Enhanced DNA Publishing
3 min
Updated: Oct 17, 2023
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Bowker Identifier Services (Bowker) provides publishers with tools and resources to purchase and assign book identifiers such as International Standard Book Number (ISBNs), Standard Address Numbers (SAN), Barcodes and others available through Bowker Identifier Services (MyIdentifiers.com). Bowker provides a host of discoverability services and solutions for publishers including editing, copyright, etc. but the most important is that Bowker is the official place to purchase ISBNs in the United States.
The ISBN is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies every book, the registrant as well as the specific title, edition and format. An ISBN is assigned to each edition and variation (except reprintings) of a book (eBook, paperback, hardcopy, audiobook, etc.). Any book that is published and is sold through a distributor, requires an ISBN. The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify the book, so that it is more efficient to identify and market them through book sellers, libraries, wholesalers and distributors.
Your books' ISBN is its nametag. Without an ISBN your book cannot be identified. The ISBN is unique to your book. No one else will have the same one.
ISBNs are not free, in fact, they can be costly if purchased individually. But wait! Doesn't Amazon have free ISBNs? They do, however if you use a free ISBN from Amazon, the book has limitations and you may not be able to sell it through other distributers.
When ISBNs are purchased, they “belong” to the business entity (publisher or individual) based on the name or “imprint” provided at the time of purchase. Note that this is different from who owns the “rights” to the book.* The ISBN cannot be transferred, sold or given away to another person/customer. The only exception to the transfer requirement is if a company purchased the ISBNs and then the company was sold or acquired by another company or the original owner of the ISBN passes away. In that case, the new owner can transfer the ISBNs to their name. As a result, it is important ensure that you do not “over-purchase” ISBNs that you will not use.
BIS offers a variety of tools and services to help publishers manage their identifiers, including:
The Bowker Identifier Management service: The Bowker Identifier Management service is a web-based service that allows publishers to manage their ISBNs, ISSNs, and DOIs.
The BowkerNet database: The BowkerNet database is a comprehensive database of ISBNs, ISSNs, and other book and serial data.
The BIS API: The BIS API is a web-based API that allows publishers to integrate Bowker identifier services into their own systems.
Title Management: Bowker's Title Management system helps you keep track of your book's metadata, ensuring accuracy and consistency across various platforms.
Global Books in Print: Access to the Global Books in Print database helps you promote your book to a worldwide audience.
To get started with Bowker Identifier Services, you can visit the BIS website or contact BIS customer support. BIS offers a variety of resources to help you get started, including:
A getting started guide
A FAQ
A knowledge base
A blog
Additionally, you can reach out to the Enhanced DNA Publishing Academy team for guidance and support.
To summarize, Bowker Identifier Services (Bowker) provides many services but the most important is the identification and provisioning of ISBNs for your book.
*For more information about “rights” visit the Enhanced DNA Publishing Academy Download, “Understanding Author Rights”.