KDP can provide you with a free ISBN to publish your paperback. We'll also automatically register your ISBN information with BooksInPrint.com®. This a global database of print books maintained by Bowker (the U.S. ISBN agency) and consulted by publishers, libraries, and booksellers.
The “Publisher” field on your paperback's Amazon detail page will read "Independently published." This free ISBN can only be used on KDP for distribution to Amazon and its distribution partners. It cannot be used with another publisher or self-publishing service
Help Topics
- Help
- Accounts
-
Prepare, Publish, Promote
- Getting Started
-
Prepare Your Book
-
Format Your Manuscript
- eBook Manuscript Resources
-
Paperback Manuscript Resources (Beta)
- Paperback Manuscript Templates (Beta)
- Paperback Manuscript Formatting Guide (Beta)
- Step-By-Step Paperback Manuscript Formatting Guide (Beta)
- Update Your Paperback Manuscript (Beta)
- Format Images in Your Paperback
- Paperback Fonts (Beta)
- Create a Paperback PDF File (Beta)
- Paperback Publishing Guidelines (Beta)
- Formatting on a Mac
- Create Your Cover
-
Format Your Manuscript
-
Publish Your Book
- Enter Book Details
- Upload Content
- Set Rights and Pricing
- Publishing Timelines
-
Promote Your Book
- Promote Your Book
- Kindle Merchandising Programs
- Merchandising Tips
- Linking eBook and Paperback Editions
- Customer Reviews
- Amazon Programs
- Tools and Resources
- Update Published Books
- Sales, Royalties, Taxes
- Legal
Contact Us
Have feedback? Can't find your answer in our Help pages?
Contact UsPaperback ISBN (Beta)
An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is assigned to every published book. An ISBN identifies a book's:
Note: The ISBN in your book’s files must match the metadata used when setting up your paperback.
- Edition
- Publisher
- Physical properties like trim size, page count, binding type
Note: The ISBN in your book’s files must match the metadata used when setting up your paperback.
Can I provide my own ISBN?
You can buy your own ISBN from Bowker or through your local ISBN agency. ISBNs purchased from Bowker can be used to publish titles in any language. KDP authors can buy an ISBN at a discounted rate from Bowker.
If you use your own ISBN, KDP will check whether your book's imprint matches what's on file with Bowker. You will not be able to publish your book if there is a mismatch. If you are reprinting your book, the title, author name, and binding type must stay the same. A new edition requires a new ISBN.
If you use your own ISBN, KDP will check whether your book's imprint matches what's on file with Bowker. You will not be able to publish your book if there is a mismatch. If you are reprinting your book, the title, author name, and binding type must stay the same. A new edition requires a new ISBN.
Can I change my ISBN?
In keeping with industry standards, your ISBN cannot be changed once assigned. Your ISBN is associated with your book's trim size, title, and author name. That means the ISBN cannot be changed after publication.
