An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier for your published book that enables distribution in bookstores, libraries, and online retailers. Without cost to academic authors and independent publishers, there are a number of ways to obtain ISBNs.
Free ISBN Options Through Publishing Platforms
Print-on-Demand Services
- Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) provides free ISBNs for books published exclusively through their platform
- IngramSpark offers free ISBNs with their publishing packages, though premium options may apply
- Barnes and Noble Press includes complimentary ISBN assignment for their published titles
Traditional Publishing Routes
For those working with known publishers, registered ISBN numbers are often part of their published offerings. This process is organized by university presses and scholarly publishers, who take care of the cataloguing at the level of academic databases and library systems.
Government and Library Programs
In many countries, a book seller will be assigned a national ISBN outlet to purchase ISBNs from their host country’s ISBN issuing agency. Bowker is the sole agency in the United States for the assignment of ISBNs, however the company charges for their services. Some regional library systems and institutions of higher learning offer ISBN help for publications of a scholarly nature.
Self-Publishing Considerations for Academic Authors
If academic authors opt for self-publication, free ISBNs must be weighed against future publishing aspirations. Though platform specific ISBNs will get your work into the system, they can later affect publishing options and ownership.
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