Bowker (MyIdentifiers) vs International ISBN Agency
Bowker (MyIdentifiers) is the official US ISBN agency, offering direct purchase of ISBNs and barcodes at fixed prices ($125 single, $295 for 10). The International ISBN Agency is a directory that lists official ISBN agencies by country, with pricing and services varying by location. For US self-publishers, Bowker provides a straightforward purchasing process, while the International ISBN Agency is useful for authors outside the US to find their local agency. The main difference is that Bowker sells ISBNs directly, whereas the International ISBN Agency only provides referrals.
Pick Bowker (MyIdentifiers)
Pick Bowker (MyIdentifiers) if you are a US-based author who needs to buy ISBNs and wants immediate, direct access to the official US agency with clear pricing.
Pick International ISBN Agency
Pick International ISBN Agency if you are located outside the US or need to identify the correct ISBN agency for your country, as it provides a directory of national agencies.
At a glance
| Bowker (MyIdentifiers) | International ISBN Agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $125 single; $295/10 | Varies by country |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Free option | No | No |
| 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) ↗International ISBN Agency
isbn-international.org
Directory of country-specific ISBN agencies.
Visit International ISBN Agency ↗See more options: Bowker (MyIdentifiers) alternatives · International ISBN Agency alternatives