I bought some isbns-I got 10 for a small discount- but I also published my first book with the free isbn just because i was anxious to get it done and I wasn't too worried about it being a record-breaking book anyway! Lol
A question. Is there any reason if one is publishing an item which requires an ISBN to choose purchasing the number in the USA over the free Canadian one? Thank you.
My husband collaborated with a private KDP publisher and got great reviews. They are no longer in partnership. So my husband started his own KDP publishing. He wrote to Amazon as was able to get all his reviews from USA and UK and AU under his own name.
I created my first journal before I knew about you, Rachel. The person whose course I took banged on and on about the importance of having my own ISBN and publishing wider than Amazon. I did that, and published with Ingram Spark, who actually sold a few copies. But then they changed their rules and no longer list low content books in their catalogue - which was the main reason to pay a fee to publish with them. So now I just stick with the free KDP ISBN. Hope this info is useful.
Great video and it made me realize the importance of having my own ISBN numbers. Just one thing, it's only $295 for 10 ISBNs, and I actually ordered 10 of them more than 10 years ago for a couple of books I wrote back then and was able to get back into my account again at Bowker after all this time and I still had 8 unused. The price was about the same back then, so it's a good deal and I think well worth it.
Wow. I wasted an hour googling ISBN numbers. Should just have gone to RUclips right away and watched your excellent video. It even answered Qs that I couldn’t find anywhere. Will def take a look at your channel. Great content. Thank you x10. Aloha
As of May 7, 2024, the links to the free Canadian ISBN do not work; they only redirect to the main Canada gov't page. I searched "Getting a Free ISBN in Canada" to find the correct URL. Also, Bowker is US only. On their registration page, you must put in a US state and zip code; there is no place to add a different country, a Canadian province, or another type of postal code. Just FYI. Thanks for the video, Rachel!
Thank you so much for this information. Crystal clear and everything I was looking for. Moving towards publishing my first book has definitely been a bit intimidating, but videos like this make it a bit easier.
Excellent video with helpful advice. Preparing to Publish my first book has definitely been a bit intimidating. So much to take in. This video has helped enormously with the ISBN issue. The best option for me will be to buy my own. Many thanks.
Maybe buy an ISBN, and make a second edition (make some changes) when you're ready to open up to sales beyond Amazon? I would just hate to invest so much into something that's untested on the market...
I subscribed and put notifications on, because your information was very helpful. Which thing should come first, copyright or ISBN? Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed watching.
Hi Rachel, this is my first time out. I have written a five-book business series, and based on the info you have shared, I will be purchasing my own ISBN, possibly in bulk. Just wanted to say, "Thank You" for your insight/knowledge and I will be following up with your FB group, and the free download offered. You rock! GTH
Thank you for this detailed info. If I publish with Amazon using KDP’s free isbn, and then I decide to publish elsewhere later on, does KDP own my book? Is creating a new edition of the book (and getting a new ISBN) the only way to leave Amazon? Will Amazon forever own the first edition of my book? If I get a new ISBN, will my book have two ISBN’s in the database/ library (bowker)? Can I sell one version (with the free kdp isbn) on Amazon while selling an edition (with a purchased isbn) with another publisher? Thanks again, and I appreciate your time w all these questions!
The free ISBN from KDP can only be used on KDP for distribution to Amazon and its distributors. It cannot be used with another publisher or self-publishing service. If you use your own ISBN to publish your paperback, you can use that ISBN to publish your book elsewhere.
@@hellomartywoods I have the same question as Kat. If I go with the free ISBN, can I then buy one on bowker later and publish elsewhere that way? Or does going with the free ISBN on KDP make impossible to publish your book elsewhere forever?
@@MichaelAlperstein yes, you can publish your book somewhere else like Lulu or Barnes Noble or self published but you need a different ISBN. But if you have KDP Select you can't publish anywhere else as you give exclusive rights to Amazon if you opt for KDP Select (it expires after certain period of time). If you publish with Ingram check the T&C as I believe Ingram and KDP have some sort of agreement on distribution so they shared the same ISBN.
I used the free one because to get your own ISBN number cost money. Last I check hundreds of dollar. Plus you have to do tracking etc. I think letting KDP do all the job is ideal for me. So I can focus on creating and relaxing
@@RachelHarrisonSund so far 3 out of 4. I am publishing more. I like it since I am getting the hang of it now. The kicker is the trim size. No matter what it always a pain. Especially the cover page. It all depends on the number of pages.
@@iluvdramarock Same here. The videos show that it's juts one clique but NO. I have done multiple edits and it's a headache So far what I have done is create templates with sizes on KDP to make my work easier
Amazon has 70% market share in the USA and 60% worldwide. I'm not sure it's worth the cost for low content publishers. For other books, I don't think people pay attention to whether it's independently published.I sell my own KDP books, through my own platform, with a link to Amazon.
I also have a website where I put the Amazon link to my books. I was always a little unsure if this was allowed. I'm glad to see that someone else is doing it. Were you able to confirm that this is allowed?
Can we start with the Amazon option and purchase our own later on when we want to publish it ourselves? EDIT :: I watched the part about publishing with an different ISBN, but it doesn't match my question. The Amazon ISBN is basically for books bought through Amazon's printing/publishing platform/s -- so if we want to publish later on our own, we could buy an ISBN and make our edition a separate book. We could still sell at Amazon, but also sell our own editions... this seems like it is the main option and better than unpublishing our book from Amazon. What do you think? I don't know what the contracts say yet. I don't see a problem, do you? EDIT TWO :: Wanted to add that I checked into Amazon publishing years ago, before they offered the FREE ISBNs, and buying the ISBNs was the main stop in the process for me. I was delighted to find they offer the FREE option. -- Once you build up an income, the purchasing of your own ISBNs isn't a problem... especially if you want to become a publishing company. :-)
Hi Deborah! This would only work if the new book with the paid ISBN is in a separate format, such as hardcover, or in a different size. You could not publish the exact same book with the new paid ISBN while also keeping the original book with the free ISBN available for sale. I hope that answers your question!
Rachel, great information. I recently self-published (using a local printer) a music instruction book. I didn't get an ISBN as I figured I would sell them mostly to my students and/or other music instructors. However, when I inquired about selling on Amazon Marketplace, I was informed I would need an ISBN. I'm also thinking I would like to find other avenues of distribution. Since I have several copies of the physical book, can I now order an ISBN and be provided with a printable code that I can print on stickers, and affix them to the back book cover? Would that work just as well as actually having the ISBN printed directly on the cover (which would mean a HUGE expense in getting a whole new batch printed up)? Thanks for your advice.
Do you need an ISBN to sell your own book on your own website? Is there a law/rule that all published books must have a number? I'm thinking of using Amazon's number for Amazon, but no number from my own site. And what about Etsy? Do you have to have a number there?
We purchase the ISBNs here in Australia from Thorpe Bowker who are very very helpful and co-operative. They are based in Victoria and I am in Queensland. The disadvantages of getting FREE ISBNs is its publisher info, even though the indie publisher is always the publisher. It is a catch 22 scenario.
I recently started to publish low content books. The cover designs are my own paintings. Some of the paintings are already on sale in Spoonflower, Society6, Redbubble, and Zazzle, which is before I published them on Amazon. How does this affect my artwork that's published on Amazon? I accepted Amazon's ISBN.
This won't affect the ability to sell your artwork on other platforms; it only prevents you from selling the books you've published on other platforms.
Thank you for this video, Rachel. I'm self publishing my first book on February 8 (it's called "Giant of the Job Search") and you clearly laid out the arguments for and against purchasing ISBNs. Right now, I have some extra cash and am leaning towards buying 10 for $295 so that my future books will retain that flexibility. I'm attracted to the "sell outside of Amazon" flexibility, though I'm not sure how much I care about the "industry credibility" reason for buying my own ISBN. To be clear, you did not say that quote in the video, but it's one I've read elsewhere. Would love for anyone reading this comment to add their thoughts on the "industry stigma against self-publishing on Amazon" component that I'm debating
The bummer about isbn is having to invest in isbn before even knowing if the book is making money or worth investing in. Would be great to test a book first with amazons isbn and being able to change to your own isbn if that book is worth it.
If I buy my own ISBN, what are some other distributors I can utilize? Also, if I were to use the free KDP option, does that mean I can't sell copies at a book store?
There’s great info for these questions on Amazon’s KDP site. The free ISBN is not recognized by book stores and libraries. You will need to buy ISBN numbers for this. I’ll likely by 100 ISBN numbers since the cost decrease to $575, $5.75/number
Can you publish the paperback on KDP with the included ISBN, and the hardcover on another site with another ISBN? Can you republish the same paperback on multiple sites with different ISBN, if you change the forward or something, or as addition 1, 2, 3 etc. What about audiobooks if you re-read them, say, in a different voice? I'm assuming the content lives separately from the form in which you fix it, correct?
Thank you for this video Rachel, it is helpful. My book was published by Xulon Press in 2009. I want to switch and publish with KDP. Xulon states at the website author is 100% owner. How can I know if I bought and own my ISBN number?
If I purchase my own isbn what other platforms can I sell on? And will they have their own print service? Where does amazon publish my book if I go with their ISBN number?
This was the most helpful video All of my questions that I had were answered thank you. I want to ask about bar codes because there’s an option to get the ISBN and the barcode is the barcode necessary?
Soooo confused with various info here on Tube, and the t's. o. u. -- So it's ok if friends and family BUY my paperbacks on KDP, but they just mustn't leave reviews? Thanks in advance, you've been so helpful to me on your channel . . . ty. J
I have a rather unique in dundrum with my low content book. My plan is to publish a copy through Amazon KDP program, then physically modify it from a perfect-bound to a spiral-bound book on my own, and then resell it. The problem I have is that reselling the book will potentially have a copy of the original ISBN number printed on it from when it was originally published. I considered buying my own ISBN, but I also intend to make different copies of this book with different cover art. I'm not sure if the same ISBN can apply to these books, since they have different cover art. With my situation, what do you think would be the best option?
Rachel, can you change your cover design+ interiors design for your published independently book AND make a book with your own IBSN and use your designs again?
