What is an ISBN and do I really need one as a self-publisher?

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The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is used worldwide to uniquely identify books. It is a complicated system that follows different rules in different countries.

Important to know: Just buying an ISBN is not enough! When booksellers research the data, they also need to see where they can order the book with the ISBN. Many self-publishers do not have a solution for this and if they give their private address, no one in the professional book trade will order there, but only through the usual distribution channels. Directory entries are important for this, which are often associated with additional annual costs. At Self-Publishing.com, an ISBN is included with every book and e-book, and we enter it in the directories for you.

What is an ISBN?

An ISBN is a 13-digit number (before 2007: 10-digit) that contains specific information about a book. It consists of five elements:

  1. GS1 prefixIdentifies the system (e.g. 978 or 979).
  2. Group number: Specifies language or geographical regions.
  3. Publisher number: Indicates the publisher.
  4. Title number: Distinguishes individual works from the same publisher.
  5. Check digitUsed for error detection.

The ISBN is used in book trade and library databases to uniquely identify and catalog books.

When is an ISBN necessary?

The need for an ISBN depends on the publication objectives:

Typical cases in which an ISBN is required:

  • Distribution via traditional bookshops or libraries worldwide.
  • Entry in national and international book trade databases.
  • Sale on various online platforms that accept or require their own ISBNs.
  • International marketing and cross-border rights management.
  • Participation in book fairs and international distribution channels.
  • Facilitation of ordering processes in the wholesale and library system.

When no ISBN is required:

  • Exclusive distribution via platforms such as Amazon KDP, which issues its own ASINs.
  • E-books or digital content that is only distributed via certain channels (e.g. Kindle Direct Publishing, Google Play Books).
  • Private or non-commercial publications such as workbooks or flyers.

Criticism of the ISBN system

Despite its widespread use, there are points of criticism:

  1. Cost barrier:Especially in countries like the USA (USD 125 for a single issue), the costs are high, which puts a strain on small publishers.
  2. Centralized control:National agencies have monopolies on the allocation of ISBNs.
  3. Inflexible structure:The requirements for new ISBNs for format changes or revisions seem complicated.
  4. Digital formats:For purely digital publications, the relevance of the ISBN is increasingly being questioned.

Global cost differences

The prices for ISBNs vary greatly:

Country Costs single number Special features
Germany ~90 € Packages with several numbers available at a lower price.
USA 125 USD No ongoing fees; cheaper packages available.
Canada Free of charge For all Canadian publishers.
India ~20 USD Relatively affordable.
Australia ~44 AUD Packages are also available.

These differences create inequalities in the global book market.

Advantages and disadvantages of the ISBN

Advantages:

  1. Global standardization:Facilitates international trade.
  2. Access to distribution channels:Enables sales through bookstores and libraries.
  3. Professional impression:Signals seriousness in the publication.
  4. Rights management:Clear assignment of rights and licenses.

Disadvantages:

  1. High costs:Especially burdensome for self-publishers in countries with high fees.
  2. Complexity with multiple formats:: A separate ISBN is required for each format (e.g. hardcover, e-book).
  3. Limited relevance for digital:Platforms such as Amazon use their own identification systems.
  4. A new ISBN is required for significant changes to the content or title of a book.

Obligation to register with additional costs

The registration requirements and fees for books vary internationally:

  1. In many countries there are national book trade databases, similar to the German VLB, which are important for visibility in the local book trade.
  2. The costs and obligations for these entries differ from country to country. While there are fees for the VLB entry in Germany (at least €2.70 per book and an annual fee of €69), the regulations in other countries may differ.
  3. In some countries, such as Brazil, the use of an ISBN is required by law for all commercial book publications.
  4. In the USA there is no legal obligation to use ISBNs or to register them in a central database, but many retailers and distributors require an ISBN.
  5. In Canada, ISBN allocation is free of charge, but registration in the national database "Canadiana" is mandatory for certain types of publication.

It is important to note that the exact regulations and costs may vary from country to country and may change over time.

 

Conclusion

The ISBN remains an indispensable tool for the traditional book trade and international markets, but is becoming less important for purely digital publications and platforms with their own systems. Authors should carefully consider their goals and budgets before deciding on an ISBN. The global price differences also highlight the need for reform in the system to promote equal opportunities.