How to Get an ISBN for Your Book
- Alex at www.bookeditingservices.co.uk
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
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Understanding how to get an ISBN is an important step when preparing your book for publication. Whether you’re self-publishing or planning to distribute your book through retailers, an ISBN ensures your book is properly identified, listed and sold.
This article explains what an ISBN is, when they’re required, how to get one in the UK or US, how they apply to self-publishing on platforms such as Amazon KDP and how they work across formats, all discussed in detail below.
What Is an ISBN?
Do You Need an ISBN?
How to Get an ISBN (UK and US)
ISBNs for Self-Publishing Platforms
Where to Place Your ISBN
Do You Need Different ISBNs for Each Format?
ISBN vs ASIN (Amazon)
Does an ISBN Protect Your Copyright?
What Is an ISBN?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit number assigned to your book. It acts as an identifier that allows booksellers, distributors and libraries to track and catalogue your book.
Each version of your book requires its own ISBN, including:
Paperback editions
Hardback editions
Ebook versions (in some cases)
Audiobook version
ISBNs are allocated in the country where the book is published, but they can be used internationally. You do not need a separate ISBN to distribute your book in overseas markets.
Do You Need an ISBN?
You will need an ISBN if you plan to:
Sell your book through retailers (e.g. Amazon, bookshops, libraries, wholesalers or other distribution channels)
Publish your book in multiple languages (each version requires its own ISBN)
Release a revised edition with substantial changes (this is considered a new product)
Change publisher (a new publisher must assign their own ISBN)
You may not need an ISBN if:
You are publishing exclusively through platforms that provide a free ISBN (such as Amazon KDP)
You are producing content for private use (e.g. internal documents or giveaways)
You are reprinting without substantial changes (e.g. minor corrections or a new cover)
You are using the book for promotional purposes without changes to content or format
You are publishing magazines, journals or other periodicals (unless sold as a standalone book)
Do I Need an ISBN to Publish My Book?
You need an ISBN if you plan to sell your book through retailers, distribute it widely or make it available to libraries. If you are publishing exclusively through platforms like Amazon KDP, you can use a free ISBN, but purchasing your own ISBN gives you more control and a more professional publishing presence.
If you’re still preparing your manuscript, my Author Self-Edit Checklist outlines the different stages of editing and helps you understand what your book may need before publication.
How to Get an ISBN (UK and US)
ISBNs are issued by different agencies depending on where you are based (check the ISBN Agency for a worldwide list):
Step 1: Visit the relevant ISBN agency for your country and create an account.
Step 2: Choose your ISBN package. You can purchase:
A single ISBN (least cost-effective)
ISBN blocks (buying in bulk is more cost-effective if you intend to publish more than one book or multiple formats)
Step 3: Enter your book details:
Book title
Author name
Format (paperback, ebook, etc.)
Publication date
Step 4: Assign your ISBN. Once purchased, you can assign the ISBN to your book and include it within your metadata and barcode.
ISBNs for Self-Publishing Platforms
Some platforms, such as Amazon KDP, offer free ISBNs. While convenient, there are a few important considerations:
The platform is listed as the publisher
You cannot use the ISBN outside that platform
It may appear less professional if you plan wider distribution
If you want full ownership, flexibility and a more professional publishing presence, purchasing your own ISBN is usually the better option. This is especially important if you want your book to appear professional and consistent across multiple platforms.
To ensure your book presents professionally across all platforms, your manuscript should be fully edited, proofread and correctly formatted before publication. Find out more about my book editorial services.
Where to Place Your ISBN
Your ISBN should appear in the following places:
The copyright page inside your book
The back cover (as part of the barcode for printed books)
Your book’s metadata when publishing online
Ensuring your ISBN is correctly placed helps improve distribution, visibility and discoverability.
If you’re unsure how to correctly format your copyright page or prepare your manuscript for publication, my formatting service ensures your book is presented in a professional, publisher-standard layout.
Do You Need Different ISBNs for Each Format?
Yes – each format of your book requires a separate ISBN.
For example:
Paperback → 1 ISBN
Hardback → 1 ISBN
Ebook → may require 1 ISBN (depending on the platform)
Audiobook → may require 1 ISBN (depending on the platform and distribution method)
This allows each version of your book to be tracked, distributed and sold independently.
ISBN vs ASIN (Amazon)
If you publish through Amazon, your ebook may use an ASIN instead of an ISBN.
ISBN = Universal book identifier
ASIN = Amazon-specific identifier
If you plan to distribute your ebook beyond Amazon, using an ISBN is recommended.
Can I Publish a Book Without an ISBN?
Yes, you can publish a book without an ISBN if you are using platforms that provide a free identifier, such as Amazon’s ASIN. However, without your own ISBN, your distribution options are limited and you may have less control over your publishing details.
Does an ISBN Protect Your Copyright?
An ISBN does not provide copyright protection for your book. It is simply a unique identifier used for cataloguing, distribution and sales purposes.
Copyright protection is automatically granted to you as the author as soon as your work is created and recorded in a tangible form. This applies in both the UK and the US, meaning your writing is protected without needing an ISBN.
In some countries, such as the US, you may choose to formally register your copyright for additional legal benefits, but this is separate from obtaining an ISBN.
Including a copyright page in your book is still important. This typically appears at the front of your book and outlines your ownership, publication details and rights reserved, helping your book meet professional publishing standards.
While an ISBN helps your book to be identified and sold, copyright ensures your work is legally protected. Both play different but equally important roles in the publishing process.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining an ISBN is a straightforward but essential step in the self-publishing process. It ensures your book is professionally recognised, properly distributed and easy for readers to find.
If you are preparing your manuscript for publication, it is equally important to ensure your book is fully edited, proofread and correctly formatted before assigning your ISBN:
✔️ Expert proofreading corrects spelling, grammar and punctuation, ensuring your manuscript is polished and error-free before publication.
✏️ Professional editing refines your writing, enhances clarity and flow, and improves consistency – ensuring a high-quality finish that appeals to readers and strengthens credibility.
📖 Ebook formatting creates a clean, publisher-standard layout, ready to self-publish on Amazon KDP or submit to a publisher or agent.
