Angela,

Thanks for your newsletter! Here’s a question that you might be able to use:

With all of the new publishing formats available, what’s the rule with ISBNs and ebooks, apps, audio guides, etc. Do you need a new ISBN for each format? For instance, if I have a print version of my book available on Amazon, do I need to buy a new ISBN for an ebook that I might create to sell through Amazon, too?

Thanks,
Kim

Different ebook retailers have different ISBN requirements. Some require an ISBN and others do not.

At BookLocker.com, we do not require an ISBN for the pdf versions of ebooks appearing our site. We assign one of our own ISBNs to the ePub and Mobi ebooks at no extra charge. We also register the ebooks with R.R. Bowker, the U.S. ISBN agency, so they’ll appear in Bowker’s database for those retailers searching for books for their customers.

If you purchase ISBNs directly from Bowker, the cost is $185 for 1 ISBN and $250 for a block of 10. Since ISBNs can’t be re-used or transferred from one edition to another, it is often cheaper to allow your ebook publisher to assign their own ISBNs to your book. Since we buy our ISBNs in blocks of 1,000, they only cost us $1 each.

You can read more about BookLocker’s Ebook Publishing and Distribution (BePub) service here: https://secure.booklocker.com/booklocker/ebook/epub.php

ADVERTISEMENT

THE DO-IT-YOURSELFER’S GUIDE TO SELF-SYNDICATION
A practical resource outlining the self-syndication process, step-by-step. Packed with detailed information and useful tips for writers looking to gain readership, name recognition, publication and self-syndication for their column or articles.