If you are self-publishing a book in the United States, you will likely come across Bowker ISBN numbers. Bowker is the official ISBN agency for the United States and its territories, and its MyIdentifiers platform allows eligible publishers to purchase and manage ISBNs, barcodes, and related publishing services.
But how much does a Bowker ISBN cost? Do you need more than one ISBN? What is Bowker MyIdentifiers? And is Bowker the only place to purchase an official U.S. ISBN?
This guide explains everything authors and independent publishers need to know about Bowker ISBN numbers and the ISBN purchasing process.
What Is a Bowker ISBN Number?
A Bowker ISBN number is an International Standard Book Number assigned through Bowker, the official U.S. ISBN agency.
An ISBN is a unique identifier used to distinguish a particular book, edition, and format. For example, a paperback, hardcover, and ebook version of the same title can require separate ISBNs. Bowker explains that each format of a book needs its own ISBN.
An ISBN helps booksellers, libraries, distributors, and other industry systems identify and catalog your book.
Quick answer
Bowker ISBN numbers are official ISBNs issued for publishers located in the United States and its territories. Authors in other countries generally need to obtain ISBNs from their country’s designated ISBN agency.
What Is the Bowker ISBN Agency?
The Bowker ISBN Agency is the official ISBN agency for the United States and its territories.
Bowker is responsible for assigning ISBNs to eligible U.S.-based publishers. According to Bowker, its ISBN services help publishers identify their books and provide information used for distribution, marketing, cataloging, and retail.
This is important for self-published authors because an ISBN is associated with the publisher, not simply with the author.
If you are publishing independently, you can purchase ISBNs and register your own publishing information.
How Much Does a Bowker ISBN Cost?
The current Bowker MyIdentifiers pricing shown on its ISBN purchasing page includes:
| ISBN Package | Price |
| 1 ISBN | $125 |
| 10 ISBNs | $295 |
| 100 ISBNs | $575 |
| 1,000 ISBNs | $1,500 |
Bowker states that ISBNs do not expire and can be used as needed.
Is buying 10 Bowker ISBNs better than buying one?
For authors planning to publish several books or multiple formats, buying a larger ISBN package can reduce the effective cost per ISBN.
For example, Bowker’s current listed price of $295 for 10 ISBNs works out to $29.50 per ISBN, compared with $125 for a single ISBN.
However, you should only purchase a larger package if you expect to use the ISBNs for your publishing plans.
What Is Bowker MyIdentifiers?
Bowker MyIdentifiers is Bowker’s online platform for purchasing and managing ISBNs and related identifier services.
Through MyIdentifiers, eligible publishers can purchase ISBNs and access services such as barcodes and other publishing tools. Bowker directs U.S. customers to MyIdentifiers for ISBN purchasing and metadata-related services.
Authors can also use their account to manage ISBN information associated with their publications.
Is MyIdentifiers the same as Bowker?
Yes, MyIdentifiers is part of Bowker’s identifier services ecosystem. It is the platform used for purchasing and managing Bowker ISBN products.
If you see searches such as:
- MyIdentifiers Bowker
- Bowker MyIdentifiers
- My Identifiers Bowker
- Bowker sign in
they generally relate to accessing Bowker’s ISBN management platform.
How Do You Buy a Bowker ISBN?
Buying a Bowker ISBN is relatively straightforward if you are an eligible U.S.-based publisher.
Step 1: Create a Bowker account
You need to create an account on MyIdentifiers before purchasing ISBNs. Bowker states that ISBN purchases are available to publishers based in and operating within the United States or its territories.
Step 2: Choose your ISBN package
You can select a single ISBN or a larger package depending on your publishing needs.
Bowker currently offers packages ranging from one ISBN to 1,000 ISBNs.
Step 3: Enter your publisher information
When registering, the publisher name you provide can become the publisher/imprint information associated with your ISBNs. Bowker’s registration page notes that this name can appear as the publisher of the ISBNs.
Step 4: Purchase and manage your ISBN
After purchasing your ISBNs, you can manage them through your MyIdentifiers account.
How Many ISBNs Do You Need for One Book?
The number of ISBNs you need depends on how many formats or editions you publish.
For example, if you publish:
- Paperback
- Hardcover
- EPUB ebook
you may need three separate ISBNs.
Bowker specifically explains that each format requires its own ISBN.
This is one reason many independent authors choose a package of multiple ISBNs rather than purchasing only one.
Do You Need a Separate ISBN for Paperback and Hardcover?
Yes.
A paperback and hardcover edition are different formats, so they require separate ISBNs when you are assigning your own ISBNs.
The ISBN identifies a specific edition or format of a publication, allowing retailers and distribution systems to distinguish between different versions of the same book.
Do You Need a Separate ISBN for an Ebook?