Hi Elie, you can re-use the cover and manuscript design from a book that's used a free KDP ISBN on a book that you intend to purchase an ISBN for, but it must be in a different format. For example, if it's a KDP printed paperback, you must create your new book as a hardcover or a spiral bound. Each different format of a book requires a separate ISBN.
Hi Rachel, and thank you for this super helpful video. I just wanted to ask you about the IBSN number. Amazon gives you the possibility of one IBSN number for free. Is this number only for one book (one publishing) or you can use it for other books too? Say, I am planning to create more books.....how does the KDP (amazon) IBSN number work? I didn't quite understand how it works and I would really appreciate it if you could put some light on it. Thank you!
Hi Rachel! Great video! Here's my question- if you use the free ISBN and then decide to sell the book somewhere else, can you just make a copy one and get your own ISBN without unpublishing the first one? Thanks! 😊
Hi Rachel. Only recently started following so now catching up on your videos. I recently created a kdp account. Haven't uploaded any LC books as yet. Just practicing creating etc. But just to understand what you're saying tell me if I've interpreted well. I can use kdp free ISBN for paperback books published by them. But should i want to publish anywhere else I'll need my own ISBN and ensure it's not paperback format. My own ISBN should be on say hard copy or spiral but can be same cover design and inside... Also would i be able to market my LC book on social media? I'll be marketing the link to purchase on Amazon yes? I don't live in USA. I'm from Caribbean. What if i wanted some of the paperbacks to market here in stores or for me to sell here locally.... Aside from printing in different format here and having my own ISBN would i be able to have kdp print in bulk and ship to me? It would then be me buying from my own store to re sell? How would that work?
Hi Rachel this information you've shared is very helpful. Do you have any videos about copyrighting? I'm not clear on if a journal should be copyrighted.
However, if you need an ISBN for each format Hardback etc. you could certainly buy an ISBN for that hardback elsewhere after getting a free ISBN from KDP for the paperback. Right?
What if you bought second hand ISBN's? There are publishing companies who are out of business but selling their unused ISBNs for cheap on eBay. They are not attached to any platforms like KDP. The only drawback is that the ISBN is registered to a publisher no longer in business. Does it really matter if the publisher is my created publisher name or some other company no longer in the business?
I'm concerned about the buying of a pack of ISBN numbers. How is that possible if each number is a direct marker for your book? Does this mean you'd have to have all of your 10 manuscripts ready if you want to buy a pack of 10 ISBNs?
I thought KDP gives free ASIN's not ISBN's and there's a major difference if I understand things properly. ISBN's are for when you want to sell your book on a variety of platforms and also directly in gift shops and from myself if I have public readings.
Thank you for that info on ISBN. My difficulty is Amazon is giving an error message stating there should only be max 13 numeric. But that what it is. Still the error message prevent uploads. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hi Rachel, your video ist very helpfull! thanks! But....can You tell me - if I get my own ISBN get I option " Looking Inside " on amazon kdp? Some Notebook have it - so many......why is this possible for they independent publisher?? Thanks! Agnes
I helped my daughter who's 13 publish her book on KDP and she got free ISBN for all versions of her book. Now she wants to publish on another platform. Will she be able to do that after accepting the free one?
Hi,thank you for your video. Im getting ready tp publish my first coloring book and I have a question about isbn. I understand i cannot use their isbn with other publishers but can I publish the same book with a different publisher and use their own isbn? For example blurb also assigns isbns. I want to make sure i do this right and not get banned. Thank you!
Can you print a book previously published through kdp under a new ISBN elsewhere? I’d love to print copies of books I’ve published in the past but idk if I’d have to delete them from kdp first.
Will Amazon still make the paperback books for you if you do buy your own isbn and also do you have to buy the barcode if i do by the isbn and sell it on kdp ?
Thanks for the explanation. I have a KDP book I want to republish as an ebook on Amazon. I'm happy with Kindle only as the ebook but I want the paperback to be available in bookstores and libraries. If I use a paid ISBN for the paperback, can I: 1. still use Amazon's print on demand and 2: more importantly, will it get my paperback into bookstores and libraries? There seems to be a real prejudice against Amazon ISBNs in the physical print world. Thanks!
I am really confused about ISBN. I worked as a historian at a museum and wrote a history book. I have an Idea of where I want to solicit selling the book. It will only be offered as a hardback. I live in the US (California) do I have to get an ISBN Number..also I thought the cost would only be $150.00 and I could use it on all books I publish. Please help I am so confused and regretting writing this book because of all the expenses!
Reviews are a pain. I have done many for others but few have done any for me. But, such is life. I hate asking for reviews as people are generally a little tight about reviewing. Reedsy is a good option as loads of authors hang out there.
Okay, I have a question. I published a paperback and e-book version of my children's book on KDP using their free ISBN. If I want to publish a board book version of my book, I would need a new ISBN correct? And since I need a new ISBN, I could purchase my own and then would I be allowed to sell my book in it's board book format in other places besides Amazon? Hope that makes sense.
