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Do I need to buy an ISBN for KDP and IngramSpark?

Updated · 2 min read ·

Short answer

If one print edition will sell through both KDP and IngramSpark, yes: each platform's free ISBN works only on that platform, so an ISBN you own is the only kind both accept. Ebooks don't need an ISBN on KDP, but each print format, such as paperback and hardcover, needs its own number.

What it costs with me, Jooneyd: I have designed 1,000+ books in 7+ years. With me, the whole book (cover, formatting and publishing on your own KDP, IngramSpark, Lulu or Draft2Digital account) starts at $749.

Free ISBNs and their limits

On KDP, ebooks and low-content books are the only formats where an ISBN is optional. Every free ISBN comes with limits.

  • KDP's free ISBN is for paperback and hardcover only, shows the imprint as “Independently published” and can only be used on KDP.
  • IngramSpark's free ISBN is offered to US authors only and is owned by IngramSpark. It shows the imprint as “Indy Pub”, can't be transferred or used on other platforms, and the book must be in IngramSpark's wholesale distribution.
  • Draft2Digital assigns a free ISBN too, but it can't be used outside Draft2Digital's services.

Using KDP and IngramSpark together

IngramSpark says you can publish print on both platforms as long as you don't select KDP's Expanded Distribution. It also says a KDP-owned ISBN cannot be transferred. US authors can buy their own ISBN from Bowker, or through IngramSpark at a discounted $85.

Where to buy your own ISBN

  • US: Bowker (paid).
  • UK and Ireland: Nielsen ISBN Store (paid).
  • Australia: Thorpe-Bowker (paid).
  • Canada: Library and Archives Canada, free for eligible Canadian publishers. New accounts can take up to two months.
  • New Zealand: the National Library, free for eligible registrants located in New Zealand.
  • Other countries: the International ISBN Agency.

The rules at a glance

WhatThe ruleSource
KDP free ISBNPaperback and hardcover only; KDP use only; imprint shows as “Independently published”Amazon KDP Help
ISBN for a KDP ebookOptional (also for low-content books)Amazon KDP Help
IngramSpark free ISBNUS authors only; imprint shows as “Indy Pub”; not transferable; book must be in IngramSpark's wholesale distributionIngramSpark Help
IngramSpark discounted ISBN (US)$85IngramSpark Help
Using both platformsAllowed if KDP's Expanded Distribution is not selectedIngramSpark Help
Draft2Digital free ISBNCan't be used outside Draft2Digital's servicesDraft2Digital Help
CanadaFree ISBNs for eligible publisherscanada.ca
New ZealandFree for eligible registrants located in New Zealandnatlib.govt.nz

Checked 27 October 2026 on the stores’ own help pages.

Common mistake

Using KDP's free ISBN on the paperback, then finding IngramSpark can't use the same number.

From an author I worked with
“Jooneyd is very professional and extremely patient. This was my first time self publishing and he made the process easy and simple to get my book published on Amazon (Ibird) the name of my book. I had many revisions that needed changing and he would not complain or get frustrated. He took his time with each request. Highly recommend”

Mariya Azizi

Need it done?

I set up your book on Amazon KDP and IngramSpark with you, with your own ISBN on each edition. Book formatting from $249.

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Related answers

Can I use my paperback cover file for the hardcover?Why a KDP hardcover needs a rebuilt cover (0.51 in wrap, hinge, safe zone), its own ISBN, 75–550 pages and oneWhy did IngramSpark reject my cover again?IngramSpark cover rejections explained: template size, PDF/X settings, CMYK and ink limits, barcode and spine Why did my ebook's spacing and indents break on Kindle?Why Word files lose indents and spacing on Kindle, the reflowable rules KDP sets, which file formats it acceptCan I publish the same book on both KDP and IngramSpark?Yes, with your own ISBN and KDP's Expanded Distribution switched off. The ISBN rules, the files each platform

Sources

  • Amazon KDP Help: What is an ISBN and imprint?
  • IngramSpark FAQ
  • IngramSpark User Guide v3.3
  • Draft2Digital FAQ
  • Bowker: ISBNs (US)
  • Nielsen ISBN Store (UK and Ireland)
  • Thorpe-Bowker: ISBNs (Australia)
  • Library and Archives Canada: ISBN
  • National Library of New Zealand: ISBNs
  • International ISBN Agency