Do You Really Need to Buy an ISBN to Self-Publish?
Image by Owl Illustration Agency for Unsplash+
If you’re planning to self-publish your book, you’ve probably come across the term ISBN, but maybe you’re not quite sure what it is, whether you need one (or more), or how to get it.
You’re not alone.
ISBNs can feel like one of those obscure publishing details you can safely ignore … until you can’t.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what an ISBN does, when a free one might work, and why buying your own is often a smart move, especially if you want control, flexibility, and a professional edge.
What is an ISBN?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit identifier for your book. It tells the world:
What the book is
Who published it
What format it’s in (print, eBook, etc.)
Think of it as your book’s digital passport. It’s how libraries, bookstores, online retailers, and distributors catalogue and track your title. If you want your book to be easily found, ordered, or sold, an ISBN is key.
What about free ISBNs from Amazon?
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and some other platforms like IngramSpark offer free ISBNs. Sounds great, right?
Well … yes and no.
A free ISBN can be a good option if:
You’re publishing only through that one platform
You don’t mind the platform being listed as the “publisher”
But here’s the tradeoff: when you accept a free ISBN from Amazon, Amazon is listed as the publisher, not you. That means:
You may have limited metadata control (e.g., book categories and descriptions)
You can’t use that same ISBN anywhere else
Your book may not be accepted by some bookstores or libraries
Why buy your own ISBN?
When you purchase your own ISBN, you are the publisher, whether that’s under your own name or your business name.
Buying your ISBN gives you:
Full control over your book’s metadata and how it appears in databases
The ability to publish across multiple platforms (IngramSpark, Amazon, Draft2Digital, etc.)
Greater professional credibility with libraries, bookstores, and distributors
Flexibility to reformat, rebrand, or re-release in future
It’s a one-time investment in your author brand and long-term publishing success.
How much does it cost?
It depends on where you live:
USA: ISBNs are sold by Bowker at myidentifiers.com. A single ISBN costs $125, or you can buy 10 for $295 (which is a cost-effective investment, especially if you plan to publish more books down the line).
UK: Buy through Nielsen. Prices vary depending on how many you need.
Canada, Mexico, and some other countries: ISBNs are sometimes free for residents (for eligible publications)!
Remember: you’ll need a separate ISBN for each format of your book (e.g., paperback, hardcover, and eBook).
So … Do you need to buy one?
Here’s the bottom line:
If you’re publishing a one-off book just for Amazon, and you don’t plan to expand, go ahead and use their free ISBN.
If you want to control your publishing identity, distribute widely, or grow a professional author brand, buy your own.
It’s a small decision that can open big doors.
Final thoughts
Self-publishing gives you total creative freedom, but it also means wearing the publisher hat. Buying your own ISBN is one of those quiet power moves that sets serious indie authors apart.
Need help with formatting, distribution, or publishing strategy?
That’s what I do.
👉 Explore my Self-Publishing Companion Package
📩 Or book a free 20-minute call to chat about your next steps.
