ISBN stands for “International Standard Book Number” and before it was implemented in 1967, the method and system for cataloging, ordering, organizing, and locating a specific book was a chaotic mess. When you buy ISBNs, you can upload descriptors—the metadata about your books. Adding chapters or paragraphs makes it a new edition, and technically it should have a new ISBN. An ISBN number is required (although you may not need to purchase one as discussed below). From books I have bought from major publishers, I gather that the eBook and print version have FAQs: Publication Formats, Reprints, Editions, etc. But if you bought your ISBN, you’re the publisher, and that’s actually indicated within the ISBN itself. Each format or binding must have a separate ISBN (i.e. Can I use one of my friend's (or relative's) ISBNs? How are ISBNs assigned to books in a series? What do I do when I receive the ISBN and where is it printed? An ISBN, which stands for International Standard Book Number, is the standard way of identifying book titles and separating them not only from each other, but also from their various publication formats, such as multiple editions, hardcover, paperback, audiocassette, CD-ROM, and so on. What is an ISBN? Adding more information or changing information requires a new ISBN. However, if the change in cover substantially changes the product (i.e., would lead to customer complaints), then a new ISBN … A change of publisher; The ISBN … Why Do I Need An ISBN Number? Publishers should apply for ISBNs from the ISBN agency where they are based and not to the country of the language of the book. Unless you are making minor changes like fixing typos, you need to assign a new ISBN. You do not need a new ISBN if you change the price, are just correcting typos, or are changing your cover for marketing purposes. If you wish to sell your book, most vendors require an ISBN. You do not need a new ISBN if you change the price, are just correcting typos, or are changing your cover for marketing purposes. Different formats of digital publications (e.g. But if you’re planning on selling your book, or think you might want to sell it or give it away more widely in the future, you need an ISBN. An ISBN is not a bar code. A change of title; Even if the content of the book is the same, because a change in title is such a substantial change it will require a new ISBN to identify it. Situations Where You Need A New ISBN. Every format of a title requires a unique ISBN number.For example, a title which is available as a paperback and an eBook would need two different ISBNs.Booksellers utilize the unique ISBNs to distinguish which title-format is being sold and so they can track and consequently reorder replacements. If you aren’t making substantial changes to the text, it is not considered a reprint or a new edition. An ISBN is a number, used like a serial number so that bookstores can accurately order books. Adding more information or changing information requires a new ISBN. An ISBN is a unique identifier assigned to your book that ensures that people ordering your book are receiving the intended publication. You will need an ISBN number and bar code if you want to sell your book in any kind of bookstore, either bricks and mortar or on the internet. ISBNs plus metadata are extremely powerful tools. Posted on March 25, 2015 April 2, 2015 by karenwrites. What products need a new ISBN: You only need to assign a new ISBN when the product changes substantially (this includes a title change). If you wish to have a print (hardbound or softbound) or electronic (ePUB, PDF, or MOBI) version, or even register a new version, you will need a unique ISBN for each format. Any significant changes to text/content needs a new ISBN. Once your content is published on KDP, Amazon will assign it a 10-digit ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number), which is unique to the eBook, and is an identification number for the Kindle Book on Amazon.com. What if you have published a book or eBook and you are changing it. I guess they mean “most vendors besides Kindle, iBookstore, Nook Press, and Kobo,” but I also guess if they said that, people might notice that, no, one doesn’t need an ISBN to publish a book.