Complete Guide to IngramSpark ISBN Requirements

IngramSpark has become one of the go-to platforms for serious self-publishers who want their books in bookstores and libraries worldwide. But before you can tap into their massive distribution network, you need to understand their ISBN requirements and trust me, there are some important things to know.

Let me walk you through everything.

Does IngramSpark Require an ISBN?

Yes, IngramSpark requires an ISBN for all print books distributed through their wholesale network.

IngramSpark is built for professional distribution. Every book that goes into their catalog needs an ISBN, this is standard for retail and library distribution worldwide. Unlike Amazon KDP, that doesn’t require ISBN for ebook (Kindle) distribution, IngramSpark requires ISBN for all formats including ebook.

Here’s the thing: IngramSpark gives you two options for handling this requirement.

Option 1: IngramSpark’s Free ISBN (Indy Pub Imprint)

IngramSpark offers free ISBNs to US-based self-publishers. During the title setup process, you’ll see the option to request a free ISBN instead of entering your own.

The Catch: If you use IngramSpark’s free ISBN, your book’s imprint (publisher name) will appear as “Indy Pub” IngramSpark’s own imprint name for self-publishers using their free ISBNs.

Limitations of IngramSpark’s Free ISBN

Before you jump at the word “free,” understand what you’re signing up for:

Platform Lock-In: The free ISBN is tied to IngramSpark. You cannot use it on Amazon KDP, Barnes & Noble Press, Bookbaby, or any other publishing platform.
Indy Pub Imprint: Your book will display “Indy Pub” as the publisher. This signals to industry professionals that you used IngramSpark’s free ISBN program.
Wholesale Distribution Required: Titles using the free ISBN must participate in IngramSpark’s wholesale distribution program and must have pricing set for at least one market.
Non-Transferable: If you decide to leave IngramSpark, that ISBN stays with them. You’ll need a new ISBN to publish the same book elsewhere.
No Ownership Path: Unlike owning your ISBN outright, you can’t later claim ownership. If you want to own your book’s ISBN, you’ll need to set up a new title with a different ISBN.
US-based authors only: IngramSpark’s free ISBN program is only available to US-based authors.

Is using IngramSpark’s free ISBN always wrong? Not necessarily. If you’re testing IngramSpark’s distribution, have a tight budget, and are okay with the limitations, it can work. But for authors building a long-term publishing business, I’d recommend owning your ISBN.

Option 2: Use Your Own ISBN (Recommended)

This is where things get better for serious self-publishers.

When you bring your own ISBN to IngramSpark, you maintain complete control. Your imprint name appears as the publisher, and that same ISBN can be used across multiple platforms; Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, directly with retailers, wherever you want.

Benefits of Using Your Own ISBN on IngramSpark

Your imprint as publisher of record- professional branding
Cross-platform flexibility- use the same ISBN on KDP, D2D, and more
Future-proof- you can leave IngramSpark anytime without losing your ISBN
No “Indy Pub” label- your book looks traditionally published
Full metadata control- you decide how your book is represented

Where to Get Your Own ISBN

For US-based authors, ISBNs are issued by Bowker. The official prices are steep:

ISBNs	Bowker Price
1 ISBN	$125
10 ISBNs	$295
100 ISBNs	$575

IngramSpark offers a slight discount, you can purchase a single ISBN for $85 directly through your IngramSpark account. Still expensive for one ISBN, but slightly better.

There’s also a better option: FreeISBN.com offers ISBNs for $39 each. These are legitimate US-based ISBNs that work on IngramSpark, Amazon KDP, and every other platform. The main difference is your book uses our imprint name rather than your own custom imprint, but unlike platform-issued ISBNs, there are zero distribution restrictions.

If you want your own custom imprint name, check out our Custom ISBN service.

IngramSpark Barcode Requirements

This is where many self-publishers trip up. IngramSpark has specific barcode requirements for print books.

Key Barcode Specifications

Required: Every book distributed through IngramSpark must have a barcode
Barcode Type: Standard EAN-13 barcode for ISBN
Size: Standard size is BwrP72 at 57.6 pt generally about 1.75” × 1.00”
Color: 100% black (0/0/0/100 CMYK) on a pure white background
Placement: Usually on the back cover, lower right area

Important Barcode Placement Rules

IngramSpark recommends leaving a clear white box of 1.75” × 1.00” on your cover for products with an ISBN. This area must be free of any text, graphics, or design elements the barcode needs to sit on clean white space.

If you don’t provide an ISBN and IngramSpark generates a generic SKU barcode, you’ll need a space of 1.25” × 1.00” instead.

Pricing in Barcodes

Here’s something important many authors miss: you can include pricing information in your barcode. Many bookstores, especially larger ones like Barnes & Noble prefer or require the price to be displayed in the barcode.

If you don’t specify pricing, your barcode will show “90000” as the price extension, which essentially means “no price embedded.”

Do You Need to Create Your Own Barcode?

No. IngramSpark will generate and place the barcode on your cover if you don’t provide one, just make sure you’ve left that clean white space. However, many authors prefer to add the barcode themselves to maintain complete control over cover design.

If you need to generate your own barcode, use our free ISBN barcode generator. Make sure you follow IngramSpark’s specifications exactly.

Pro Tip: Always use IngramSpark’s Cover Template Generator. It provides precise dimensions including spine width calculations based on your page count and paper type. This ensures your barcode placement is correct.

One ISBN Per Format: The Critical Rule

This trips up so many self-publishers: each format of your book requires its own unique ISBN.

