ISBN allocation
Free, real, Bowker-registered ISBN-13 — every book.
An ISBN isn't a Chiify identifier. It's not an Amazon ASIN. It's a real, internationally recognized book ID issued from our registered Bowker block — included on every plan, in every book.
ISBNs are oddly expensive. Bowker sells them at $125 each if you buy a single one, dropping to about $30 each in blocks of 10. For most indie authors, that math never makes sense.
So most aggregators either charge for ISBNs (typically $9 to $25 each) or hand out non-ISBN identifiers that don't register in the global book registry.
Chiify holds a registered ISBN block with Bowker. Every book published through Chiify gets a real ISBN-13 from that block, reported into the global registry, with no fee. One number per format (ebook, paperback, audiobook).
What you actually get
- A real ISBN-13 in the 979-8-90516 prefix range, reported to Bowker.
- Listed in Books In Print and discoverable via every ISBN lookup tool.
- Used in your book's ONIX feed to every retailer and library system we distribute to.
- Printed on the copyright page of your paperback if you order print-on-demand through us.
- Persistent — the ISBN remains attached to your book forever, even if you migrate platforms.
Publisher of record — what it means
The publisher of record is whoever owns the ISBN block the number came from. For a Chiify-allocated ISBN, that's Chiify. For a Bowker-purchased ISBN you own, that's your imprint name.
For most authors, this distinction doesn't matter. But if you're building a publishing brand, you can buy your own block or use Chiify's free ISBN now and switch later for future books.
ISBN per format
ISO 2108 requires a different ISBN for each substantially different format. In practice:
- Ebook (EPUB) — one ISBN
- Paperback — a separate ISBN
- Hardcover — a separate ISBN
- Audiobook — a separate ISBN
Chiify allocates the right number of ISBNs automatically based on the formats you publish, all from our block, all free.
Frequently asked
Is the ISBN actually free? Where's the catch?
It's actually free. Every Chiify book is assigned an ISBN-13 from our reserved Bowker block at no cost. You can bring your own ISBN (BYOI) at any time.
Is this a real ISBN or a fake "Chiify identifier"?
A real ISBN from our registered Bowker block. Every number is reported to Bowker's central registry and shows up in Books In Print and WorldCat.
Can I take my ISBN with me if I leave Chiify?
Yes. The ISBN remains assigned to your book in the global registry forever. You won't get the ISBN to issue future books with — that requires buying your own block from Bowker.
Do I need a different ISBN for each format?
Yes — ebook, paperback, and audiobook each require a separate ISBN-13. Chiify allocates them automatically, all free.
Why do many other aggregators charge for ISBNs?
Many don't hold ISBN blocks themselves and mark up reseller costs. We chose to include them because we already had the block.
Can I use my own ISBN instead?
Yes, anytime. Select "Use a Chiify ISBN (free)" or paste an ISBN you own when you create a book.
Your book deserves a real number.
Sign up free, upload your EPUB, and we'll assign a Bowker-registered ISBN-13 before review.