ISBN (International Standard Book Number)

The ID Card for Books

If you are selling books, the ISBN is your most important number. Every book has one. It’s a 13-digit code that tells retailers exactly which title, edition, and publisher they are dealing with. On Amazon, if a product is a book, the ISBN often replaces the need for a standard UPC.

ISBN-10 vs. ISBN-13

You might see two versions of an ISBN. The 10-digit version is the old format, while the 13-digit version (starting with 978 or 979) is the modern international standard. Most systems today, including Amazon’s fulfillment centers, prefer the 13-digit version for barcode scanning and tracking.

• ISBN-13 is the current global standard.
• Usually found on the back cover above the barcode.
• Unique to each specific edition of a book.

Selling Books on Amazon FBA

When shipping books to FBA, the ISBN barcode on the back is usually enough for 'commingled' inventory. However, if you want Amazon to track your specific copy, you might still need to cover the ISBN with an FNSKU label. This prevents your book from being mixed up with copies from other sellers.

Where to Get an ISBN

If you are self-publishing, you must buy your own ISBN from official agencies (like Bowker in the US). Without a valid ISBN, you cannot list a physical book on major platforms like Amazon or Walmart. Once you have it, you can easily turn that number into a scannable barcode for your cover.