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

[@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.

[@charles120001]

Don't use the free ISBN. Question: So, what should we do instead? or What is the alternative?

[@ficnonnie6006]

I'm super confused. When I took a stab at self-pub in ages past, I just labeled it the First or whatever Kindle Edition, then used the free ISBN at Smashwords for the First Smashwords Edition. I wasn't stopped whatsoever.

[@ficnonnie6006]

Note: this is no different than the fact that you need different ISBNs for ebooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers already. There is nothing stopping you from having 2 different editions with different copyright pages and ISBNs at different retailers

[@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.

[@helenclairegould6580]

I buy my ISBNs in 10s. It's much cheaper than buying singly, and by the time you've released a paperback version and an e-book version, you have saved a lot of time as well!

[@t0dd000]

Depends. Most self publishers sell only to friends and family and a few more maybe. And so, that free ISBN is just fine. But if you suspect you may sell outside of that universe to more people then an independent ISBN makes sense.

[@robinschwartz6977]

@@1MKWilliams This is one of the most important things that I learned and when I see other newbies talking about it I try to explain this to them. Because I want to learn how everything works, I do want to do a low content book with elements that are not my personal intellectual or creative property. So it will be designed with the knowledge that I need to “upgrade” later and do a “re-design. Thank you for all of your knowledge!

[@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!

[@evelynbegay2495]

I love expecting an echo of a rose petal in the Grand Canyon. I’ve hiked into the GC, and I’ve heard people yell, but when you’re at Havasupai Gardens, none of those yelling and cheering are heard. So even yelling isn’t heard. Location. Location. Anyway, I’m ready to download my first book on IngramSparks.

[@MrRosebeing]

Good luck with your novel.

[@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

[@ChristineNossoughi-fm5lu]

How much did 10 cost you?😊

[@KyuLee-n8q]

WHERE did you buy them?

[@navy6562]

I'm a new author on a tight budget and this video has just saved my life. Thank you. Edit; A block of 10 ISBN numbers cost $50 in my country

[@1MKWilliams]

Oh wow, that is fantastic! Happy to help. Would you be willing to share which country that is?

[@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!

[@katerees-williams]

Thank you, finally someone who is willing to tell the truth for honestly, I am going to get my own ISBN as I always felt bit dubious about getting a free one because nothing in life is free, there is always a catch and I want to retain the rights of all my books and in the process of self-publishing one, the ISBN is my main concern.

[@1MKWilliams]

Happy to help

[@WadzanaiMufunde]

Thank you for this video. You clarification about losing reviews when you purchase an ISBN after previously using a free one (because it becomes identified as a different book) explains why it's easier to just get your own ISBN from the beginning. Will have to adjust my costings. 😭

[@1MKWilliams]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jasonc9423]

You are awesome! Love your sense of humor and the wisdom you are passing on to others. THANK YOU!

[@1MKWilliams]

Thank you for your kind words! Happy to help!!

[@jaearnell]

When you said 'Don't worry, if you're outside the US it's probably going to be cheaper...' I laughed dubiously and went to go check the Australia ISBN provider. No, you're right. You can get a bundle of 10 here for AU$88.00. First time I have seen something be cheaper here!

[@1MKWilliams]

Woop woop!! It still baffles me that a number (not a physical product) can be so expensive.

[@MiniMeags]

I wish 1 was less than $44 tho bc I'd be buying that ISBN rn. LOL. My book isn't a reading one, my books a journal so I think Ill use the free one from amazon but If i wish to do a second version I think I may do this, as a fellow aussie thanks for this :)

[@makennazornes]

Thank you for that. I’ve had a hard time understanding why I should buy them. Just wanted to note, though, that they no longer require ISBNs for ebooks.

[@1MKWilliams]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3O5oHRjj8Z1gLM

[@makennazornes]

@@1MKWilliams Oh whoops, haha, my bad, I see that’s a pet peeve of yours. 😅 The person I heard it from (a self publishing teacher) made it sound like this was a new thing that they aren’t needed. But I see from your other video and from doing a search that that’s not really true. Glad I found this out now; I was thinking I would be able to skip out on them. 🙃

[@Willow-of-the-Wind]

So… I just publish the first one as an Amazon first addition. If it earns me enough to buy the next isbn in bulk, then I do a quick upgrade and blast it on a broader platform. Thank you, this was a good point. As a former offset printer, it was well taken.

[@1MKWilliams]

Sounds like a good plan!

