If you’re an author looking to convert your printed books into eBooks, you may be wondering whether you need a separate ISBN for your digital editions. ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) are unique identifiers used to track and manage book sales. But since eBooks have the same content as their printed counterparts, do they require a separate ISBN?
Table of Contents:
• Understanding the ISBN system
• Importance of an ISBN
• Do eBooks need ISBNs?
• When would a book need multiple ISBNs?
• How do I get an ISBN for my eBook?
• How do I display my ISBN?
• How do I assign my ISBN?
• Can an ISBN be reused?
• Best Practices for eBook publishers
• BookBaby’s eBook services
An ISBN is a unique 13-digit identifier for a book. ISBNs play a vital role in the book industry by specifying the title, author, publisher, format, and edition of a book. ISBNs facilitate book ordering, inventory management, and sales tracking for retailers, libraries, and publishers.
ISBNs are typically found on the copyright page of a printed book and are associated with a specific format, such as hardcover, paperback, or eBook.
Importance of an ISBNIf you want to sell your book, and if you want potential readers to find your book, you must have an ISBN. And yes, eBooks, since they are a different format than their printed counterparts, require a separate ISBN — though we’ll address a caveat to that statement in a minute.
Note, there is no such thing as an eISBN; there are only ISBNs. Colloquially, the term eISBN is used to denote an ISBN assigned to the electronic version of a book, specifically for eBooks, but using the term can cause confusion. So only the term ISBN should be used.
Do eBooks need ISBNs?So, while an eBook needs an ISBN because it is a different format, if you are only publishing your eBook on Amazon, you are not required to procure an ISBN because Amazon uses its own proprietary system known as ASIN.
Though ISBNs are not technically required for eBooks being sold on Amazon, having one can bring several important benefits. Here are a few factors to consider.
In cases where multiple formats and editions of a title exist, that single book title will require multiple ISBNs. Consider these scenarios:
If you’ve determined that your eBook requires an ISBN, here’s how you can obtain one:
Once you have your ISBN, ensure it is displayed on the copyright page, which is right before your book table of contents and book acknowledgements page as well as included in the book’s metadata.
How do I assign my ISBN?If you get your assigned ISBN when you order your eBooks through BookBaby, your assigned ISBN will be automatically registered when you order. If you buy a batch of ISBNs from a company like Bowker, you can assign them to each proper edition with Bowker when you are ready.
Can an ISBN be reused?ISBNs never expire. ISBNs are unique identifiers and cannot be reused for different multiple books or editions. Once a unique ISBN is assigned to a specific book, it remains associated with that edition for its lifetime.
Best Practices for eBook publishersTo recap, you will need a unique ISBN for each edition of your book, including your hardcover, paperback, eBook, audiobook, translated versions of your book, and any revisions you do in the future.
BookBaby’s eBook servicesIf you’re looking for professional eBook services, BookBaby can help. From eBook formatting to eBook distribution, BookBaby’s services are tailored to meet your self-publishing needs.
Related Posts
ISBN FAQ: What’s An ISBN And Why Do You Need One?
What To Include On Your Book’s Copyright Page
Book Metadata: What The Heck Is That?
Expand Your Book’s Reach With BookBaby’s Book Translation Service
How to Self-Publish a Book With BookBaby
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