ISBNs: What They Are, Who Needs Them, and How to Get One (Without Losing the Will to Live)
Self publishing has many steps and having a set of juicy ISBNs is only the beginning of book-selling glory.
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier assigned to your book. It’s used by bookstores, libraries, and distributors to track and catalogue your title. Think of it like a book's fingerprint, only more expensive and less poetic.
Do You Need an ISBN?
You DO need an ISBN if:
You're publishing a paperback or hardback (especially via Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or a bookstore distributor)
You want to sell your book in retail shops or libraries
You want to control your own publishing imprint name
You DO NOT need an ISBN for:
Kindle eBooks (Amazon assigns an ASIN instead)
PDFs or personal-use documents
EPUBs sold directly (though some platforms like Apple Books prefer one)
Should You Use a Free ISBN from Amazon?
Amazon KDP offers a free ISBN for paperbacks.
It’s tempting—and often perfectly fine.
But here’s the catch:
Amazon will be listed as the publisher
You can’t use that ISBN with IngramSpark or anywhere outside Amazon
If you want to look like a publisher—or be one—you’ll want to buy your own
Where to Buy ISBNs in the UK
If you’re publishing under your own name or imprint, you’ll buy ISBNs through Nielsen UK ISBN Agency:
Website:
https://www.nielsenisbnstore.com
One ISBN = £91
Ten ISBNs = £169 (far better value if you plan multiple books, formats, or editions)
Note: You need a UK postal address and must register an imprint name (even if it's just your name).
Once purchased, Nielsen will issue you a block of ISBNs. You choose which one goes on which book.
How to Assign and Use an ISBN
Register your ISBN with Nielsen (book title, format, publication date, etc.)
Place the ISBN in your manuscript (usually on the copyright page)
Use the same ISBN when uploading to Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or other platforms
If you’re creating multiple formats (e.g. paperback + hardback), each format needs its own ISBN
What About Barcodes?
If you're publishing in print:
Amazon KDP generates a barcode automatically using your ISBN when you upload your print file
If you want to add it yourself (e.g. for IngramSpark or cover designers), Nielsen lets you generate a barcode using your purchased ISBN
If this has totally confused you, drop me a comment or a message and I’ll try my best to help you out!
H. J. x
