Everything about ISBNs before you self publish your book| What are ISBNs and do I need them?

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  • Опубліковано 11 жов 2024

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  • @vpnightshadepersonal
    @vpnightshadepersonal 2 роки тому +8

    Yes - Always get your OWN ISBN!

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  2 роки тому

      Absolutely :)

    • @larryrobey2986
      @larryrobey2986 7 місяців тому +1

      If you're going to buy an ISBN, where do you recommend buying it from?

    • @Athena1440
      @Athena1440 4 місяці тому

      @@larryrobey2986 what country are you trying to publish in?

  • @CathrinaDFlynn
    @CathrinaDFlynn 8 місяців тому +2

    You are like lightning . . . not even in a bottle . . . but out in the wild. THANKS

  • @ScarletIbisJames
    @ScarletIbisJames 23 дні тому +1

    It's MY BOOK ❤ this!

  • @paulpullspunches
    @paulpullspunches 9 місяців тому +1

    Very insightful thank you. 1st video I have come across which tells different countries

  • @JACk-hv7yf
    @JACk-hv7yf 2 роки тому +2

    Very informative - thank you very much!

  • @Smartbeautifulawesome
    @Smartbeautifulawesome Рік тому +1

    I have a publishing team working on this very confusing to me but exciting

  • @patriciadanna7433
    @patriciadanna7433 2 роки тому +1

    Very informative. Great explanation.

  • @noodlepair.
    @noodlepair. Рік тому +1

    Thank you for all that great info. Where can I buy a ISBN number? Thank you in advance.

  • @JACk-hv7yf
    @JACk-hv7yf 2 роки тому +1

    Wow! Learned so much with this one and first video with you 🎉 Do you have a video of top publishers to go with when self-publishing? You mentioned a few in this video that I have never heard of. My interests are business and self-help books. All ideas and suggestions appreciated- thanks!!

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  2 роки тому

      Yes, I have an entire playlist of videos on Amazon KDP (ua-cam.com/video/BNk3Q8x4PoY/v-deo.html) as well as IngramSpark (ua-cam.com/video/GyOdXThq_d0/v-deo.html) . I go into the strategy of which platforms to pick in my books: authoryourambition.com/books/

  • @TheScrumMother-KatrinaLCoker
    @TheScrumMother-KatrinaLCoker 6 місяців тому +1

    This was incredibly helpful!

  • @kartvelo
    @kartvelo 6 місяців тому +1

    I wrote a book, and then decided to self-publish it. I set up a DBA as a publisher, purchased an ISBN for the book, assigned the ISBN to my DBA as publisher and filled in all the book info (all the ISBN stuff done through Bowker), copyrighted it with US Copyright Office, got a control number from the Library of Congress, etc. This was all done by the end of 2022.
    One nagging issue I've run into is that an ISBN search will not identify the book. As far as I can tell, I've done everything (and more) that needs to be done for it to show up in ISBN searches, but no joy. What am I missing?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  6 місяців тому

      Huh. I've not heard of that. Id suggest emailing Bowker support. They are actually fairly responsive

  • @CathrinaDFlynn
    @CathrinaDFlynn 8 місяців тому +1

    My understanding is that a greatly changed new edition, a completely new version with the same title (but edition 2/3, etc), or a new title requires a new ISBN, but what about a change in trim sizes, as in taking an 8x10 children's book in paperback and shifting the format to a 7x10 trim size? Thanks. I LOVE your videos, and they are much appreciated.

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  8 місяців тому +2

      A new trim size also requires the new ISBN. Best of luck with your book!

  • @JavonnPreal
    @JavonnPreal 8 місяців тому +1

    Thanks good information!

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  8 місяців тому

      You're welcome! Glad I can help 😃

  • @desertraingleniece
    @desertraingleniece 2 роки тому +1

    Hello, M. K. Thank you for your informative video. I always learn a lot when I watch. My questions are when you purchase ISBNs from Bowker, are you required to assign them to your book formats right away on the purchasing form? What if you buy 10 ISBNs at once, with hopes to write future books, can you hold onto the extra ones you didn't need until you are ready to use them? Also, once you buy them, they belong to you even if you don't use them, right? Meaning there's no trading or giving away, you can't let a friend or spouse use any unused ones? I hope these questions make sense. Thank you. 😃

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  2 роки тому +2

      Hi Gleniece, You can buy them and wait to assign them until any time, you don't have to assign them right away. Correct, they are non-transferable. Best of luck!

