Why Don't Some Books Have an ISBN?

Not all books have an ISBN, also known as the International Standard Book Number, and this is due to several reasons. ISBN is a unique identifier for books, and while it is useful for cataloging and sales tracking, it is not mandatory for all types of books.

Reasons Some Books Lack an ISBN

Self-Publishing
Some self-published authors may choose not to obtain an ISBN. This decision can be due to either the cost involved or the limited distribution of their work. If an author plans to distribute only a small number of copies for personal use, obtaining an ISBN might not be necessary.

Non-Commercial Works
Books that are not intended for commercial sale, such as personal projects, family histories, or small print runs for private distribution, often do not require an ISBN. These books are not meant for widespread sale and thus do not need to be tracked in as formal a manner as commercially distributed books.

Cost and Accessibility
Obtaining an ISBN can involve fees, and some authors or small publishers may find it cost-prohibitive. For example, as of the last update, the cost for ten ISBNs was ￡150, and they are only available in batches of at least ten. This can be a significant investment for someone who is publishing a single book and might not use the rest of the ISBNs.

Format and Medium
Certain types of publications, such as pamphlets, brochures, or digital content not sold through traditional channels, might not need an ISBN. These formats often have different distribution methods and are not subject to the same tracking requirements as traditionally published books.

Different Distribution Methods
Some books are distributed through non-traditional means like zines or local art books. In these cases, an ISBN might not be necessary or recognized. However, using such distribution methods can limit the book's visibility and sales potential.

ISBN Variants
Depending on the distribution method, a book might have an ISBN for one format but not for another. For example, a paperback might have an ISBN, while an e-book of the same work might not. This is often a choice made by the author or publisher.

What Happens When a Book Doesn't Have an ISBN?

Professionally published books will always have an ISBN. If a book doesn't have an ISBN, there are typically two reasons for this:

Self-Publishing: Most commonly, when a book does not have an ISBN, it means it was self-published by someone who either didn’t know any better or didn’t care. Self-published authors often only sell their books on their website or directly to consumers. Such books may be impossible to get listed with distributors. Alternative Formats: Sometimes, the book is not intended to be a traditional book but rather a lead magnet. It might be available only in PDF form, not as a paperback, hardcover, or e-book. The only exception to this rule is Kindle eBooks. Amazon does not require an ISBN for eBooks; instead, they use their own unique ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number).

The Cost of ISBNs

Obtaining an ISBN can be a significant investment. As of the last update, the cost for ten ISBNs was ￡150, and they are only available in batches of at least ten. This can be a big hurdle for someone who just wants to put out a single book. The system was designed for traditional publishers who would buy them in large batches and add them to their books as they publish them. Since the average publisher puts out more than ten books a year, including different editions of the same book, obtaining and using multiple ISBNs is worthwhile.

There are ways around this. Amazon offers free ISBNs to self-publishers publishing paperback books, but you need to list Amazon as a publisher for this. You can also buy spare ISBNs from some small press publishers, but at a much higher price. For example, an ISBN can cost as much as ￡30, while a ten-pack would cost ￡150. Again, this requires you to name the seller as your publisher.

Conclusion

While obtaining an ISBN can help with cataloging and sales tracking, it is not mandatory for every book. Understanding the reasons why some books lack an ISBN can help authors and publishers make informed decisions about their publishing process. Whether it's through cost, distribution methods, or the format of the book, there are many factors to consider.