So you’re a young author or publisher who’s just finished a book and can’t wait to share it with the world. But then you discover your creation isn’t quite ready—because it’s missing one crucial element: the all-important ISBN.

That’s right, what completes a book is the acquisition of an ISBN. It’s like the badge handed to a cop after he completes his ascendancy to the role of Sheriff. Anyway, analogies aside, let’s look at the ISBN and how you can get yours.

What Is an ISBN?

An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a 13-digit identifier assigned to books. It acts like a unique fingerprint, helping booksellers, libraries, and publishers distinguish one book from another. 

Each ISBN ensures that the specific title, edition, and format of a book can be easily tracked and referenced in the publishing world.To learn how to find or verify an existing ISBN, check out this ISBN Lookup: The Complete Search Guide.

Why Do You Need an ISBN for Your First Book?

You might be wondering: why do you need an ISBN? Can’t you just publish your book without it? And what’s the deal with that 13-digit number on the back cover?

An ISBN is a standardized identifier that ISBN agencies use to catalog and track books. Booksellers, libraries, and publishers rely on it to distinguish between books. It’s also how you’ll obtain the barcode that goes on the back cover of your book, making it scannable for inventory and sales.

For self-publishers, the ISBN is especially important—it links your name to your work. This ensures proper attribution and helps readers, sellers, and distributors identify you as the author.

How to Secure Your First ISBN

Now that you understand the importance of an ISBN, it’s time to learn how to get one. Read on for quick and easy steps.

If you’re self-publishing, you can obtain an ISBN through your country’s official ISBN agency. For example, in the United States, the official agency is Bowker. Their website provides a platform where authors can register and purchase ISBNs directly.

When you log onto the website, here’s what you need to do:

• Create an account with Bowker MyIdentifiers at myidentifiers.com.
• Choose a package with the number of ISBNs you’ll need.
• Check out and pay for your ISBN. Once you’ve paid, your ISBNs will be added to your account.
• Go to My Account > My Identifiers and fill in the information for your book, such as its title, author, publication date, and pricing.
• When you’re done, submit the form.

How much does it cost to secure an ISBN? If you’re ready to secure your ISBN, you should know the costs involved. In the US, getting an ISBN costs up to $125. While the figures vary according to the distributor, this will give you an idea of what to head into the ISBN market with.

Conclusion

ISBN is the single identity card every book on the planet needs to acquire. As an author looking to create a personality for their first book, you should ensure you get an ISBN before publishing it.