[@FloodInsuranceGuru]

Where is best place to purchase in United States

[@1MKWilliams]

I go over that in this video as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJS2aKGjapqnptU

[@christinec28]

Not using free ISBNs prices a lot of low income writers out of being an author (in the USA, at least). It's a privilege to be able to buy them.

[@ElBlargho]

My understanding in self-publishing is that, as the all-consuming hegemon, Amazon will always be 90+% of your sales even if you make it big. So at most you are risking not making that extra 10%, if and only if you make a hit. So the chances of you making the money back on the ISBN purchase for wide distribution are rather slim. Is that incorrect? That being said, the book being handcuffed to amazon does feel wrong on a visceral level.

[@1MKWilliams]

I've done several videos highlighting that my income as a wide author is 50% Amazon and 50% everyone else.

[@vikamalaeva49]

I published 2 books in US and outside, and I feel the same way. Was exactly looking to like minded comment! Thank you!!!

[@Mohisto23]

It feels *very* wrong to me to even think about it tbh. If I ever get around to making a book it's getting released *at least* on Amazon and Kobo both simultaneously and anywhere else I can easily self-pub, even if that were true just on the principle of it. If it were true that like 90% of your sales would be on Amazon anyway then sure it would've been perfectly sensible from a business perspective to stick with them and not worry about it but that just feels like capitulating defeat to a very dangerous ever-growing monopoly to me. I just got a Kobo Clara color for my very first e-reader and from everything I've read about Kindle's I'm glad I did. From the little things like the ads constantly shoved onto the idling screen to all the hoops you have to go through to sideload content from anywhere that isn't Amazon, there's so much shenanigans Kobo just *doesn't* pull on you that makes it feel far more respectful to the consumer, and not like some greedy corporation clawing for absolute market domination and control. That and Kobo beat Amazon to having an affordable color e-ink display which I love. All that is enough for me as it is, don't even get me started on the many other crimes of Amazon from worker abuse to reselling used items as new to literally joining a lawsuit to defacto abolish labor rights (at the very least absolutely cripple the ability to enforce them) in the US right now. As the saying goes power corrupts (also attracts the already corrupt too) and Amazon is getting a lot of it. I *hate* them and I encourage everyone to peel back the curtain just a little bit more from however much they already have seen of their dark side before they commit to that enticing short-term convenience they're promising to drive that monopoly forward.

[@StephanieEsthers222]

What's the difference between the ISBN for $22 and the ISBN for $125? I'm just wondering. I'll research it. Thanks!

[@1MKWilliams]

The only service in the US authorized to sell ISBNs is Bowker. They cost $125 for one or $295 (may have to double check) for 10. In other countries there is a different cost. Not sure who is selling them for $22 but several companies say they are selling an author and ISBN but Bowker states that ownership cannot be transferred.

[@StephanieEsthers222]

@1MKWilliams Wowww! Thank you so much!! 🤍

[@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!

[@casperlad84]

Thank you for this video! This is the best explanation I have seen on ISBN's. Really helped me make my decision on the direction I am going to go 🙂

[@1MKWilliams]

So glad I could help!

[@derrickdavismedia]

As soon as I saw the thumbnail, I knew this would be the opening gag. Mommie Dearest love is the best! :D And yes, I agree: No free ISBNs EVERRRRRRR!!!! ;)

[@1MKWilliams]

Glad someone appreciates my impressions lol

[@robdelplanque8936]

Thanks for the info. What about if you enrol in the expanded distribution programme via KDP? Surely this solves this problem?

[@1MKWilliams]

No, it kind of makes it worse. I strongly recommend authors do not use the KDP expanded distribution for print. If you want truly wide distribution for print IngramSpark or Draft2Digital is your best bet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5i1fYN3nKtmqsk

[@yazminavalenzuela534]

Getting ready to self-publish, and I appreciated the info. Would purchasing my own ISBN for paperback and hardcover versions be okay but using Amazon's free ISBN for my e-book? I only plan to use Amazon to sell the book in e-book format.

[@1MKWilliams]

Yep! Congratulations on your book

[@KronoDeathwing]

I used my own ISBN (not the Amazon Free one) and I published on Amazon and D2D. Then I got an email from D2D saying that I used Amazon ISBN...and they cant print my book, even though the ISBN belongs to me? I am confused.

[@1MKWilliams]

They just sent out a newsletter this week about this. A few things 1. Check that your book on Amazon is NOT enrolled in Expanded Distribution. 2. If it is not in expanded distribution write back that you are authorizing D2D to be the vendor of record on that title

[@KronoDeathwing]

@@1MKWilliams Thanks for the reply. Ah that makes sense. It is listed on Amazon expanded distribution. If I delist it from Amazon, that means D2D can start distributing it? Or should I just add another ISBN for D2D? Thank you.

