If you’re preparing to publish your book, one of the most critical steps is securing your ISBNs. It’s also one of the first steps in book distribution for self-published authors. These little numbers may seem bureaucratic, but they’re essential to making your book discoverable, professional, and widely distributed. As a literary alchemist and author ally, I’m here to teach indie authors how to obtain ISBNs in Canada and the U.S.
What Is an ISBN and Why Does It Matter?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit identifier assigned to each edition and format of your book. Think of it as your book’s fingerprint—it tells bookstores, libraries, distributors, and online retailers exactly what they’re dealing with.
Why you need one:
- Enables retail and library distribution
- Helps readers and systems find your book
- Signals professionalism and publishing legitimacy
- Required by platforms like IngramSpark and most bookstores
How to Get an ISBN in Canada
Good news, Canadian authors: ISBNs are free!
Where to Apply
- ISBNs are issued by Library and Archives Canada (LAC) via the ISBN Canada portal Canada.ca.
Steps to Register
- Create an ISBN Canada account with your legal name and Canadian mailing address.
- Accept the statement of use and submit your publishing details.
- Once approved, you’ll receive login credentials to manage your ISBN logbook.
- Request ISBNs for each format (e-book, paperback, hardcover, audiobook) as needed.
Note: You must have a Canadian address to qualify. Canadians living abroad will need a local contact or publisher to apply on their behalf.
How to Get an ISBN in the United States
In the U.S., ISBNs are not free—Bowker, the official ISBN agency, sells them.
Where to Buy
- Visit myidentifiers.com to purchase ISBNs directly from Bowker.
Pricing
- 1 ISBN: $125 USD
- Block of 10: $295 USD
- Block of 100: $575 USD
Tip: Buy in bulk if you plan to publish multiple formats or titles—it’s more cost-effective.
Best Practices for ISBN Management
- Use separate ISBNs for each format: e-book, paperback, hardcover, audiobook.
- Avoid free ISBNs from platforms (like Amazon’s ASIN) if you want complete control over your metadata and distribution.
- Register your imprint name to appear more professional.
- Keep your metadata consistent across platforms to avoid confusion.
- Track your ISBNs carefully—use a spreadsheet or logbook to manage assignments.
Christine’s Take
Owning your ISBNs is a powerful act of creative sovereignty. It means your book is truly yours—visible, professional, and ready to enchant readers across every shelf and screen. You now know how to obtain ISBNs in Canada and the U.S.
Ready to publish on KDP and IngramSpark? Don’t miss my step-by-step guide to launching your book with confidence and clarity.
If you need help choosing BISAC categories or preparing your files for KDP and IngramSpark, I’m here to guide you. And as a thank-you for trusting me on your publishing journey, I’m offering a 5,000-word free edit to authors who publish on either platform. Just mention this post when you reach out!
Let’s make your book unforgettable!
Since January 1, 2007, it is the law in Canada that all publications, with few exceptions, must be registered with Library and Archives Canada. Once your book is published, you need to register it with the Library and Archives Canada.
Hi Wendy,
Yes, I am aware of that, and I should have included that in the blog post. Thank you for mentioning it!