Platform ISBN vs Personal ISBN:
The Self-Publisher’s Choice So You’re Ready to Choose If you are a self-publisher, whether of books or any other products (or both) that require your ISBNs (International Standard Book Number), here are some facts and considerations you need to make before deciding between obtaining Platform ISBN vs Personal ISBN.
If you’re an indie author, you’ve no doubt encountered the issue: platform ISBN vs your own personal ISBN. It’s one that can affect how your book is distributed, discovered and even seen by readers. In this guide we’re going to examine the different features, pros and cons so that you can make a more informed decision and cruise a little easier through the world of self-publishing.
So whether you’re looking to sell your book on Amazon Books ISBN or anywhere else, it’s important that you have at least a basic understanding of what an ISBN is. Let’s deconstruct it into something straightforward and concrete.
What is an ISBN and Why You Need One
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a book’s unique identifier. It’s like your book’s social security number it allows your title to be searched, tracked and professionally identified.
An ISBN is necessary for self-publishers, in case you want to:
- Get your book with as many retailers as you can.
- Allow libraries and bookstores to catalog your book.
- Make it easy to search a book by ISBN number online.
Lack of an ISBN may make the book harder to locate and thereby restrict its audience.
Why They Are Different?
Picking the platform-issued ISBN versus your own ISBN is about control and branding. Here’s a breakdown:
Platform ISBN
Self-publishing platforms such as Amazon KDP, Smashwords, or IngramSpark assign a platform ISBN.
Pros:
- Free of cost.
- Simple to add while you’re publishing.
- Ideal for first-time authors trying the market.
Cons:
- The publisher is the platform, not you.
- Limits your ability to sell the same book elsewhere under its imprint.
- Branding may feel less professional.
Personal ISBN
A Self Published ISBN is the one you will buy direct from your country’s ISBN agency.
Pros:
- You’re the publisher, with your brand.
- Total control over editions, formats and distribution.
- Easier time selling to various platforms.
Cons:
- It costs money.
- Slightly more effort to manage.
The Impact of Your ISBN on Book Discovery
Discoverability is one of the major benefits of owning your own ISBN. Book ISBN is widely used by readers, libraries & booksellers to search for the correct book edition easily. A platform-owned ISBN can restrict how your book can appear outside that platform, but a personal one means your book is recognized consistently from store to store.
For instance, if an author buys them with their own ISBN then anyone can search for a book by ISBN at any online store and find that title – so you’d be mad not to take FULL advantage of maximising the chances someone finds your book!
Amazon Books ISBN: An Inside View
However, if you are going to publish on Amazon, they have their own way of doing ISBNs. Amazon provides a free ISBN for Kindle Direct Publishing, but it’s specific to the platform, which is listed as publisher.
There are numerous reasons to pick your own ISBN:
- Maintain your publishing brand.
- Distribute your book beyond Amazon.
Preserve the integrity of your metadata (which will be beneficial for search).
Don’t forget, you can use your own ISBN with Amazon no problem so even if they dominate sales, you have not lost brand control to their distribution.
Choosing Correctly for your book
So when you’re trying to decide between a platform ISBN and your own ISBN, consider the following questions:
- Do I want to be the publisher?
- Will I sell my book across a variety of platforms?
- Am I willing to purchase my own ISBN for the sake of control?
If your intent is to establish a professional author brand and have distribution options, the personal isbn can often be worth it. If you’re on the other hand playing around with self-publishing and weight the risk of costs, a platform ISBN may be the best originating place.
- Tips for Managing Your ISBNs
- Record each ISBN you buy.
- ISBNs Uniquely Identifying
Remember to double-check your metadata before hitting publish, so when people search for a book by ISBN, they’re able to find your book without any issues.
Keep updating new versions with different ISBN numbers so people can easily know the difference between them.
Conclusion
The decision of whether to have a platform ISBN versus your own personal ISBN isn’t just about the technical aspect; it’s about control and professionalism, and discoverability. Knowing the good and bad of each choice will help you make a decision that’ll be best for your goals as a self-published author.
Whether it is Amazon Books ISBN or your own, the important thing is that readers will find your work when they searching book ISBN. Careful ISBN planning can be a tool to help your book be noticed and achieve the readership it deserves.
FAQs About ISBNs for Self-Publishers
1. Can I have the same ISBN for different book types?
No. An unique ISBN is needed for each format – paperback, hardcover etcetera.
2. Can you get a personal ISBN for free?
No, ISBNs are bought from your country’s ISBN agency. Costs vary by country.
3. If I use a platform ISBN will I not be able to sell anywhere else?
Yes, some platform ISBNs limit distribution to that platform.
4. How can I find a book based on its ISBN?
ISBN searches on the Internet are available at most bookstores and libraries. Google or individual retailer websites can also work.
5. Is it possible to move or switch from a platform ISBN to an Author’s own ISBN at a later date?
Yes, however you must modify your book listing and inform resellers of your new ISBN.
Guest Post Contributor: Hemingway Publishers
