Bowker (MyIdentifiers) vs Free retailer ISBNs
Bowker (MyIdentifiers) is the official US ISBN agency, offering single ($125) or bulk ($295/10) ISBNs with full ownership and flexibility in choosing your imprint. Free retailer ISBNs from KDP, Lulu, or Draft2Digital are costless but tie the ISBN to the retailer's imprint, limiting distribution and making it harder to switch platforms. The core trade-off is between control and cost: Bowker provides independence and broader retail access, while free ISBNs save money at the expense of imprint ownership and portability. Independent authors who prioritize long-term flexibility and professional branding typically prefer Bowker, while those focusing on minimal upfront costs might opt for free options.
Pick Bowker (MyIdentifiers)
Pick Bowker (MyIdentifiers) if you want full ownership of your ISBN, freedom to choose your imprint, and the ability to distribute your book through any channel without restrictions.
Pick Free retailer ISBNs
Pick Free retailer ISBNs if you are on a tight budget, plan to stay exclusively with one platform like KDP, and are comfortable with that retailer's imprint being listed as your publisher.
At a glance
| Bowker (MyIdentifiers) | Free retailer ISBNs | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $125 single; $295/10 | Free |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Free option | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Best for | ISBN & Metadata | ISBN & Metadata |
| AI features | No | No |
| Open source | No | No |
Bowker (MyIdentifiers)
myidentifiers.com
Official US ISBN agency (single & bulk ISBNs + barcodes).
Visit Bowker (MyIdentifiers) ↗
Free retailer ISBNs
kdp.amazon.com / lulu.com
KDP/Lulu/D2D provide free ISBNs (tied to their imprint).
See more options: Bowker (MyIdentifiers) alternatives · Free retailer ISBNs alternatives