NEVER use the "free" ISBN from Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or any other platform! | Self-Publishing Tip

I’m going to walk you through an example for a first time self-publishing author based on all the authors I’ve helped with this channel to explain why you should never use the free Amazon ISBN. At the end of this video I will tell you the ONE exception to this rule. And if you fit this one exception then have at it and enjoy the ISBN. But for everyone else, like 99% of you, don’t do it.
SCENARIO 1
An indie author is ready to publish and they've already spent so much! Finally something for free! Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digtial all offer free ISBNs!
And timeout
I’m super frugal. I want to advocate for authors to get more things for free if they can. The cost of 1 ISBN in the US is $125 dollars. For a number? A number? Are you kidding me?
So if an author can get a break, I’m all for it.
Okay timein
If the author has plans to do an eBook, a paperback, and a hardcover for her novel. That means she would need 3 ISBNs. So the savings are adding up here if she takes the free ISBN.
But here’s the catch.
The ISBN that is given for FREE from Amazon, or IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital can’t be used anywhere else.
So you have to lock in to that one platform.
SCENARIO 2
Let's say an author just wanted to get the book out, see how it did. Good news - it is doing great. But now customers want the book from other platforms. The author is ready to expand, but when she goes to take those same files and same ISBN and upload them elsewhere, she can’t because Amazon owns that ISBN and the other platforms won’t accept it.
But she can’t take the Amazon ISBN with her.
Because she should have used her own.
So now she needs to release a second edition of the same book with a new cover or a new bonus chapter or something under her own ISBN so she is free to upload it anywhere she wants.
Do you see why the Free ISBN is actually the biggest handcuff for you.
THE ONLY TIME YOU SHOULD USE A FREE ISBN
There are a lot of other creators on KZbin who talk about low-content self-publishing on Amazon KDP. These are usually journals or diaries. You have lined paper and the real selling point is the cover art. But these can be seasonal and the majority of the audience is on Amazon. Unless you are making beautifully handcrafted journals the people doing low-content books on Amazon are just on Amazon. The other platforms have limited low-content books. So the main place to publish them in Amazon KDP, there’s not much else you can do to take that journal elsewhere and then you’re constantly creating new ones to meet trends. If that is you, low-content journals and diaries on Amazon KDP - get the free ISBN. Because you’re not taking the book elsewhere and you’re gonna need a lot of em.
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[@1MKWilliams]

I have approximately a zillion videos on ISBNs because it is the number one thing that trips authors up, more here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJS2aKGjapqnptU

[@Retromoviegirl243]

Thank you for all your help.

[@AndreaJSeverson]

So, just to provide a different perspective. I've published 7 books since late 2019 with the free ISBN on Amazon. BUT...I did that after doing the research and with full knowledge that if I ever want to take them wide I'll need to make changes and release as second editions. So that has been my plan from the start. I've been DIYing my books from the beginning and making little "mistakes" along the way as I learn, because no matter what research you do ahead of time, you can't learn everything until you do it. At some point I know I want to get new covers for all the books and probably change the trim size and a few other little things, plus some bonus material. I didn't expect to love writing/publishing as much as I have so I know I want to start using my own ISBNs and probably soon. But I'm saving up to buy them in bulk because the single ISBN cost is ridiculous. I would have done that if I knew I was only ever going to publish one book, but I had a feeling I would want to write more and I have.

[@1MKWilliams]

Thank you for sharing your perspective. I'm all for authors making the right decision for themselves and their books as long as they have all the information going in. Truly the most heartbreaking comments I get on this channel are authors who were so excited to publish and made a mistake and now have to do a lot of rework to fix it. It stinks and it is a hard lesson to learn, I'm just trying to get in front of people beforehand to avoid some heartache.

[@AndreaJSeverson]

@@1MKWilliams videos like these were crucial to me when I was starting, because it helped me understand what it would take down the road. For most people delaying publication until you can afford the ISBN is absolutely the better choice. Especially if you're already paying for other things for your book. It will take a lot of time for me to redo my books and release second editions, but I knew that going into it. No author should be blindesided by the consequences of their choices.

[@TreadleLady]

I bought a block of 10 ISBN numbers which comes out saving per number but a bigger cost at the beginning. Thank you for another great video.