[@KGottliebWalker]

What if my book is published in The UK with a UK ISBN. Will I need to buy a new ISBN for an American release?

[@1MKWilliams]

The isbn from the UK will work globally

[@KGottliebWalker]

​@@1MKWilliamsdoes it matter whether the publisher or author purchases the UK ISBN for an American author?

[@1MKWilliams]

@KGottliebWalker not sure I don't believe so

[@WadzanaiMufunde]

@@KGottliebWalker My understanding is you can only buy an ISBN from the country you have residence in, but you can make use of it after you purchase at any time, even if you move country. Also, when you use an ISBN from the UK apparently you need to submit a copy of your book or ebook to the British Library within a month of publication. (Which, besides the cost, is another reason I was put off from buying an ISBN. Government forms make me anxious.)

[@libby.sterling]

Glad I found this IN TIME! Thank you :)

[@1MKWilliams]

Glad I could help!

[@kikohan1]

I love your work. I use Libre Office and Scibus What are the best practices or things to avoid going from text editing to book layout. I would love to see a video on this and thank you. Just trying not to do my work twice or thrice.

[@1MKWilliams]

This is an older video of mine on the topic, there are much newer versions of scribus and lots of helpful comments from people who are much better with it than I am kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqe8omtoqNtsaac

[@blazebi47]

Oof, just started putting mine together and this video caught me just in time...thank you for the heads-up!

[@1MKWilliams]

Happy to help!

[@GCW1978]

So, while I was watching the video, I did look up ISBNs on Bowker, and while ONE ISBN is, in fact, over $100, you can get big discounts buying them in bulk. As a for example, your author that has her initial novel, plus two more in the wings, could buy the 10 ISBN package for around $250 (I believe that was what I saw...may have been a little higher, closer to, but not quite, 300). Ostensibly, she needs around 9 ISBNs anyway, so by buying the 10 pack, she reduced her cost from 125 each, to about 25-30 each. Granted, it isn't FREE...but it is a money saver over base price...

[@musingsofharmony3159]

Thank you for this video! I have questions now. When you move the book from platform to platform, does the book have a different publisher on the copyright page and spine? Also, what do you put on the application under imprint when applying for the ISBN number? I don't own a small business.

[@1MKWilliams]

When you self-publish, you are the publisher so you would be listed as such on any platform. For questions on imprints, I have a video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpDTo4WFlqydbNk

[@triciagunberg5265]

Great video. I plan to publish many workbook/journal/coloring books so buying a bundle of ISBNs will be best for me. ❓❓❓❓❓Can I also sell the same book as a print on demand from my own website ? Or am I trying to have quadruplets😂? I need printables and not really hardback & eBook doesn’t really work for my series because they’re intended to be written in. I will also print and bind a few copies myself (just as my clients wood) for actual workshops and might sell them at Wellness Fares if it’s affordable to do so.

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes, when you own the ISBN you can sell on the major platforms AND your own website. I do that for my workbook as well. It is on the big platforms as well as Etsy and my own site so people can print it as needed

[@triciagunberg5265]

@@1MKWilliams❤thx MK for your hard work and quick reply xoxo

[@robcorrell8634]

Hi there. If I unpublish from Amazon what changes would I need to make to the book to get my own ISBN that would satisfy a literary agent? Thanks for the help.

[@1MKWilliams]

If your aim is to sign with a literary agent, your best bet is to query with a totally new book. In general, there isn't as much potential for sale with a book that has already been self-publishing (unless you are selling books left and right.) Agents want to sign with a new book so they can maximize the sale potential. Best of luck on your journey!

[@chrisneeds6125]

I'm in the UK. Why can't I register my free ISBN number and book details on Nielsen’s Book Database? This will make my publication details widely available to booksellers, libraries and publishers both in the UK and internationally. The Nielsen Book Database contains over 25 million title records and is one of the most widely used book databases in the UK and worldwide.

[@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.

[@jerryhinessrtv]

Great helpful information thank you M.K. Williams. I wish I would have seen this video last week before I self-published my first book on Amazon KDP last week. Respectfully, Jerry Lee Hines Sr.

[@1MKWilliams]

Congratulations on your book!

[@truthseeker474]

Thank you for all your valuable tips . It is a minefield for new authors . Your advice is very helpful Thank you❤❤❤❤

[@1MKWilliams]

You're so welcome!

[@timtrottproductions]

Do you have to get a new ISDN for a revision?

