Why I Choose Not to Pay for ISBNs

As an independent author, you're likely already familiar with Amazon KDP. Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), an Amazon-owned print-on-demand division, assists creators in producing and selling various forms of work such as ebooks and print books.

I utilize KDP for my paperback books by uploading cover images and PDFs of the interior of all my novels on their platform. Once a book is ordered, Amazon KDP prints a single copy of the title and ships it to the buyer.

I've chosen to persevere because Amazon remains a primary distribution channel for books, KDP offers the most cost-effective solution without necessitating a print run of over 1,000 books, and I've opted for the free ISBN provided by Amazon KDP.

The decision to use a free ISBN has sparked widespread controversy among indie authors, igniting heated debates and cries of indignation within the community.

The prevailing sentiment among self-published authors is a resounding chorus: "Always buy your own ISBN!"

The ISBN, that unassuming barcode-embedded number adorning the back of a book, serves as a standardized identifier that enables anyone to scan it and access details about the book. By purchasing your own ISBN, you assert yourself as the official publisher of record, enhancing the book's professional appearance.

Moreover, this unique identifier remains consistent across all printers, even when using multiple printing services. Conversely, eschewing this practice and opting for a free ISBN might earn you the derogatory label of a 'hack,' according to some critics.

While some authors find merit in acquiring their ISBNs, my stance diverges from the prevailing opinion. I challenge the notion that using a free ISBN represents a substandard choice, and here's why:

Cost of ISBNs

Bowker, the sole provider of ISBNs in the United States, wields a monopoly over the market, enabling them to dictate exorbitant prices. Acquiring a block of 1,000 ISBNs for a mere $1.50 each may seem cost-effective on the surface, but the upfront investment proves prohibitive for most indie authors. Opting for a more reasonable quantity, such as 10 ISBNs, incurs a staggering cost of $295. Such a hefty price tag necessitates a thorough evaluation of its necessity, especially when a free alternative exists.

Brand Identity

My books boast a distinct brand identity, emblazoned with the publishing imprint and adorned with a consistent logo across title pages and back covers. Furthermore, my authorial name graces each publication, sporting a uniform font on all book covers. This cohesive branding approach resonates with my readers and establishes a recognizable presence in the literary sphere.

Consider the predicament faced by authors published by major publishing houses like Random House, known for churning out thousands of titles annually. In such cases, the imprint's name overshadowing the author's identity fails to reinforce the author's personal brand, debunking the myth that a conventional publisher listing automatically bolsters an author's reputation.

The notion that possessing your own ISBN guarantees perpetual advantages seems far-fetched, considering several implausible scenarios where this exclusive identifier might prove essential. Hypothetical situations like Amazon's collapse, relying solely on ISBNs for book purchases, or book clubs demanding wholesale copies via ISBN instead of readily available information on the book itself appear vastly exaggerated.

Preparing for a catastrophic event akin to a zombie apocalypse or anticipating the demise of a corporate giant like Amazon appears futile and unnecessary. Refuting the argument advocating for personalized ISBNs, one must acknowledge that ISBNs lack longevity, as each book edition necessitates a distinct identifier. Illustratively, the multiple editions of the iconic Harry Potter series boast varying ISBNs, yet this diversity in identifiers has not hindered readers' accessibility to these books.

Readers don't care

Facilitating access to mainstream distribution channels, print-on-demand services like Barnes & Noble offer free ISBNs, even extending options for hardcover editions. While I have yet to pursue physical store placement for my novels, Barnes & Noble accommodates customer requests for specific titles, exemplifying the compatibility of POD ISBNs with traditional bookstores and illustrating the adaptability of the publishing landscape.

Contrary to industry sentiment, readers exhibit minimal interest in the intricacies of book publishing, showing little concern for publishers or printers. At literary events, attendees rarely inquire about the book's publisher or printer, focusing instead on the content and artistic merit. Notably, the revelation of self-publishing often elicits positive responses, dispelling any lingering doubts about the efficacy of POD ISBNs in engaging readers.

In addition, my main goal is not to impress industry experts, but rather to attract readers. Even the possibility of appealing to major publishing houses depends on sales figures, not on whether you own ISBNs. Flexibility remains a key advantage, as it will be possible to pivot towards personalized ISBNs in the future. This will be achieved through the release of new editions bearing updated identifiers.

In conclusion, the temporary nature of ISBNs challenges the conventional wisdom that they are necessary, underscoring the practicality of using POD ISBNs while still having the option to move to personalized identifiers in the future.

ISBN Resources

ISBN and Copyright
ISBN Expensive
Title Verso
ISBN Checker
ISBN Example
ISBN Database
Bowker Offer
Bowker Coupon Code
ISBN Hyphenator Tool
ISBN Converter
ISBN Lookup Tools
ISBN Agency