: Re: ISBN codes for privately sold books? We are starting a community site for budding authors. Here the young writers send a pdf files of there writing and we get them printed at a lower prices

@Sarah872

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Please check the FAQ!

The purpose of the ISBN is to establish and identify one title or edition of a title from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition, allowing for more efficient marketing of products by booksellers, libraries, universities, wholesalers and distributors.

It will vary from each specific edition and publisher and it makes sense only if the book will be sold in open market. If your books will be only sold privately and do not need to be identified outside your own scope, there's no need to have a ISBN code.

Including, Amazon publishing FAQ is quite specific on this:

Do I need an ISBN to publish on Kindle Direct Publishing?

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is not required to publish content with Kindle Direct Publishing. Once your content is published on the KDP web site, Amazon.com will assign it a 10-digit ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number), which is unique to the eBook, and is an identification number for the Kindle Book on Amazon.com. If you already have an ISBN for your eBook, you’ll be able to enter it during the publishing process. Do not use an ISBN for the print book edition.

If they don't require it, I think it's pretty safe to assume you don't need it either but have in mind that not having an ISBN may have it's drawbacks if you, later, decide to change the way you sell and distribute books.

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