top of page

ISBN Numbers

What is an ISBN?


An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies a specific edition of a book or book-like product. It is used by publishers, booksellers, and libraries for ordering, sales, and inventory control, with different versions (like hardcover, paperback, or audiobook) all having their own ISBNs.


A lot of self-publishing services, such as Ingram Spark, Draft2Digital, Amazon, and others offer FREE ISBN numbers... DON'T DO IT!


By using a FREE ISBN number provided by those services, they own the publishing rights for your book! You still own the copyright, but you cannot publish your book through any other provider. Only ever use the free ISBN's if that is the only provider you're ever planning to use!


So where do you get your own ISBN numbers?


In the United States... visit a site called Bowker where you can purchase your own ISBNs under their Publisher Services section.

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet
Add a rating

Subscribe to receive the DVWG Shout-Outs, meeting notices and general announcements.

Promote the guild by sharing this page

MAIN LOGO2_edited.jpg

Diamond Valley Writers' Guild is a community for beginning writers to established authors. Our base is Southwest Riverside County, California, but we have members and participants from all over the United States, and even a few who reside in other countries.

 

DVWG has been a non-profit 501(c)(3) literary & educational organization since 2016, offering valuable resources, networking opportunities, great speakers, and a forum for members to share inspiration and create a community with fellow writers.

Privacy Policy

Support and Promote the Guild with our official merchandise!

cafepress_400x400.jpg

© 2016-2026

bottom of page