Here is a blog post that explain it well why is ISBN so expensive.

Also you don't have to register a legal entity to obtain an ISBN. That will cost you a lot and will take longer. There are ISBN assignment service provide that will assign ISBN to your book that you can use for self publishing your book anywhere in the world. Check This ISBN service.

With the growing trend of authors opting for self-publishing to make their books available to the public, the role of an ISBN becomes critical. Some self-publishers might consider the option of a free ISBN to avoid the higher individual cost as compared to bulk buying rates offered to large publishing houses.

However, ISBN India is a viable solution for independent writers aiming to secure ISBNs at an affordable price. An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique code given to a book, assisting booksellers, libraries, and readers in identifying a specific book with ease. This number is assigned by authorized agencies and is typically procured by publishers or self-publishing authors. Using a free ISBN to save cost might seem appealing, but it may not always be the ideal choice.

Limited book distribution options

The significant downside of using a free ISBN is that it confines your distribution avenues. Numerous retailers and distributors mandate a unique ISBN for book listings. If a free ISBN is used, the book's availability is narrowed to certain platforms, thus hampering its reach to a broader audience.

Limited Metadata Control

ISBNs do more than just uniquely identify a book; they carry vital metadata about the book, including details such as the title, author, publisher, and edition of the book. Such information is leveraged by booksellers, libraries, and other entities to correctly categorize and promote your book. Employing a free ISBN restricts your control over this metadata, which can impact your book's market perception.

Lack of ownership

Acquiring an ISBN means you own it, allowing full control over its usage, and you can attribute it to any of your published books. In contrast, a free ISBN doesn't give you control over the ISBN and the associated imprint name.

Purchasing an ISBN aids in brand establishment and credibility enhancement. With a purchased ISBN, you have the liberty to formulate your own publishing imprint name, assisting in brand development and promoting a professional image for your publishing entity. Furthermore, a purchased ISBN may signal a commitment to quality and professionalism to booksellers, reviewers, and readers.

Please remember that you cannot alter your book's ISBN post-publication. While you have the option to republish your book with a new ISBN, it may lead to ownership conflicts as your initial book would have a different imprint name. It's also worth noting that you cannot completely remove your printed book after it has been published.

To bypass potential future complications and maximize your self-publishing benefits, it is advised to procure your own ISBNs. The good news is that ISBN India provides affordable ISBNs to authors worldwide. Now, authors can invest more in advertising their books, instead of spending heavily on self-publishing. For more information, visit ISBN India's website.

Learn more about ISBN here: Free ISBN

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