How valuable is wised distribution with low-no content books? Because I mostly see people talk I’ll by about Amazon KDP when it comes to these things. I’ve noticed these these types of books selling at Barnes and Nobles and Half Price Books. Is it a valid strategy to try to get my books sold there?
In my opinion, when publishing LC books at scale as a passive income business model, it becomes cost prohibitive to purchase ISBNs for every book. When publishing smaller quantities, or if you're using the LC book as a companion piece to another published fiction or nonfiction title, and especially if you have a sizeable audience, it can become more of a valid strategy. Do you currently have any published LC books? If so, have you used the free ISBN?
@@RachelHarrisonSund no books yet but I am doing all the research I can so that hopefully I can start creating books by next month. I hope it’s still an open market for new creators
Thank you for the video! I have a question, if I publish a book or a low content using the free ISBN however mention the my same or my brand inside the book or a link to my website, would that be considered breaking the terms?
If you have low content book Amazon only allows the option to print with no isbn or provide own. I assume it's due to too many spammy low content uploads.
Hello, very helpful video. I have a very random question I'm legally married so I have my husbands last name. My question is when I self publish can I hyphenate my name to include my maiden name even though it's not on paper as this?
Hi Rachel. I would like to publish on Amazon, having my own ISBN number. The question is that I live in Italy and I want to publish my book in English. Can I still purchase it locally (from Italy) or there will be any problem with that? I am also asking if I need my own ISBN also for the e-book or just for the paperback version?
To make sure I understand, if I have this book, and I want to offer it as a paperback, a hard cover book, an ebook, and an audiobook, I’d need to have an ISBN for each one?
Thanks a lot Rachel! The video I was looking for and you answered the questions I had (in the video and in the comments :). Re Canadian rules, is there a limited amount of free ISBN one can apply for in Canada? And if you want to sell at amazon in a few countries does it mean you will need a few ISBNs (one per country?)
You're right, and that's why most people who publish dozens (or even hundreds) of LC books likely don't benefit from buying their own. Have you published any LC books on KDP, and do you always use the free ISBNs?
Hi I recently started publishing on kdp and I create my book covers in photoshop and I choose cymk I want to know will the colors after kdp print be the same as they look on my monitor? I live in Pakistan I can't order author proof copy. You published a lot can you tell me how they look alike.
Hi Sofiana, printed colours will never look exactly the same as what you see on a computer monitor, but will usually come close. CMYK is the correct choice when designing for print, so your results will likely be pretty close to what you see on your screen. Have you published any books to KDP yet?
I have a question, i know my cover pdf is 100% Ok but When upload in kdp to preview, the text shows broken. Does this make any problem in main printing?
My main fear would be if you listed your book with a KDP ISBN, then for whatever reason your account is terminated. You pretty much lose your book. Is there a way to have an ISBN and still save your book if you are blocked?
Using Amazon's ISBN does not prevent you from publishing on other platforms. It just means you can't use their ISBN on other platforms, You will have to buy a new one to publish on those.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Have you ever published your own ISBN, or do you accept the free ones that KDP provides? Let me know in the comments below!
I bought some isbns-I got 10 for a small discount- but I also published my first book with the free isbn just because i was anxious to get it done and I wasn't too worried about it being a record-breaking book anyway! Lol
My own ISBN - in Canada e can get free ISBN for the certain type of books.
Great video!
A question. Is there any reason if one is publishing an item which requires an ISBN to choose purchasing the number in the USA over the free Canadian one? Thank you.
I plan on releasing a novel with my own ISBN. I might use the free Amazon ones for the short story version of my novel which is split up..
My husband collaborated with a private KDP publisher and got great reviews. They are no longer in partnership. So my husband started his own KDP publishing. He wrote to Amazon as was able to get all his reviews from USA and UK and AU under his own name.
Thanks for sharing your husband's experience, Anita, that's very helpful!
Thank you! Can you please share what your husband wrote to KDP? Thank you!
I created my first journal before I knew about you, Rachel. The person whose course I took banged on and on about the importance of having my own ISBN and publishing wider than Amazon. I did that, and published with Ingram Spark, who actually sold a few copies. But then they changed their rules and no longer list low content books in their catalogue - which was the main reason to pay a fee to publish with them. So now I just stick with the free KDP ISBN. Hope this info is useful.
Thanks for your insight, Helen! How many journals have you created so far?
Great video and it made me realize the importance of having my own ISBN numbers. Just one thing, it's only $295 for 10 ISBNs, and I actually ordered 10 of them more than 10 years ago for a couple of books I wrote back then and was able to get back into my account again at Bowker after all this time and I still had 8 unused. The price was about the same back then, so it's a good deal and I think well worth it.
Wow. I wasted an hour googling ISBN numbers. Should just have gone to RUclips right away and watched your excellent video. It even answered Qs that I couldn’t find anywhere. Will def take a look at your channel. Great content. Thank you x10. Aloha
As of May 7, 2024, the links to the free Canadian ISBN do not work; they only redirect to the main Canada gov't page. I searched "Getting a Free ISBN in Canada" to find the correct URL.
Also, Bowker is US only. On their registration page, you must put in a US state and zip code; there is no place to add a different country, a Canadian province, or another type of postal code. Just FYI.