[@1MKWilliams]

For a revision no. For a whole new edition, yes

[@charlene-moore]

Ok. So I have my own ISBN and barcode that has the price embedded. My book cover designer said he doesn't add barcodes to the book cover, that Amazon will do that for you. I am skeptical about this. Does Amazon create a barcode based on my own ISBN and price I upload?

[@1MKWilliams]

Amazon will create a no price barcode with your ISBN on it. If you have a barcode with the price on it they will still accept that. Your cover designer should absolutely be able to add that. If not, find another designer.

[@benfrombc]

how about around 30,000 words book ? should it consider buying isbn ?

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes

[@ambrag2cute358]

So if you purchase an isbn and own it, can you use the one number for one book no matter what the format is? Trying to make sure I’m understanding this…❤

[@1MKWilliams]

You need one for each format. So eBook, Paperback, and Hardcover for one book is 3 ISBNs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJS2aKGjapqnptU

[@ambrag2cute358]

@@1MKWilliams thank you and I’ll watch the video

[@ambrag2cute358]

@@1MKWilliams do you also have a link explaining the barcodes in more detail?

[@jasmineg.5699]

Thanks, the algorithm showed me this the day after I started my book launch. This is the first I've heard of free ISBN in Canada so very excited. Thank you!

[@1MKWilliams]

So happy you found it! Best of luck with your book!

[@lavonnemisner2042]

What about an audio book?

[@1MKWilliams]

Yep, still need an ISBN

[@joyagenda]

I'm admittedly confused because I've never been limited in moving my free ISBNs from one platform to another. I never signed up to the KDP program, but I did self-publish the same titles on Amazon and Smashwords (now D2D). I was wide from the start and I've used the same ISBNs across platforms. Granted, I've taken a 2-year break from publishing, so maybe something has changed recently, but -- am I missing something? Is this exclusive for KDP?

[@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

[@jamyb1872]

Wich sites n where we can buy our isbn better? Isbn international?

[@le4037]

What if I used a free ISBN but then my kdp was shut down. I can still take my books elsewhere right? After all I still own the rights because I wrote the book.

[@1MKWilliams]

Oh no! I'm so sorry! Yes, I believe you should still be able to publish elsewhere with a fresh ISBN. Maybe check out @KeithWheelerBooks and @DaleLRoberts they have some videos about wrongful kdp terminations and how to request to be reinstated.

[@jyoung4JC]

I have my own isbn, does Ingramspark. Print and dist.?

[@kshoyentertainment2470]

So you register your isbn before or after the cover design and formatting . I’m a new author which process comes first deign b formatting and editing or isbn registry?

[@1MKWilliams]

I suggest registering the ISBN before formatting as the isbn needs to be on the copyright page. If the book is already formatted it should be a very easy small add to ask the designer to go in and add the isbn to that page

[@BellaKT87]

Hi, I just started to follow your channel and learned so much. I want to purchase ISBN in bulk and a family member asked if they could buy some from me for their project. Is this allowed and I can sell them an ISBN or 2.

[@1MKWilliams]

In general, Bowker doesn't allow for a transfer of ISBNs. You could let them use the ISBNs but your imprint will be the publisher or record.

[@BellaKT87]

@ oh I see, thank you for that MK

[@CyberScribeR]

Can I buy an ISBN outside the US and publish the book in the US?

[@1MKWilliams]

If you live in the US, you get your ISBNs from the US

[@ZaneZubinBooks-e1t]

Hi there. Can't I use the Amazon ISBN for the hardback and use the Bowker ISBN for the paperback? I'm sure more readers would buy the paperback than the hardback.

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes, you would just need to do a second edition to get a new isbn should you decide to publish the hardcover on any other platforms

[@ZaneZubinBooks-e1t]

@@1MKWilliams Thanks, MK. I'll stick with your original suggestion, buy a new ISBN, and stay clear of your wire clothes hanger... just in case!

[@aliesefitch1099]

Would there be any problems with going into a bulk order of isbns with another author? To split the cost and and the isbns? You'd have to share an account and the publisher name and I'm not sure if that would cause issues

[@1MKWilliams]

It is doable and yes you would be sharing the imprint. So, I'd make sure you have clear expectations as business partners and in writing a plan for what happens if you stop getting along. Set it in writing now when everything is good so that if/when something goes south you have a plan in place for how to divy the ISBNs

[@aliesefitch1099]

@@1MKWilliams thank you!! Your consistent responses are so helpful. I know it's a lot of work staying on top of KZbin comments and new videos. Your channel is one of the most helpful out there

[@1MKWilliams]

@@aliesefitch1099 Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@williammangus5526]

What if I want to unpublish an ebook to add an isbn to it?

