## Introduction
In the world of e-book publishing, there are a number of different ways to get your book into the hands of readers. You can self-publish, or you can work with a traditional publisher. Regardless of which route you choose, there is one thing that all e-books need: an ISBN.
An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique 13-digit code that identifies your book. It’s like a barcode for books, and it allows retailers and libraries to track and order your book.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of ISBNs in e-book publishing, and we’ll explain how to get an ISBN for your own e-book.
## Why You Need an ISBN for Your E-Book
There are a number of reasons why you need an ISBN for your e-book. Here are a few of the most important:
* **To make your book discoverable.** An ISBN is one of the most important ways to make your e-book discoverable by potential readers. When retailers and libraries search for books, they use ISBNs to find them. Without an ISBN, your e-book will be much harder to find, and it will be less likely to sell.
* **To protect your copyright.** An ISBN can help you protect your copyright by making it easier to track and identify your book. If someone tries to plagiarize your work, you can use the ISBN to prove that you are the original author.
* **To make it easier to sell your book.** When you’re selling your e-book directly to readers, an ISBN can make the process much easier. Retailers and distributors will be more likely to stock your book if it has an ISBN, and it will be easier for readers to find your book online.
## How to Get an ISBN for Your E-Book
Getting an ISBN for your e-book is relatively simple. There are a number of different organizations that can issue ISBNs, and the process usually takes just a few minutes.
Here are the steps involved in getting an ISBN for your e-book:
1. Choose an ISBN agency. There are a number of different ISBN agencies that you can choose from. Some of the most popular agencies include Bowker, ISBN.org, and EAN.UCC.
2. Create an account with the ISBN agency. Once you’ve chosen an ISBN agency, you’ll need to create an account. The process for creating an account varies from agency to agency, but it usually involves providing your name, contact information, and payment details.
3. Order your ISBN. Once you’ve created an account, you can order your ISBN. The cost of an ISBN varies from agency to agency, but it typically costs around $100.
4. Receive your ISBN. Once you’ve ordered your ISBN, you’ll receive it in the mail within a few days.
## Using Your ISBN
Once you’ve received your ISBN, you can start using it to promote and sell your e-book. Here are a few tips for using your ISBN:
* **Include your ISBN on your e-book cover.** This is one of the most important places to include your ISBN, as it will help readers find your book when they’re searching for it online.
* **Include your ISBN in your e-book metadata.** When you’re uploading your e-book to a retailer or distributor, be sure to include your ISBN in the metadata. This will help the retailer or distributor track and identify your book.
* **Promote your ISBN.** Let people know that your e-book has an ISBN. This will help to legitimize your book and make it more credible in the eyes of potential readers.
## Conclusion
An ISBN is an essential part of e-book publishing. It’s a unique identifier that helps readers, retailers, and libraries find and track your book. If you’re serious about self-publishing an e-book, you should definitely get an ISBN.
## Resources
* [Bowker](https://www.bowker.com/ISBN/)
* [ISBN.org](https://www.isbn.org/)
* [EAN.UCC](https://www.ean.ucc.org/)
