Can You Reuse an ISBN for a Revised Edition of Your Book?

Education Mar 28, 2025 41 Add to Reading List

Revising a book is common, but what does that mean for its ISBN? If you've already published a book and now want to make updates, you might wonder whether you can reuse the same ISBN or if you need a new one. Since an ISBN is a unique identifier for a specific edition, changing anything significant about your book could require a different one.

Using the same ISBN when it's not allowed can create confusion for retailers, libraries, and readers. If your updates are minor, you might not need a new ISBN, but for major revisions, reissuing your book with a fresh identifier is often necessary. That’s why many authors explore buying ISBN numbers when releasing a new edition.

But how do you determine when to keep an ISBN and when to get a new one? What are the costs associated with ISBNs?

Let’s break it down.

When Can You Keep the Same ISBN?

There are cases where you don't need to replace the ISBN, including:

Minor text or formatting corrections – Fixing a typo, changing a font, or adjusting spacing does not require a new ISBN.
New cover design – Updating the book cover while keeping the content the same allows you to keep the original ISBN.
Pricing adjustments – If you're changing the price but not the content, the ISBN remains unchanged.

These small modifications don’t impact how the book is classified, so a new ISBN isn't necessary.

When Do You Need a New ISBN?

There are several scenarios where a new ISBN is required:

Significant content changes – If you're adding chapters, revising sections, or making major updates, the book is now a new edition and needs a different ISBN.
New format – Paperback, hardcover, eBook, and audiobook versions each require a separate ISBN.
Different publisher – If a book moves to a new publisher, it gets a fresh ISBN, even if the content remains the same.
Translated editions – If you translate your book into another language, it must have its own ISBN.

Why Does ISBN Assignment Matter?

ISBNs help booksellers, distributors, and libraries manage inventory and track sales. If a revised edition keeps the old ISBN when it should have a new one, it can lead to:

Incorrect listings – The wrong version might show up for sale.
Retail confusion – Bookstores could mistakenly order an outdated edition.
Library catalog errors – Readers may struggle to find the right version.

Assigning ISBNs properly ensures books are correctly classified in databases, making them easier to discover and purchase.

What to Know About Buying ISBN Numbers

If your book needs a new ISBN, you’ll have to purchase one. The cost depends on where you buy it.

Here’s what to consider:

ISBN number cost varies by country – In some regions, ISBNs are free, while others require payment.
Buying in bulk can save money – If you're publishing multiple books, purchasing a block of ISBNs is often cheaper than getting them one at a time.
Only buy from official sources – Unauthorized sellers may offer ISBNs, but these can cause issues with book listings.

Understanding the cost of ISBNs before publishing can help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary expenses.

How to Get a New ISBN for a Revised Edition

If you've determined that your book needs a new ISBN, follow these steps:

Update your book details, including the title page and copyright page, to reflect the new edition.
Use the new ISBN when submitting to retailers and distributors.
Ensure that previous editions remain available or are clearly marked as outdated.

This process helps keep your book correctly categorized and accessible to readers.

Final Thoughts

Reusing an ISBN for a revised edition depends on how much the book has changed. Small fixes don’t require a new identifier, but major updates do. Assigning the right ISBN ensures that your book is easy to find and purchase, preventing confusion in the publishing industry.

Buying ISBN numbers may seem like an extra step, but it’s essential for keeping your book organized in retail systems. Whether you’re making small adjustments or releasing a completely new edition, handling ISBNs correctly will help your book reach the right audience.