How to Get an ISBN Number for eBook: A Step-by-Step Guide?

Publishing an eBook can be an exciting journey, but navigating the technical requirements can sometimes feel overwhelming. One of the most important elements of self-publishing is obtaining an ISBN (International Standard Book Number), a globally recognized identifier that helps your eBook stand out. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to secure an ISBN number for your eBook.

What Is an ISBN Number and Why Do You Need It?

An ISBN number is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and other publications. It acts as a universal product code for your book, making it easy for libraries, bookstores, and distributors to track and order copies. Here are some key reasons why you need an ISBN:

• Global Distribution: Most major retailers, libraries, and wholesalers rely on ISBNs to catalog books. Without one, your eBook might not be listed in these essential databases.
• Professionalism: Having an ISBN adds legitimacy to your eBook, signaling to readers and retailers that your book is a professional product.
• Increased Discoverability: An ISBN helps potential readers find your book more easily through online searches, retail databases, and libraries.
• Ownership and Control: If you purchase your own ISBN, you retain full control over your eBook’s metadata (the essential details about your book, like title, author, and publisher). This ensures your eBook is cataloged correctly across platforms.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining an ISBN for your eBook:

Step 1: Do You Need an ISBN Number for Your eBook?

Before diving into the process, it’s important to determine whether you actually need an ISBN. Here’s how ISBN requirements vary across platforms:

• Amazon Kindle: Amazon assigns its own identifier (ASIN) and does not require an ISBN for eBooks. However, if you plan to distribute your book elsewhere, you’ll need an ISBN for those platforms.
• Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, etc.: These platforms generally require or recommend that your eBook have an ISBN. This allows your book to be properly listed and distributed.
• Print Versions: If you plan to offer both a print and eBook version, each format will need its own unique ISBN. Print versions require ISBNs on most platforms.

In short, if you’re only publishing on Amazon, you might not need an ISBN. But if you want to distribute your eBook more widely, having one is essential.

Step 2: Choosing Between Free or Purchased ISBNs

Many self-publishing platforms offer a free ISBN, but there are trade-offs. Here’s a breakdown of each option:

Free ISBN

Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Draft2Digital, Smashwords, and IngramSpark provide a free ISBN for your eBook. While this might seem convenient, it often comes with limitations:

• The platform is listed as the publisher: If you use a free ISBN, the self-publishing platform (e.g., Amazon or IngramSpark) is usually listed as the publisher, not you.
• Limited control over distribution: With a free ISBN, your eBook’s distribution may be restricted to that specific platform, limiting your ability to sell it elsewhere.
• No ISBN portability: A free ISBN cannot be transferred to another platform if you decide to sell your eBook elsewhere later.

Purchased ISBN

Purchasing your own ISBN gives you full control over the book’s metadata, including listing yourself as the publisher and deciding where to distribute your book. Benefits include:

• You are the publisher: Your name or your publishing company’s name is listed as the official publisher.
• No restrictions: You can distribute your eBook across multiple platforms, and your ISBN is globally recognized.
• ISBN portability: You retain control over the ISBN and can continue using it, even if you switch platforms.

If you plan to sell your eBook on multiple platforms or want to maintain full ownership, purchasing your ISBN is the better option.

Step 3: Identify Your Country’s ISBN Agency

Each country has its own designated ISBN agency that issues ISBNs. The process for obtaining one varies slightly depending on your country of residence:

• United States: ISBN Services is one of the authorized ISBN agencies in the U.S. You can apply at their website.
• United Kingdom: Nielsen is the official agency for ISBNs. You can apply for an ISBN through the Nielsen ISBN Store.
• Canada: ISBNs are free and issued by the Library and Archives Canada. Canadian authors can register through the Library and Archives Canada website.
• Australia: Thorpe-Bowker handles ISBNs in Australia, and you can apply for one through their Thorpe-Bowker website.
• Other Countries: You can find a full list of national ISBN agencies on the International ISBN Agency website.

Once you’ve identified the appropriate agency for your country, follow their specific application process.

Step 4: Purchase Your ISBN

When purchasing an ISBN, consider your long-term publishing goals. If you plan to publish multiple books, buying a block of ISBNs may be more cost-effective. If you’re publishing a series of books or plan to release both print and digital versions, it’s smart to buy ISBNs in bulk.

Step 5: Assign the ISBN to Your eBook

Once you’ve purchased your ISBN, you’ll need to assign it to your eBook. The ISBN is associated with specific metadata, so you’ll need to provide information like:

• Book title
• Author name(s)
• Publisher
• Publication date
• Edition
• Format (e.g., ePub, PDF, MOBI)

Ensure that this information is accurate, as it will be used across all platforms and distribution channels.

Step 6: Register Your ISBN

In some countries, including the U.S., you have the option to register your ISBN  the Books In Print global ISBN database. This step ensures that retailers, libraries, and other distributors have access to accurate information about your eBook.

By registering your ISBN, you increase your book’s discoverability in search engines and retail databases, helping it reach a wider audience.

Step 7: Incorporate the ISBN into Your eBook Metadata

When you publish your eBook, the ISBN should be included in the book’s metadata and displayed within the eBook itself, typically on the copyright or title page. This ensures that your eBook is properly cataloged and tracked by retailers.

Step 8: Use Your ISBN to Maximize Distribution

Once your ISBN is assigned and registered, it opens doors for wider distribution. You can list your eBook on multiple platforms, and it will be more accessible to international libraries, wholesalers, and retailers.

Benefits of Having an ISBN for Distribution:

• Retailers like Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble require an ISBN for eBook listings.
• Libraries and academic institutions often require ISBNs to order and catalog your book.
• Increased chances of being stocked by retailers because your book can be found through ISBN databases.

Conclusion

Obtaining an ISBN number for your eBook is a crucial step if you want to distribute it widely and professionally. Whether you choose a free ISBN through a self-publishing platform or purchase your own for complete control, an ISBN enhances your eBook’s credibility and accessibility. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll ensure your eBook is ready for global distribution, increasing your chances of reaching more readers and maximizing your eBook’s success.