How Many ISBNs Do I Need?
When you're publishing a book, one of the common questions is, "How many ISBNs do I need?" The answer depends on the number of different formats and editions of your book you plan to release.
Each version of your book—whether it's a hardcover, paperback, eBook, or audiobook—requires its own unique ISBN. This is because an ISBN identifies not just the book but also the specific format or edition. For example, if you publish your book as both a paperback and an eBook, you'll need one ISBN for the paperback and another for the eBook.
If you update your book significantly or release a new edition, you'll need a new ISBN for that edition as well. Minor updates, like fixing typos, typically don't require a new ISBN, but any major content changes do.
In summary, you'll need a separate ISBN for each format and edition of your book. This ensures that every version of your book is uniquely identifiable, making it easier for retailers, libraries, and readers to find and purchase the exact format they want.