Where do I get ISBN Numbers?

What is an ISBN?

An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies a specific edition of a book or book-like product. It is used by publishers, booksellers, and libraries for ordering, sales, and inventory control, with different versions (like hardcover, paperback, or audiobook) all having their own ISBNs.

A lot of self-publishing services, such as Ingram Spark, Draft2Digital, Amazon, etc. and most of them offer FREE ISBN numbers... DON'T DO IT!

By using a FREE ISBN number provided by those services, they own the publishing rights for your book! You own the copyright, but you cannot publish your book through any other provider.

How do you get an ISBN number in Canada?

In Canada ISBN's are FREE, just go to Library and Archives Canada, and the Services for Publishers section and create yourself an account and get your starter pack of ISBN numbers.

How do you get an ISBN number in the United States?

In the United States... visit a site called Bowker and you can purchase your ISBNs under their Publisher Services section.