Thanks for the video, Rachel!
I'd just like to compliment you on your diction and articulation. Absolutely top-class!
Thank you so much for this information. Crystal clear and everything I was looking for. Moving towards publishing my first book has definitely been a bit intimidating, but videos like this make it a bit easier.
Excellent video with helpful advice. Preparing to Publish my first book has definitely been a bit intimidating. So much to take in. This video has helped enormously with the ISBN issue. The best option for me will be to buy my own. Many thanks.
Maybe buy an ISBN, and make a second edition (make some changes) when you're ready to open up to sales beyond Amazon? I would just hate to invest so much into something that's untested on the market...
I agree-this is why I've never purchased an ISBN for LC books before.
Was also thinking of that
I subscribed and put notifications on, because your information was very helpful. Which thing should come first, copyright or ISBN? Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed watching.
Fantastic explanation of whether or not to buy your own ISBN. Many thanks Rachel. xx
So, glad it was helpful, Libby!
Thank you! I watched a few videos on the topic but yours was the best, much clearer to grasp.
Hi Rachel, this is my first time out. I have written a five-book business series, and based on the info you have shared, I will be purchasing my own ISBN, possibly in bulk. Just wanted to say, "Thank You" for your insight/knowledge and I will be following up with your FB group, and the free download offered. You rock! GTH
Thank you for this detailed info. If I publish with Amazon using KDP’s free isbn, and then I decide to publish elsewhere later on, does KDP own my book? Is creating a new edition of the book (and getting a new ISBN) the only way to leave Amazon? Will Amazon forever own the first edition of my book?
If I get a new ISBN, will my book have two ISBN’s in the database/ library (bowker)?
Can I sell one version (with the free kdp isbn) on Amazon while selling an edition (with a purchased isbn) with another publisher?
Thanks again, and I appreciate your time w all these questions!
The free ISBN from KDP can only be used on KDP for distribution to Amazon and its distributors. It cannot be used with another publisher or self-publishing service. If you use your own ISBN to publish your paperback, you can use that ISBN to publish your book elsewhere.
@@hellomartywoods I have the same question as Kat. If I go with the free ISBN, can I then buy one on bowker later and publish elsewhere that way? Or does going with the free ISBN on KDP make impossible to publish your book elsewhere forever?
@@MichaelAlperstein yes, you can publish your book somewhere else like Lulu or Barnes Noble or self published but you need a different ISBN. But if you have KDP Select you can't publish anywhere else as you give exclusive rights to Amazon if you opt for KDP Select (it expires after certain period of time). If you publish with Ingram check the T&C as I believe Ingram and KDP have some sort of agreement on distribution so they shared the same ISBN.
@@hellomartywoods Thank you so much Marty. Wasn't sure you would even see this post. Much appreciated!
Excellent guidance for first time publisher on Amazon. Thank you!
Wow. Such value in this video. I’ll be wanting my own ISBN.
Thank 😊you for the best ISBN explanation on the internet!
I used the free one because to get your own ISBN number cost money. Last I check hundreds of dollar. Plus you have to do tracking etc. I think letting KDP do all the job is ideal for me. So I can focus on creating and relaxing
Yes, they can be cost prohibitive if you're publishing LC books at scale. How many books have you published through KDP?
@@RachelHarrisonSund so far 3 out of 4. I am publishing more. I like it since I am getting the hang of it now. The kicker is the trim size. No matter what it always a pain. Especially the cover page. It all depends on the number of pages.
@@iluvdramarock Same here.
The videos show that it's juts one clique but NO.
I have done multiple edits and it's a headache
So far what I have done is create templates with sizes on KDP to make my work easier
Amazon has 70% market share in the USA and 60% worldwide. I'm not sure it's worth the cost for low content publishers. For other books, I don't think people pay attention to whether it's independently published.I sell my own KDP books, through my own platform, with a link to Amazon.
I also have a website where I put the Amazon link to my books. I was always a little unsure if this was allowed. I'm glad to see that someone else is doing it. Were you able to confirm that this is allowed?
Can we start with the Amazon option and purchase our own later on when we want to publish it ourselves? EDIT :: I watched the part about publishing with an different ISBN, but it doesn't match my question. The Amazon ISBN is basically for books bought through Amazon's printing/publishing platform/s -- so if we want to publish later on our own, we could buy an ISBN and make our edition a separate book. We could still sell at Amazon, but also sell our own editions... this seems like it is the main option and better than unpublishing our book from Amazon. What do you think? I don't know what the contracts say yet. I don't see a problem, do you? EDIT TWO :: Wanted to add that I checked into Amazon publishing years ago, before they offered the FREE ISBNs, and buying the ISBNs was the main stop in the process for me. I was delighted to find they offer the FREE option. -- Once you build up an income, the purchasing of your own ISBNs isn't a problem... especially if you want to become a publishing company. :-)
Hi Deborah! This would only work if the new book with the paid ISBN is in a separate format, such as hardcover, or in a different size. You could not publish the exact same book with the new paid ISBN while also keeping the original book with the free ISBN available for sale. I hope that answers your question!
