What Is an ISBN?

Your ISBN (International Standards Book Number) is a unique 13-digit identifier assigned to each book published to facilitate cataloging, and sales for retailers, libraries, and distributors. DiggyPOD makes it easy.

Example formats that need separate ISBNs:

  • Paperback edition
  • Hardcover edition
  • Large print edition
  • Audiobook or special edition

Why Your Book Needs an ISBN

An ISBN allows:

  • Retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million to list and sell your book
  • Libraries to catalog and lend your title Distributors to track your title in inventory systems Readers to find your book through search tools

ISBN Purchasing Options

We understand different authors have different needs, so we offer two ways to get your ISBN:

Purchase Your Own ISBN

Go to a 3rd Party Site like Bowker:
  • Full control over your book’s publishing metadata
  • Your name or publishing imprint listed as the official publisher
  • Flexibility to use the ISBN across different retailers and formats
  • Accurate author branding and publishing identity
This is the ideal choice for authors who want long-term rights and control over their work, but it can be more pricey.

Let DiggyPOD Assign an ISBN for You

Benefits of this option include:
  • Quick, done-for-you ISBN assignment
  • No need to register with third-party agencies yourself
  • Great for authors who want a low-effort publishing path
  • More cost effective
While this means DiggyPOD will appear as the publisher of record in ISBN databases, you still retain full rights to your content and creative control.
Some authors value owning their own ISBN because it gives them complete publishing control. If that matters to you, we encourage you to purchase your own through our streamlined service. But if you’d rather let us handle ISBN setup so you can focus on your book, we’re happy to help.

How the DiggyPOD ISBN Service Works

Getting an ISBN through DiggyPOD is quick and painless:
1. Provide your book metadata – Title, author name, format, release date, etc.
2. We register and reserve the ISBN – We take care of the logistics.
3. You receive your ISBN record – Ready for distribution and metadata use.
We make sure your ISBN is correctly formatted and integrated into your book’s metadata so retailers can list your book without delay.

ISBN vs. Barcode: What’s the Difference?

ISBN (International Standard Book Number)
An ISBN is a 12- or 13-digit number used to identify your book’s edition and format.
Barcode (EAN-13 ISBN Barcode)
A barcode is the machine-readable image printed on your book cover that represents the ISBN and allows scanning at point of sale.
You can purchase both services separately or bundle ISBN + barcode creation with DiggyPOD to save time and ensure everything is print-ready.

FAQs

Explore answers to the most common questions about
our book printing and self-publishing services.

Do ebooks need ISBNs?

No. Most ebook retailers (like Kindle or Apple Books) assign their own internal identifiers. However, if you want wider distribution and library listings, an ISBN for each ebook format is recommended.

Can one ISBN be used for multiple book formats?

No. Each unique format (paperback, hardcover, large print, etc.) needs its own ISBN.

Is it better to buy my own ISBN?

Owning your ISBN gives you full publishing control and lists your name or imprint as the publisher. But if you prefer convenience and want DiggyPOD to manage the ISBN setup, we can assign one for you and still help you publish successfully.

Why Choose DiggyPOD for ISBN Services

DiggyPOD makes self-publishing easier by combining practical expertise with hands-on support:

  • Easy ISBN acquisition - no confusion or admin headaches
  • Transparent pricing and clear deliverables
  • Works seamlessly with our book printing and barcode services
  • Helpful guidance every step of the way

Whether you’re self-publishing a single book or managing multiple titles, we make ISBN management simple.

Start Your ISBN Process Today

Don’t let ISBN uncertainty slow down your publishing goals.

Choose the ISBN service that’s right for you - own your ISBN or let DiggyPOD assign it for you. Get Started with ISBN Registration Bundle ISBN + Barcode Services for Maximum Value Your book deserves professional publishing tools and DiggyPOD has you covered.