The Importance of ISBNs: What Every Author Needs to Know
International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) were developed to identify and order books quickly and easily. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), an international body aiming to create uniform standards for all goods and services, was the first to create them in 1965.
ISBNs, or International Standard Book Numbers, are provided for each book to help librarians and bookstores keep track of their stock. There has been a significant improvement in the accessibility and organization of books and library collections as a result of this. Because of ISBNs, identifying and ordering books online is significantly simpler for readers.
While you may think you can use one ISBN for each of your published projects, you need a new one for each separate piece to be identified. This includes one number for the e-book version, one for the paperback, one for the hardcover, and one for the audio version.
While there are many places you can purchase, do your research to know where your formants can be sold on which platforms. While some companies offer cheaper numbers to buy, your ISBN may not work for every company. And you don’t want to miss out on reaching more of your target audience.
If you plan on publishing more than one story with multiple formats, I recommend buying your ISBN in bulk since they never expire, and you can have them when you’re ready. It’s around $125 for one ISBN, but they have packages that will get you more for your money.
Getting your own ISBN is a crucial part of self-publishing. If you give it an ISBN, your book will be more discoverable in libraries and retailers. Registering your book with copyright agencies offers additional benefits, including protecting your work and the possibility of financial gain. An ISBN also ensures that your book is placed in the correct section of bookstores, making it easier for readers to locate. Overall, an ISBN is essential to self-publishing, and owning your ISBN number is a key step in the process.
