24 December 2012

ISBN Scams and the Writers Who Fall for Them


by Carrie Bailey


A simple question like this deserves a simple answer and I'm going to give it to you in one simple step.
Step 1. You don't
An ISBN is not something you have to pay $125 to use. It's a randomly generated number. Only earlier this month, I had a coworker at a bookstore where I am working make an offhand comment about being able to afford ISBNs. I dropped a whole stack of Shakespeare.

As a self-published author, I knew that I could get an ISBN from Lulu or Smashwords just by uploading my files and publishing online with them. It was unthinkable to imagine that anyone would pay for something readily available for free.

When I got home I did a search for ISBN numbers and sure enough you can spend $125 for a single ISBN from www.isbn.org. That's a website name, which to me at least, sounds about as legitimate as www.loc.gov (US Library of Congress). Unfortunately, that is not the case for these crafty sellers of 13 book identifying digits. Their website even reads, "Please use the US ISBN Agency’s website www.myidentifiers.com to get an ISBN instantly."

Q: Why does a website with a .org domain name need to send you to a .com domain? 
A: To take $125 from you in a very unpleasant and nasty little scam. 
Please don't fall for this. For most self-published authors, the sales you will make initially will be minuscule and there is nothing wrong with that, but if you have a spare $125 that you want to invest in your book I have a few recommendations, which aren't scams.

1. Find someone willing to produce original cover art for your $125 buckaroos. 
2. Send $125 to a freelancer for a semi-professional book trailer.
I paid $0.00 for the ISBN
on this self-help book.
3. Spend about half of that money on self-hosted website for your book and save the rest for coffee. 
4. Buy yourself $125 worth of copies from a print-on-demand service and donate them to libraries. 
5. Merchandise! Put your book cover on a bag, on a magnet, on a t-shirt and give them away. 
6. Buy honest book reviews. It's not unethical. Book reviewers can tell readers exactly what is in a book from different perspectives. 

I admit it's hard to know where your money will be best spent when it comes to promoting a self-published book, but I can guarantee that tossing it at a scammer in exchange for an ISBN is not the place.

Don't do it. Just spend a little more time punching words into your browser until you find the service you want to use. I hope it's the free one. Then, get that ISBN, slap it on your book. Literally.

AND HERE'S THE FREE BARCODE I MADE FOR IT :D

First, put the ISBN in the text of your title page and then use a FREE barcode generator to create an image which you can use on the back of your printed book. Simple.

Self-publishing is a perilous journey. Don't give a dime to the scammers. Give it to other freelancers and other career-oriented writers. That's right. Pass the money around to the deserving. Apparently, money circulating is an important part of commerce and a healthy economy.

The fact of the matter is that we're a resourceful lot. Most of us aren't likely to fall for scams like the $125 ISBN either. So, that leaves me with a thought about who would have fallen for it?

People who give up on their dreams. That's who. Publishing is just too expensive if you believe even a short label should cost nearly $10 per digit. Man, the prices of paper have just gone through the roof. No one is buying print books anymore. Formatting an eBook is too complicated for someone without a Ph.D. in Digital Publication Formatting...

If you haven't already self-published, consider demystifying the process. No secret society of writers will come in your sleep and brand you with the mark of "Independent Author." You can still pursue traditional publication, meaning someone else with a lot of money can do it for you if they feel like it.

But, get informed. Don't get scammed.

37 comments:

  1. Wow. The ISBN website, which I visited a few times for a couple different classes during my grad program, really looks questionable now. I honestly had to double-check and be certain that it (myidentifiers.com) was the proper site because right now? It looks like it's gonna only let me buy an ISBN after I fill out a survey to get a free iPad.

    Like you said, if you're self-pubbing, an ISBN isn't necessary, or there are ways to get it for a whole lot less (if not free). For even a small publisher, the cost of an ISBN isn't terrible (a small press, putting out two books a year, could buy 10 ISBNs and have those numbers last five years), but even the smallest publishers should have budgets in place to allow for it, which is something that's harder for self-pubs to do because while you might have money set aside to purchase an ISBN, you might also have to call the plumber because your toilet leaked all over the bathroom floor.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I don't know... we bought ISBNs I think from Bowker in 2004 so we could set up our books with Lightning Source, Inc. for print on demand. We got ten of them for $250. We've used 4 so far, but they don't expire. They are permanently assigned to our publishing company that we set up (NineLives Press) and can't be transferred or sold. At least that's what LSI told us.
    Jeanne Kasten for
    www.jackpurcellbooks.us

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most print on demand places don't charge for ISBNs now and none can be transferred or sold either.

      Delete
  3. Awesome info. There's so many little aspects of being a "real" writer that creative types (like me) might THINK we have a handle on, but really are only semi-informed. This is a great piece that will help a LOT of writers.

    Much appreciated Carrie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Rob. I've noticed that I stumble on things that I think are the easy or best way to do something, but then later discover I was so wrong. That's the problem with self-education. You have to research all your own sources and it takes time. I guess that's why connecting with other writers is so important.

      Delete
  4. Carrie - first: excellent resource. second: GAH! there is too much for me to know! what happened to the days of crayons, staples, pieces of yarn and stitching it all together...? I'm with Rob... this is a ton of info that will be amazingly helpful. When I need it, I hope to be face down in a gutter, like Navin Johnson at the end of "The Jerk" -- then my story can be told. In the meantime, honing the creativity is where I feel the most useful, and that lamp. I'll take that lamp... and that table...

    ReplyDelete
  5. online home jobs
    Thanks for sharing wonderful informations. Nice post.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I've truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing on your feed and I'm hoping you write again very soon!


