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I want to traditionally publish my work but I have multiple ISBNs what do I do?

Asked by: Brian Gonzalez

Is it normal to have multiple book editions with ISBN code?

If a second edition has the same title as the first, does it keep the same ISBN? No. A new edition is considered a different product and gets its own ISBN.

Can you self publish and traditional publish at the same time?

It is possible to bring a self-published book into the traditional publishing industry as long as one important detail is taken care of: you’ve retained the rights to your book.

Can the same book have multiple ISBN numbers?

Once assigned to a book, an ISBN cannot be reused. This is a very important point to keep in mind. The same ISBN cannot be used for different formats of the book, whether the book is in printed or electronic form. That means hardcover and softcover versions of the book have to be assigned separate ISBNs.

Can ISBNs be transferred?

ISBNs cannot be transferred on an individual basis. If a self-publisher wants to be identified as the publisher, the self-publisher must get their own ISBN. A printing company or publisher services company cannot sell, give away or transfer one of their ISBNs to a customer.

Why do books have two ISBNs?

A textbook will have a separate ISBN for each edition. International Edition textbooks have a different ISBN than the standard edition. If a book is reprinted by its same publisher without any changes or revisions, it will keep the same ISBN.

Do copies of the same book have the same ISBN number?

Two books may have precisely the same content but be issued different ISBNs because they come from different printings. Likewise, printing errors, etc., can in rare cases render two books different despite having the same ISBN.

What are some cons to publishing a book traditionally?

You would not have complete control over the creative aspects of your book, such as its title, its cover design, and how it is edited. Royalty rates are lower. Royalty rates in traditional publishing are lower than in self-publishing. Publisher contracts are complicated documents.

Did JK Rowling self publish?

The biggest publishing phenomenon on the planet is now a self-publisher. After a week of heavy speculation, JK Rowling has revealed that she is to self-publish the e-books to her mind-bogglingly successful Harry Potter series through her newly-announced proprietary platform, Pottermore.

How do you become traditionally published?

How to Get Your Book Published Traditionally

  1. Finish and polish your book or proposal.
  2. Query literary agents.
  3. Your agent pitches publishers.
  4. Sign a book deal.
  5. Start editing and pre-publication business.
  6. Start signing your book in bookstores!

Can an ISBN be deleted?

You can’t delete books that have been published. Also, paperbacks that were assigned an ISBN can’t be deleted.



How do you cancel an ISBN number?

Can I change or cancel my ISBN? Once an ISBN number has been assigned to a book it stays with that book for ever and cannot be reused, even if the original book goes out of print. Once assigned, it is not possible to cancel an ISBN if you change your mind and decide not to publish.

Do you need an ISBN for copyright?

If your book doesn’t have an ISBN, bookstores (including online bookstores) won’t carry it. If any of these details vary, then a new ISBN should be obtained. Ok, you have the ISBN and barcode taken care of, so you can formally sell your books.

What comes first ISBN or copyright?

There are three elements that identify a book as yours, and yours only. The first is your ISBN. You’ll want to ensure you have purchased a valid ISBN.

How much does ISBN cost?

First off, it rarely makes sense to purchase a single ISBN. A single ISBN would cost you $125, but a bulk of 10 only costs $295. Meaning if you purchased 10, each ISBN would cost you $29.50, a 76% discount.

Number of ISBNs Cost
100 $575

What is the difference between ISBN and copyright?

Copyright is a legal protection of original creative work. An ISBN is an internationally recognized identifier of a work to facilitate marketing and cataloging of books and “book-like” products by distributors, libraries and booksellers.



How do I get an ISBN for my self published book?

You can purchase your own ISBN from Bowker or through your local ISBN agency. If you are reprinting your book, the title, author name, and binding type must remain the same. A new edition requires a new ISBN. Your book’s imprint must match what’s on file with your ISBN.

How do you copyright a self published book?

How Do You Get Something Copyrighted?

  1. Go to the U.S. Copyright office registration portal.
  2. Click on the “Literary Works” tab.
  3. Click on the “Register a Literary Work” tab on the right side of the page.
  4. Create an account with the Copyright Office.
  5. Go to “Copyright Registration” on the left, and then “Register a New Claim”

Who regulates ISBN?

International ISBN Agency The

The International ISBN Agency, based in London, England, coordinates and manages the identification and description of monograph publications worldwide, using International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs). The agency is the registration authority for the ISO 2108 standard that regulates ISBNs.

What is the difference between ISBN 10 and ISBN 13?

An International Standard Book Number is assigned to books for identification. Prior to 2007, the ISBN was 10 characters long. The 13-character ISBN was adopted to increase the availability of ISBN numbers globally as well as to conform to the International Article Numbering Association global numbering system.



What does ISBN number tell you?

An ISBN is essentially a product identifier used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, internet retailers and other supply chain participants for ordering, listing, sales records and stock control purposes. The ISBN identifies the registrant as well as the specific title, edition and format.

Is there an ISBN database?

ISBNdb: The World’s largest book database

ISBNdb gathers data from hundreds of libraries, publishers, merchants and other sources around the globe to compile a vast collection of unique book data searchable by ISBN, title, author, or publisher.

What does ISBN 13 mean?

International Standard Book Number



ISBN is the acronym for International Standard Book Number. This 10 or 13-digit number identifies a specific book, an edition of a book, or a book-like product (such as an audiobook). Since 1970 each published book has a unique ISBN. In 2007, assigned ISBNs changed from 10 digits to 13.

How is ISBN 10 calculated?

ISBN-10: The number has 9 information digits and ends with 1 check digit. ISBN-13: The number has 12 information digits and ends with 1 check digit.

Is my book a first edition?

If the date on a copyright page matches the date on the title page, it’s likely that your copy is a first edition. These dates can differ if the publication date is earlier than copyright is acquired, but if this is the indicator used you will want to ensure both dates match.

What makes a book valuable?

book which has an enhanced value because the demand for the book exceeds the supply, usually because of its importance, scarcity, age, condition, physical and aesthetic properties, association, or subject matter.

What books are worth a lot of money?

20 Iconic Books You Probably Own That Are Now Worth A LOT Of…



  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997), J.K. Rowling.
  • The Cat in the Hat (1957) Dr. …
  • The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902), Arthur Conan Doyle.
  • The Bible (1600 – 1630)
  • The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book (1894-1895) Rudyard Kipling: