Self-Publishing ISBNs: Free, Paid, & Where to Get Them

Self-Publishing ISBNs: Free, Paid, & Where to Get Them // In this video we're talking about all things ISBN. We'll go over what ISBNs are, why you need them for your book, and what you should know before you assign your book to an ISBN. We'll also talk about the difference between a free ISBN and a paid ISBN. And lastly, we'll talk about how to get a free ISBN and where you can go to purchase a paid ISBN and assign it to your book.
Beginner's Guide to Self-Publishing a Book Playlist: • A Beginner's Guide to ...
How to start your own publishing company: • How to Start Your Own ...
Learn how to upload your book to KDP: • Step by Step Self-Publ...
Learn how to upload your book to Draft2Digital: • Draft2Digital Self-Pub...
Learn how to upload your book to Barnes & Noble Press: • Should You Print Your ...
IN THIS VIDEO:
1:24 - Things to know about ISBNs
2:13 - Free vs. paid ISBN
8:51 - Where to get free ISBNs
11:14 - Where to get a paid ISBN
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• Self-Publishing ISBNs:...
Mandi Lynn published her first novel when she was seventeen. The author of multiple books, Mandi spends her days continuing to write and creating KZbin videos to help other writers achieve their dreams of seeing their books published. Mandi is the owner of Stone Ridge Books, a company that works to help authors bring their books to life through cover design and digital book marketing. She is also the creator of The Book Launch Planner, a planner designed to help authors publish and market their books. When she’s not creating, you can find Mandi exploring her backyard or getting lost in the woods.
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links. By purchasing a linked product or service, Mandi Lynn will receive a small commission at no additional fee to you.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Want to learn more about self-publishing a book? Watch my entire playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLZpcZ9u8pb_pKpY16m-y82w696YVy93D-

[@billyrichards8834]

I have a question. Do I get a barcode for every format of my book with paid I.S.B.N.'s when I upload to a print on demand company? Or just ONE barcode for ALL formats?

[@annpippin6388]

Captioning needed

[@annpippin6388]

Thanks forcaptioning

[@aok1951]

This video, and all your others, are immensely helpful. Really can't thank you enough for sharing all the information which I've found so helpful.

[@Jason-ql4hs]

Thanks so much for all this ISBN info, MandiLynn.You rock!

[@suburbanview]

Cons and pros of just printing a book and selling it by myself. Thank you for the great info about the different publishing houses.

[@jbracken]

I am so glad you mentioned the bar codes. I had been looking for a video to explain this!

[@pjalexander_author]

Thanks Mandi! So useful!

[@tonij6688]

Very Informative and thorough. Thank you!

[@ProgressingImperfectly]

This is hilarious becase we were just discussing ISBNs in the CampfireWriting server last week and now you are giving all this awesome info!

[@destresswithyoga]

Great info!

[@angstvision7108]

Very good info and intelligent delivery

[@robertoweilviso]

Great info. Thanks!

[@prula]

Great Video! Thank you! 🎉

[@motivated2010]

you're a gem! just subscribed.

[@maxwell-cole]

Very helpful. Thank you Mandi.

[@suburbanview]

Thanks for the help!

[@ImSEOKing]

This is soo useful😊

[@JuanitoCardona]

Thank you !

[@abenitez34]

You are very sharp lady! Literally I was looking to see if I needed to purchase a barcode because I was SURE you don't. I make barcodes for other stuff I do in CorelDraw or any free online place. I share your pain for Bowker trying to capitalize on some people! Thanks.

[@TheMinimalistMom1]

I appreciate you so much

[@kalidsherefuddin]

Thanks mandy

[@j.r.shepherd1860]

Great content for a new author on the path to self-publishing. You mentioned having your book in the library. What are the benefits of having it in the library? Thank you again.

[@honeyrogerswrites]

free access to people who cant afford to buy books?

[@Lana_K12]

Thanks! Very informative. If I have a paid ISBN, can I leave the publisher field open (or write my own name) and decide on a brand name later on once the book is published?

[@EmmaBennetAuthor]

I bulk bought a load of ISBNs because it was so much cheaper per number. I doubt I’ll get through them all lol!

[@ProfNajib]

Give me some lol

[@EmmaBennetAuthor]

lol@@ProfNajib

[@rhvid3694]

@EmmaBennetAuthor you just might surprise yourself! 😊

[@EmmaBennetAuthor]

@@rhvid3694 very true!