[@1MKWilliams]

Yep, the cost per ISBN goes down drastically once you buy in bulk

[@MrRbarbieri]

Excellent! A real eye-opener! An ISBN in Brazil is approximately US$5, so I'm definitely getting my own! Thanks!

[@1MKWilliams]

That's good to know! Glad I could help

[@TheOxfordWriter]

Someone once said, ‘Publishing a book of poetry is like dropping a rose petal down the Grand Canyon and waiting for the echo’. And I know, from experience, that publishing content online can often feel like that. So I just wanted to tell you that I found this video superb, really helpful and you present with a very nice demeanour, highly watchable. Moreover, I am probably a month away from launching my self-pub novel and this information has arrived at exactly the right time for me. Many thanks.

[@1MKWilliams]

Thank you for the kind words! Best of luck with your book 😁

[@soniakayishema9614]

This is a God send. I got help with Amazon Publishing Agency with editing, formatting, and translation (from French to English) of my first poetry book soon to be published. As I am waiting for the last changes to be made before publication (in a few days), I came across this video with valuable info. Thanks so very much. I will purchase my own ISBN. You are saving me from a self-publishing mistake.

[@1MKWilliams]

@@soniakayishema9614 happy to help!

[@NebraskaPrairieLady-ps2dt]

OMG.....I had an "ah ha" moment. Thank you, thank, thank you. My gut told me to buy my own ISBN, but them my mind trash slithered in. Your video is so helpful!.

[@1MKWilliams]

So happy I could help!

[@abcd8680]

This is amazing, thank you so much for this! Subscribed!!

[@1MKWilliams]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Sherri-nn1kb]

Your guidance is impeccable! I wanted to ask what are your thoughts on the Direct ISBN website? Generally we are told to purchase our own ISBN; however, I wanted to know if you would be able to provide more insight on this particular website that is currently offering ISBN numbers for authors. Thank you!

[@1MKWilliams]

For the U.S. Bowker My Identifiers is the authorized website to purchase ISBNs from. In the UK and Australia it is Nielsen. In Canada the government issues ISBNs.

[@SL-hg2jl]

Thank you so much for your clarity on this site🙏

[@KarenLewin-bi1td]

Love the analogy of the triplets to the 3 formats and SS#! Especially being a twin.

[@1MKWilliams]

Glad you liked it!

[@karenfredericks8474]

If I have a few books up that haven't made many sales and I'm willing to sacrifice the few reviews they have, can I change their size & covers (minor changes) unpublish them and republish w/ my own isbn's without getting in trouble w/Amazon or getting my account closed? Many thanks!

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes, you can still list them as a new edition and link them. I have details on second editions on my upload tutorials from this year and a PDF checklist for authors to follow

[@seyvoice]

thank you MK - I am going to publish through D2D as a first time author of nonfiction. I know it has a much larger reach, but I think I should just suck it up and buy my ISBNs based on your expertise.

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes and since you can distribute to Amazon via D2D you can use it as a one stop shop

[@seyvoice]

@@1MKWilliams ISBNs purchased and ready to go! Thank you for EVERYTHING!

[@olenkam84]

In Poland ISBN’s are free… how is this possible that you have to pay so much money for one code all over the world 🙈 in UK you need to pay around £80 for one… you can buy in bulk, but the price is just horrendous 🥺

[@1MKWilliams]

I ask this question a lot too, in the US one is $125 it's ridiculous!!

[@veramay8739]

thank you!

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome!

[@williammatthewwalker8145]

This was very helpful for me.

[@1MKWilliams]

Happy to help!

[@offgridutah1]

Just to clarify, if I buy an ISBN and assign it to a my book then I'm allowed to upload it to both Google book store and amazon kdp? Otherwise if I use free isbn Im Locked into the providers platform? I just launched my first book ever and do not know what I'm doing. Your videos are helpful thanks!

[@1MKWilliams]

Correct. When you own the ISBN you can use it on both

[@ulkeshkosh6164]

Good video, MK. I'm aware that some authors who are in KU use the free ISBN (ASIN). Which I guess makes sense - if it's always going to be in KU. But then again, you can't guarantee that you'll want to keep the book in KU forever, depending on how Amazon changes the payouts or if the book simply doesn't have a KU audience. Then if you choose to take it Wide, you'd have the problem you spoke of in the video. So perhaps even if you go KU for the ebook it could be worth it long term to buy the ISBN as a precaution.

