ISBN book numbers are non-transferable. A company that tells you that they are "assigning" you an ISBN book number and that you "own" that number is lying to you (this is a favorite trick amongst the vanity/subsidy publishers). They assign a book a "unique" ISBN book number but that number is not owned by the author, it is owned by the vanity/subsidy press.

If you use one of these ISBN numbers and then go to change publishers/printers/publishing services, or enter into self book publishing, you will have to start all over and get your own ISBN book number from the only place licensed to sell ISBN's - RR Bowker.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Ask a Question

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Self Publishing Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!

Guru Spotlight

Jolyn Wells-Moran

Ever wonder how you could make your life better and more fun? So have tens of millions of fans who have turned to LifeTips for answers over the past decade. We keep the tips, advice, books, podcasts and writing services flowing, so you can keep your life and business growing in the right direction. Upward!