[@AzeezAkande]

Can u sell them to other people

[@hawksnestbooks]

Wonderful video. Thanks for posting. I do have one newb question. When I submit my manuscript to KDP, is it still "forthcoming", or "Active"? In other words, do I use the date I "submitted" or the date I see that Amazon has my book for sale, for my publication date on Bowker?

[@eyvetterisher]

I’m new to self publishing. I started with 2 journals on KDP but plan to also use B&N. KFP only shows the cover with the free ISBN . I do not plan to use a free one again. Great video. What are your recommendations to add a paid ISBN to an already published journal.

[@btina711]

I’m also a writer and fan of the written word‘but I just started and finished 5 short children’s stories illustrated ‘I have all the stories and illustrations pictures that I use and Ai generated from my description of all 3 of my children and me .but I’ve been stuck for weeks on trying to create the cover book and include the story‘but I can’t get past the part where they make your own template on canvas

[@joshuabrath653]

Hello! Thank you because this was so helpful. So to clarify, if I am going publish an e book and paper back for the same book, I need to purchase two ISBNs? Also, Bowkers is quite expensive. Are there any other cheaper avenues to take that are trustworthy? I am on a tight budget because I spent most of my money on an editor.

[@fartingskittle]

Hi! Thank you so much for this video. I have a question: I've been trying to get my paperback sorted on D2D, using the ISBN that I have purchased (because I do want to be listed as the publisher). They're trying to convince me that I cannot use this ISBN (the one I paid for, that I own) if I have already used it on Amazon because it causes conflicts with distribution. Just how accurate is this? Have you experienced the same? Thank you so much for all the time you're pouring into these videos! They are super helpful.

[@graziecall]

Thanks for the info Mandi, I'm a first time writer, and this helped a lot. Question. Do I need different ISBN if I have translated versions of the same book? THanks

[@kimcydlingh1944]

Thank you Can I use this in the UK.

[@philipstrumolo8057]

Hello Mandi Lynn: Good video, as usual. Got a question for you. I bought a pack of 10 ISBNs, but I've never bothered to go to my account to list them. Do I absolutely have to do this? Thanks Gerard Denza

[@Krawler14]

Does the price of the book in the ISBN field need to match the prices the books are listed on Amazon, Ingram, ect?

[@josemontalvo4532]

I already subscribed and put notifications on from a previous video. I’m considering doing three ISBN for the same book, but can you get your own ISBN then later switch to KDP? The paperback book could go to Kindle. The Hard cover and ebook could go independent. Does that make any sense? Thank you for sharing!

[@h01xbah]

you found ISBN free or no?

[@jlouisa]

When you purchase isbns, can you use a gift card as a payment to help to pay for some of the cost?

[@queenofheartsCC]

I have also seen some publishing companies who sell cheaper ISBNs..this would obviously mean that it will seem you are a “published author” and not self publishing. Besides the issue of ownership, is there any other implication or downside buying this? Is it true that self-published books cannot get into the Amazon’s Bestseller List? (heard/read it somewhere). Thank you in advance.

[@Thehealthcoachhealer]

Thank you for this video! I am working on my first book. I do want to sell it on Amazon as well but I do not want to be labeled as “self-publisher”. I do have a business with an LLC but it is not a publishing company. Could I buy my own ISBN and use my business name as the imprint name even though it is not a “publishing company”?

[@adventureswithtime]

I purchased my own ISBN. I don't know what price I'm going to set yet. I'll be publishing the book in about 2-3 months. Should I select "Write for Info"? Can these values be changed once I know the final price?

[@winage]

Do you need to make a llc (of your publishing company) before buying an ISBN?

[@taylorpingelton4946]

If you want to use the paid isbn with mutiple distributions? Thank you also if you want to use library how would that work ? Let me know Taylor

[@cheftan888]

When you purchase own ISBN it's for all formats , or each ISBN for one format of book , thank you

[@jodywaldrop9558]

In Barnes & Noble, In hardcover, how long does the book be (‘in review’) before I get the answer whether or not it is approved?

[@cheftan888]

Also how long does it take to get ISBN after purchasing?

[@OpenBook3]

Can I use ISBNs from my Bowker account on different KDP accounts?

