“Do I need an ISBN number?” is one of the most commonly asked questions I hear. My answer is, “Yes,” though you may not have to pay for it separately. If you use CreateSpace, the number will be assigned to you if you choose that option.
Reasons You Need an ISBN.
1. Stores need an ISBN.
Stores use ISBN numbers to identify which edition of your book they are ordering. They also use ISBN numbers as SKUs so the price can be entered into the electronic tracking system. (Barcodes are used in addition to the ISBN.)
2. The Copyright Office needs an ISBN.
If you write your book on a computer you have some copyright protection during the creative process. Yet that protection must be confirmed upon publication. You must register your work with the Copyright Office once you publish your book.
How to Buy an ISBN
Publishers often buy ISBN numbers in bulk. It’s far cheaper to do so. There’s only one way to purchase an ISBN number directly. You purchase it through Bowker.
You’ll notice immediately that buying one ISBN is far more expensive per unit than purchasing 10. Publishers recommend that you have a separate ISBN for each electronic version of your book as well as for each print format you use.
This means you could have one ISBN for your paperback, one for your hardback, one for your PDF version and another for your ePub version. You might as well purchase 10 at one time.
You don’t have to purchase an ISBN number for Kindle. Kindle versions are viewable only in Kindle hardware or software, and Kindle enables you to apply digital management rights which protects your work from being copied from the Kindle.
When to Use a New ISBN
Every time you publish a new edition of your book, you will need to use a new ISBN. This enables buyers to identify which version of the book they are purchasing. Every version that you update must be given a new ISBN.
You will also need to file a new copyright application reflecting the updated ISBN. Filling out that form will be covered in another post.
