The Great ISBN Debate: To Use or Not to Use Amazon KDP ISBN?

May 03, 2024By Niall MacGiolla Bhuí
Niall MacGiolla Bhuí

When it comes to self-publishing a book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), one of the key decisions authors face is whether to use the Amazon KDP-provided ISBN or to obtain their own. The ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique identifier for books, and it plays a crucial role in the book distribution process. Let's delve into the great ISBN debate and explore the pros and cons of using the Amazon KDP ISBN.

What is an ISBN?

An ISBN is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies a book. It is used by retailers, libraries, and distribution networks to track and manage book inventory. The ISBN is essential for book sales, cataloging, and ordering, and it provides important metadata about the book, such as the publisher, edition, and format.

Amazon KDP ISBN: The Pros

Using the ISBN provided by Amazon KDP can simplify the publishing process for authors. It's free, and it streamlines the publishing workflow by integrating the ISBN directly into the book's metadata on the Amazon platform. This can make it easier for authors to manage their books and track sales through Amazon.

amazon kdp isbn

Amazon KDP ISBN: The Cons

One of the main drawbacks of using the Amazon KDP ISBN is that it ties the book to Amazon's distribution network. If authors later decide to expand their distribution to other retailers or formats, such as print-on-demand, using a custom ISBN may offer more flexibility. Additionally, some industry professionals argue that using a publisher-owned ISBN can enhance the book's credibility and professionalism.

Obtaining Your Own ISBN: The Pros

Acquiring your own ISBN gives you greater control and ownership over your book's metadata and distribution. It allows you to list your book with multiple retailers, libraries, and distributors, expanding your reach beyond Amazon. Having your own ISBN can also enhance your brand as a self-published author and enable you to publish your book in various formats, such as hardcover or audiobook.

obtaining your own isbn

Obtaining Your Own ISBN: The Cons

One of the main drawbacks of obtaining your own ISBN if you are self-publishing is the cost. In many countries, getting a single ISBN can be expensive, and authors who plan to publish multiple books may face a significant financial investment. In the UK, as an example, it's approximately £100 for a single ISBN. Managing and maintaining your own ISBNs can require additional administrative work and knowledge of the publishing industry. As I mentioned above, indie publishing houses such as ours here at ShadowScript buy banks of ISBNs, which makes this process less expensive but remains an investment. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to use the Amazon KDP ISBN or obtain your own ISBN ultimately depends on your publishing goals and long-term strategy. If you primarily intend to sell and distribute your book through Amazon, using the Amazon KDP ISBN may be a convenient option. However, if you seek broader distribution and want to maintain full control over your book's metadata and distribution channels, getting your own ISBN may be the preferred route.

isbn debate

Regardless of the choice, it's important for authors to carefully weigh the pros and cons and consider their publishing objectives before making a decision. Ultimately, the ISBN debate underscores the importance of understanding the publishing landscape and making informed choices that align with an author's overall publishing strategy.

*Niall MacGiolla Bhuí is an author, editor, ghostwriter and blogger. He has presented lectures and workshops across ireland, the UK, Sweden and Canada and has edited 100+ books.