An ISBN is assigned to every published book. An ISBN identifies a book's edition, publisher, and physical properties like trim size, page count, binding type. Every 10-digit ISBN has a 13-digit EAN with a different last digit (the check digit). The EAN will be listed on your cover's barcode.
Note: The ISBN in your print book's files must match the book details entered during title setup.
Can I provide my own ISBN?
Answer: You can buy your own ISBN from Bowker or through your local ISBN agency. ISBNs purchased from Bowker can be used to publish titles in any language. If you use your own ISBN, B&N Press will check whether your book's imprint matches what's on file with Bowker. You will not be able to publish your book if there is a mismatch or if the ISBN is currently in use through wide distribution. If you are reprinting your book, the title, author name, and binding type must stay the same. A new edition requires a new ISBN.
Do I Need More Than One ISBN?
Answer: Each format of a book needs its own ISBN, meaning if you have different print versions of your book (i.e. Hard Cover with Dust Jacket or Paperback), each will need its own unique ISBN. ISBNs cannot be reused once they are assigned, so an ISBN cannot be used with your B&N Press print book if it already is assigned to a book that is on sale through wide distribution. Do keep in mind that an ISBN does NOT mean your book is copyrighted. Copyrights are issued through the Library of Congress.
Do I Need A Barcode with My ISBN?
Answer: While ISBNs can come either with or without a barcode, B&N Press does not require a barcode when designing and uploading your print files. In fact, we encourage you to remove any barcodes from your formatted files before submitting projects to B&N Press. This is because B&N Press will add in a barcode to your back cover, as you build your print book. If there is a barcode already on your book, you may run into errors while uploading such as your cover being rejected or the appearance of double barcodes.
Can B&N Press provide me with an ISBN?
Answer: B&N Press can provide you with a free ISBN to publish your print book. We'll also automatically register your ISBN information with BooksInPrint.com®. This a global database of print books maintained by Bowker (the U.S. ISBN agency) and consulted by publishers, libraries, and booksellers. The "Publisher" field on your print book's B&N Press detail page will read "Barnes & Noble Press." This will not appear in your interior and is only provided on your book’s detail page. This free ISBN can only be used on B&N Press for distribution to Barnes & Noble and BN.com. It cannot be used with another publisher or self-publishing service.
Does my book come with ISBN/Bar Code information on the cover?
Answer: Depending on the type of book you order, it may have an ISBN or SKU, and a price may or may not be listed. Review the below chart for specific details.
| ISBN or SKU | Bar Code | Price | |
| Personal Use | SKU | Yes | No |
| For Sale | ISBN | Yes | Yes |
| Author Copy | ISBN | Yes | No |
Is there a limit to the number of Barnes & Noble Free ISBNs?
Answer: Yes, 10 per week or 20 per month. We reserve the right to disallow B&N Free ISBNs.
Should I provide my own ISBN or use the free one from B&N Press?
Answer: It's important to some authors to provide their own ISBN because it allows them to choose their book's imprint of record. An imprint is a trade name that a publishing company uses to publish a work. If you use your own ISBN to publish your print book, you'll be prompted to enter the imprint name as well. The imprint you enter must match either the imprint or publisher name that appears in Bowker (the U.S. ISBN agency).
Can I change my ISBN?
Answer: In keeping with industry standards, your ISBN cannot be changed once assigned. Your ISBN is associated with your book's trim size, title, and author name. That means the ISBN cannot be changed after publication.
Will my personal print copies print with the ISBN barcode on the back cover?
Answer: Yes, as of April 16th, 2019, personal copies of books intended for sale will print with the ISBN barcode on the back cover.
Can I use an ISBN on multiple platforms?
Answer: After an ISBN is used to publish a book on BNP, you will no longer be able to use it on another book or at a different publisher.
Can I reuse an ISBN if I delete the book it was attached to?
Answer: It depends. If the book was ever submitted for review or on sale then the ISBN cannot be used again. If the ISBN was applied to the book but it was never submitted for review or for sale, then the ISBN can be reused after the book has been deleted. If your book was deleted within the last 30 days, you will first have to remove the book from your Recently Deleted page.