  • @JORGINHODONASCIMENTO
    @JORGINHODONASCIMENTO Місяць тому

    great video! I know i need one ISBN per format, language, print style. Bu t i am a lil confused about which eBook format to pick to upload my children's book? Would you tell please tell me?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  Місяць тому

      ePub is the standard eBook format. Also, depending on the age range for your book, I may question the need for an eBook. For chapter books it may make sense. For books aimed at toddlers... most parents limit screen time.

  • @andonrangelov8844
    @andonrangelov8844 2 роки тому +1

    Nice video M. K. Thank you….
    I want to ask you about the following issue that a got recently for submitting my book to amazon KDP. Before submitting my book to KDP, it was uploaded in Draft to Digital (D2D). Now in the review process, KDP wants me to show that my book is actually my book, because they see it in KDP system (obviously because it was uploaded from D2D print) otherwise they will suspend me after 5 days. I tried to explain that I use D2D and the book that they see in KDP is from me but from another platform. Their support simply does not listen and they do not reply to me, just pointing me to the link “Kindle Direct Publishing Terms and Conditions”.
    I do not know what to do? they accuse me of violation of the copyright of my own book!!!

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  2 роки тому

      Have you been able to contact anyone with the Draft2Digital team? I don't use D2D so I've not experienced this exact problem before. I know several authors have had this problem in the past and showing the login page on the platform to show you are the copyright holder.

    • @andonrangelov8844
      @andonrangelov8844 2 роки тому

      @@1MKWilliams Yes exactly, I show my book In the D2D dashboard with a print screen, but KDP just pointed me to the link to “Kindle Direct Publishing Terms and Conditions”. I did write to D2D, but I do not know if they will reply me. I do not know what else to do, maybe I will delist my book from D2D.
      I have many books on the two platforms, but it happen that this book first was uploaded in D2D and now I decide to upload it in KDP too. So no problem with the other books that were first in KDP and then in D2D

    • @andonrangelov8844
      @andonrangelov8844 2 роки тому

      @@1MKWilliams Thanks for the reply. Indeed after 3-4 letters with the same content, they finally agree and now the book is published, they contact me and excuse themselves. But I have to write 3-4 times the same letter, I do not know why… Maybe it was just an automatic reply that I received previously repeating again and again to check the rules of publications.

  • @jovievictor9364
    @jovievictor9364 8 місяців тому +1

    So helpful

  • @LijithaAr
    @LijithaAr 11 місяців тому +1

    Just to confirm, for a first time author going to self publish using KDP- ebook and paperback, will purchasing a single ISBN and barcode through Bowker work for my case?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  11 місяців тому

      In this case you have 2 formats so that is 2 ISBNs. Because only one is print you only need 1 barcode. Total: three unique items. Two isbns, one barcode matched to the print isbn

  • @mikecook_author
    @mikecook_author 2 роки тому +1

    Great explanations. I have noticed some indie authors list all ISBNs of the book title for each format on the front matter page. What is your view on that?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  2 роки тому +2

      Happy to help. I now put all my ISBNs on the copyright page. That way whenever I am formatting I don't have to remove/add based on the paperback/hardcover/or eBook.

    • @mikecook_author
      @mikecook_author 2 роки тому +1

      @@1MKWilliams thank you. I recently did that for my poetry book I re-formatted for IngramSpark. I like the idea.

    • @vpnightshadepersonal
      @vpnightshadepersonal 7 місяців тому

      @@1MKWilliams That's where I put mine also.

  • @BlembetTipsters
    @BlembetTipsters 2 роки тому +1

    Hello, can I print my book through IngramSpark and send it to my clients' homes? I want to sell through my own website.
    And if this is possible, when can I do it? If I complete IngramSpark registration today, when can I start ordering copies of my book to send to each of my clients?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  2 роки тому +1

      Yes, you can have your book printed via IngramSpark and sell on your website. You would upload to IngramSpark and approve the print eProof within a week. At that time you could make your order of books to have inventory on hand for any website sales. You would decide how to handle fulfillment.
      But, if your aim is to sell from your website, you may be better served going with LuLu. They have a plugin with Shopify so a client could order from your shopify store and the book would be printed and mailed directly to them. You would not need to handle fulfillment.
      Best of luck!