[@1MKWilliams]

Yep, I always recommending owning the ISBN even for KU authors for that exact reason!

[@EmmaBennetAuthor]

Yes!

[@1MKWilliams]

😍😍😍

[@user-to8cw6yc7x]

I am looking at Formatted Books to do the cover design and formatting. However, their website is not secure. Would please let me know how you contact them. Thanks.

[@1MKWilliams]

I just found out this week that Formatted Books is closing their doors and not taking on any new books. I'm bummed because they did just a great service for the author community. A great alternative is 100Covers, they also do covers and formatting 100covers.com/?ref=49

[@user-es4dt3ep2p]

Love your channel! You mentioned pulling your ISBN off of IngramSpark etc. How can one do this? I didn't know this was possible.

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes you can! You have to email them and ask the book to be removed from distribution. It will show as inactive on your bookshelf after that.

[@user-es4dt3ep2p]

@@1MKWilliams Thank you! After this, can the same one be used again?

[@1MKWilliams]

@@user-es4dt3ep2p No then that ISBN is unavailable

[@DestinyGearhart]

If I change the cover does the ISBN change? Especially if I go from Amazon to 48 Hour Books? I have my own ISBNs. But i am curious about the cover change. I want to offer an exclusive limited time only cover.

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes, a cover change can prompt a new ISBN if it is a totally new design. If it is minor tweaks you don't need a new ISBN. For a limited edition cover that needs a new ISBN

[@Retromoviegirl243]

I have quck qestion If you were. New to writing and needs to take a course. Would you take the Jessica brody course

[@1MKWilliams]

I'm not familiar with her course so I can't say. I'd ask other authors who have taken her course what they got out of it to see if that is what you feel you need. There are courses for every aspect of writing and publishing

[@sheilatextorbeeministries1890]

Yeap!! I been there, and I had to revise my book to get it changed.. I bought my ISBNs in the bulk!!

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes! The bulk purchases are a big savings!!

[@Writerbee]

Where do you buy in bulk?

[@1MKWilliams]

@@Writerbee for us authors : www.myidentifiers.com/identify-protect-your-book/isbn/buy-isbn

[@Writerbee]

@@1MKWilliams thanks!

[@sarahharperwriting]

I have bought ISBNs. I have heard it may be a waste to use it on ebook. But Ingram spark require one to upload the ebook with them. So should I use the same one on kdp even though I don’t need it? Or use it just for Ingram? Would either decision affect how I set up pre-order on kdp for ebook? Or have a knock on effect on Ingram ebook?

[@1MKWilliams]

I did a video on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3O5oHRjj8Z1gLM So yes, your eBook should have an ISBN even if Amazon doesn't require it. If you are using that ISBN for the eBook on IngramSpark that same format (eBook) should have the same ISBN on Amazon

[@sarahharperwriting]

@@1MKWilliams thank you so much! I will watch it

[@FunnyBoysFilms]

So I’ve made this mistake, but I’m considering submitting to a proper publishing agent and deleting my books off Amazon. I guess that wouldn’t be a problem, because the agent will sort out a new isbn for the re-release?

[@1MKWilliams]

Will a traditional publisher assign a new ISBN if they republish my self-published book?

[@AutoDeportes]

Thanks!

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome

[@rechum-a-tiempo8217]

Ok. So what is the process and price range for obtaining my own isbn?

[@1MKWilliams]

I have an entire playlist all about ISBNs to help : kzbin.info/aero/PL5wG4jOiELp0BbfdZUAVE9BmHL51VJBf3

[@matthewkrekeauthor]

I published a book to d2d and amazon, any idea if its too late to switch the print ISBN?

[@1MKWilliams]

I'm not sure what your question is? Are you looking to assign a NEW ISBN to the same book? If so, why? Is it necessary? Is this for a new edition?

[@DestinyGearhart]

So, if I bought my own I can use the same ISBN on Amazon and IngramSparks?

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes, I recommend uploading on the same day.

[@OpenBook3]

Hi, I have a question, I bought 100 ISBNs. I use them for my books at KDP. However, my spouse is also in the book business. Can she take my ISBNs and use them in her KDP account?

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes, you would in effect be the 'publisher of record' for her books then.