[@1MKWilliams]

You'll need to release it as a second edition: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKqypomcf7ebfKs

[@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

[@SaviorofAmerica]

@@1MKWilliams I bought an ISBN for my second edition and published, but KDP support is saying they cant link the two because the editions are not the same.

[@1MKWilliams]

@@SaviorofAmerica are the title and subtitle the same? In order for the two to be linked the title and subtitle must be the same, otherwise they view it as a totally different book

[@SaviorofAmerica]

@@1MKWilliams Yes they are. KDP support said the editions have to be the same too.

[@1MKWilliams]

@@SaviorofAmerica ok and this was KDP support, not author central?

[@SheridanLam-u5h]

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

[@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

[@mistyhamiltonsmith]

I admit I am confused. With Amazon you can do Extended Distribution which allows your book to be sold places other than Amazon; i.e. a Bookstore could order it even with the free ISBN....At least that is what I have had in the past.

[@1MKWilliams]

Ive done several videos about Amazon KDP expanded distribution (this is one of them : kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5i1fYN3nKtmqsk) . This is the first time I've ever heard of a brick and mortar store buying a book from Amazon to sell on their shelves. Especially since they can't get any discount from ordering off Amazon. Did you work with the store directly or did they purchase from Amazon and then resell it?

[@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!

[@samp4050]

This came just in time for me. In South Africa, authors really do get free ISBN numbers...one for ebook, another number for hardcover, etc. They give a set of ISBN numbers, but only the last digit changes. I have to send them a printed copy if I print them, for their records, and also email them a PDF for my epub on whatever platform I upload it to, example, Amazon.

[@1MKWilliams]

That's a great deal!

[@MrDentistspb]

@samp4050 do you mean, that you take ISBN from South Africa and after publish book on KDP for kdp in the USA with this ISBN?

[@samp4050]

​@@MrDentistspbyes, I registered my novels title before even completing my novel and received a batch of Free ISBN numbers. I have not uploaded my novel yet to Amazon though, cos I'm still querying literary agents in USA, UK, and wherever else, as I'm hoping to sign a deal. I've given myself until March 2025 and if I still haven't signed a deal by then, I will upload it to Amazon. I'm also currently writing my second novel, a science fiction romance, while querying my first book. 😊

[@MrDentistspb]

@@samp4050 thanks for your fast answer. I see. But do I understand correct, that you can get your ISBN in your coutry and use it for the sales on Amazon KDP in any country? Or you have to get ISBN only through US (for the sales on KDP), which means that you have to pay, if don't use free one from Amazon or another marketplace?

[@samp4050]

@@MrDentistspb you can only get S. African ISBN numbers only if you are a S. African. So if you are not a S. African, they will not register your books here and therefore obviously not give you free S. African ISBN number. As a registered S. African myself, and living in S. Africa, SANL registered my novel and supplied me with my free S. African ISBN numbers, which I can use on Amazon or any other selling platform similar to Amazon. SANL will not register your novel or give you free ISBN numbers if you are not a registered S. African. They check that all your personal details are indeed S. African before they grant you S. African ISBN numbers. If you live in another country you can't apply for S. African ISBN numbers.

[@FTOTF1]

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

[@FTOTF1]

One more question: I have uploaded the ebook through kdp. Now I want to publish the printed version of the same book on Amazon with a purchased ISBN. Can the content be exactly the same except for the new isbn? Do I need to change the cover and add a bonus chapter? 🙏 please advise.

[@1MKWilliams]

@@FTOTF1 Because the paperback is a distinct format it gets its own ISBN anyways. You should use a full wrap front and back cover for the paperback

[@anthonydavinci7985]

Thank you, I subscribed . I'm writing a technical book. Not low content and Has small interest group. In this scenario Is a KDP ISBN best choice ?

[@1MKWilliams]

I always advocate for authors to own their ISBNs. However, you can launch with a KDP ISBN, just know if you later want to own the ISBN you would need to relaunch with a second edition. I have videos about that process as well.

[@KimberWaul]

Here in the Caribbean, first-time publishers pay about US$40 for one-time registration fee and an ISBN, while returning publishers pay US$20 for an ISBN.

[@1MKWilliams]

That's so good to know, thank you for sharing that detail

[@damiandemogines1843]

How do you purchase an ISBN number?

