If you are self-publishing a book, you will almost certainly encounter the term ISBN early in the process. For some authors, it feels like a technical hurdle; for others, it’s a source of confusion around cost, ownership, and requirements.
The good news is that getting an ISBN is straightforward once you understand what it is, when you actually need one, and what your options are as a self-published author.
This guide explains how to get an ISBN number for a self-published book, covering free and paid options, format-specific requirements, and what happens after you register one.
TL;DR — How to Get an ISBN Number for a Self-Published Book
An ISBN is a unique identifier used by bookstores, libraries, and distributors
Not all self-published books require an ISBN
Free ISBNs are available but come with tradeoffs
Paid ISBNs give you full control over publisher information
Each book format requires a separate ISBN
ISBN barcodes are related but distinct
ISBNs cannot be reused or transferred
What Is an ISBN and What It Does for Your Book
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a 13-digit identifier that uniquely identifies a specific edition and format of a book. ISBNs are used globally by:
Bookstores
Libraries
Distributors
Wholesalers
Metadata systems
An ISBN does not provide copyright protection. Instead, it functions as a tracking and cataloging tool that allows books to be discovered, ordered, and managed within the global publishing supply chain.
The official international ISBN agency maintains standards and explains how ISBNs operate across countries and
publishers
http://www.isbn.org/home
In practical terms, an ISBN connects your book’s metadata—title, author, publisher, format—to databases used throughout the publishing ecosystem.
When You Actually Need an ISBN (and When You Don’t)
One of the most common misconceptions is that every self-published book must have an ISBN. This is not always true.
You typically need an ISBN if you plan to:
Sell your book in physical bookstores
Distribute through libraries
Work with wholesalers like Ingram
Publish multiple formats under your own imprint
You may not need an ISBN if you:
Sell exclusively through Amazon Kindle (eBook)
Sell digital books directly from your own website
Publish internal, private, or limited-distribution books
Amazon, for example, does not require ISBNs for Kindle eBooks and will assign its own internal identifier if you choose
not to provide one
https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G201834170
Understanding your distribution goals upfront prevents unnecessary costs later.
Free vs. Paid ISBN Options
Self-published authors generally choose between free ISBNs and purchased ISBNs. Each option has implications.
Free ISBNs
Some platforms provide ISBNs at no cost. These ISBNs are valid and functional, but they come with conditions.
Pros:
No upfront cost
Easy to obtain
Works for basic distribution
Cons:
The platform is listed as the publisher of record
Limited portability if you switch platforms
Less professional control over metadata
Many authors accept free ISBNs for early projects or platform-exclusive releases.
Paid ISBNs
Purchased ISBNs allow you to list yourself or your imprint as the publisher.
In the United States, ISBNs are sold by Bowker, the official ISBN agency
https://www.bowker.com/isbn-us
You can also purchase ISBNs directly through Bowker’s MyIdentifiers portal
https://www.myidentifiers.com/identify-protect-your-book/isbn/buy-isbn
Pros:
You control publisher attribution
ISBNs remain yours permanently
Greater flexibility across platforms and distributors
Cons:
Upfront cost
Must manage metadata yourself
For authors planning a long-term catalog or multiple titles, paid ISBNs often make sense.
ISBN Requirements for Different Book Formats
Each format and edition of a book requires its own ISBN.
Formats that require separate ISBNs:
Paperback
Hardcover
eBook (if sold outside some marketplaces)
Audiobook
For example:
Paperback edition → 1 ISBN
Hardcover edition → 1 ISBN
EPUB eBook → 1 ISBN
This requirement exists because each format is treated as a distinct product in inventory and distribution systems.
Publishing guides regularly emphasize this point to prevent costly metadata errors
https://selfpublishing.com/isbn-number-self-published-book/
How to Get an ISBN for a Self-Published Book
The process is relatively simple once you decide which route to take.
Step 1: Decide whether you want a free or paid ISBN
Base this decision on:
Where you plan to sell
Whether you want to be listed as the publisher
Long-term flexibility
Step 2: Register or purchase your ISBN
If purchasing in the U.S., you will:
Create an account with Bowker
Purchase a single ISBN or a block
Assign the ISBN to your book
If using a free ISBN, the platform will handle this step for you.
Step 3: Enter accurate metadata
Metadata includes:
Book title
Author name(s)
Publisher name
Format
Publication date
Accuracy matters. ISBN metadata is propagated across global databases.
Step 4: Assign the ISBN to the correct format
Once assigned, ISBNs cannot be reused for other formats or editions.
How to Get ISBN Barcodes
An ISBN is not the same as a barcode, but the two are related.
-
ISBN = identifier
-
Barcode = scannable representation used in retail
If you plan to sell physical books in stores, you will need a barcode.
Options include:
Purchasing a barcode through Bowker
Using a barcode generator provided by some publishing platforms
Hiring a designer to generate one during cover design
The Library of Congress FAQ clarifies that barcodes are required for retail scanning but are separate from ISBN
registration
https://ask.loc.gov/faq/299738
Next Steps After You Get Your ISBN
Once you have an ISBN, you can:
Finalize your book’s cover and interior
Register metadata with distributors
Publish across multiple channels
Track editions and formats accurately
At this stage, consistency matters more than speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you transfer or reuse ISBNs?
No. ISBNs are permanently tied to a specific book format and publisher.
What happens if you change publishers?
If publisher ownership changes, a new ISBN is usually required, because publisher attribution is part of ISBN metadata.
How can I get ISBNs for revised or new editions?
Minor corrections do not require a new ISBN.
Major revisions, new editions, or format changes do.
Conclusion
Getting an ISBN number for a self-published book is not complicated—but it is consequential. The choice between free and paid ISBNs affects ownership, flexibility, and how your book is represented in the publishing ecosystem.
The key is to align your ISBN decision with your publishing goals. If you understand when an ISBN is required, what each option offers, and how formats are treated, you can make the right choice with confidence.
