ISBN 10 vs ISBN 13: Which Book Standard Should You Use?
Learn the key differences between ISBN-10 and ISBN-13, why the industry switched in 2007, and how it affects book publishing today.
February 18, 2025Publishing & ISBNs
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Publishing & ISBNsDecember 10, 2022•2 min read
The ISBN Guide: Understanding and Obtaining the Unique Numerical Identifier for Your Book
Learn what an ISBN is, where to get one, its cost, and how it boosts your book’s credibility, discoverability, and publishing success.
Are you considering publishing your book? One of the first steps in the process is getting an ISBN, or International Standard Book Number. This unique numerical identifier helps to differentiate your book from other titles and makes it easier for retailers and customers to locate. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining an ISBN and highlight the benefits of doing so.
What is an ISBN?
An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a 13-digit numerical identifier assigned to books to differentiate them from other titles and make them easier for retailers and customers to find. It serves as the equivalent of a product’s barcode, specifically designed to identify books. It also helps publishers track where their books are sold and received around the world.
Where Do You Get an ISBN?
There are various retailers where you can purchase an ISBN, including Amazon’s KDP, which is a popular option. Other vendors, such as Bowker, offer packages that include access to paid marketing tools and services to help independent authors succeed with their book launch.
How Much Does an ISBN Cost?
The cost of your ISBN varies depending on the retailer you purchase it from. Some retailers may also offer packages with access to paid marketing tools and services to help you succeed with your book launch. At ISBNdirect, we offer ISBNs for just $19, significantly lower than the prices offered by many of our competitors, which can range from $100 to $150.
Click here to learn more about our ISBN acquisition service.
What Are the Benefits of Getting An ISBN?
An ISBN number offers a variety of benefits for authors, publishers, and distributors. For example, having an ISBN allows booksellers and libraries to easily identify the products they are stocking in their stores. This helps them differentiate between editions of the same book and makes the titles more accessible to potential customers. Additionally, having an ISBN enables authors and publishers to track book sales more easily, giving them insight into how their books are performing and where they can make improvements.