[@MaxRadin]

Thank you for an excellent video. If I use my own ISBN for a self published book, will it enhance my chances of getting reviews through entities like Publishers Weekly (vs a free ISBN)? If I use my own ISBN and still use POD, will that still allow distribution to libraries etc.? Thank you!

[@earthqueen4739]

Who did you get to do your editing?

[@laceycsonnier]

Hi Mandi, do I need two different ISBNs to publish on barnes and nobles and KDP for the same book? My book is soon to publish on both sites.

[@Joseph.L809]

If I publish my book on Amazon, will they be able to publish it in other online stores??

[@mariavalente6304]

For ebooks and print books, is it the same isbn?

[@analyst1777]

When filling out ISBN Paperwork should I enter the pen name as the individual or my name?

[@JayDee-Plantnosher]

May I ask? You stated here that KDP pays better than IS. I wonder though if the difference is enough to offset the distribution options with IS. If there is wider distribution, even with lower pay to the author, would the expanded distribution account for any kind of making up the difference? I have never published so let me know if my question even makes sense!

[@JosephThomasAdams]

@mandilynnwrites thank you for this great info. Quick question - I have purchased an ISBN through ISBNAgency, and attempted to post my book on amazon, but it doesn't allow me to post it because they say my ISBN doesn't match up with the publisher/manufacturer. I'm assuming this is the case because I self published. Have you run into this issue? It's error code 8572.

[@gwenlopez6774]

Do you n ex just one isbn for hardcover and one for paperback?

[@charronmoczygemba72]

Can you purchase an isbn for paper back and use KDP free isbn for an ebook? Charron

[@jackspalden5143]

Why did you assign an ISBN to your ebooks if there isn’t a requirement for them?

[@colorsoflifeinusa6528]

If I open my Kdp account with amazon and then open my other account with Amazon for selling products is it ok

[@paulacastellon]

Are you able to re-sell your isbn to other witers?

[@joseromero9933]

Im ready to write my first book, i have the material ready its a short love poem book . I just need guidance id appreciate your assistance with this matter .

[@gdwitch]

I don't have a publishing business. I'm publishing independently. What do I put down as my imprint? Can I just make up something, as long as i research that it isn't taken?

[@maryjantzbooks6282]

I have 6 books published on KDP, all with the free ISBN that was offered. I would like to publish them all on Ingram Spark now as well, so do I need to purchase ISBN's, then go back into KDP and change all the IBSN"S to the new ones?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Once a book is assigned an ISBN you can't change it. You would have to unpublished the books and re-publish with the new ISBNs and then contact Amazon to link up the listings so you don't lose your reviews. It's kinda a complicated process.

[@TheMusicgirl78]

Quick question: If i don't have an LLC, what do I put for my company name? Do I just put my first and last name? Thanks in advance. Great video!! :)

[@shenajackson1193]

Yes

[@anjawithgreenlight9473]

It wasn't until AFTER I published my memoir through KDP using their FREE ISBN that I realized the importance of also publishing with Ingram for the sake of wider distribution to certain stores. I don't know what to do! I should have bought my own ISBN and published with both platforms but it's too late. Do you have any suggestions for me as to how I can resolve this situation?

[@Rayowag]

I'd assume doing exactly what she says in the video. De-list the current version, create a second edition and list it with a isbn you paid for everywhere.

[@redawningchristiancooperat9029]

If you are self-publishing, how do you locate print-on-demand companies and what are their fees? And with such companies, what rights do you forfeit?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

I'd check out this video to learn more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYumpHZols-Go6M

[@matyaz3558]

Hi, Mandy. Sorry to ask this but Im a newbie to self publishing. You mentioned ebooks dont need ISBN right. But how about the copyright for ebooks? If I publish on my own wesbite with no ISBN, how do I protect my copyrights?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Copyright and ISBN are two separate things. They don't have to do with each other.

[@taylorpingelton4946]

Also id there a cheaper option for isbn

[@Hailbringer_Folktale]

Where do I get ISBN from if I'm based in EU?

[@johnspaulding5442]

What would be the downside of purchasing 500 ISBN's and providing them to authors for $75? They would save 40%. Even at $50, publishing 11 books by other authors would cover the cost. Beside the paperwork involved of setting up the ISBN what other hassles would there be? - Thanks.

