ISBN is an abbreviation for International Standard Book Number. Just as hardcover texts have a separate ISBN from their paperback counterparts, the eBook version of your content also requires a unique identifier. You might see this informally called an "eISBN", in reference to an ISBN that refers to an ebook.
Do I need an ISBN to publish through Kobo Writing Life?
You will still be able to publish your book on Kobo without an ISBN and sell in over 190 countries worldwide as we will issue our own identifier number when it goes on our site.
However, this Kobo-specific identifier is not accepted for distribution through our all partner sites (Indigo, FNAC, etc.) Having a valid ISBN is the industry standard and lends your works a sense of credibility. We would therefore recommend an ISBN if you’re trying to distribute to a specific partner site that requires ISBNs, but it is not necessary.
How do I change my book’s ISBN?
The ISBN for a book loaded onto our website cannot be changed as it acts as the primary identifier for an eBook in our system.
If you wish to alter your book's ISBN you will have to create a new entry for it on Kobo Writing Life, ensuring that the number is correct - and that it contains no dashes - and then delist the original entry with the incorrect ISBN.
How do I get an ISBN?
Depending on where in the world you are located, there are different agencies that can supply you with an ISBN. The process and price will depend on the country you’re in!
Canada | Publishers based in Canada can get an ISBN number from Library and Archives Canada for free. |
United States | The United States ISBN Agency is the only official source authorized to assign ISBNs to publishers based in the United States. ISBNs range in price, depending on the number of ISBNs you purchase. |
UK and Ireland | The Nielson UK ISBN Agency is responsible for assigning ISBN numbers to publishers based in the UK or Republic of Ireland. ISBNs range in price, depending on the number of ISBNs you purchase. |
Rest of Europe | To find the agency that is responsible for issuing an ISBN in your country or region, visit the International ISBN Agency website. To find the institution responsible for issuing ISBNs in your country, follow the “National Agencies” link on the left hand-side of the page and then use the dropdown menu to select your country. |
New Zealand | The National Library of New Zealand provides ISBN numbers to publishers based in New Zealand for free. |
Australia | Publishers based in Australia can obtain an ISBN number from the ISBN Agency Australia. ISBNs range in price, depending on the number of ISBNs you purchase. |