Pros and Cons of Using Free ISBNs

When you’re self-publishing a book, one of the decisions you’ll face is whether to use a free ISBN provided by your publishing platform or purchase your own ISBN. This choice can impact your publishing rights, distribution options, and author brand in ways that many new authors don’t realize at first. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of using free ISBNs, helping you decide what’s best for your publishing goals.

👉 Whether you’re asking “Should I buy an ISBN?” or exploring different self-publishing ISBN options, this guide will give you a clear, practical overview so you can make an informed choice.

1️⃣ What Is an ISBN and Why Does It Matter?

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit code that identifies your book on a global scale. Think of it as your book’s passport — a number that tells bookstores, libraries, distributors, and readers exactly what edition and format they’re looking at.

Each version of your book (paperback, hardcover, ebook, audiobook) needs its own ISBN. This small string of numbers plays a big role in your publishing journey by:

📚 Helping booksellers and libraries list and distribute your book.
Retailers like Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores, and library systems rely on ISBNs to catalog and order books.

📈 Enabling accurate sales tracking.
Your ISBN connects your book to sales data through systems like BookScan, which tracks sales across major retailers.

🏷️ Boosting your book’s professionalism.
An ISBN signals that your book is a serious, market-ready product, not just a file uploaded to a website.

🗂️ Making cataloging easy and precise.
Libraries, academic institutions, and distributors use ISBNs to organize books so they can be found and referenced easily.

Without an ISBN, your book’s reach can be limited, especially if you want it available in physical stores or libraries beyond just one platform.

2️⃣ Self-Publishing ISBN Options: Free vs. Paid

When you self-publish, you generally have two choices:

✅ Use a free ISBN provided by your publishing platform
✅ Buy your own ISBN and control it fully

Let’s break down what these options really mean.

📌 Free ISBNs — The Platform-Assigned Route

Many self-publishing services, like Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and Lulu, offer free ISBNs when you upload your book. It’s quick, easy, and costs nothing extra. But there’s a catch:

➡ The publishing platform (not you) will be listed as the publisher of record.
➡ The ISBN is tied to that platform, meaning you can’t reuse it if you switch distributors or want to print the same edition elsewhere.

📌 Purchased ISBNs — Owning Your Publishing Identity

Buying your own ISBN means you’re the official publisher of record. In the U.S., authors typically buy ISBNs through Bowker; in the UK, through Nielsen. With your own ISBN:

➡ You can publish under your name or imprint.
➡ The ISBN is yours for the life of the book, across platforms and formats (though remember: each format needs its own unique ISBN).
➡ You control how and where the book is distributed.

💡 Key difference:

A free ISBN saves money up front, but a purchased ISBN gives you long-term flexibility, control, and a more professional appearance in the publishing world.

3️⃣3️⃣ Pros of Using Free ISBNs

For many self-published authors, especially those just starting out, free ISBNs are an appealing option. Here’s why:

💸 No upfront cost
Buying your own ISBN can get pricey — especially if you want to publish multiple formats. A free ISBN eliminates this expense entirely.

⚡ Simple and fast
When you choose a free ISBN, it’s assigned automatically during the publishing process. No need to set up an account with Bowker or Nielsen, or worry about ISBN paperwork.

📝 Fewer technical details to manage
With a free ISBN, the platform handles registration and setup. This can be a relief if you’re focused on writing and uploading your book, not navigating publishing admin.

🌱 A low-risk option for first-time or hobby publishers
If your goal is to test the waters, publish for friends and family, or experiment with self-publishing, a free ISBN lets you do that without financial commitment.

✅ When it shines:
Free ISBNs are ideal if you’re publishing on a tight budget, sticking to a single platform (like KDP only), or creating a book for a limited audience.

4️⃣ Cons of Using Free ISBNs

While free ISBNs are convenient, they come with trade-offs that can affect your long-term publishing strategy. Here’s what to watch out for:

🏷️ You’re not the publisher of record
When you use a free ISBN, the publishing platform (like Amazon KDP or Draft2Digital) is listed as the publisher, not you. This can limit your ability to build a professional author brand or create your own publishing imprint.

🔒 Limited flexibility for distribution
A free ISBN is typically locked to the platform that issued it. If you decide later to publish that same edition through a different service (for example, moving from KDP to IngramSpark), you’ll need to get a new ISBN for it.

🚫 Harder to expand into wider markets
Some bookstores, libraries, and distributors prefer (or require) books with ISBNs owned by the author or publisher — not a self-publishing platform. A free ISBN might close doors to certain sales channels.

🔄 No control over the ISBN data
When you own your ISBN, you can manage how your book’s metadata (publisher name, title details, etc.) appears in global databases. With a free ISBN, the platform controls this information.

📦 More complex if you want to switch platforms
If you later want to re-release your book with updates or through a different distributor, the free ISBN can’t go with you. This may mean republishing the book under a new ISBN and potentially confusing retailers or readers.

✅ Bottom line:
A free ISBN works best for single-platform publishing with no plans to expand. But if you want full control and maximum distribution options, a purchased ISBN is often the smarter investment.

5️⃣ When Should You Use a Free ISBN?