[@SisterSherryDoingStuff]

I'm so confused: I upload my 1st children's book to KDP - using a free ISBN. Then I learned about Ingram Spark and thought that would be a great place to publish the same book. Now I have one book on (what I thought) was two different platforms, with two different ISBNs. I've heard that I can lose my KDP account because of this. Is that true? What should I do?

[@shenajackson1193]

If you get an ISBN from KDP you can’t sell on other platforms like Ingram Spark or Barnes & Noble that’s why it’s best to pay for your own and then sell on those sites.

[@oktay4952]

HOW CAN I ACCESS A COLLECTIVE LIST OF BOOKS SOLD THROUGH ASIN ON AMAZON? OR IS THERE ANYTHING CALLED ISBN ASIN CONVERTER? CAN YOU HELP ME

[@user-pb4gn3mj7y]

Do you have a video on wrap around book covers?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Not yet. It's info I'll be going over in my cover design course: bit.ly/3EqXygh

[@user-pb4gn3mj7y]

Thanx.

[@Parzival-C137]

Is Bowker region wide? So it doesn’t matter if I’m in the UK I can still buy a ISBN, it doesn’t have to be country based?

[@antonioladson8941]

great alpha

[@Ghetto2CountryGirl]

Hello how are you? How do I put breaks on each page where my next chapter begins. Mines keep changing even when i set brakes. What am i doing wrong

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Here's a tutorial I have that may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGGXY2VumcaLi5Y

[@Ghetto2CountryGirl]

@@MandiLynnWrites Thank you so much

[@annpippin6388]

Sorry thought captioning was starting

[@jessalinburchette1549]

What about the copywriting process? If I publish through KDP or Barnes and Noble does publishing automatically mean it’s copyrighted or is that something that’s a totally different step.

[@kungfuhusler]

Once you write anything it's already copyrighted. Government registration copyright is jus additional evidence that the work is definitely yours.

[@cloverblossom9801]

What I understand that in court registered copyright is the one that matters. You can register your work (text, images, audio, movies) at copyright.gov for a fee.

[@timtrottproductions]

Listed twice is twice the visibility. How is that a bad thing?

[@tdbraun6837]

I don't understand the timing on the ISBN and barcodes -- The barcode needs to be on the paperback book cover, so you must have it before you upload your book, but the ISBN assignment and barcode happen when you upload the book.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Print on demand companies provide a barcode to you once you submit the ISBN

[@mikaylaruth2081]

Can I use my own personal ISBN for KDP and an ISBN that's free and owned by B&N?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

No, they won’t let you use an ISBN owned by another print on demand company

[@brucerule]

I only plan to upload an e-book on a variety of sites like Kobu. So is a paid ISBN really necessary in that case?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Ebooks don’t need an isbn

[@brucerule]

@@MandiLynnWrites Thank you!

[@The_Open_Book]

Good to know not to buy barcodes! I'm surprised they have a 10:1 ISBN to barcode "deal" honestly, that's so odd.

[@Anonymuser0]

Finland's National Library issues free isbns. Sad that it costs so much for Americans.

[@ghost-user559]

Then they technically own it, and the author is a state employee

[@veronicamoubarek9933]

Can I pay you ton post my book on Amazon, thx

[@technowey]

An ISBN isn’t *required* for any book format. However, most retailers and libraries require an ISBN if they are to carry your book.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

ISBNs are required for all print books when you’re working with print on demand companies. But they can be free ISBNs

[@sarabettaletx]

Girl you are so smart 🙌 And Beautiful 😍 But your fit is killing me 😂 Why are you in tye dye with a cardigan 👀🙃 Thank you for this video anyway 🙏

[@Celebes5212]

LITURALLY LITURALLY LITURALLY

[@taufiqsuraman9562]

yea.... kdp doesnt work for my country singapore doesn't support it...

[@davidbeveridgejr7089]

So, the free ones are free, right? Probably won't sell enough copies to cover the cost of one!

[@BryanRo77]

Talk about blatant racketeering! There's no explanation other than price gouging when the ONLY place you can buy them sells 1000 ISBN for $1200, that's $1.20 each and then increases the price 860% selling 1 for $125 I wish there really was a grammar police sheesh!

[@Joseph.L809]

If I publish my book on Amazon, will they be able to publish it in other online stores??

[@MandiLynnWrites]

If you publish with Kindle Direct Publishing, it only publishes to Amazon.