[@1MKWilliams]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJS2aKGjapqnptUsi=mLmv822SjwC-_icP

[@andrewgiles1977]

How do i solve the issue i have created for myself regarding these free ISBN’s….? I want my own now… Cheers

[@1MKWilliams]

You would need a second edition of the book to add your ISBN to. I discuss those here and I have a checklist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKqypomcf7ebfKs

[@andrewgiles1977]

@@1MKWilliams Thank you… 👊🏼

[@rocksreviewsreactions337]

Great video! Makes sense. I only have one question though, do you have to buy the barcode and ISBN? Or can you just buy the ISBN and your book will be able to be sold anywhere, Walmart, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc? Because on the ISBN website they have the option to buy the ISBN or buy the ISBN and barcoded. That always confused me.

[@1MKWilliams]

The ISBN is what I would recommend purchasing from Bowker. You can get a barcode with the price on it elsewhere for less money: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opLFgo1ugtyEbbc

[@rocksreviewsreactions337]

@@1MKWilliams Okay, thank you for the explanation!

[@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

[@vikamalaeva49]

@@1MKWilliams There is no ISBN needed for ebook kdp.

[@TRS_and_MPR_Writes]

So I tried doing this, paperback same meta data, same book everything. I wanted to publish directly through Amazon, B&N, and Draft2Digital. I set it up so the same paperback with the same ISBN (I bought) would publish on all 3 the same day. Draft2Digital said it was not possible and there was no possible way they could ever use that ISBN … do you have another video detailing how to handle this so I can avoid it in the future?

[@1MKWilliams]

So D2D has this policy because so many people take the free Amazon ISBN. I spoke to someone from D2D last year and they said to upload the books to all platforms on the same day.

[@TRS_and_MPR_Writes]

@@1MKWilliamsohhhh! Thank you for explaining that! I thought i was following the rules and was so confused 😂 much appreciated ❤

[@Heart_Central]

i DON'T SEE THE "THANKS BUTTON". i'LL THANK YOU IF YOU TELL ME HOW TO DO THAT.

[@1MKWilliams]

It's just below the video

[@Heart_Central]

@@1MKWilliams you are referring to the thumbs up? I did that. 🙂

[@mayramartinez1503]

Pease correct me if Im wrong, but I know theat D2D no longer will allow you to share the same bought ISBN with Amazon. Their rational is that they fear authors will make a change or corrections on Amazon, and not make the same change in D2D. Therefore, creating two different versions that would need their own ISBN. They may go back and flag books that are sharing ISBNs on different platforms. Please let me know if this is incorrect.

[@1MKWilliams]

This is correct. I find it annoying that they made a policy based on people doing things incorrectly. When I did speak with someone at D2D at a conference about this they said if you upload to both KDP and D2D on the same day the system won't catch it.

[@megcsa]

@@1MKWilliams Hi MK, I emailed D2D support on 1 August 2024, and they say that they definitely do still allow the use of our own ISBNs across D2D and Amazon. The main outtake is: "If your ISBN is on Amazon, but hasn't ever been part of the KDP Print Expanded Distribution, then you will be able to use it with D2D and Amazon at the same time." Here is their full response verbatim: "D2D does not care if the Amazon version of your book matches your D2D version of the same book. If you want to update your book with certain services, but not ours, you are free to do so. However, ISBN issues can get confusing, so it's understandable that there may be misinformation circulating. "A lot of the print on demand services that authors are using (D2D, Ingram, Amazon Extended Distribution, etc.) all use the same company Lightning Source for wide distribution. When a book is listed in Lightning Source's system, a Vendor on Record will be assigned to the ISBN, so Lighting Source can keep track of which print-on-demand service needs to receive royalties and sales data. Now if, for example, you've already listed your ISBN with Amazon Extended Distribution, then Amazon will be the Vendor on Record. If you then list the same ISBN with Draft2Digital, then Lightning Source will send us an error saying the ISBN is already in use with another service, i.e. there is already a listed Vendor on Record. "As the owner of the ISBN, you have the right to use your ISBN with whichever service you would like, and transfer it from one service to another as desired, however, you may not be able to use that ISBN with multiple wide-distribution print on demand services at the same time. Because of this, D2D tries to let author's know that they will most likely run into an issue if they try to list the same ISBN with us and Amazon Extended Distribution at the same time. If your ISBN is on Amazon, but hasn't ever been part of the KDP Print Expanded Distribution, then you will be able to use it with D2D and Amazon at the same time."

[@carryhisglory]

If you've already gotten a free ISBN through Amazon, would it be a bad idea to republish on other platforms under a different title? And would just changing the title and book cover be sufficient?

