Self-Publishing: How Important Is An ISBN Number?

You've weighed all your options and haveabove, but the acquisition of an ISBN doe note
determined that self-publishing makes the mostprovide a distinction between the need for one or
sense for your foray into publishing. Youten separate numbers, ultimately you pay the
understand that there is an increase in the needsame price. This can be a benefit I you have
to self-market your title, but there is also aadditional titles planned, but can be a hefty
correlating increase in profit margin. Other risksexpense for a single book
have been assessed and you're comfortableThe online web address for ISBN acquisition is
moving forward in the direction you've chosen.You should know that there are resellers of
Have you applied for an ISBN number?International Standard BookNumbers and you can
"What's that?" You might be asking yourself. Well,purchase a single ISBN for around $50 through
an ISBN (International Standard BookNumber) is athese services. Another alternate avenue for the
specific number that helps identify your book andpurchase of an ISBN is through your book printer.
has provided the standard of book identificationThese printing firms often provide this as a
since 1970.service to their printing customers simply because
Some brick and mortar stores as well as onlinethey realize that you may not need 10 ISBN
retailers have policies that disqualify the sale of anumbers and you may not wish to pay $300-400
book that does not contain an ISBN.for the use of a single ISBN.
The cost to purchase an ISBN may seemThe task of self-publishing may seem daunting,
prohibitive for many. Here's the basic costbut it can be successfully done. Just as you spent
structure…time researching the subject matter for your
Registration Fee: $24.95book, so too is the process for the publication
Service Fee for 10 ISBN's: $225.00process. Beyond the need for an ISBN you will
Annual Fee: $25also need to manage copyright issues as well as
Manual Processing Fee (if you file a printfiling your work with the Library of Congress.
application): $50Again in many cases a qualified book printer can
Express Service (if required): $125address these issues although you may find a less
If you needed an ISBN number quickly you wouldexpensive alternative with a little online
spend close to $450 to get one. The truth is, youcomparison-shopping.
receive up to ten ISBN's for the price listed