Course 7: ISBNs, Imprints and Metadata for Self-Publishers (UK and US) (PDF Guide)
A 35-page printable PDF guide for UK and US self-publishers: whether you need an ISBN, buying your own from Nielsen or Bowker versus taking a free one, barcodes, choosing an imprint name and keeping your book's metadata right.
It is part of Self-Publishing: From Beginner to Pro, a ten-course series of printable PDF guides from Long Room Learning. Written in plain UK English with UK and US rules side by side. Facts, prices and platform rules were checked on the official websites on 27 October 2026.
What you'll learn
- What an ISBN is and is not (it is not copyright), and whether you need one
- Which formats and changes need a new ISBN: paperback, hardback, ebook, audiobook, new editions
- Your own ISBN or a free one from KDP, IngramSpark or Draft2Digital: a side-by-side comparison, a decision flowchart and a cost worksheet
- Buying and registering ISBNs with Nielsen in the UK and Bowker in the US, step by step, with prices dated 27 October 2026
- Living in one country and selling in the other
- Choosing a publisher (imprint) name, including trading names for sole traders
- Using KDP and IngramSpark together without ISBN clashes
- Barcodes: EAN-13 and the price add-on, size, placement, common mistakes and a pre-upload check
- Metadata and record-keeping, UK legal deposit and US copyright registration (clearly separated)
Three printable handouts: an ISBN and edition register, a master metadata sheet and an ISBN and barcode checklist
Who it's for
First-time self-publishers in the UK or the US who want to get the 'numbers' side right: ISBNs, barcodes, publisher (imprint) names and the book details that go to shops and libraries.
Who it's not for
It does not cover cover design, interior layout or the platform upload screens in detail. It is not legal, tax or financial advice.
Common questions
How do I get an ISBN in the UK?
Buy it from Nielsen, the UK ISBN Agency (also covering Ireland and British Overseas Territories). On 27 October 2026 Nielsen listed 1 ISBN at £93 or 10 for £174, including VAT; unused ISBNs do not expire. Then add each title to Nielsen's free Title Editor. Course 7 walks through it step by step.
Do I need an ISBN for a Kindle ebook?
Not for a Kindle ebook on Amazon: KDP says an ISBN is not required. KDP paperbacks and hardbacks do need one, which can be free from KDP or your own.
Should I use KDP's free ISBN or buy my own?
A free platform ISBN stays with that platform: KDP's can only be used on KDP and shows the publisher as 'Independently published'. If you want your own imprint name or plan to use the same edition elsewhere, such as IngramSpark, buy your own. Course 7 has a decision flowchart and cost worksheet.
Do I need a separate ISBN for the paperback, hardback and ebook?
Yes. Each separately sold format needs its own ISBN, and so does a new edition, binding or trim size. A reprint or a price change does not.
I live in the UK but sell in the US. Do I need a US ISBN?
No. You buy ISBNs from the agency where you live, not where you sell, and ISBNs work internationally. Course 7 covers living in one country and selling in the other.
Does an ISBN protect my copyright?
No. An ISBN is a product number for one edition in one format. In the UK copyright is automatic; legal deposit (sending a copy to the British Library within one month of publication) and US copyright registration are separate jobs.
What you get
An instant-download A4 PDF (35 pages) to read on screen or print, including three printable handouts: an ISBN and edition register, a master metadata sheet (one per format) and an ISBN and barcode checklist.
Digital download (PDF). General information only; not legal, tax or financial advice. Prices and rules were checked on the official websites on 27 October 2026 and can change at any time, so always check the official site before you buy. Long Room Learning is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Nielsen, Bowker, Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Kobo or any other platform or organisation named. No product or service is endorsed.
