In the business of writing, one essential asset often overlooked by new authors is the International Standard Book Number—or ISBN. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your indie author career, understanding ISBN ownership is critical to running your author business like a pro.
What Is an ISBN and Why Does It Matter?
An ISBN is a 13-digit identifier unique to your book’s format and edition, used by bookstores, libraries, and distributors to track and order titles. In the United States, ISBNs are issued by Bowker through their website MyIdentifiers.com (Bowker, n.d.).
Owning your own ISBN means you, not a platform like Amazon KDP or Draft2Digital, are listed as the publisher. This control can be essential for long-term growth, particularly if you plan to distribute widely.
The Cost Breakdown
As of April 2025, Bowker offers the following pricing for U.S.-based authors (Bowker, n.d.):
1 ISBN: $125
10 ISBNs: $295
100 ISBNs: $575
While this may seem costly upfront, many authors find value in buying a block of 10 or more. Each book format (eBook, paperback, hardcover, audiobook) needs its own ISBN, so the need adds up quickly.
Free ISBNs from KDP and Draft2Digital: The Trade-Off
Platforms like Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital offer free ISBNs, which may seem like a great deal. However, there’s a catch: they assign themselves as the publisher of record.
Pros of free ISBNs:
- No cost
- Easy to set up
- Suitable for exclusive distribution
Cons:
- Limited control over metadata
- You can’t use the ISBN outside of that platform
- It may appear less professional to bookstores or libraries (IngramSpark, n.d.)
In contrast, IngramSpark allows you to bring your own ISBN or buy one directly through their system. Their platform is favored by indie authors seeking broader distribution to libraries, bookstores, and academic institutions.
The Long-Term Value of ISBN Ownership
Owning your ISBN supports your reputation as a professional. It enables you to:
- List your publishing imprint
- Maintain consistent metadata across platforms
- Sell directly through your website or events
- ISBNs never expire, so think of them as a long-term investment in your writing career
Final Thoughts + Free Consultation Offer
Purchasing your own ISBN is a business decision. If you’re serious about owning your author business, it’s worth the investment. It sends a message that you’re not just an author—you’re a publisher.
Need help navigating ISBNs and indie publishing platforms? I offer a FREE 30-minute Zoom consultation for new clients. Let’s talk about your goals and build a path to publishing success.
Resources
Bowker. (n.d.). Buy ISBNs. MyIdentifiers.com. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.myidentifiers.com/identify-protect-your-book/isbn/buy-isbn
IngramSpark. (n.d.). ISBNs and barcodes. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/what-is-an-isbn-and-why-do-you-need-one
Amazon KDP. (n.d.). ISBN: Getting Started. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200635650
Tumlinson, K. (2022, June 13). The Surprising Truth about ISBN – Draft2Digital | blog. Draft2Digital | Blog. Retrieved April 22, 2025 https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/the-surprising-truth-about-isbn/
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Join Author Professional Organizations
I am now a student member of the Florida Authors and Publishers Association. Since I am a college student I thought that would be appropriate this year and perhaps I will move over to Full Member next year. But, hey, I least I joined and am looking forward to meeting more of you out there who are members. Give me a Shout Out – If you are a FAPA or IBPA (Independent Book Publisher Association) member or both – Tell me in the comments below.
