What's the Benefit of Using An Authentic ISBN Instead of the Free ISBN from Amazon?
When you self-publish a book, one of the decisions you'll face is whether to use your own ISBN or accept a free ISBN from Amazon (or another platform). While the free ISBN might seem like a cost-saving option, there are significant benefits to using your own ISBN that can have a lasting impact on your book's success and your control as an author or publisher.
1. Ownership and Control
One of the most critical benefits of purchasing your own ISBN is ownership. When you buy your ISBN, it’s registered under your name or your publishing company, which gives you full control over your book's distribution, marketing, and rights. This is crucial for authors who plan to build a brand or release multiple books.
In contrast, when you use a free ISBN from Amazon, the ISBN is registered under Amazon's name, not yours. This means Amazon is listed as the publisher of record, which can limit your options if you decide to distribute your book through other channels, like bookstores or other online retailers. Essentially, using your own ISBN ensures that you retain full rights to your book and maintain control over its future.
2. Professional Perception
Using your own ISBN also contributes to a more professional perception of your book. ISBNs issued by reputable agencies, like Bowker in the United States, are recognized globally. When your ISBN is registered in your name, it signals to booksellers, librarians, and readers that your book is a professionally published work, not just an Amazon-specific product.
This can be especially important if you plan to market your book beyond Amazon. Independent bookstores and libraries are often hesitant to carry books that are published under Amazon's ISBN, as it may signal limited availability or a lack of professionalism. Having your own ISBN allows your book to stand on its own, independent of any one retailer.
3. Flexibility in Distribution
Another significant advantage of using your own ISBN is the flexibility it provides in terms of distribution. When you have your own ISBN, you can sell your book across multiple platforms, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and others, without being tied to a single retailer. This is important for authors who want to maximize their book’s reach and sales potential.
If you use a free ISBN from Amazon, your book is essentially locked into Amazon's ecosystem. While you can still distribute it elsewhere, the ISBN will indicate Amazon as the publisher, which can create complications or limitations when trying to list your book on other platforms. Using your own ISBN gives you the freedom to distribute your book wherever you choose, without restrictions.
4. ISBN and Metadata Management
When you own your ISBN, you have control over the metadata associated with your book. Metadata includes important details like the book’s title, author, publication date, and categories. Accurate and well-managed metadata is crucial for your book’s discoverability in online searches and retail databases.
With a free ISBN from Amazon, you have less control over this metadata, which can affect how your book is listed and found by potential readers. Owning your ISBN allows you to update and manage this information as needed, ensuring that your book is always presented in the best possible light.
5. Future-Proofing Your Publishing Career
For authors planning to publish multiple books, owning your own ISBNs is an investment in your future. Each ISBN you purchase is registered under your name or your company’s name, building a catalog of your work that is recognized across the industry. This is especially valuable if you plan to expand your publishing efforts or enter into new markets.
Using Amazon's free ISBN may seem convenient for a single book, but if you plan to publish more in the future, you might find yourself with a fragmented catalog that is tied to various publishers. Owning your ISBNs from the start ensures consistency and professionalism across all your publications.
Conclusion
While the free ISBN option from Amazon might seem attractive due to its cost-saving nature, it comes with limitations that can affect your book's distribution, perception, and future opportunities. By purchasing and using your own ISBN, you maintain ownership, control, and flexibility, ensuring that your book is positioned for success in the broader market. Investing in your own ISBNs is a wise decision for any author serious about their publishing career, providing benefits that extend far beyond the initial cost.