Every published book is assigned the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), a unique number that is usually 10- or 13-digit. The ISBN uniquely identifies a book’s edition, publisher and physical properties.

 CreateSpace offers a number of ISBN options for member authors and publishers. These are:

(1)   CreateSpace-assigned ISBN

 This ISBN option is free for all CreateSpace member authors. With this arrangement: 

(i)                 CreateSpace becomes your book’s imprint of record. If you add Amazon to your distribution channels, this appears on your books’ Amazon.com detail page. 

(ii)               You can use Amazon.com, an online store and all expanded distribution options to sell your book. 

(iii)             This ISBN is not usable with other publishers. 

(iv)              The assigned ISBN information is registered with BooksInPrint.com 

(2)   Custom ISBN 

This option is available for $10. With it: 

(i)                 You may choose the imprint of record of your book. This information appears on your book’s Amazon detail page if you add Amazon.com as a distribution channel. 

(ii)               Your book is available for sale at Amazon.com, an eStore and some expanded distribution channels. 

(iii)             The ISBN cannot be shared with another publisher. 

(iv)              The assigned ISBN information is registered with BooksInPrint.com 

(3)   Custom Universal ISBN*

 This option is available for $99. Its features include: 

(i)                 You may use the ISBN with other publishers. 

(ii)               You may choose the imprint of record of your book. This information appears on your book’s Amazon detail page if you add Amazon.com as a distribution channel. 

(iii)             Your book is available for sale at Amazon.com, an eStore and some expanded distribution channels. 

(iv)              The assigned ISBN information is registered with BooksInPrint.com 

(4)   Provide your own ISBN 

(i)                 With this option you can either avail your ISBN via Bowker or through a local ISBN agency. 

(ii)               For a reprint of your book, you must retain the title, author name and the binding. You will need a new ISBN for a new edition. 

(iii)             The imprint of your book must match details going with your ISBN. 

(iv)             Your book is available for sale at Amazon.com, an eStore and some expanded distribution channels.