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  • Writing Magazine

    Unwrapping ISBNS

    Nov 05, 2020 6 minutes

    Why pay for an ISBN for your next selfpublished book, when some platforms will freely gift one to you?

    All businesses want lower costs to maximise profits, and that goes for our writing businesses too. Going for the free ISBN option seems good business sense. But is it a false economy?

    An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is unique. In fact, it’s unique for each edition and format of the book. So if a reader wants a paperback edition of your book, having the ISBN will ensure they find it.

    Having an ISBN on your book is not a legal requirement. However, some retailers only stock books that have one. So, from a business perspective, obtaining an ISBN not only makes it easier for readers to find your book, but it may also increase the potential outlets where your book can be bought.

    ISBNs were first used in the late 1960s and began life as 9-digit codes. Since January

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