Select Page

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier that is assigned to a book. It consists of thirteen digits and is used to track and identify books. It helps booksellers, libraries, and readers to find and order books. The ISBN is a vital component of the publishing process, and it is essential for authors to select the right ISBN for their books and avoid using Amazon free ISBN. This article will explain why.

Amazon offers ISBN for free through its Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. While this may seem like an easy and cost-effective option, it is important to note that Amazon owns the ISBN when you use their free ISBN. This means that you do not have control over your book’s ISBN, and you cannot use it to distribute your book beyond Amazon.

You don’t own the Amazon free ISBN

When you use Amazon’s free ISBN to self-publish your book, you do not own the ISBN. This means that Amazon retains the right to use the ISBN for your book, and you cannot transfer it to another publisher.

ISBN ownership is an important consideration for self-published authors, as it impacts your control over your book’s information and distribution. When you own the ISBN, you have the freedom to choose how and where your book is printed and distributed.

Conversely, if you do not own the ISBN, you may face limitations and restrictions on how your book is distributed and marketed. You may not be able to sell your book through certain channels.

Maintaining control over your book is important for self-published authors, as it allows you to make decisions that are in the best interest of your book and your readers. With full control over your book’s information, you can ensure that it is accurately represented and marketed, and that it is easily accessible to your target audience.

Your book may be less discoverable

Amazon free ISBN discoverable book

One of the key purposes of an ISBN is to make a book discoverable. When a book has a unique ISBN, it can be easily cataloged, ordered, and tracked by booksellers, libraries, and readers. This is because ISBNs are used as a standard identifier for books across the publishing industry.

Booksellers and distributors may not recognize or accept Amazon’s free ISBN, which can limit your book’s reach and potential audience. Some book retailers avoid selling books that are published using Amazon imprint name because of not getting along with Amazon dominance.

Making your book as discoverable as possible is crucial for self-published authors, as it can increase your book’s visibility and sales. This is especially important in a crowded marketplace where readers have countless options to choose from.

You can also use your imprint name to improve your book SEO. Instead of using “ABC Publishing” as an imprint name, why not use “ABC Publishing Romance” if you are publishing a romance book. Romance word in your imprint name help you a lot when it comes to ranking in Amazon search results. You might have this type of technique used by traditional publishing. They have a publishing division for each book genre they publish.

Having your own ISBN is not enough to make your book discoverable. You should also consider factors such as book cover design, book description, and keyword optimization to make your book stand out and attract potential readers. Making your book as discoverable as possible can help you build a loyal readership and increase your chances of success as a self-published author.

Your book may be perceived as lower quality

Amazon free ISBN lower quality book
book may be perceived as lower quality

Books with custom ISBN and imprint name are often perceived as higher quality because they have undergone a more rigorous publishing process and are typically associated with established publishers.

Using Amazon free ISBN to self-publish your book can negatively impact the perception of your book’s quality. This is because the Amazon KDP ISBN comes with the Amazon Imprint name “Independently Published”. This can create a perception that your book is published by an individual author and for free using the Amazon KDP platform.

As a self-published author, it is important to present your book in the best possible light. This means taking steps to ensure that your book is of the highest quality, both in terms of content and presentation. Investing in a unique ISBN can be one step towards establishing your book as a high-quality and your own publishing brand.

In addition to having a unique ISBN, other factors that can impact the perception of your book’s quality include cover design, formatting, editing, and proofreading. By taking the time and effort to ensure that your book is of the highest quality, you can build a positive reputation as a self-published author and increase the likelihood of attracting and retaining readers.

Final Thought

ISBNs are a valuable tool for self-published authors. By having an own ISBN, self-published authors can ensure that their books are discoverable and accessible to booksellers, distributors, and readers. ISBNs also help to establish a book’s quality and legitimacy, which can increase the book’s chances of success in a crowded marketplace.

While Amazon’s free ISBN service may seem like a convenient option, it can limit a book’s discoverability, negatively impact its quality perception, and lead to a loss of control over the book’s ownership. Self-published authors should invest in a unique ISBN and take steps to make their books as discoverable and high-quality as possible to increase their chances of success.

Ultimately, self-publishing is a competitive and constantly evolving industry. As such, it is important for self-published authors to take advantage of all available resources and tools to ensure that their books stand out and attract readers. By understanding the value of having your own ISBNs, self-published authors can increase their chances of success and establish themselves as respected and successful writers in their respective genres.

Wait

Wait

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

×

Hello!

Contact us if you have any questions regarding our website and services that we offer.

×