  • @onneduke3356
    @onneduke3356 11 місяців тому +1

    Hello, Initially I used giving ISBN for free on Amazon, but I registered a publisher and got ISBN.
    I want to use the ISBN that I was issued in the book I posted on Amazon again
    What should I do?
    Should I delete it all and upload it again?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  11 місяців тому +1

      I'm fairly sure I already answered this but if you don't have any reviews on the book you could delete and start over, but it could be flagged as duplicate content still. The best route ( but more timely) is a second edition. I have some videos on how to do that ua-cam.com/video/HOxtMh8Ck5M/v-deo.htmlsi=ST1rAMicr213OLmo

  • @sherrytaveras
    @sherrytaveras Рік тому +1

    Hi M.K. I have completed my first book of a three-part series. Should I get all of the identifiers i.e. ISBN LCCN and Copyright, first before self-publishing? Can I upload to KDP without them as a pre-order and then once the book is ready to be released have all of the identifiers in the book?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  Рік тому

      Do I Need To Have My ISBN Before I Hit Publish On Amazon KDP? #selfpublishing #isbn

    • @sherrytaveras
      @sherrytaveras Рік тому +2

      M.K thank you so much for replying and taking the time to put that in a video for me. Makes it more real for me. I thought writing the book was the hard part! 😅🙏🏾 I think I need to get your book for first time self publishers. Thanks again!

  • @Angi5551
    @Angi5551 Рік тому +1

    What If the Author already uploaded the book to Amazon but isn’t released yet. Is adding an ISBN still an option?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  Рік тому

      If you have saved but not published you may be able to change it (or delete and start over). If the book is on preorder, no. The only option would be to cancel the preorder (losing any sales) and then delete the listing and start new. If the book is released you can do a second edition and add a new ISBN for the second edition

  • @ruialbe
    @ruialbe 24 дні тому

    What about ebooks? In the ISBN registration, they force you to choose a specific format for the ebook, for example Epub or Kindle. If I register one, can I use the same ISBN in the other platform?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  24 дні тому +2

      ePub is now the standard eBook format, Kindle will accept ePub now.

  • @OpenBook3
    @OpenBook3 10 місяців тому +1

    Can I use ISBNs from my Bowker account on different KDP accounts?

  • @dlangley012
    @dlangley012 Рік тому

    Thank you for your great content. I publish low and mid content books on KDP. I do own my own ISBN numbers. However, I was wondering should I use the ISBN numbers if you can now publish low content Notebooks and Journals without an ISBN? For Notebooks should I go ahead and publish on KDP without the ISBN numbers. If so can I control the book?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  Рік тому

      That's up to you. Via KDP they can provide a "free" ISBN at no cost to you, but then you are locked to KDP with that specific notebook or journal.

  • @AShotofJoe
    @AShotofJoe Рік тому

    M.K. awesome content. Quick question, I am doing a paperback and eBook versions on Ingram Spark. Do I need a separate ISBN for the Kindle version? Be blessed.

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  Рік тому +1

      The ISBN for the eBook is the same across all platforms. The second ISBN for the paperback is the same across platforms. This is why I always suggest owning your ISBN and not using any "free" ISBNs provided by the platforms.

    • @AShotofJoe
      @AShotofJoe Рік тому

      @@1MKWilliams thank you so much. Keep up the great work.

  • @thomasd8549
    @thomasd8549 Рік тому

    at 2:26, the ISBN is also for the PUBLISHER, which yes, identifies the book and format. Publisher is important, because D2D and Amazon and Lulu and IngramSparks are Distributors/aggregators. You are the "Self-Published" Author ie Author and Publisher.
    How the government treats Royalties as complete writeoffs, which you give to Amazon, in their percentage split. 70-30. 60-40. You are the hobby person. and they are the Publisher, and they write off everything. They could even buy your book cheaper, and write that difference off at a loss. Everyone wants to see Trumps taxes, what about the Amazon royalty scam. 2 pennies.

