No, once a title is published with an ISBN on it, the ISBN can never be used again . Even if a title goes out of print, the ISBN cannot be reused since the title continues to be catalogued by libraries and traded by used booksellers.
Can different books have the same ISBN?
For example, paperback and hardcover versions of the same title will have different ISBNs . A textbook will have a separate ISBN for each edition. ... If a book is reprinted by its same publisher without any changes or revisions, it will keep the same ISBN.
Can two books have the same ISBN number?
Two books may have precisely the same content but be issued different ISBNs because they come from different printings. Likewise, printing errors, etc., can in rare cases render two books different despite having the same ISBN.
Do you need a new ISBN for a second edition?
If you create a second edition with new material to “freshen” the book and give it new marketing life, it must have a new ISBN. If you change the title of the book you must have a new ISBN. Remember that your ISBN identifies a specific work. ... If the price of the book changes you do NOT need a new ISBN.
How do I get an ISBN and copyright?
Go to ISBN.org or bowker.com to find out how to do this. They have application forms you can fill out online or download. The cost can range from about $80-200 depending on how many ISBN’s you get, and other factors. It generally takes about 2-3 weeks to obtain your ISBN from this site.
Can I change my ISBN?
A new ISBN is required for a different color type book. Blurb-provided ISBNs cannot be moved to a new version of your book. Instead, simply accept a new Blurb-provided ISBN when you upload your new version.
What is the difference between first edition and second edition books?
A first edition is the first printing of a book. It’s true that a first edition may have one or more printings and that a second edition will normally be noted only if there are actual changes, usually major, in the text. But for a collector, a first printing is the only true first edition.
Are second edition books valuable?
And sometimes signed early editions are pretty valuable, even if they aren’t first editions from the first printing! If the book is very, very popular, second editions or reprint editions may be desirable to collectors who don’t have the cash to fork over for first editions but still want a piece of rare book history.
What’s the difference between first and second edition books?
In publishing terms, an edition is technically all copies of a book that were printed from the same setting of type and the book is only described as a second edition if substantial changes are made to the copy . ... It is common to see booksellers describe these later first editions as a ‘first edition thus. ‘
How do I get a free ISBN?
If you live in the United States, you can get your book’s ISBN for free through your self-publishing platform , such as Amazon and Draft2Digital, which will provide you with an ISBN at no cost.
Do I need an ISBN to copyright my book?
No. Obtaining an ISBN does not mean the book is copyrighted. A copyright is exclusive legal right to the creator of original works to print, publish, perform, or record literary works. ... However, to protect your copyright, it must be registered with the U.S. Copyright office , which costs $35.
Who owns the ISBN?
According to Bowker, the agency responsible for issuing ISBNs in the US, “If a self -publisher wants to be identified as the publisher, they must get their own ISBN. A printing company or publisher services company cannot sell, give away or transfer one of their ISBNs to a customer.”
Who can buy an ISBN?
If you live in the USA, you have to get an ISBN through myidentifiers.com , run by Bowker, the only company that is authorized to administer the ISBN program in the United States. You can purchase ISBNs as a single unit or in bulk of 10, 100 or 1000.
What constitutes a new edition of a book?
A new edition means that there has been substantial change : content has been altered in a way that might make a customer complain that this was not the product that was expected. Or, text has been changed to add a new feature, such as a preface or appendix or additional content. Or, content has been revised.
What is so special about first edition books?
Book collectors value first editions because it’s the closest one can get to the author’s intent . The author is usually more invested and involved in the first printing process because it’s the first time their work is born and introduced to the world.