[@OpenBook3]

@@1MKWilliams thanks

[@libraryplayer9154]

Great video. 😀📚📖 With the third scenario on low content books, KDP no longer allows a free ISBN to be used for low content books - it can be published without an ISBN, or someone can use their own ISBN if they really want (which would allow access to things like "look inside") 😀

[@1MKWilliams]

Ahh very interesting insights, thank you for sharing. I go back to my original thesis: no reason to ever use the free ISBN

[@poohbear0320]

what if the author has limited income what would you do for ISBN?

[@1MKWilliams]

I hear you on that. It was the most expensive investment I made on my first books. I wrote articles for websites on the side to be able to pay for them. If you can't do that then an author could use the free one and plan for a second edition release later when they can reinvest the royalties into the isbn. It's so crazy how expensive they are in the u.s.

[@tbelle711]

If I get the free ISBN from Canada, can it be used to publish books in the USA?

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes!

[@tbelle711]

That's awesome! Thank you so much. I already made the mistake and published my book using the free KDP ISBN but it hasn't been published yet so I'll do it from Canada as well. Thank you for your insights 😊

[@loriebondsaadipour8395]

I got a free ISPN from kdp. Now I want to fix this so I can market on ingramspark. How do I do this without interrupting my kdp sales?

[@1MKWilliams]

In order to get a new ISBN for the same book that you can use on any platform, you need to release a second edition with a new ISBN that you own: www.etsy.com/listing/1218072944/self-publishing-second-editions

[@dezii77]

@@1MKWilliams will you lose your reviews if you release a 2nd edition? I have done this (free isbn) and I have good reviews that I don't want to lose

[@EmmaRosenBooks]

I have to say I agree

[@1MKWilliams]

Thank you!

[@noirhorror197]

Can a US cit buy an ISBN from Can?

[@1MKWilliams]

I don't believe so. Canada issues ISBNs to Canadians at no cost. One exception could be if you are a permanent resident but I would suggest checking with their official ISBN issuing office

[@LaylaMoonAuthor]

You say this as I JUST published my first book and hit submit on my second 😢

[@1MKWilliams]

Congratulations on your books!

[@mossy_rebellion]

Thanks for the video and the time you put into your informative channel. There's some information you've left out (and probably didn't know) regarding UK authors. It's vital UK authors know because chances are they will come across this video: If you get your own ISBNs, you flag yourself up by the British libraries, who will each demand (as is their legal right) that you send them a free printed copy. A small fortune for some authors if you also include shipping costs, especially if they didn't budget for this (because for some reason, this isn't common knowledge, even though we have a legal obligation to send a copy to the libraries). You can negate this by making an e-deposit if your ebook isn't enrolled in KU, but if it is... welp, tough luck. Also, when you say locked in, do you mean an author can't use the same edition of their book to get free ISBNs on other POD platforms (i.e IS or D2D)? Because if so, that's inaccurate. When it comes to ISBN, it's a matter of identifying distribution. The same edition of a book can have multiple ISBNs. If there are any issues with distribution, they can identify who the supplier was through the number and be able to go from there. This works fine because I know plenty self-published authors who have at least two different ISBNs for the same version of their book. If I'm completely wrong here though, then can you point me to your source of information? I can't find anything that covers this exactly. This brings me to my next point, which is another huge nuisance of purchasing your own numbers: I bought my own thinking I could use them on any platform. Imagine my surprise when D2D told me that, even though it's my very own ISBN that I bought with my precious money for a fortune, I was not allowed to use it with them because I had used it with Amazon KDP. According to D2D, it can cause mix ups with distribution, lol. They suggested I use their ISBN and made no mention of needing a different edition either. IngramSpark will also kick up a fuss about reusing an ISBN even if it's your own. This renders purchasing them completely pointless, unless you ignore their whining and do it anyway (I was willing to take a chance, others might not). (For the record, it's a load of horsefeathers. I went to the source--Nielsen BookData--and they called BS. I've been using the same ISBN I've bought on both KDP and D2D with absolutely zero issues...so far :D).

