The History of ISBNs: Understanding Book Identification Numbers and Publishing Options

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a crucial tool in the publishing industry, serving as a unique identifier for books across the globe. Whether you're an aspiring author or a publisher, understanding what an ISBN is and how it plays a role in book distribution is vital. But do you really need one to publish a book? And how do different platforms like Amazon KDP, Ingram, and Barnes & Noble handle ISBNs? Let's dive into the history of the ISBN, its purpose, and explore some modern ISBN options.

What is an ISBN and What is It Used For?

An ISBN is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies a book or other standalone publication. It acts like a fingerprint for books, allowing retailers, libraries, distributors, and readers to easily locate and differentiate a particular title, edition, or format of a book. The ISBN system was created in 1967 in the UK by a bookseller named W.H. Smith and was based on the nine-digit Standard Book Numbering (SBN) code. In 1970, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) adopted the ISBN system as a global standard, and it became 10 digits long. Then in 2007, it was extended to the current 13 digits to align with the international EAN-13 barcode system.

An ISBN provides information about the book's country of publication, the publisher, and the title itself. Here's a basic breakdown of an ISBN:

1. Prefix: This shows the book is part of the EAN (International Article Number) system, typically represented as "978" or "979."

   
   

2. Group Identifier: Represents the country or language area of the publisher.

   
   

3. Publisher Code: Identifies the publisher of the book.

   
   

4. Title Identifier: Specifies the particular title or edition of a book.

   
   

5. Check Digit: Ensures that the ISBN has been correctly generated and entered.

   
   

Do You Need an ISBN to Publish a Book?

The short answer is: not always. ISBNs are essential for certain aspects of distribution, especially if you plan to sell your book through major retailers, online platforms, and libraries. However, if you're self-publishing through specific channels, like eBooks on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you may not need an ISBN.

For physical books or wide distribution, having an ISBN is strongly recommended as it simplifies the book’s inclusion in databases used by retailers and libraries. Without an ISBN, your book might not be found easily, limiting sales opportunities. If you are selling directly through your website or local venues, an ISBN may not be necessary, but it’s worth considering for long-term success and visibility.

Key ISBN Options for Self-Publishing

There are several ways to acquire an ISBN depending on your publishing method. Some platforms offer free ISBNs, while others allow you to purchase your own. Each option has its advantages and limitations, so let’s look at some of the most popular choices.

1. Amazon KDP ISBN Option

Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers a free ISBN option for authors who want to publish their paperback books on the platform. However, using Amazon's ISBN ties your book to Amazon as the publisher. While this is fine for many indie authors, it may limit your ability to distribute the book widely, as some bookstores and retailers might not carry books published through Amazon.

1. Free ISBN: When you choose this option, Amazon will be listed as your publisher.

   
   

2. Custom ISBN: You also have the option to provide your own ISBN, allowing you to publish under your own imprint.

   
   

If you want more control over distribution outside of Amazon, purchasing your own ISBN is a better route, but for authors focusing primarily on Amazon sales, the free option works well.

2. Ingram ISBN Option

Ingram, a major book distributor and printer, offers ISBN options through its IngramSpark platform. IngramSpark provides the flexibility to either use your own ISBN or purchase one through them.

1. ISBN from Bowker: Ingram allows you to enter your own ISBN if you've purchased one from an official ISBN agency like Bowker in the U.S.

   
   

2. Ingram ISBN: If you don't have an ISBN, you can purchase one directly through IngramSpark, though this does not offer the flexibility of having your own imprint like buying directly from Bowker would.

   
   

Since Ingram distributes to a wide network of bookstores and libraries, using your own ISBN gives you broader control and flexibility when aiming for international distribution.

3. Barnes & Noble ISBN Option

Barnes & Noble Press, the self-publishing arm of Barnes & Noble, also offers free and custom ISBN options.

1. Free ISBN: Choosing this option will list Barnes & Noble as the publisher, limiting distribution options to some degree, similar to Amazon KDP’s free ISBN.

   
   

2. Custom ISBN: Like other platforms, Barnes & Noble Press allows authors to provide their own ISBN if they wish to retain control over their book's distribution and publisher listing.

   
   

Authors aiming for physical distribution in Barnes & Noble stores or other retailers often opt for their own ISBN to ensure the broadest reach.

4. GGKey ISBN Option

Another option worth mentioning is GGKey, a service provided by Google for its Google Books platform. Unlike traditional ISBNs, GGKeys are Google-specific book identifiers. If you're uploading to Google Books, the system generates a GGKey for your book automatically. However, if you plan to distribute the book widely (beyond Google’s ecosystem), you’ll still need an ISBN for traditional retail channels. A GGKey complements but does not replace an ISBN.

How to Buy Your Own ISBN

If you want full control over your book's ISBN, you can purchase one through the official ISBN agency for your region. In the U.S., this is Bowker. Authors can buy a single ISBN or a block of ISBNs, which is often more cost-effective for authors planning to publish multiple books.

1. Bowker (U.S.): ISBNs are available for purchase directly from Bowker, where a single ISBN costs around $125, and a block of 10 costs around $295. Purchasing through Bowker allows you to list your own publishing imprint.

   
   

In other countries, ISBN agencies are governed by local organizations. For example, in the UK, ISBNs are assigned by Nielsen.

Should You Get an ISBN?

Whether you need an ISBN depends on your publishing goals. If you’re focusing on eBooks through Amazon or Google, you may not need one at all. However, if you're planning to distribute your book to a wider audience, especially in physical stores and libraries, having an ISBN is essential. Free ISBNs from Amazon, Ingram, and Barnes & Noble are convenient, but purchasing your own ISBN offers you the most control over your book's future.

In the end, owning your ISBN ensures that you, as the author or publisher, retain full control over how and where your book is sold. With the various options available, it’s easier than ever to make an informed decision about how best to identify your book in the global publishing ecosystem.