Do I need an ISBN number to self publish with AuthorHouse?

AuthorHouse will provide a unique ISBN number for your book at no extra charge. An ISBN, which stands for International Standard Book Number, is a standardized number used by publishers and booksellers to distinguish individual books. The ISBN numerical code contains identifiers for a book’s language, along with a unique publisher’s code and an individual title code used to distribute and order your title at booksellers across the world.

Once your manuscript has entered the production process, AuthorHouse will assign an ISBN number for each version of your book. For example, if you elect to publish your title as a hardcover with a dust jacket and as a paperback, each version will receive a unique ISBN number so booksellers can distinguish between the two.

Your unique ISBN number will be listed on the copyright page at the front of your book. In addition, your ISBN number will be incorporated into a bar code on your book’s back cover. This bar code prepares your book to be sold by retail booksellers, and guarantees your self-published title can be ordered from any bookseller in the world.

As of January 1, 2007, new ISBN numbers are being upgraded from 10 to 13 digits to accomodate growth in the publishing industry. All AuthorHouse titles published before 2007 will be updated from a 10 digit to a 13 digit ISBN, while all new AuthorHouse titles will automatically receive a 13 digit ISBN number.

If you have additional questions about the ISBN, or how to get your manuscript published, sign up to receive your complimentary Publishing Guide Book. This in-depth guide explains our process and invites you to take your self-publishing journey with us. You may also call toll-free at 888.519.5121 to speak with one of our author advocates.