In this Self-Publishing with ALLi episode, Nonfiction Adviser Anna Featherstone and Outreach Manager Michael La Ronn discuss why ISBNs matter for indie authors. Michael shares practical tips on buying, managing, and using ISBNs across book formats, with a focus on how this choice impacts professionalism, distribution, and control over your work.
Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue?
If you’re an ALLi member, head over to the SelfPubConnect forum for support from our experienced community of indie authors, advisors, and team. Simply create an account (if you haven’t already) to request to join the forum and get going.
Non-members looking for more information can search our extensive archive of blog posts and podcast episodes packed with tips and advice at ALLi's Self-Publishing Advice Center.
And if you haven’t already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally.
Now, go write and publish!
Sponsors
This podcast is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote.
This podcast is also sponsored by Gatekeeper Press, the all-inclusive Gold Standard in Publishing, offering authors 100% rights, royalties, satisfaction and worldwide distribution. Gatekeeper Press, Where Authors are Family.
Listen to the Podcast: Why ISBNs Matter
Anna Featherstone and Michael La Ronn break down ISBNs for indie authors on the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast—covering why ownership matters, plus tips for managing ISBNs across formats. Share on XDon't Miss an #AskALLi Broadcast
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Further Resources
- ISBNs can be tricky. ALLi's ISBN guide should help you navigate through your questions
- And to learn more about copyright, ALLi advises you to read the Copyright Bill of Rights
About the Host
Anna Featherstone is the Australian Ambassador for the Alliance of Independent Authors, co-founder of Bold Authors, a judge of the Australian Business Book Awards, and a member of the Small Press Network (SPN) and Australian Society of Authors (ASA). She also enjoys writing and presenting workshops, and author talks on entrepreneurial writing and publishing.