Unbelievable Value in this video. Many, many thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Rachel, great information. I recently self-published (using a local printer) a music instruction book. I didn't get an ISBN as I figured I would sell them mostly to my students and/or other music instructors. However, when I inquired about selling on Amazon Marketplace, I was informed I would need an ISBN. I'm also thinking I would like to find other avenues of distribution. Since I have several copies of the physical book, can I now order an ISBN and be provided with a printable code that I can print on stickers, and affix them to the back book cover? Would that work just as well as actually having the ISBN printed directly on the cover (which would mean a HUGE expense in getting a whole new batch printed up)? Thanks for your advice.
Do you need an ISBN to sell your own book on your own website? Is there a law/rule that all published books must have a number? I'm thinking of using Amazon's number for Amazon, but no number from my own site. And what about Etsy? Do you have to have a number there?
I was researching the ISBN and ran across Mandi Lynn. She has a video about that. She actually encountered that exact situation on herself.
We purchase the ISBNs here in Australia from Thorpe Bowker who are very very helpful and co-operative. They are based in Victoria and I am in Queensland. The disadvantages of getting FREE ISBNs is its publisher info, even though the indie publisher is always the publisher. It is a catch 22 scenario.
I recently started to publish low content books. The cover designs are my own paintings. Some of the paintings are already on sale in Spoonflower, Society6, Redbubble, and Zazzle, which is before I published them on Amazon. How does this affect my artwork that's published on Amazon? I accepted Amazon's ISBN.
This won't affect the ability to sell your artwork on other platforms; it only prevents you from selling the books you've published on other platforms.
@@RachelHarrisonSund What a relief. Thank you soooo much. Have an awesome day.
Thank you for this video, Rachel. I'm self publishing my first book on February 8 (it's called "Giant of the Job Search") and you clearly laid out the arguments for and against purchasing ISBNs. Right now, I have some extra cash and am leaning towards buying 10 for $295 so that my future books will retain that flexibility.
I'm attracted to the "sell outside of Amazon" flexibility, though I'm not sure how much I care about the "industry credibility" reason for buying my own ISBN. To be clear, you did not say that quote in the video, but it's one I've read elsewhere. Would love for anyone reading this comment to add their thoughts on the "industry stigma against self-publishing on Amazon" component that I'm debating
The bummer about isbn is having to invest in isbn before even knowing if the book is making money or worth investing in. Would be great to test a book first with amazons isbn and being able to change to your own isbn if that book is worth it.
Thank you Rachel Sunshineee very good insight!
If I buy my own ISBN, what are some other distributors I can utilize? Also, if I were to use the free KDP option, does that mean I can't sell copies at a book store?
There’s great info for these questions on Amazon’s KDP site. The free ISBN is not recognized by book stores and libraries. You will need to buy ISBN numbers for this. I’ll likely by 100 ISBN numbers since the cost decrease to $575, $5.75/number
@@TheOcean777 thank you!
If KDP has their ISBN on the Book do they get the proceeds, or a higher percentage of the proceeds? What is the financial differences?
Can you publish the paperback on KDP with the included ISBN, and the hardcover on another site with another ISBN? Can you republish the same paperback on multiple sites with different ISBN, if you change the forward or something, or as addition 1, 2, 3 etc. What about audiobooks if you re-read them, say, in a different voice? I'm assuming the content lives separately from the form in which you fix it, correct?
Thank you for this video Rachel, it is helpful. My book was published by Xulon Press in 2009. I want to switch and publish with KDP. Xulon states at the website author is 100% owner. How can I know if I bought and own my ISBN number?
If I purchase my own isbn what other platforms can I sell on? And will they have their own print service? Where does amazon publish my book if I go with their ISBN number?
This was the most helpful video All of my questions that I had were answered thank you. I want to ask about bar codes because there’s an option to get the ISBN and the barcode is the barcode necessary?
Thanks Rachel - really great video!
Really well done, Rachel! Thanks so much for this concise, helpful video. :)
Do you have video on new isbn rules
Soooo confused with various info here on Tube, and the t's. o. u. -- So it's ok if friends and family BUY my paperbacks on KDP, but they just mustn't leave reviews? Thanks in advance, you've been so helpful to me on your channel . . . ty. J
Can you clarify how you sell KDP books on other platforms? Do you have to buy them and ship to distributors or how does that work?
I have a rather unique in dundrum with my low content book. My plan is to publish a copy through Amazon KDP program, then physically modify it from a perfect-bound to a spiral-bound book on my own, and then resell it. The problem I have is that reselling the book will potentially have a copy of the original ISBN number printed on it from when it was originally published. I considered buying my own ISBN, but I also intend to make different copies of this book with different cover art. I'm not sure if the same ISBN can apply to these books, since they have different cover art. With my situation, what do you think would be the best option?
Rachel, can you change your cover design+ interiors design for your published independently book AND make a book with your own IBSN and use your designs again?
Hi Elie, you can re-use the cover and manuscript design from a book that's used a free KDP ISBN on a book that you intend to purchase an ISBN for, but it must be in a different format. For example, if it's a KDP printed paperback, you must create your new book as a hardcover or a spiral bound. Each different format of a book requires a separate ISBN.
