As a seasoned author and self-publisher, I frequently encounter questions regarding ISBNs—What exactly is an ISBN? Is it necessary? Does it provide copyright protection for your book? Allow me to demystify the world of ISBNs.
The acronym ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number, a 13-digit code crucial for identifying various aspects of a publication, including title, listings, publication details, sales, retailers, and stock information. ISBNs are assigned to different formats of a work, be it an ebook, paperback, audiobook, or journal. However, it's important to note that on major publishing platforms like Amazon, Smashwords, IngramSpark, and Barnes & Noble, they typically generate their own ISBNs and are listed as the publisher in your book's metadata.
In my journey as a self-publisher, I opted to purchase ISBNs for my business. This decision helps me maintain control over how my books are identified on the platforms I choose to publish on. Importantly, an ISBN doesn't equate to copyright protection for the content of your book. It serves as a 13-digit code that identifies you as the publisher and offers a means to catalog book information.
For fellow entrepreneurs and self-publishers, owning your ISBNs is a strategic move. It enables you to list your book across multiple platforms such as Amazon, Books2Read, Lulu, Barnes & Noble, and libraries, thus granting access to global distribution. To delve deeper into this topic, I provide comprehensive insights in my book, "A Beginner's Publishing and Marketing Guide."
To explore further and assess the cost of ISBNs, barcodes, and pricing, visit My Identifiers. Be sure to peruse their FAQs, and if you have additional queries, don't hesitate to give them a call.
Understanding ISBNs is pivotal for any author's publishing journey. They are the keys to ensuring your work reaches a global audience.