A stumbling block for new self-publishing authors is the idea of shelling out $225 for an ISBN. It is mandatory to have an ISBN for your self-published book, at least if you want bookstores and libraries to order it.
And there’s only one place to get ISBNs: through RR Bowker LLC on their Web site or through the mail. The advertised fee is $225 for a block of 10 ISBNs, $800 for a block of 100, $1,200 for a block of 1,000, and $3,000 for a block of 10,000. Priority two-day turnaround is available for a hefty additional fee.
But what Bowker doesn’t advertise is that if you call them at 877-310-7333 they will mail or fax you an application for only one ISBN costing just $125. Since a block of 10 costs just $100 more, it may be the wiser option if you plan to publish another book. Also you’ll need new ISBNs for any subsquent editions of your book or additional formats such as e-book or audio. Another disadvantage of buying single ISBNs: They don’t come with a unique publisher prefix, which is the second through seventh digits.
The ISBN (International Standard Book Numbers) is a series of ten digits used, along with a corresponding barcode, to identify a book or a certain edition of a book. Because the 10-digit ISBNs are being depleted, the format is due for expansion to 13 digits beginning in 2007.
A well-kept secret: How to buy only one ISBN
A stumbling block for new self-publishing authors is the idea of shelling out $225 for an ISBN. It is mandatory to have an ISBN for your self-published book, at least if you want bookstores and libraries to order it.
And there’s only one place to get ISBNs: through RR Bowker LLC on their Web site or through the mail. The advertised fee is $225 for a block of 10 ISBNs, $800 for a block of 100, $1,200 for a block of 1,000, and $3,000 for a block of 10,000. Priority two-day turnaround is available for a hefty additional fee.
But what Bowker doesn’t advertise is that if you call them at 877-310-7333 they will mail or fax you an application for only one ISBN costing just $125. Since a block of 10 costs just $100 more, it may be the wiser option if you plan to publish another book. Also you’ll need new ISBNs for any subsquent editions of your book or additional formats such as e-book or audio. Another disadvantage of buying single ISBNs: They don’t come with a unique publisher prefix, which is the second through seventh digits.
The ISBN (International Standard Book Numbers) is a series of ten digits used, along with a corresponding barcode, to identify a book or a certain edition of a book. Because the 10-digit ISBNs are being depleted, the format is due for expansion to 13 digits beginning in 2007.
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