If you are assigning ISBNs to your ebook editions, each distinct format can require its own ISBN.
For example, your publishing plan might include:
Paperback → ISBN #1
Hardcover → ISBN #2
EPUB → ISBN #3
The exact requirements can also depend on the distribution platform you use, so authors should check the requirements of each retailer and distributor before assigning identifiers.
What Is a Bowker Barcode?
A Bowker barcode is a machine-readable representation of the ISBN used on printed books.
The barcode allows retailers and other systems to scan book information efficiently. Bowker describes the barcode as a graphical representation of the book’s ISBN and notes that, in the United States, it can also contain price information.
An ISBN and a barcode are related, but they are not the same thing.
ISBN = identifies the book
Barcode = allows the ISBN and related information to be scanned
Do You Need a Barcode for Your Book?
For a printed book intended for retail distribution, a barcode is commonly required by major retailers and wholesalers.
Bowker’s MyIdentifiers platform offers ISBN-and-barcode packages as well as individual barcode services.
Authors should check the technical requirements of their printer, distributor, and retailers before finalizing the book cover.
Is Bowker the Only Place to Buy an ISBN?
For publishers located in the United States and its territories, Bowker is the official ISBN agency.
Bowker states that it is the only official source for ISBNs in the United States and its territories.
However, ISBN agencies differ by country.
If you are publishing from outside the United States, you generally need to obtain an ISBN through the designated ISBN agency in your country rather than purchasing a U.S. ISBN simply because your book will be sold in the United States.
Can You Buy a Bowker ISBN If You Live Outside the U.S.?
Generally, no.
Bowker’s registration information states that purchasers must be based in and operating within the United States or its territories.
The U.S. ISBN Agency also explains that it can only assign ISBNs to publishers located in the United States and its territories. Publishers in other countries should obtain ISBNs from their local ISBN agency.
Do Bowker ISBNs Expire?
No.
Bowker’s current ISBN purchasing information states that ISBNs do not expire and can be used as needed.
This means authors do not have to use every purchased ISBN immediately.
What Information Does Bowker Need?
When setting up an account, Bowker collects publisher information such as your name, address, contact information, organization type, and company or publisher name.
The publisher name can become the publisher information associated with your ISBNs.
You should therefore make sure your publisher information is accurate before purchasing and assigning ISBNs.
Bowker ISBN vs. Free ISBNs
One of the biggest questions for self-publishing authors is whether they should purchase their own ISBN or use an ISBN supplied by a publishing platform.
The answer depends on your publishing strategy.
With your own Bowker ISBN, you can register yourself as the publisher and maintain control over the publisher information associated with the ISBN.
A platform-provided ISBN may instead associate the ISBN with that platform or its designated publisher information.
If you plan to build a long-term publishing business, owning your ISBNs can be an important consideration.
Why Are Bowker ISBN Numbers Important for Self-Published Authors?
ISBNs help identify your books across the publishing supply chain.
Bowker says ISBN information is used in areas including:
- Retail inventory systems
- Bookstores
- Libraries
- Sales tracking
- Distribution
- Cataloging
- Online stores
Bowker also allows publishers to submit title information and metadata, helping make books more discoverable to retailers, libraries, and other industry users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bowker ISBN?
A Bowker ISBN is an International Standard Book Number assigned through Bowker, the official U.S. ISBN agency. It uniquely identifies a specific book edition or format from a publisher.
How much is one Bowker ISBN?
The current Bowker MyIdentifiers listing shows $125 for one ISBN.
How much are 10 Bowker ISBNs?
Bowker currently lists 10 ISBNs for $295, which equals $29.50 per ISBN.
What is Bowker MyIdentifiers?
MyIdentifiers is Bowker’s online platform for purchasing and managing ISBNs and related identifier services.
Does each book format need an ISBN?
Generally, each distinct format or edition requires its own ISBN when ISBNs are being assigned.
Do Bowker ISBNs expire?
No. Bowker states that ISBNs do not expire.
Is Bowker the official ISBN agency in the United States?
Yes. Bowker is the official ISBN agency for the United States and its territories.
Can international authors purchase U.S. Bowker ISBNs?
Bowker states that its U.S. ISBN agency assigns ISBNs to publishers located in the United States and its territories. Publishers elsewhere should use their local ISBN agency.
Final Thoughts, Are Bowker ISBNs Worth It?
For U.S.-based independent publishers who want to publish under their own publishing identity, Bowker ISBN numbers can provide an important foundation for professional book distribution and cataloging.
Before purchasing, determine how many formats and books you expect to publish. If you only need one ISBN, the single-ISBN option may be sufficient. If you plan to release multiple books or formats, a larger ISBN package may provide a lower cost per ISBN. Most importantly, make sure your publisher information and book metadata are accurate before distributing your title.
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