors.
Creating An Author Online Platform
Step-by-step with a former WOW! Women on Writing author online platform instructor
You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
Self-Publishing: Scams, Scams, and More Scams Self-Publishing a Book Step 1 – Getting Your Book Formatted Self-Publishing: 3 Tips to Help You Avoid the ‘I Want It Now Syndrome’ (What’s a ‘Wannabe’ Author to Do?)
3 thoughts on “Self-Publishing: Why Use Your Own ISBNs”