[@1MKWilliams]

Your book should ideally have the same title, subtitle, and ISBN (per format) across any platform. If you change the title/subtitle that can be a new ISBN, same for the cover. Otherwise a 10% or more interior content change would be a new edition and eligible for a new ISBN

[@carryhisglory]

@@1MKWilliams thank you for your reply. This just boils down to lack of funds to purchase several ISBNs. Sounds like I just need to save up the money to do that instead of changing the title on different platforms

[@MargaretPinard]

OK....🤔but then what about using the KDP free ISBN because you want to upload the ebook direct to be able to take advantage of their ideas (theoretically)? I planned to use D2D's free ISBN for most platforms, and a separate ISBN for KDP...but your reviews quandary is valid... since I'm allowed to name review sites in my KDP back matter however, it IS sort of a different edition...can I associate two ebook editions on KDP if one is direct and one is distributed? #TrigonometryForAuthors

[@1MKWilliams]

Hahahah I guess you could, but it would make sense to make it more different. Think of B&N exclusive editions of books with extra bonus material. But then that is a lot more work

[@MargaretPinard]

@@1MKWilliams i think i would keep it more similar actually, so that people can see it's the same edition, just for two platforms...IF they don't let me associate it with the title. we'll see!

[@ZoiyGalloay]

What are your thoughts on D2D, since they won’t allow you to use the same isbn that you used anywhere else?

[@1MKWilliams]

They do allow this. You just need to make sure you do not enable expanded distribution with another service.

[@ZoiyGalloay]

@@1MKWilliams 🧐🤔Huh. I’m going to have to research this more

[@TheTroothseekr]

I opted for the KDP isbn but haven’t uploaded my book yet. Can I back out of that?

[@1MKWilliams]

If you haven't uploaded or create the book listing yet you can still add your own

[@TheTroothseekr]

@ thanks for that. To clarify, I picked size, did fill out the form about the book and was assigned an isbn, but haven’t uploaded yet. It is a high content book so I’d love to take your advice. I do have a medium content book I could use in its place, I’d just need to change some parameters. Guess I should just sign in and see what my options are.

[@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.

[@lucidsocietyproductions1190]

Are Coloring books acceptable for the free ISBN?

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes

[@fredglov]

I am a new author of a non fiction that i really like. I am on kdpamazon and I own my isbn numbers. I just do not really know much about options for what I believe will be a winner. Any advice?

[@1MKWilliams]

In terms of marketing? I would suggest listening to podcasts on your topic and then pitch a few to discuss your book on the show where the topics align

[@fredglov]

Thanks very much. My book is in final final revision with Amazon find the corrected version should be up replacing the one with the few errors. Thanks again.

[@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

[@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.

[@MrJovanWalker]

Quick question. What if I already published with a free ISBN from KDp. Can I buy my own and change it in the future so I'll be able to publish also on other platforms? Or I'm stuck?

[@1MKWilliams]

You can republish it as a second edition, I have a few videos about it and a checklist as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKqypomcf7ebfKs

[@MrJovanWalker]

@@1MKWilliams Thank you 😊

[@ruialbe]

What about ebooks? In the ISBN registration, they force you to choose a specific format for it, for example Epub or Kindle Amazon. If I choose Epub on the ISBN, can I then use it to publish in Amazon? Or would I have problems. Or if I select kindle, will I have problems publishing the book with the same ISBN in Barnes and Noble?

[@1MKWilliams]

ePub is now the standard eBook format, Kindle will accept ePub now.

[@AmyAnnabel-gv1mc]

Thank you. I'll buy mine

[@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 😊

[@DavidBostrom]

If I create a new edition of my book that has an Amazon ISBN and republish it with my own ISBN, can I maintain my existing Amazon reviews?

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes I have a few videos about this topic as well as a step by step checklist kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKqypomcf7ebfKs

[@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

[@PsychePoynts]

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🙏

[@abcd8680]

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

[@1MKWilliams]

Awesome, thank you!

[@anne-tiphainebellet3339]

Thanks for that, really useful. You mentioned something about the countries, ain't ISBN International? My understanding is that is does not matter where to buy them. Any platform you would recommend to buy ISPN? Any platform offering 'bundle' packages?

[@1MKWilliams]

The number is used internationally but you need to get it from your country's provider. In the US that is Bowker www.myidentifiers.com/

[@anne-tiphainebellet3339]

@@1MKWilliams Thanks for replying MK, I am based in UAE but plan to sell my books everywhere in the world and might move to europe in a few months, what would u recommend in that case? Thanks a lot ❤

[@SulaimanKarriem]

Very useful and important information. Thank you ❤

[@1MKWilliams]

Happy to help!

