ISBN Service for Authors
Get your official 13-digit ISBN assigned instantly. Recognized by retailers, libraries, and distributors worldwide.
From $34.99 per ISBN
10,000+ books published · Instant delivery · 100% royalties
This product includes
Pricing
Here's How Easy It Is
Complete Your Order
Purchase your ISBNs securely. The process takes less than 2 minutes.
Instantly Receive Your ISBNs
Your ISBN numbers are assigned automatically at checkout and delivered to your email.
Register Your Book
Use your ISBN when publishing on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or any other platform.
ISBN vs ASIN: What's the Difference?
Understand the key difference between Amazon's ASIN and a globally recognized ISBN
An ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) is Amazon's internal product ID. It's free and automatically assigned when you publish on KDP. However, an ASIN only works on Amazon — it has no recognition outside the Amazon ecosystem.
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a globally recognized 13-digit identifier used by bookstores, libraries, distributors, and retailers worldwide including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IngramSpark, and thousands of others.
If you only plan to sell on Amazon, you can use Amazon's free ASIN. But if you want your book discoverable across all sales channels, listed in the Books in Print database, and orderable by libraries and bookstores globally, you need an ISBN.
| Feature | ASIN (Amazon) | ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | From £27.99 |
| Where it works | Amazon only | All retailers, libraries, distributors worldwide |
| Listed in Books in Print | ||
| Orderable by bookstores | ||
| Orderable by libraries | ||
| Works on IngramSpark | ||
| Publisher control | Amazon listed as publisher | Your chosen publisher listed |
Why Choose HMD Publishing?
See how we compare to Bowker, ISBNdirect, and Amazon KDP
| Feature | HMD Publishing | Bowker (US) | ISBNdirect | Amazon KDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (single ISBN) | From £27.99 (~$35) | $125 | $19 | Free |
| Delivery time | Instant | 1–3 business days | Instant | Instant |
| Works with Amazon KDP | N/A (ASIN only) | |||
| Works with IngramSpark | ||||
| Works with all retailers | ||||
| Listed in Books in Print | ||||
| Author keeps 100% royalties | ||||
| Barcodes included | Extra cost | |||
| Bulk discounts | Up to 64% off | Limited | N/A | |
| Support | Dedicated team | Email only | Email only | Self-service |
Do I Need an ISBN?
You NEED an ISBN if:
- You want to sell on IngramSpark
- You want your book in bookstores or libraries
- You want to maintain publisher control
- You plan to distribute through multiple channels
You can skip an ISBN if:
- —You're exclusively selling ebooks on Amazon KDP
- —You don't plan to expand to other platforms
Our recommendation: Most serious authors benefit from having their own ISBN. It gives you full control over your book's identity and opens every sales channel worldwide.
How Much Does an ISBN Cost?
ISBN prices vary significantly by provider. In the US, Bowker charges $125 for a single ISBN. ISBNdirect charges $19. At HMD Publishing, a single ISBN costs £27.99 (approximately $35), with bulk discounts available — 3 ISBNs for £97.99, 10 for £197.99, or 100 for £997.99.
Some platforms like Amazon KDP offer free ASINs, but these are not ISBNs and only work within Amazon's ecosystem.
ISBNs are a one-time purchase with no recurring fees. Once assigned, your ISBN is yours permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ISBN?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit numeric identifier assigned to each edition and format of a book. ISBNs are administered by the International ISBN Agency and used by publishers, bookstores, libraries, and distributors in over 150 countries to catalogue, order, and track books. The current standard is ISBN-13, which begins with the prefix 978 or 979.
Why is an ISBN important?
An ISBN is essential for wide distribution. It is required by major distributors like IngramSpark, Gardners, and Baker & Taylor, and is used by bookstores and libraries worldwide to order and catalogue books. Without an ISBN, your book cannot be listed in the Books in Print database, which is the primary reference used by booksellers and librarians globally. An ISBN also allows you to track sales data across all channels.
How many ISBNs do I need?
Each format of your book requires its own ISBN. A paperback edition needs one ISBN, an ebook needs a separate ISBN, a hardcover needs another, and an audiobook needs its own. If you publish a substantially revised edition, that also requires a new ISBN. Most authors publishing one book in paperback and ebook format need at least 2 ISBNs, which is why our 3-pack is the most popular choice — it covers paperback, ebook, and hardcover with a saving over buying individually.
Will I keep 100% of my royalties?
Yes. HMD Publishing never takes any percentage of your book sales or royalties. The ISBN is registered under HMD Publishing Ltd as the publisher of record, but this is purely administrative. You retain full copyright, full creative control, and 100% of all royalties from every sale across every platform.
Can I use this ISBN with KDP or Lulu?
Yes. ISBNs purchased through HMD Publishing work with all major publishing platforms including Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Lulu, Draft2Digital, BookBaby, and any other platform that accepts ISBN-13 numbers. When you set up your book on these platforms, simply enter your 13-digit ISBN in the ISBN field during the publishing process.
Are there any recurring costs?
No. An ISBN is a one-time purchase with no subscription fees, renewal costs, or ongoing charges. Once you purchase an ISBN from HMD Publishing, it is yours permanently. There are no hidden fees of any kind.
Who will be listed as publisher?
HMD Publishing Ltd will be listed as the publisher of record on industry databases such as Books in Print and Bookwire. This is standard practice for ISBN resellers and is purely an administrative designation. HMD Publishing does not claim any rights, ownership, or royalties over your work. You remain the sole author and copyright holder. Many bestselling self-published authors use publisher-imprint ISBNs for the professional credibility it provides.
How quickly will I receive my ISBN?
Instantly. Your ISBN numbers are assigned automatically at checkout and delivered to your email within minutes. There is no waiting period, no paperwork, and no approval process. You can begin using your ISBN on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or any other platform immediately after purchase.
Complete Your Publishing Journey
Buy ISBN Numbers For Your Book
Get your official 13-digit ISBN assigned instantly. Recognized by retailers, libraries, and distributors worldwide.
From £27.99 · Instant delivery · 100% royalties
Here's How Easy It Is
Complete Your Order
Purchase your ISBNs securely in under 2 minutes
Step 1
Instantly Receive Your ISBNs
Assigned at checkout and delivered to your email
Step 2
Register Your Book
Use on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or any platform
Done!
Simple, Transparent Pricing
VAT (20%) added for UK customers at checkout.
Single ISBN
1 ISBN number
- 1 ISBN number
- Books in Print listing
- Barcode files included
- Instant delivery
3-Pack
Paperback + ebook + hardcover
- 3 ISBN numbers
- Covers all common formats
- Books in Print listing
- Instant delivery
10-Pack
Series authors & multiple formats
- 10 ISBN numbers
- Best per-ISBN value
- Books in Print listing
- Instant delivery
Platform Guarantee: Instant delivery · 100% royalties
Need 100 ISBNs? Get the Publisher Pack for £997.99 Contact us
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Your ISBN?
Join thousands of authors with professional ISBNs
Get Your ISBN – From £27.99Instant delivery · 100% royalties