ISBNs - The 5 Ws

Recently, we shared through our social media a publishing tip and a bit of an explanation on ISBN’s. We are always happy to hear from you with questions, concerns, and requests for guidance - even if the question is, 'what on earth is an ISBN?' That being said, knowledge is power, so here is some power - from us to you. 

What is an ISBN?!

Like we shared before, ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a product identifier number specific to publishing.  

Who uses an ISBN?

Publishers, libraries, booksellers, internet retailers, and other supply chain organizations use it to record stock, for ordering, and for product listing purposes.

Why use an ISBN? 

Each book requires an ISBN to be able to sell your book, and for it to be an official publication. A different ISBN is required for each type of book you are publishing, such as paperback, hardcover, ebook, audio book, and even braille books!

When do I get an ISBN? 

Technically you can get your ISBN at anytime, however, we recommend doing so when you have a final title for your book. If you make an error in your book title, it can be edited. If you change the title of your book completely, you will need a new ISBN. 

Where do I get an ISBN, again? 

As we shared in our publishing tips, Canadian authors and publishers can get an ISBN for free through the Library Archives of Canada. Internationally not everyone gets these for free, if you're in the United States for example, you will have to purchase your ISBN through Bowker.

Now that you know all about ISBNs, it’s time to get writing and make use of your new found power. If you need some help on how to get writing, check out our previous blog 10 Steps to Writing Your Book. As always, we are excited to hear from you. Contact us today to get started on your publishing journey.