[@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

[@QuixoticArt]

Thank you, brilliant video with valuable information.

[@1MKWilliams]

So happy I could help!

[@idongesitusen5764]

I really wonder y American ISBNs cost so much, especially since DIY publishing is costly enough already.

[@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?

[@michaellacquiere2169]

Apologies if this is a stupid question, but if I therefore buy an ISBN for my book, I can then take that one book and publish it on KDP, Bookvault, IngramSpark etc - and they all just have to accept that? I.e. there's nothing preventing me from publishing exactly the same book with multiple different publishers, as long I own the ISBN?

[@1MKWilliams]

Correct. Things to look out for: if you already have the book on Amazon, don't sign the distribution agreement for Amazon with IS or any other platforms to avoid duplicate listings. Also, I upload across platforms on the same day. It is easier because all the info is already in front of me and then I dont get any duplicate listings either

[@michaellacquiere2169]

@@1MKWilliams Thank you so much! Very clear (and swift)! Do you mind if I ask two cheeky follow-ups? 1) If I buy an ISBN, will KDP create a barcode for me based on the ISBN, or do I need to provide that (nb I'm UK-based)? And 2), KDP are asking for my "Publisher (e.g. imprint)" - is this just my own name?

[@1MKWilliams]

@@michaellacquiere2169 1. Yes, regardless of who supplies the ISBN, KDP can create the barcode. 2. Yes, your name is the publisher name if you don't have a separate LLC for it.

[@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!

[@CCsCreativeCorner]

Thank you for the information. Your videos have been incredibly helpful. I’m preparing to publish a book and initially started with KDP, opting for their free ISBN, but I haven’t officially published it yet. I wanted to check the quality first. While the paperback was satisfactory, the hardback was disappointing, so I decided not to proceed with them. I’m now planning to switch to IngramSpark. I’ve made a few minor changes to the book and intend to purchase my own ISBNs before uploading it to IngramSpark. Since neither version was officially published on KDP, will there be any issues when I purchase my own ISBN?

[@1MKWilliams]

There should not be an issue but be sure to archive or delete the hardcover listing just to keep your KDP bookshelf clean

[@lerkkweed]

Thank you for a very important heads-up. Was totally unaware of this.

[@1MKWilliams]

Happy to help!

[@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

[@Redtailedhawk99]

Okay! Yeah, I messed up. I used the ISBN that Amazon gave me on all three titles I have there, and I used the ISBN I got from Draft 2 Digital there. So now each of my three titles have two ISBNS each one on Amazon and one one D2D? I’m disabled and have no other source of income after four years of fighting with SS. So what should I do? Should I switch the AMAZON books to the Draft 2 Digital ISBN or vice versa? Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

[@1MKWilliams]

So at this point you could leave it all as-is. Or you could release a second edition of the book with a new ISBN. The downside is that D2D expects people to make this mistake and will only accept the ISBN you own if you upload the book the same day that you upload it to Amazon. (I spoke with a rep at a conference about this and will continue to push them to correct this.)

[@SSMLivingPictures]

Excellent explination, thank you

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome!

[@KarenLewin-bi1td]

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

[@1MKWilliams]

Glad you liked it!

[@scloftin8861]

Maybe if I ever make any money from my writing, I'll be able to afford an ISBN for my books. But paupers can't be choosers and I'm definitely a pauper. Thanks for the info.

[@strangecatrowr]

Hi there, thanks for the great video! So, I just want to make sure I understand fully. I want to fist publish on KDP, and then start with hardcovers thereafter. Do I just need to get my ISBN, and then publish on KDP with it, and then I get another ISBN for my hardcover (which I will print myself)? Or can I use that first ISBN that I have personally obtained for both? Your response is appreciated ❤❤

[@1MKWilliams]

Each distinct format needs its own ISBN so an eBook gets 1 ISBN, a paperback gets a 2nd, and the hardcover would get a 3rd. So yes, when you do the hardcover it will need a distinct ISBN.

[@strangecatrowr]

@@1MKWilliams thanks for your response, it is much appreciated 😁 ok cool, I just wanted to check, because I could have sworn I heard differently near the end of the video, so I got a little confused 😅 OK, so when I publish on KDP, I will acquire my own ISBN, then when I print my own copies to distribute, I can get another ISBN for them.

[@jasonsharp8621]

My only comment will be that there are not a lot of book stores anymore outside of metropolitan areas. So having to worry about it being sold in Barnes and Noble, not really everywhere anymore. So if the ISBN is a huge deal then just change the cover.