  • @pilarkellenbarger3912
    @pilarkellenbarger3912 Рік тому

    Hi MK! I love your videos. My question is about the ISBN # to be different for each format. For example, I had my parenting book with my owned ISBN number for Amazon, however when I went to Ingramspark, they wouldn't allow or my book wasn't accepted until I gave it a different ISBN number. After speaking to both Bowker and Amazon, they stated to me that Amazon didn't like its paperback book that I had with them to be allowed to be used with Ingramspark. Amazon and Bowker both said that I needed my own for each format and each publisher for the US. (Amazon and Ingramspark) Now I'm confused. However my book designer in the UK said my book was using the same ISBN # for Amazon and Barnes & Noble (Ingramspark) I'm working on publishing my second book and would love some info on who is correct? Thanks, love your stuff.

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  Рік тому

      Thank you, you are too kind! In this case I would ask if you had elected "expanded distribution" with Amazon for your print book. They make it sound great, it doesn't do much. But it does block another service, like IngramSpark, from distributing the book. In this case I would recommend checking if the book was ever in expanded distribution (even if you unselect it you are still considered in expanded distribution) and do a title transfer process. ua-cam.com/video/L07nZnkIZzo/v-deo.html
      Best of luck!!

  • @EllaGreen
    @EllaGreen 2 роки тому +1

    Just for a single one in the Uk it’s £91 so annoying I was thinking of doing a childrens book easy short read

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  2 роки тому

      Oh man that is expensive. Sorry to hear that!

  • @runningvibes
    @runningvibes Рік тому +1

    Does the publication date you assign on your ISBN matter when publishing on Amazon. For example let’s say you put March 3rd on your ISBN. And your book goes live on Amazon March 2nd?
    Hope this makes sense!

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  Рік тому +1

      It does matter but you can adjust the publication date in Bowker if needed

    • @runningvibes
      @runningvibes Рік тому

      @@1MKWilliams Thank you! One more question. If I made changes to information on the isbn (example just putting in the book synopsis information) can I still put my book live on Amazon while the changes are pending on Bowker?
      Thank you! I’m new to all of this.

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  Рік тому +1

      As long as the ISBN has been assigned you should be able to make changes without it impacting the Amazon upload process. However, if you do get an error message, it usually takes Bowker 24 hours to go from processing to updated so it wouldn't be a very long wait.

    • @runningvibes
      @runningvibes Рік тому

      @@1MKWilliams Thank you for being so helpful!

  • @Wewouldknow
    @Wewouldknow 5 місяців тому

    I bought my own ISBN and uploaded the book on KDP, and Ingram with no problem. However, when I try to upload to BN, it tells me that my ISBN is already in use. Have you experienced this?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  5 місяців тому

      Yes, if you signed the B&N agreement form with IngramSpark then they are already distributing it for you to B&N. Even if you didn't sign the B&N agreement, the same network that services IngramSpark ALSO services B&N. You may need to do a title transfer form for B&N.

    • @Wewouldknow
      @Wewouldknow 5 місяців тому +1

      Thank you so much!! From your response it almost feels like I don’t need to publish with BN since Ingram is making it available. Or what would be the benefit of transferring? Can’t thank you enough for your help!

  • @redkiosk
    @redkiosk 2 роки тому

    Thank you for this great videos! I'm a bit confused when you say Bawker requires the LCCN number to create an ISBN.. or did I not understand correctly? I did need the ISBN from Bawker to request an LCCN but I don't see any field to enter the LCCN # on Bawkers form. A second question, is there a reason I need the price printed on the barcode for KDP paperback? I did include a price during ISBN setup and realize it will be necessary for Ingram spark etc.. but not having it printed on KDP books gives me some freedom to try different prices. Thanks!

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  2 роки тому

      The LOC requires you to input your ISBN when you apply for the LCCN. When you input your metadata with Bowker for the ISBN they initially only show the shortened form. Once you have the LCCN number (usually takes a few weeks) you can enter that in the extended form for your ISBN in Bowker.
      Also, regarding the KDP Price on Barcode question, I have a whole video on that: ua-cam.com/video/8KXTxHl22Jw/v-deo.html

    • @redkiosk
      @redkiosk 2 роки тому

      @@1MKWilliams Thank you so much for your reply! Your videos are so comprehensive and have so much info sometimes I forget a nugget and need to rewatch.

