ISBNs and copyrights: What self-published authors need to know
Every indie author knows that self-publishing comes with a lot of loose ends and steep learning curves. International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN) and copyrighting fit squarely into those categories for many of us. Those who haven’t worked in publishing before may be wondering, “What is an ISBN?” and “Do I really need to copyright my work?” After all, neither is a small expense, and writers are famously always on a budget.
Let’s break this down to make it as simple as possible and help you get your book out there to the world.
Understanding ISBNs
An ISBN is a 13-digit numeric commercial book identifier that is unique to your book. Think of it as your book's social security number. It allows bookstores, libraries, wholesalers, and retailers to track and order your title.
Do indie authors need an ISBN?
For Print Books (Paperback/Hardcover): Yes, absolutely. Virtually every retailer, distributor, and library requires an ISBN to stock and sell your physical book.
For Ebooks: Often, no. Major retailers like Amazon KDP, Ingram Spark, and Kobo will assign your ebook a platform-specific identifier (like the ASIN on Amazon), which is sufficient for selling on their site. While you can buy an ISBN for an ebook, it's generally not required unless you plan on distributing widely through specific aggregators or your own website.
The cost and where to buy
The cost varies depending on your country and how many numbers you buy. In the United States, the sole official agency is Bowker (their URL is myidentifiers.com). At the time of writing this, here are the prices:
-
1 ISBN: $125
-
Block of 10 ISBNs: $295 (or $29.50 each)
-
Block of 100 ISBNs: $575 (or $5.75 each)
-
Block of 1,000 ISBNs: $1,500 (or $1.50 each)
Important Note on "Free" ISBNs: Self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP often offer a free ISBN. However, if you use one of their free ISBNs, the platform is listed as the publisher of record, not you or your imprint. This can limit your future distribution options. Serious indie authors are strongly advised to purchase their own ISBNs to maintain full control and ownership of their publishing details.
Understanding copyrighting
Copyright is the legal right granted to the creator of an original work. It gives you the exclusive right to reproduce the work, distribute copies, and create derivative works (like sequels or movie scripts).
The good news is that copyright protection is automatic the moment you put your original work into a tangible form (like writing it down or saving the file). You own the copyright immediately.
However, for maximum legal protection, formal registration is highly recommended. In the US, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office is required before you can file a lawsuit for infringement and opens the door to claiming statutory damages and attorney’s fees.
The cost is relatively low, especially when compared to the value of your work:
Cost (US): The filing fee for a basic claim is typically around $45–$65 (depending on the type of registration).
Where to Register (US): You must register online with the U.S. Copyright Office via their Electronic Copyright Office (eCO) system. Here’s the link to their platform: https://www.copyright.gov
❗NOTE❗: You only need one copyright registration per work, regardless of how many formats (paperback, hardcover, ebook) it has.
Now you understand the basics of ISBNs and copyrights..