I think the best thing to do is to make a minor change to your book and resell it as a new edition.
@@taliagoodwomanmann yeah, like kdp could be a validating period before. Lots of pros and cons
@@JennyHansenLane I am seeing this now. I feel like it is the best option for me right now.
Hi Rachel, and thank you for this super helpful video. I just wanted to ask you about the IBSN number. Amazon gives you the possibility of one IBSN number for free. Is this number only for one book (one publishing) or you can use it for other books too? Say, I am planning to create more books.....how does the KDP (amazon) IBSN number work? I didn't quite understand how it works and I would really appreciate it if you could put some light on it. Thank you!
Hi Rachel! Great video! Here's my question- if you use the free ISBN and then decide to sell the book somewhere else, can you just make a copy one and get your own ISBN without unpublishing the first one? Thanks! 😊
I have the same question. Or even use that other platforms’ isbn, like blurb also assigns isbn. Did you find the answer by any chance?
Hi Rachel. Only recently started following so now catching up on your videos. I recently created a kdp account. Haven't uploaded any LC books as yet. Just practicing creating etc.
But just to understand what you're saying tell me if I've interpreted well.
I can use kdp free ISBN for paperback books published by them. But should i want to publish anywhere else I'll need my own ISBN and ensure it's not paperback format. My own ISBN should be on say hard copy or spiral but can be same cover design and inside...
Also would i be able to market my LC book on social media? I'll be marketing the link to purchase on Amazon yes?
I don't live in USA. I'm from Caribbean. What if i wanted some of the paperbacks to market here in stores or for me to sell here locally.... Aside from printing in different format here and having my own ISBN would i be able to have kdp print in bulk and ship to me? It would then be me buying from my own store to re sell? How would that work?
Hi Rachel this information you've shared is very helpful. Do you have any videos about copyrighting? I'm not clear on if a journal should be copyrighted.
This was great. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this valuable information.
However, if you need an ISBN for each format Hardback etc. you could certainly buy an ISBN for that hardback elsewhere after getting a free ISBN from KDP for the paperback. Right?
What if you bought second hand ISBN's? There are publishing companies who are out of business but selling their unused ISBNs for cheap on eBay. They are not attached to any platforms like KDP. The only drawback is that the ISBN is registered to a publisher no longer in business. Does it really matter if the publisher is my created publisher name or some other company no longer in the business?
I'm concerned about the buying of a pack of ISBN numbers. How is that possible if each number is a direct marker for your book? Does this mean you'd have to have all of your 10 manuscripts ready if you want to buy a pack of 10 ISBNs?
Thanks for clarifying its good to know you can’t publish anywhere else if use Amazon isbn
I thought KDP gives free ASIN's not ISBN's and there's a major difference if I understand things properly. ISBN's are for when you want to sell your book on a variety of platforms and also directly in gift shops and from myself if I have public readings.
Thank you. I get all my answer.....
Thank you so much! This was so helpful!😃
Hi Rachel
How do I go about getting a non-US ITIN number?
Thanks
This was very helpful
Thank you
Heyy Rachel , Can you delete the copy you have up with the Amazon isbn and upload the book again with a brought IBSN ?
Thank you for that info on ISBN. My difficulty is Amazon is giving an error message stating there should only be max 13 numeric. But that what it is. Still the error message prevent uploads. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hi Rachel, your video ist very helpfull! thanks! But....can You tell me - if I get my own ISBN get I option " Looking Inside " on amazon kdp? Some Notebook have it - so many......why is this possible for they independent publisher?? Thanks! Agnes
What other platforms can you sell low content books
I helped my daughter who's 13 publish her book on KDP and she got free ISBN for all versions of her book. Now she wants to publish on another platform. Will she be able to do that after accepting the free one?
Can you tell me if you have the isbn on kdp can you use same isbn on audible an amazon company?
Hi,thank you for your video. Im getting ready tp publish my first coloring book and I have a question about isbn. I understand i cannot use their isbn with other publishers but can I publish the same book with a different publisher and use their own isbn? For example blurb also assigns isbns. I want to make sure i do this right and not get banned. Thank you!
Nicely presented.
Can you print a book previously published through kdp under a new ISBN elsewhere? I’d love to print copies of books I’ve published in the past but idk if I’d have to delete them from kdp first.
can we get an isbn number with kdp if we want to publish a coloring book?
Will Amazon still make the paperback books for you if you do buy your own isbn and also do you have to buy the barcode if i do by the isbn and sell it on kdp ?
Thanks for the explanation. I have a KDP book I want to republish as an ebook on Amazon. I'm happy with Kindle only as the ebook but I want the paperback to be available in bookstores and libraries. If I use a paid ISBN for the paperback, can I: 1. still use Amazon's print on demand and 2: more importantly, will it get my paperback into bookstores and libraries? There seems to be a real prejudice against Amazon ISBNs in the physical print world. Thanks!
I have the same query, Max!
I am really confused about ISBN. I worked as a historian at a museum and wrote a history book. I have an Idea of where I want to solicit selling the book. It will only be offered as a hardback. I live in the US (California) do I have to get an ISBN Number..also I thought the cost would only be $150.00 and I could use it on all books I publish. Please help I am so confused and regretting writing this book because of all the expenses!
