Official ISBN and Registration

Why should I buy an ISBN?

There are many reasons to purchase an ISBN for your title, including:

• An ISBN improves the likelihood your book will be found and purchased
• An ISBN links to essential information about your book
• An ISBN enables more efficient marketing and distribution of your title
• Most retailers require ISBNs
• Correct use of the ISBN allows different product forms and editions of a book, printed or digital, to be differentiated clearly, ensuring that customers receive the version they require
• An ISBN helps you collect and analyze book sales data
• An ISBN ensures your book’s information will be stored in the Books In Print database
• Books In Print is consulted by publishers, retailers and libraries around world when searching for title information
• The ISBN conveys no legal or copyright protection, however, the use of ISBNs for publications is prescribed by law in some countries
• In some countries a book will be charged higher tax if it does not have an ISBN
• ISBNs are the global standard for book identification

You can search around, fill out forms, trust that the business holding your ISBN will register the book, or you can order an ISBN registered through a reputable publishing house and let us do all the work.

You will need a different ISBN per paperback, hardcover, or audiobook. You do not need an ISBN for e-books.