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ISBN & Barcodes
What is an ISBN?
An ISBN is a 13-digit number product identifier used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, internet retailers, and other supply chain participants for ordering, listing, sales records, and stock control purposes. The ISBN identifies the registrant as well as the specific title, edition, and format being printed, packaged, made available for sale, and ultimately purchased by your readers.
How Many ISBNs Do I Need?
The ISBN identifies a specific title, edition, and format being made available for sale. You will need an ISBN for each unique version of your book. For example, if you plan to release a hardback edition, softbound edition, .EPUB edition, .MOBI edition, and .PDF edition; then you will have five unique versions of your book.
How Does The ISBN Help My Book Get Discovered?
When you register your ISBN with Title Data, you are adding Title Data (another word for metadata) to the registry. This registry is made available globally by the International ISBN agency as well as companies like Barnes And Noble, Chegg, Books-A-Million, Google Books, Apple iBook, and across many services that allow you to search library systems.
Most importantly, your book will be listed in Books In Print, the quintessential book listing in commercial publishing, used by those who buy and sell books commercially.
Do I need a Barcode with an ISBN?
If your book is being printed, will be sold through a bookstore, and is a physical object your customer will receive (hard back, soft bound, etc.), then yes. You will need a barcode encoded with your ISBN. Barcodes are not necessary for ISBNs which are being used for electronic versions, such as .MOBI, .EPUB, .PDF, etc.