Hello, I was confused with the Copyright registration, I thought when you register your work you will have your ISBN
Reviews are a pain. I have done many for others but few have done any for me. But, such is life. I hate asking for reviews as people are generally a little tight about reviewing. Reedsy is a good option as loads of authors hang out there.
Okay, I have a question. I published a paperback and e-book version of my children's book on KDP using their free ISBN. If I want to publish a board book version of my book, I would need a new ISBN correct? And since I need a new ISBN, I could purchase my own and then would I be allowed to sell my book in it's board book format in other places besides Amazon? Hope that makes sense.
If u unpublish and change to your own isbn, do you lose your rank as well? Is it like starting from scratch?
How valuable is wised distribution with low-no content books? Because I mostly see people talk I’ll by about Amazon KDP when it comes to these things. I’ve noticed these these types of books selling at Barnes and Nobles and Half Price Books. Is it a valid strategy to try to get my books sold there?
In my opinion, when publishing LC books at scale as a passive income business model, it becomes cost prohibitive to purchase ISBNs for every book. When publishing smaller quantities, or if you're using the LC book as a companion piece to another published fiction or nonfiction title, and especially if you have a sizeable audience, it can become more of a valid strategy. Do you currently have any published LC books? If so, have you used the free ISBN?
@@RachelHarrisonSund no books yet but I am doing all the research I can so that hopefully I can start creating books by next month. I hope it’s still an open market for new creators
Thank you great information!
Do you have a 2021 kdp step by step paper back format setup process
where can i get a reliable isbn for spain?
Thank you for the video! I have a question, if I publish a book or a low content using the free ISBN however mention the my same or my brand inside the book or a link to my website, would that be considered breaking the terms?
If you have low content book Amazon only allows the option to print with no isbn or provide own. I assume it's due to too many spammy low content uploads.
Do you think that as Canadian living in France I should use the USA ISBN provider?
Hello, very helpful video. I have a very random question I'm legally married so I have my husbands last name. My question is when I self publish can I hyphenate my name to include my maiden name even though it's not on paper as this?
I bought a package of ten ISBNs from bowker
If I get the free kindle ISBN, can I get a new ISBN for the same boat later and publish it elsewhere?
I'm confused. So each individual copy under the same title has to have it's own ISBN rather than just the title itself having the ISBN?
Hi Rachel. I would like to publish on Amazon, having my own ISBN number. The question is that I live in Italy and I want to publish my book in English. Can I still purchase it locally (from Italy) or there will be any problem with that? I am also asking if I need my own ISBN also for the e-book or just for the paperback version?
If use kindle's ISBN can I delist from them and then republish my book elsewhere with a new ISBN?
To make sure I understand, if I have this book, and I want to offer it as a paperback, a hard cover book, an ebook, and an audiobook, I’d need to have an ISBN for each one?
You need an ISBN number for each version of the book, Kindle, Softcover, hardcover, and audio.
Thanks a lot Rachel! The video I was looking for and you answered the questions I had (in the video and in the comments :). Re Canadian rules, is there a limited amount of free ISBN one can apply for in Canada? And if you want to sell at amazon in a few countries does it mean you will need a few ISBNs (one per country?)
great rachel...! thanks
Hello.I thought KDP sales the vast majority of books on the planet so what you miss would be no that much by getting your own.
You're right, and that's why most people who publish dozens (or even hundreds) of LC books likely don't benefit from buying their own. Have you published any LC books on KDP, and do you always use the free ISBNs?
Hi I recently started publishing on kdp and I create my book covers in photoshop and I choose cymk I want to know will the colors after kdp print be the same as they look on my monitor? I live in Pakistan I can't order author proof copy. You published a lot can you tell me how they look alike.
Hi Sofiana, printed colours will never look exactly the same as what you see on a computer monitor, but will usually come close. CMYK is the correct choice when designing for print, so your results will likely be pretty close to what you see on your screen. Have you published any books to KDP yet?
@@RachelHarrisonSund Thank you very much for replying. Yeah I just started publishing low content books. Mostly log books so far I published 16 books.
I have a question, i know my cover pdf is 100% Ok but When upload in kdp to preview, the text shows broken. Does this make any problem in main printing?
Have you tried converting your text to outlines or curves, or flattening your PDF? Try this and see if it helps.
So helpful thanks so much
Can you set your own prices in on KDP?
My main fear would be if you listed your book with a KDP ISBN, then for whatever reason your account is terminated. You pretty much lose your book. Is there a way to have an ISBN and still save your book if you are blocked?
Using Amazon's ISBN does not prevent you from publishing on other platforms. It just means you can't use their ISBN on other platforms, You will have to buy a new one to publish on those.
Do you still have your Low Content Academy Course?
I've just paid US$18.99 for an ISBN from Primedia eLaunch LLC(ISBN Services) for a KDP book published in the UK
Does anyone know anything about them?
Good to know, did it work for you?
Bowker charges twice the cost of Copyright than does the US Copyright office at $65.