| An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a | | | | 1. Advantage: You can sell your book in brick and |
| book's identifier, much like a social security number. It's | | | | mortar stores. By scanning the bar code, retailers |
| a 13-digit number which is applicable worldwide and | | | | identify the book title, publisher, and author, ensuring that |
| unique to your book. The ISBN system uses a 13-digit | | | | you are credited with the sale and that their inventory |
| number on the copyright/information page, and it also | | | | is updated with each purchase. |
| uses a bar code and number on the back cover. | | | | 2. Disadvantage: ISBNs, both the numbers and the bar |
| But what's it for? I have a lot of people who ask me | | | | code, cost money. Getting both in a package costs |
| that question. Do you really need an ISBN? | | | | around $150, but you can check for current prices at |
| That depends. Sometimes you do, and sometimes you | | | | or BowkerLink.com, who is the exclusive supplier of |
| don't. It depends on where and how you intend to sell | | | | ISBNs. |
| or distribute your book. | | | | 3. Advantage: An ISBN gives your book credibility to |
| The ISBN provides a standard way for publishers to | | | | others. It's viewed as a symbol of prestige to your |
| number their products so they cannot be duplicated by | | | | book. By the way, the absence of an ISBN is one sign |
| other publishers. You need an ISBN if you are going to | | | | that your book is not published through a traditional |
| sell your book in bookstores, through retailers, or online | | | | mainstream publisher. |
| storefronts, like There are no exceptions-if you're going | | | | 4. Disadvantage: It takes up to six weeks to receive |
| to sell your book in the traditional marketplace, you | | | | your book's ISBN, so if you're not going to sell it through |
| must have an ISBN. | | | | retail stores or on line sites which require it, it might |
| That's the big advantage to having an ISBN, and one | | | | cause an unnecessary delay in your book's release. |
| that is usually the driving force behind acquiring one. | | | | 5. Advantage: Purchasing an ISBN for your book puts |
| However, if you don't intend to sell your book through | | | | it in the worldwide catalog of published books. You |
| any of the avenues mentioned above, you don't really | | | | must be included in this catalog if you want your book |
| need an ISBN. For instance, if your book is a free | | | | available in libraries. |
| promotional item that you'll give away or package with | | | | Given those points, the determining factor in whether |
| another product, it doesn't really need an ISBN. Or, if | | | | you need an ISBN is how you intend to distribute or |
| you use your book as a business card, distributing it | | | | market it. Even if you aren't going to sell your book |
| free to potential clients, it's not necessary to have an | | | | through online or retail vendors, you might want to |
| ISBN. Also, if your book will be sold solely at the back | | | | order an ISBN anyway, leaving the option open later |
| of the room during your speaking events, you won't | | | | should you change your mind. It's your call-only you |
| need an ISBN. | | | | know the value that an ISBN will give to your particular |
| What are the advantages and disadvantages of an | | | | book. Only you can determine the advantages it will |
| ISBN? | | | | bring to you in terms of sales and credibility. |