Format	Needs Its Own ISBN
Paperback	✅ Yes
Hardcover (Dust Jacket)	✅ Yes
Hardcover (Case Laminate)	✅ Yes
eBook (ePub)	✅ Yes
Audiobook	✅ Yes

If you’re publishing a paperback and hardcover version of the same book through IngramSpark, you need two different ISBNs. Publishing an eBook too? That’s three ISBNs.

This is an industry-wide standard, not something IngramSpark invented. Each ISBN identifies a specific edition and format of a book, which helps bookstores, libraries, and distributors track inventory accurately.

Planning Ahead: If you’re building a catalog of books and offering multiple formats, buying ISBNs in bulk starts making financial sense. Whether that’s through Bowker directly, our bulk ISBN options, or another source plan for the ISBNs you’ll need.

IngramSpark vs Amazon KDP: ISBN Comparison

Since many authors use both platforms, here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	IngramSpark	Amazon KDP
ISBN Required?	Yes (for distribution)	Optional for print
Free ISBN Available?	Yes (US only)	Yes
Free ISBN Imprint	Indy Pub	Independently Published
Free ISBN Restrictions	Platform-locked	Platform-locked
Supports Own ISBN?	Yes	Yes
Cross-Platform Use	Yes (with own ISBN)	Yes (with own ISBN)

The key insight: Both platforms offer free ISBNs, but both come with limitations. The truly flexible approach is using your own ISBN across all platforms.

Setting Up Your ISBN on IngramSpark: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to properly configure your ISBN during the IngramSpark title setup process:

Step 1: Start Your Title Setup

Log into IngramSpark and click “Add a Title.” You’ll be asked whether you’re creating a print book, eBook, or both.

Step 2: Indicate File Readiness

Confirm whether your print-ready files (interior PDF and cover PDF) are prepared. If not, IngramSpark offers a book building tool though most serious publishers use professional formatting tools.

Step 3: Choose Distribution Type

Select either:

“Print, distribute, and sell book” for retail/library distribution
“Only print book” if you only want to order author copies

Step 4: Enter Your ISBN (or Request Free)

This is the critical step:

To use your own ISBN: Enter the 13-digit ISBN you purchased
To use a free ISBN: Select the free ISBN option (US publishers only)

Step 5: Enter Imprint Information

If using your own ISBN, enter your publishing company/imprint name. This is what will appear as the publisher on bookstore websites and library catalogs.

If using the free ISBN, “Indy Pub” will be automatically assigned.

Step 6: Complete Metadata

Enter your BISAC subject codes (up to three), distribution territory settings, book description, keywords, and contributor information.

Step 7: Define Print Specifications

Choose your trim size, paper color, and binding type. These specifications are locked to your ISBN changing them later essentially means creating a new edition with a new ISBN.

Step 8: Set Pricing and Discounts

Configure your retail pricing, wholesale discount (IngramSpark recommends 40-55% for bookstore placement), and returns policy.

Step 9: Upload Files

Upload your final interior PDF and cover PDF. Use IngramSpark’s Cover Template Generator to ensure correct dimensions.

Step 10: Review and Approve Proof

After file processing (2-5 business days), you’ll receive an eproof to review. Approve it, and your book goes into distribution.

Common IngramSpark ISBN Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong ISBN Format

Always use a 13-digit ISBN (ISBN-13). The older 10-digit format (ISBN-10) is outdated. IngramSpark requires ISBN-13.

Mistake 2: Reusing ISBNs Across Formats

Each format needs its own ISBN. Don’t use your paperback ISBN for your hardcover, it creates catalog confusion and distribution problems.

Mistake 3: Not Knowing Your Barcode Requirements

Failing to leave proper space for the barcode or using incorrect specifications can delay your book or create printing issues.

Mistake 4: Late ISBN Assignment

Get your ISBN before finalizing your book files. The ISBN should appear on your copyright page and back cover. Adding it later means regenerating files.

Mistake 5: Assuming Free ISBNs Are “Free” Long-Term

The short-term cost savings of a free ISBN often translate to long-term limitations. Consider the platform lock-in before deciding.

Is IngramSpark’s Free ISBN Right for You?

Use IngramSpark’s free ISBN if:

You’re based in the US (free ISBNs aren’t available globally yet)
Testing IngramSpark distribution on a specific title
Budget is extremely tight
You don’t plan to distribute the same book through other platforms
You’re okay with “Indy Pub” as your imprint

Purchase your own ISBN if:

Building a long-term publishing business
Want your own professional imprint name
Planning to distribute on multiple platforms (IngramSpark + KDP, etc.)
Want flexibility to move platforms in the future
Care about professional perception

Where Authors Outside the US Get ISBNs

IngramSpark’s free ISBN program is currently limited to US-based publishers. Authors in other countries need to obtain ISBNs from their national ISBN agency or through third-party services.

For international authors, FreeISBN.com provides an accessible solution. Our US-based ISBNs work globally and are fully compatible with IngramSpark’s distribution network. No US address required.

Final Thoughts

IngramSpark opens doors to bookstores and libraries that other platforms can’t match. But understanding their ISBN requirements is essential before you begin.

The free ISBN might be tempting, but the “Indy Pub” imprint and platform restrictions make it a short-sighted choice for many authors. If you’re investing the time and effort to publish a quality book, owning your ISBN gives you the control and flexibility your work deserves.

Whether you buy from Bowker, purchase through FreeISBN.com at a fraction of the cost, or leverage other ISBN services, owning your ISBN keeps you in control of your publishing future.

Ready to publish on IngramSpark with your own ISBN? Get started today.