Is an ISBN even necessary for eBooks? We explain

Not every book comes with an ISBN, but a majority do. But what does that actually look like for eBooks? Our guide has the answer and gives you all the info on the subject.

No need: eBooks basically do not need an ISBN.

We have already explained the usefulness of the ISBN and the difference between standards 10 and 13 in this guide. For publishers of eBooks, however, this is not necessarily important.

Do eBooks need an ISBN?

The ISBN is a feature of the classic book trade and is still firmly anchored there today. Although it is not mandatory to provide a book with an ISBN, in most cases the number is nevertheless present, as it brings practical advantages. Thus, a book is listed thanks to ISBN in the directory of deliverable books (VLB) and can always be found this way.

• eBooks, on the other hand, basically do not need an ISBN, since they are distributed purely electronically or digitally.
• The advantages of an ISBN, as they appear in the traditional book trade, do not apply there.
• An ISBN is consequently used only for printed books. For example, if your book appears as an eBook and in print form, you can apply for an ISBN for the physical variant.
• Whether an ISBN is useful for printed books depends on the distribution channel. For example, those who sell their works exclusively through Amazon do not need an ISBN even in print form. For self-published books, on the other hand, an ISBN is all the more important.

For eBook authors, the situation is thus quite simple: an ISBN does not matter and that makes publishing eBooks one step easier.