    My blog post :: microsoftpointss.tumblr.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your mode of describing all in this article is genuinely
    good, every one be able to effortlessly understand it, Thanks a lot.


    my web-site; tattoo removal Cream reviews

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's an awesome post designed for all the web visitors; they will obtain benefit from it I am sure.

    Feel free to visit my web page Download 7zip

    ReplyDelete
  9. Very good post! We are linking to this particularly great article on our website.
    Keep up the great writing.

    Here is my webpage Unknown

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great post.

    Here is my webpage ps3 jailbreak

    ReplyDelete
  11. No matter if some one searches for his vital thing, thus he/she wishes
    to be available that in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over here.


    Feel free to visit my blog - Unknown

    ReplyDelete
  12. I know this web site gives quality based articles and extra information, is
    there any other web site which provides these kinds of data in quality?


    My website www.nexopia.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I leave a response when I appreciate a article
    on a site or if I have something to contribute to the discussion.
    It is caused by the fire displayed in the post I browsed. And
    on this post "ISBN Scams and the Writers Who Fall for Them".
    I was actually excited enough to write a thought
    :-P I actually do have 2 questions for you if it's okay. Could it be just me or do some of the responses appear like coming from brain dead folks? :-P And, if you are writing at additional places, I would like to keep up with you. Could you make a list the complete urls of all your shared pages like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?

    Also visit my web-site - unknown

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello, I enjoy reading through your article post. I wanted to write a
    little comment to support you.

    Also visit my page; Unknown

    ReplyDelete
  15. I don't know whether it's just me or if everyone else encountering problems with your website.

    It seems like some of the text on your posts
    are running off the screen. Can someone else please
    provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
    This could be a problem with my web browser because
    I've had this happen previously. Thanks

    Also visit my web site: Stretch Marks

    ReplyDelete
  16. Very shortly this website will be famous amid all blogging
    and site-building users, due to it's good posts

    My homepage ... Dragonvale Cheats

    ReplyDelete
  17. You ought to take part in a contest for one of the finest blogs on the web.
    I am going to recommend this website!

    Feel free to visit my site :: Dry Scalp Treatments

    ReplyDelete
  18. Howdy are using Wordpress for your blog platform?

    I'm new to the blog world but I'm trying to get started and create my own.

    Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Also visit my web blog - Psn Code generator

    ReplyDelete
  19. Excellent blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
    I'm hoping to start my own website soon but I'm a
    little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with
    a free platform like Wordpress or go for a paid option?
    There are so many choices out there that I'm completely confused .. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot!

    Feel free to surf to my web page: recycling facts

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thanks, However I am having problems with your RSS.
    I don't understand why I am unable to join it. Is there anyone else having identical RSS issues? Anyone that knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

    Also visit my page pirater un compte facebook

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you're a great author. I will make certain to bookmark your blog and may come back very soon. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great work, have a nice weekend!

    Here is my page: world of Tanks hack

    ReplyDelete
  22. I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is required to get set up? I'm assuming having a blog like yours would cost a
    pretty penny? I'm not very internet savvy so I'm not 100% sure.
    Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Kudos

    Feel free to visit my web blog PS3 Jailbreak 4.41

    ReplyDelete
  23. Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the
    issues. It was really informative. Your site is
    very useful. Thank you for sharing!

    Also visit my homepage ... eco Sanctuary

    ReplyDelete
  24. MYSΤERΙOUS BALLOON RΕLΑY: Cut
    paper intо small piecеѕ. Thегe аre
    bоard games that allow indіviԁual player to ρоrtrаy or
    guide a special chaгacter that incгeases itѕ abіlities аnd characteristics or
    evеn gain geaгѕ аs the gаmе cοntinueѕ like thе
    adventure boaгԁ games. Uѕually there are ԁіffeгent games for both bοyѕ and girls, designеԁ esрeciаlly to suіt their specific personality.
    By ρlaying games and haѵing fun, kids often find
    out develορ in thе ѕcary world of mathematіcѕ.

    Kiԁs аѕ young аs toddlers can play,
    sіnсe no rеаding is геquired.


    my blog рost unblocked games online

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm now not sure where you are getting your info, however good topic. I must spend some time studying much more or working out more. Thanks for fantastic information I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.

    Also visit my site: candy Crush saga cheats

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you really realize what you are speaking approximately!
    Bookmarked. Please also talk over with my web site =).
    We will have a link alternate arrangement between us

    Here is my weblog - Dragon City Cheat Engine

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi my friend! I want to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include almost all important infos.
    I'd like to look more posts like this .

    My weblog - Generateur De Code PSN

    ReplyDelete
  28. Free PSN Cards

    my homepage; PSN Code Card 100$

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came
    to check it out. I'm definitely enjoying the information. I'm book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
    Terrific blog and brilliant design.

    My blog: Www.dailymotion.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Keep on working, great job!

    Here is my blog World Of Tanks Hack

    ReplyDelete
  31. I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
    I'll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I'm quite sure I will learn plenty of new stuff
    right here! Best of luck for the next!

    Also visit my web-site league of legends hack (Http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x10cxq5_league-of-legends-hack-season-3-mediafire_videogames)

    ReplyDelete
  32. This post is worth everyone's attention. How can I find out more?

    Review my web page - free psn Codes

    ReplyDelete
  33. Inspiring story there. What happened after? Good luck!


    Also visit my webpage Psn Code Generator

    ReplyDelete
  34. We stumbled over here from a different web page and
    thought I might check things out. I like what I see so now i am following
    you. Look forward to finding out about your web page for a second time.



    my site: Minecraft Gift Code Generator

    ReplyDelete
  35. I think this is one of the most vital information for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark
    on few general things, The site style is ideal,
    the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

    My web-site: Minecraft Crack

    ReplyDelete