If you're about to publish a book, you've probably heard that you need an ISBN. But what exactly is it? How do you get one? Is it mandatory? In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about the ISBN, how to obtain one in both Mexico and the United States, and the most common mistakes to avoid.
Understanding the ISBN is one of the first steps to making your book identifiable, distributable, and professional in any market.
What Is the ISBN?
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It's a unique 13-digit numeric code that exclusively identifies each edition and format of a book worldwide.
Think of the ISBN as your book's "fingerprint." Thanks to it, bookstores, distributors, libraries, and platforms like Amazon can identify your work without confusing it with any other. Each format of your book (paperback, hardcover, eBook) needs a different ISBN.
The ISBN does not protect your copyright (that's what copyright registration does). Its function is purely commercial and identificational: it allows your book to circulate in the global publishing distribution system.
Why Do You Need an ISBN?
Physical and online bookstores require an ISBN to include your book in their catalog.
Libraries don't acquire books without an ISBN; it's required for their classification system.
Wholesale distributors like Ingram or Baker & Taylor require an ISBN to process orders.
Amazon allows publishing without an ISBN on KDP, but if you want expanded distribution, you'll need one.
The ISBN gives your publication professional credibility and distinguishes it from informal publications.
It facilitates sales tracking and statistical monitoring of your book within the publishing industry.
How to Get an ISBN in Mexico
In Mexico, the agency responsible for assigning ISBNs is INDAUTOR (the National Institute of Copyright), which operates under the Ministry of Culture. The process is free and can be completed online or in person.
Register as a publisher
To request an ISBN in Mexico, you need to be registered as a publisher with INDAUTOR. If you're an independent author, you can register as an individual publisher. Registration requires official identification, proof of address, and CURP.
Request the ISBN online
Go to the INDAUTOR portal (indautor.gob.mx) and complete the application form. You'll need your book's complete details: title, author, page count, format, language, and estimated publication date.
Receive your assignment
INDAUTOR typically processes the request in 5 to 10 business days. You'll receive your assigned ISBN along with the corresponding barcode that must be included on your book's back cover.
Legal deposit
Once your book is published, you're required to submit two copies to Mexico's National Library as part of the legal deposit. This step is mandatory and complements the ISBN registration.
How to Get an ISBN in the United States
In the United States, the only authorized agency for selling ISBNs is Bowker (myidentifiers.com). Unlike Mexico, ISBNs in the U.S. come with a cost.
| Quantity | Approximate price | Cost per ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ISBN | $125 USD | $125 USD |
| 10 ISBNs | $295 USD | $29.50 USD |
| 100 ISBNs | $575 USD | $5.75 USD |
If you plan to publish more than one book or need ISBNs for different formats (print, eBook, audiobook), buying a 10-pack is significantly more cost-effective. The Bowker process is entirely digital: you register, pay, and receive your ISBNs immediately.
Common ISBN Mistakes
Using the same ISBN for different formats
Each format (paperback, hardcover, eBook, audiobook) needs its own ISBN. Reusing one causes confusion in distribution systems.
Buying ISBNs from unauthorized third parties
Some services resell ISBNs at a lower price, but the ISBN gets registered under that company's name, not yours. This means you don't appear as the official publisher of your own book.
Confusing ISBN with copyright
The ISBN identifies your book commercially; it doesn't protect your work legally. For legal protection, you need to register your copyright separately.
Not including the barcode on the back cover
The ISBN must be accompanied by its EAN-13 barcode on the back cover. Without the barcode, bookstores can't scan your book at the point of sale.
Reusing an ISBN after major changes
If you make substantial content changes (not simple typo fixes), you need a new ISBN. A revised second edition requires a different ISBN from the first.
Need Help with Your Book's ISBN?
At Reino Editorial, we handle the ISBN as part of our complete editorial service. You don't have to worry about the paperwork: we make sure your book has all the identifiers and registrations needed to circulate professionally in Mexico, the United States, and worldwide.
Ready to publish your book professionally?
Send us your manuscript and we'll take care of the ISBN, registration, and the entire editorial process so your book reaches the world with the quality it deserves.