A free ISBN can absolutely be the right choice in certain situations. Here’s when it makes the most sense:

🌱 You’re testing the waters of self-publishing
If this is your first book and you’re experimenting with self-publishing, a free ISBN lets you publish without worrying about upfront costs or technical setup.

💻 You’re publishing exclusively on one platform
Free ISBNs work well if you plan to stick with a single retailer, like Amazon KDP, and don’t intend to distribute your book through other channels (such as bookstores, libraries, or IngramSpark).

🎁 You’re creating books for a personal or limited audience
Publishing a family history, a community project, or a book just for friends and relatives? A free ISBN keeps it simple and budget-friendly.

🕒 You want to publish fast, with minimal hassle
If your priority is to get the book out into the world quickly, a free ISBN means one less thing to manage.

✅ Good rule of thumb:
If cost savings, simplicity, or speed are your top concerns — and you’re not focused on wide distribution or building an author imprint — a free ISBN can be a smart, practical choice.

6️⃣ When Should You Buy Your Own ISBN?

Owning your ISBN gives you greater control over your book’s future. Here’s when purchasing an ISBN is usually the smarter path:

🏢 You want to publish under your own name or imprint
When you buy an ISBN, you can list yourself or your publishing business as the official publisher of record. This looks more professional to bookstores, libraries, and reviewers — and helps you build your author brand.

🌍 You plan wide distribution
If your goal is to sell your book beyond a single platform (for example, through IngramSpark, independent bookstores, or libraries), having your own ISBN is often required or strongly preferred.

📚 You want to control your metadata
Owning your ISBN means you decide how your book appears in global databases — including publisher name, title, format, and more. This gives you flexibility if you update your book or move between distributors.

🔑 You want long-term flexibility
Your ISBN is yours forever. You can use it across platforms, control future editions, and avoid having to reissue your book with a new ISBN if you switch distributors.

👑 You’re serious about building a publishing career
If you’re in it for the long haul — planning multiple books, growing a catalog, or establishing a small press — buying ISBNs is an investment in your professional identity.

✅ Good rule of thumb:
If you want maximum control, wider reach, and a professional foundation for your books, owning your ISBNs is worth the upfront cost.

7️⃣ Quick Comparison Table: Free ISBN vs. Purchased ISBN

✅ Tip: If you’re planning to publish multiple formats and editions, buying a block of ISBNs (e.g., 10 or 100) is far more cost-effective than purchasing one at a time.

8️⃣ Choosing the Right ISBN Path for Your Book

Choosing whether to use a free ISBN or buy your own is an important step in your self-publishing journey. It’s not just about cost — it’s about control, professionalism, and your long-term goals as an author.

If you’re just starting out, experimenting, or publishing for a limited audience, a free ISBN can be a convenient, budget-friendly way to get your book into readers’ hands quickly.

But if you’re serious about building your author brand, expanding distribution beyond one platform, or publishing multiple formats and editions, investing in your own ISBN(s) is a smart move. It gives you full control over your publishing identity and the flexibility to grow your career on your terms.

📚 Remember: Your ISBN is more than just a number — it’s part of your book’s identity in the global marketplace. Choose the option that best aligns with your vision and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I reuse a free ISBN if I switch publishing platforms?
A: No. Free ISBNs are typically locked to the platform that issued them and can’t be transferred or reused elsewhere. You’d need to get a new ISBN if you move your book to another distributor.

Q: Do I need a separate ISBN for each format of my book?
A: Yes. Each edition and format (paperback, hardcover, ebook, audiobook) requires its own unique ISBN to help retailers and libraries distinguish between versions.

Q: Does using a free ISBN affect my royalties?
A: No. Your royalty rate is set by the retailer or distributor, not by the ISBN. Using a free ISBN does not reduce your earnings, but the platform owning the ISBN will be listed as the publisher.

Q: Is it okay to use a free ISBN if I want to sell my book in bookstores?
A: Some bookstores prefer books with author-owned ISBNs, but many will still accept books with platform-assigned ISBNs. However, having your own ISBN can make distribution to bookstores and libraries smoother.

Q: Where can I buy my own ISBN?
A: In the U.S., Bowker is the official ISBN agency. In other countries, agencies like Nielsen handle ISBN sales. Prices vary depending on how many ISBNs you buy.

Quick Decision Checklist: Should You Use a Free ISBN or Buy Your Own?

• Do you want to keep your publishing costs as low as possible?
  → Consider a free ISBN.
• Are you publishing only on one platform (like Amazon KDP)?
  → A free ISBN will work well.
• Do you want to appear as the official publisher of your book?
  → You should buy your own ISBN.
• Are you planning to distribute your book widely (bookstores, libraries, IngramSpark)?
  → Buying your own ISBN is the better choice.
• Do you want full control over your book’s metadata and publishing rights?
  → Purchase your own ISBN.
• Are you publishing multiple formats or editions?
  → Own your ISBNs to maintain consistency and flexibility.
• Are you building a long-term author brand or publishing career?
  → Invest in your own ISBNs.

✅ Tip: If you decide to buy, consider purchasing a block of ISBNs to save money and prepare for future titles.