An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a product identifier that’s used by publishers, libraries, booksellers, and internet-based booksellers, such as Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com, for listing, ordering, sales records, etc. An ISBN identifies the registrant (the publisher), the book title and edition, and the format of the book (that is, paperback, hardcover, or e-book).
If you are publishing independently (aka self-publishing), you can use your name as publisher or you can purchase your ISBN under the name of your personal publishing imprint. This imprint may be an existing business or one you create for this purpose. We usually recommend not purchasing the ISBN under your personal name. Whatever name you use for the purchase of your ISBNs will show up on Amazon and other online booksellers as the publisher.
This is important: If you do not want your personal name appearing as the publisher of your book, be sure to purchase your ISBN under your publishing imprint name, not your personal name. If you’re setting up a new business to serve as your publishing imprint, you will want to get this in the works. A great place to start is with your state’s division of corporations. Here in Florida, it’s http://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/start-business/.
Although some publishing platforms, such as IngramSpark, makes it possible to purchase an ISBN when you are setting up your account, an ISBN can be purchased directly from Bowker, the exclusive U.S. agent for issuing ISBNs. Here’s the website: http://www.bowker.com/products/ISBN-US.html. Be aware that if you are publishing with a full self-publishing service and purchase an ISBN through them, your book may carry their imprint. The Book Couple does not issue ISBNs, so our logo will not appear on the back cover of your book, nor will we be listed as publishers of record.
According to Bowker.com:
“Buying an ISBN is a big step toward ensuring your book’s commercial success. An ISBN:
- identifies a book’s specific format, edition, and publisher
- links to essential information about your book
- enables more efficient marketing and distribution of your title
- is required by most retailers
- is the global standard for book identification
- improves the likelihood your book will be found and purchased
“Each version of a book, print (hardback, softback) or digital (EPUB, MOBI, PDF), requires its own ISBN, so be sure to purchase enough for your needs . . . And remember, ISBNs never expire.”
If you are working with us, we’ll let you know when it’s time to purchase your ISBN. There’s no hurry, as an ISBN can be purchased quickly.
IN CANADA? VISIT: http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/services/isbn-canada/pages/isbn-canada.aspx
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