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The Big Question: Whose Name is on the ISBN? (And Why It Matters So Much)

The Big Question: Whose Name Is On The ISBN? (And Why It Matters So Much)

I’ve been a hybrid publisher for 15 years. I never own an author’s ISBN number, as I think it works better to gift it to the author. Following are some points to consider and a breakdown of what each option means:

1. Registering the ISBN under your name

This is the most common and often recommended practice.

  • You retain full ownership and control. The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) identifies the publisher, and if you register it under your name, you are officially the publisher. This is crucial if you are self-publishing.
  • You can manage future editions and changes. If you want to create a new edition, an audiobook, or an ebook version, you can do so directly without needing permission from anyone else.
  • It simplifies rights management. When it comes to selling foreign rights, movie rights, or other subsidiary rights, the chain of ownership is clear and uncomplicated.
  • It can be more professional. For a self-published author, having your own publishing imprint (even if it’s just your name) looks more professional.

When to insist on this:

  • You are the sole author and creator of the work.
  • You are self-publishing and want to maintain complete control and ownership of your book.
  • The other party is a service provider (e.g., a “publisher” who is actually a print-on-demand service or a vanity press).

2. Letting “them” register the ISBN under their name

This typically occurs when working with a traditional publisher, a hybrid publisher, or a vanity press.

  • They become the official publisher. The ISBN links the book to their company.
  • They handle distribution and logistics. The benefit here is that they take on the burden of managing the book’s distribution channels, returns, and inventory. This is the standard model for a traditional publisher.
  • You may lose control. If the book is registered under their name, they have the right to manage the title record. This can be a problem if you later want to return the book, change distributors, or publish a new edition on your own. You may be tied to their services or need to buy back the ISBN from them.
  • It’s a potential red flag. If a service provider is charging you for publishing services and also wants to own the ISBN, you need to be very careful. This could be a sign of a predatory or vanity press model where you are paying them for a service, but they are retaining the rights and control that you, as the author, should have.

When this is acceptable:

  • You have a contract with a legitimate traditional publisher. In this case, it’s a standard part of the agreement, and they are providing a valuable service (editing, marketing, distribution) in exchange for the rights.
  • You have a clear understanding of the terms. If you are paying a hybrid publisher, make sure your contract specifies what happens if you terminate the relationship. Can you get a new ISBN and republish the book?

What to ask yourself

  1. Who owns the copyright? The ISBN and the copyright are separate. The author always owns the copyright of the work unless it has been explicitly transferred. The question concerns who owns the publishing rights, which are tied to the ISBN.
  2. What is the other party’s role? Are they a true publisher (paying you an advance, handling all costs)? Or are they a service provider (charging you for design, editing, and printing)?
  3. What does the contract say? If you have a contract, read it carefully to understand the terms of ownership, rights, and what happens if you part ways.

My suggestion

  • If you are self-publishing, always register the ISBN under your own name or the name of your publishing imprint. Buy a block of 10 or 100 ISBNs from Bowker (in the US) or the official ISBN agency in your country. It’s a small investment that gives you long-term control.
  • If you are working with someone who wants to register the ISBN under their name, ask them to provide justification for it. Get a clear explanation of what benefits this provides to you and what happens if you end the business relationship.
  • Be wary of anyone who charges you money and also insists on owning the ISBN. This is often a sign of a “vanity press” where you are paying them to own and profit from your work.

Ultimately, the best approach is the one that aligns with your goals as an author and gives you the most control and flexibility for the future of your book.

Take it from Mark Schaefer, someone I consider to be one of the finest marketing authors in the world, who said I was “the most caring book coach in the world, and mix in Seth Godin, with whom I had the honor of working as a team of 70 when he focused on “re-inventing” publishing back in 2008, I love helping thought leaders who are focused on creating non-ficiton, thought leadership books and am dedicated to helping now more than the almost 200 thought leaders write, publishing and launch their books. I look forward to talking with you. Just reach out and contact me here: https://networlding.com/contact-me/

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