[@1MKWilliams]

Thank you for sharing the details on UK ISBNs and Library requests, very helpful. As for the ISBN per format not by distributor, this seems to be a shift in only the self-publishing space as more companies are offering both free ISBNs for print and print on demand. I have a video coming out about this soon. If you look at the traditional publishing space: One ISBN for the trade paperback unless the different editions in different countries have a new cover or slight variation. The ISBN ties to the format, not the distribution. For self-pub pretty much all print on demand distribution is done by Ingram. Whether it is IngramSpark, D2D, or LuLu. They all use the Ingram network which is why they all want unique ISBNs so they don't have any mess-ups behind the scenes. It's messy and murky and a lot of issues happen when authors use multiple aggregators when they really only need one. I spoke with someone at D2D about this at NINC and they said authors have to upload everything in one day so the system won't catch the same ISBN. It makes no sense to me and even though I like the team at D2D i won't be using them for print on demand any time soon because of this. I own my ISBNs and I've never had an issue using both with Amazon and IS, between the two I don't really need more print distro. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@mossy_rebellion]

@@1MKWilliams Thanks for clearing that up. I knew everyone uses Ingram network, and agree, it is a murky business. I've come to suspect that it's just a major dick swinging contest between the different companies, honestly. Anyway, thanks for your videos. I still refer to your Scribus guide and recommend your video(s) and Scribus to anyone who asks about book formatting lol.

[@locustsandhoney486]

Does this apply to Barnes and Nobles free ISBN

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes

[@locustsandhoney486]

@1MKWilliams Ok, i just uploaded a childrens book to B&N and did the ISBN thing they provided. First book still pending distribution. My account was approved, my book is uploaded, and pending. Any suggestions.

[@1MKWilliams]

@@locustsandhoney486 if you only plan on distributing through B&N then no action. Otherwise I list in this video that to get your own isbn you would need a new edition. You could pull the current book and then republish with a fresh ISBN since it is still pending

[@locustsandhoney486]

@1MKWilliams I see in their T&S, they also take 80% of the revenue from the sales price, and then USA Tax takes 30% of the revenue. So im going to get 15% or less of the sale price of the book. Pretty bad margins. Might have to approach a proper distributor and contract for better reach. Thankyou kindly for the response.

[@therobotafroshow3289]

Thanks

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome!

[@rolandolopez847]

Who do you recommend buying the ISBN from? I’m interested in buying 10

[@1MKWilliams]

You should only acquire ISBNs from the official agency for your country. In the US that is bowker. I discuss this more in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJS2aKGjapqnptU

[@rolandolopez847]

@@1MKWilliams yes we are in NJ USA tyvm MK! Wife’s book is at copy editor and we are planning book launch on 9/21/2024. She is so excited!!

[@1MKWilliams]

@@rolandolopez847 congratulations 🎉

[@rolandolopez847]

@@1MKWilliams tyvm but it’s wifey’s book I’m just the secretary 😆 I will let her know what you said and tyvm for videos! Atm I’m navigating this madness for launching her book. ISBN, copywrite, do I need LLC do I need to form a publishing company etc. it’s a LOT

[@rolandolopez847]

@@1MKWilliams I saw the video you recommended and I understand that ISBN are NOT bar codes but how do I get a bar code? Are they needed?

[@timtrottproductions]

why a barcode?

[@TonyPaullConsulting]

Interesting. Where I live the government agency which issue ISBNs will not issue one for ebooks as they state they are not needed. Printed books only. In Dave Chesson's (Kindlepreneur) article on ISBNs he states that the following sites DO NOT require ISBNs for ebooks: KDP, Kobo, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Google Play Books and Sony. There seems to be more confusion than clarity out there on the ebook requirement.

[@1MKWilliams]

That is very interesting that your country doesn't issue ISBNs for eBooks. Of all those retails you mentioned who don't require eBook ISBNs they are direct, one for one listings where you upload to that platform and it shows up on their website. What about libraries? They would need an ISBN to be able to pull or purchase the exact book and format requested by a patron. I did video about eBook ISBNs a while ago and my take is, if the big 5 publishers are spending money on eBook ISBNs (and they are big businesses with slim margins) then there is a good reason to have one.

[@TonyPaullConsulting]

@@1MKWilliams Valid point regarding the libraries. Maybe why D2D require ISBN. Thanks for resonse

[@Willa-yn4zr]

Where should I buy an ISBN?

[@1MKWilliams]

I have a ton of videos about ISBNs, start here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJS2aKGjapqnptU

[@Willa-yn4zr]

Do you know how much one ISBN is? Thank you so much this is all new to me.

[@1MKWilliams]

@@Willa-yn4zr kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJS2aKGjapqnptU

[@Brovider]

They literally don't allow to delete your book you're doom with their isbn

[@1MKWilliams]

Correct. I believe you can unpublish and archive