  • @sherrytaveras
    @sherrytaveras Рік тому

    Hi, M.K. Quick question. I just ordered your Self Publishing Book for first-time authors so maybe that will answer my questions. ( by the way, the digital download I received does not download anything when you click on the button) 🤷‍♀🤷‍♀ My quick question is I am about to order the ISBN # from Bowker via KDP to get the Discount, but in the cart, it says KDP Print. I am buying an ISBN for an ebook first as that is what I am going to start with. Can I use the ISBN print # for my ebook even though it says KDP print? I didn't see an option for an ebook specifically on Bowker. I'm probably overthinking this but that's the perfectionist in me wanting to get this right out of the gate.😅

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  Рік тому

      Where did you purchase the book from? If you email me the proof of purchase I can send back the format you need. For the ISBN if you are purchasing from Bowker you can use it anywhere (not just KDP) . The ISBN offered from KDP is free but locks you to that platform.

    • @sherrytaveras
      @sherrytaveras Рік тому

      @@1MKWilliams do I just respond to the email sent to me that the download is linked to? In regards to the ISBN via KDP, I am purchasing it from bowker but via KDP because you get a discount.instead of $125 it would be $99.

    • @sherrytaveras
      @sherrytaveras Рік тому

      @@1MKWilliams I purchased it from one of your links via UA-cam

    • @sherrytaveras
      @sherrytaveras Рік тому +1

      @@1MKWilliams ignore text regarding where to email. Just saw where to email regarding the download from my completed order form.

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  Рік тому +1

      @@sherrytaveras Okay, the ePub file should have been included in that email. Once I see the email come through from you I can send it to you directly.

  • @jlouisa
    @jlouisa Рік тому

    I have a question. I want to get isbns and I got a digital gift card from my eye doctor. The amount is a little less than the full amount for what I want to purchase. Can I use the gift card first and then pay the remaining with my personal credit card or will there be issues when I try?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  Рік тому

      I'm not sure, I've never tried to use a gift card to purchase ISBNs.

  • @rolandolopez847
    @rolandolopez847 6 місяців тому +1

    If isbn are not bar codes then where do I get the bar codes?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  6 місяців тому +1

      ua-cam.com/video/8KXTxHl22Jw/v-deo.html

  • @artieknoid
    @artieknoid 2 роки тому

    I did not know this before writing my first book. I chose to get the free ISBN on KDP. Can I change it now?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  2 роки тому +2

      Absolutely! You can assign your own ISBN and republish as a new edition. I have some videos on that topic, a checklist, and even a whole book:
      ua-cam.com/video/ByOuVfJRhFI/v-deo.html
      authoryourambition.com/ultimate-checklists/
      1mkwilliams.com/going-wide/

  • @ChelSierra_Remly
    @ChelSierra_Remly 2 роки тому

    Is it worth it to publish a large print version of a book? I don't see them listed on online bookstores like I used to. I'm guessing that eReaders and Audio Books have done away with large print books. Or is it that indie authors make sure to use font sizes that are easier to read? I've just been debating as to whether or not large print books are worth the hassle.

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  2 роки тому +1

      I don't have Large Print books in my catalog yet. It is on my long-term planning list. What I hear from other authors is that there are still readers who prefer this format and libraries are eager to have them as well.

    • @ChelSierra_Remly
      @ChelSierra_Remly 2 роки тому

      @@1MKWilliams - Thanks. Good to know.

  • @jessicagentry6379
    @jessicagentry6379 Рік тому +1

    Where can i purchase my ISBN number

  • @stefgilmour6673
    @stefgilmour6673 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for such a thorough and informative video! I was thinking of offering a hardcover version of my book that featured exclusive artwork on the cover. I would have a regular matching hard cover book as well. Would I need a new ISBN number for the exclusive cover if the interior of the book is exactly the same for both versions of hardback?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  Рік тому +1

      If it is a special edition then yes it gets a new ISBN. That sounds super fun!!

  • @Willa-yn4zr
    @Willa-yn4zr 4 місяці тому

    Where should I buy an ISBN?

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  4 місяці тому

      In the U.S. Bowker is the only official source.

    • @Willa-yn4zr
      @Willa-yn4zr 4 місяці тому

      Thank you so much!

  • @P010010010100101
    @P010010010100101 6 місяців тому

    So you don't need an ISBN if you are only selling your books on your own website and not the brick and mortar store.

    • @1MKWilliams
      @1MKWilliams  6 місяців тому

      It should still have an ISBN so it can be tracked one day. let's say someone buys the book from you, then donates it to a library, it needs an ID number.