If you are a writer or an author, you must be puzzled by terms such as ISBN and ASIN. These are not just another set of acronyms to add to your publishing vocabulary. It is essential that you understand these terms because only then will you be able to use them to your advantage in the book’s distribution, discoverability, and sales of your book. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
ISBN: International Standard Book Number
What is an ISBN?
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique book identifier. It’s a 13-digit number that helps differentiate one book from another, even if multiple books have the same title. The book ISBN number is crucial for cataloguing and searching for books in databases, e.g. Through the Mind’s Eyes has been assigned an ISBN that looks like this: 978-93-5896-305-2
Why Do You Need an ISBN?
An ISBN is essential for several reasons:
1. Distribution: Major bookstores, libraries, and online retailers search books by ISBN number , which helps them stock and sell your book. For instance, mythology Guru Devdutt Pattanaik’s books all carry an ISBN, which makes them widely accessible in bookstores across India and globally.
2. Cataloging: Booksellers and libraries need an ISBN number to search for your book. It helps the seller quickly locate necessary information regarding your book. Whether you are searching for a book in Delhi’s Daryaganj or on an online platform like Flipkart, a book ISBN number helps you quickly discover your book.
3. Professionalism: A book without an ISBN marks it out as a sure-shot, immature work. An ISBN gives your work a professional feel, improving the book’s credibility. Well-known authors will not dream of publishing a book without an ISBN. Authors like Chitra Divakaruni, Chetan Bhagat, and Novoneel Chakraborty like to leverage the power of ISBN to add to the credibility of their book and the potential for broad reach it holds.
How to Get an ISBN?
Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency is the agency that allows ISBNs in India. To obtain an ISBN for your book, you must visit their website, complete the required forms, and purchase one. If you’re self-publishing, platforms like Amazon KDP, Zorba Books DIY, or IngramSpark also offer ISBNs, making the process more accessible for independent authors.
ASIN: Amazon Standard Identification Number
What is an ASIN?
The Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN), referred to as Amazon ASIN number, is a unique identifier explicitly used within Amazon’s ecosystem. It’s a 10-character alphanumeric string that identifies products on Amazon, including books. ASIN assigned to the book Through the Mind’s Eyes is: B0DTZ3KQ32
Why Do You Need an ASIN?
An ASIN is essential if you’re planning to sell your book on Amazon:
- Amazon Listing: When you are looking to sell on Amazon, Amazon assigns your book an ASIN. All authors, whether new or well-known their book will be assigned an ASIN. E.g., If Devdutt Pattanaik decides to list his latest release on Amazon, Amazon will assign his book “Ahimsa” and ASIN without a charge, making the book easily searchable on Amazon.
- Amazon Search: ASINs are used in Amazon’s search algorithms, helping users find and download books by ASIN.
- Amazon Exclusive Programs: Programs like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Select require an ASIN.
How to Get an ASIN From Amazon?
When you publish your ebook through Amazon KDP, Amazon automatically assigns an ASIN to your book. You don’t have to take additional steps to obtain an ASIN from Amazon.
ISBN vs ASIN: Key Differences
Scope of Use:
- -ISBN: Used globally and recognised by all booksellers, libraries, and distributors.
- -ASIN: Specific to Amazon’s ecosystem and not recognised outside of it.
Format Coverage:
- -ISBN: Can be assigned to any format, including hardcover, paperback, and eBooks.
- -ASIN: Typically assigned to Amazon Kindle eBooks and other products sold on Amazon.
Cost:
- -ISBN: Usually involves a small cost.
- -ASIN: Free and automatically assigned by Amazon when you publish through KDP.
Discoverability:
- -ISBN: Enhances discoverability across various platforms and retailers and helps people search for your book by ISBN number
- – ASIN: Enhances discoverability primarily within Amazon.
Which One Do You Need?
The answer to ISBN vs ASIN depends on your publishing goals:
An ASIN is sufficient if you’re self-publishing and plan to sell exclusively on Amazon. However, you will still need a book ISBN number to make your book available in libraries or other bookstores.
If you want to distribute your book outside of Amazon, whether to libraries, retailers, physical stores, etc., you will require an ISBN. This will help retailers and libraries to sell and catalogue your book.
Conclusion
Whether you want an ISBN or are happy with just an ASIN depends on whether you want to reach an audience outside of Amazon and your publishing strategy. Clarity on your distribution goal will help you decide whether you would like an ASIN, ISBN, or both.
An ASIN will only target the Amazon audience. For broader distribution and credibility, an ISBN for a book will help the book reach a broader audience.
Articles to help you better understand book publishing
Writing and Publishing Your First Book: Expert Tips and Proven Strategies