Do I Really Need an ISBN, and What Does It Do?

Feeling Stuck on the ISBN Question?

I remember a conversation with an aspiring author who said, “I’m not ready to publish yet. I don’t have the money for ISBNs.” She was ready to release her book but thought she had to save hundreds of dollars first. That waiting held her back, and it’s a situation I see far too often.

If you’ve ever wondered what an ISBN is or if you can publish without paying for one, let me ease your mind. You don’t need to let ISBNs become a roadblock.

What an ISBN Really Is

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It’s like your book’s fingerprint. Every published book gets one so it can be tracked in bookstores, libraries, and online stores. If a reader searches for your book in a catalog, the ISBN is what helps it appear in the right place.

Why Authors Get Confused

Most first-time authors hear about ISBNs and assume:

• They’re expensive.

• They must be purchased right away.

• Without them, they can’t publish at all.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to spend money on ISBNs to start publishing. You can begin now with the tools that are free, and grow into the others later.

Four Things Every Author Should Know About ISBNs

1. Free ISBNs Get the Job Done
   If you publish on Amazon KDP or Barnes & Noble Press, they’ll assign you a free ISBN for your book. This is a great option if you’re starting small, want to test your book in the market, or simply need to get published without delay. Don’t let the pressure of “owning” an ISBN stop you from moving forward.

2. Delaying for ISBNs Can Hold You Back
   Too many authors wait months — even years — thinking they need to save money for ISBNs before publishing. Meanwhile, their finished book just sits on a computer. Free ISBNs exist so you don’t have to wait. It’s better to publish now, start reaching readers, and reinvest your earnings later.

3. Owning ISBNs Matters More as You Grow
   If you want to see your book in libraries, bookstores, or multiple platforms at once, owning your ISBNs gives you more control. In the U.S., these are purchased through Bowker. At that stage, your name (or your publishing imprint) is listed as the official publisher of record, which looks more professional. But that’s a growth step — not a starting requirement.

4. Each Format Needs Its Own ISBN
   Print, eBook, and audiobook versions each require their own ISBN. If you’re using free ISBNs, don’t stress — Amazon or Barnes & Noble will assign one for every format you upload. If you buy ISBNs later, you can add those when you’re ready to expand.

The Smart Path for New Authors

If you’re just getting started, I encourage you to use the free ISBNs that Amazon KDP or Barnes & Noble Press provide. This allows you to publish without the pressure of extra costs. You’ll have time to focus your money where it matters most right now, like marketing, your website, or getting your book into readers’ hands.

Later, when you’re ready to expand into wider distribution or libraries, you can invest in your own ISBNs. By then, you’ll already have experience, confidence, and maybe even book sales to reinvest.

Your Story Doesn’t Need to Wait

Your book has value right now. Don’t let the ISBN question delay your dream. Free options exist for a reason: to help you get started without barriers. Take the next step. You can always upgrade later.

Your Next Step

If ISBNs have been holding you back, I’d love to help you keep moving forward:

• Download my free Publishing Guide to learn the 9 things every new author should know.

• Visit the blog archive for more encouragement and step-by-step clarity.

• Or schedule a Clarity Call with me so we can talk through your publishing options together.

Cheering you on as you publish 📚,
Kaishia, Self-Publish with Kaishia