I've been self-publishing my books for over a dozen years. One of the most perplexing aspects for a first-time self-publishing author is packagers and whether or not an ISBN is required. Much confusion can ensue.
So let's look at an example to perhaps un-confuse this issue. Let's say I have a new book that I want to publish in both print and ebook editions with maximum distribution. In this case, I'd use two packagers for the print book and two packagers for the ebook.
For the ebook version, I’d use Kindle and Draft2Digital (D2D) for distribution. Why two? Kindle distributes the ebook thoughout the Amazon universe, so it will show up on Amazon sites in the UK, other European sites, Brazil, India, Japan and a few other sites. However, Kindle will not distribute the ebook to sites outside of Amazon. D2D will distribute the book to many non-Amazon sites includijng Barnes and Noble, Kobo and library sites such as Overdrive and Hoopla. Using these two distributors will ensure the book receives maximum exposure even thought most of the sales will come from Amazon sites.
As to ISBNs: Amazon says it doesn’t require one since the ebook will never be distrubuted outside of the Amazon universe. WIth D2D, you need an ISBN and D2D will give you a free one if you wish. Or you can buy one from Bowker.com for $129 (think monopoly pricing at work here. This only applies of you live in the USA). What’s the difference? The free ISBN from D2D belongs to D2D and says D2D is the publisher. If you want the ISBN to list you as the publisher, you’ll have to buy one from Bower.
For print books, I’d use Kindle and IngramSpark (IS) as distributors. Why two? Amazon will distribute print books outside the Amazon universe and the book will show up (eventually) at sites like Barnes and Noble, but on their websites, not in the book stores. Book stores will not stock Amazon books because 1. Amazon would love to drive them out business, and 2. Kindle will not allow book returns. Book stores will, however, order a book from Kindle if you go to the store and request it.
As to ISBNs, Kindle will give you a free ISBN if you request it. Once againe the freebie will list Kindle as the publisher. Or you can buy one from Bowker
To get my print book in book stores, I’d have to use IngramSpark as a distributor. With IS, you have to provide your own ISBN and a different ISBN from the ebook ISBN. A free print ISBN from Kindle will most likely be rejected by IS who will demand a different ISBN. (Be warned, IS is a user-unfriendly website.) Once available through IS, book stores will have no problem ordering your book to put on their shelves.
To summarze: using these four distributors will require at least one ISBN (for IS) and possible two (one for ebooks and one for print book). To expand on this possible confusing situation, if you provide the ISBNs, the ISBNs belong to you, not to the distributor and you can use the ebook ISBN for any number of ebook distributors. Similarly, you can use the print ISBN for any number of print distributors.
I used a spreadsheet program to summarize the ISBN requirements.
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