Do I need an ISBN for my coloring book?

Calling all coloring book lovers! If you too have been thinking of finally making that dream coloring book of your own anime style where in the world would come up: “I wonder if I really need an ISBN for my coloring book?”

Looking for your copy in the vault but got me thinking #creative – this is an in-depth look at International Standard Book Numbers (i mean, who even reads this stuff?) that you need to know to make an educated choice on your coloring book adventure.

1. What is an ISBN, and Why Does it Matter?

An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique 13-digit identifier assigned to every published book, including physical and digital formats. This number serves as a way to track, identify, and manage books in the global marketplace.

While ISBNs are not legally required for self-published authors in some regions, they can offer a range of benefits that are worth considering.

2. The Benefits of Obtaining an ISBN for Your Coloring Book

• Further Broadened Distribution: With an ISBN your coloring book is more likely to be listed and sold on major online retailers, at bookstores and libraries.
• More credible: An ISBN allows your self published coloring book to have a certain level of legitimacy as it looks as though it ‘s not just some bedroom project
• Improved Discoverability: This will improve the discoverability of your coloring book as it will be searchable and trackable — you need to make your book easily findable for readers.
• Better Inventory Management: You can better deal with your inventory sales and distribution data of coloring book with an ISBN involved.

3. Factors to Consider When Deciding if an ISBN is Necessary

• Distribution Goals: An ISBN may not be necessary if you plan to sell your coloring book only on your own website or through a social media outlet. But if you hope to continue spreading your market wings the ISBN is strongly advised.
• Your Publishing Budget: Most self-publishing entrepreneurs take the most cost out of ISBNs because there is a cost to acquire an ISBN. Think of the whole budget, and if the returns are worth the cost.
• Long Term Planning: If you see your coloring book being part of a series, or you plan on releasing more books down the road an ISBN can ensure that all your publishing is easy and consistent.

4. The ISBN Application Process

ISBN 10 / ISBN 13 (A Simplified Guide) Getting an ISBN is easy, and there are ways to get one that are based on where you are located as well the type of publishing you do. You can get an ISBN in the USA through Bowker (the official ISBN agency).

It generally entails giving some general information on your coloring book, like title, author or creator and publishers details.

5. Alternative Options for Coloring Book Identification

Different ways to sign and distribute your coloring book if an ISBN does not jive with your publishing schedule. Substitutes being a Universal Product Code (UPC) or a unique identifier from whatever sales platform you are selling on i.e. ASIN for Amazon

Although they are missing some of the sort of things you get with an ISBN, they can still be useful in how you’re going to house the coloring book and market it too.

Conclusion

ISBNs and everything else book related is kinda complex but with the right info you can make a decision outlining what coloring books you want to in your future publishing. Choose ISBN or not — either way make sure your coloring book is of high quality and pleasing to the eye and entertaining and uplifting to whatever reads it.

Get out your pencils, be inspired and creative and bring that coloring masterpiece to life!