Bowker does sell their ISBNs one at a time, that’s true; however, one cannot get a “publisher’s prefix” unless one buys a set of at least 10. Be careful about buying just one. Check to ensure that the author/publisher owns that ISBN, and not another company.

We did this, from Bowker, for an early hardback edition of Rowan of the Wood. The owner of the ISBN is “Independent Publishers” – a crafty, misleading name — but it’s actually the name of another company.

Been enjoying your series, I think you’ve done a really good job of breaking this whole set of choices down for people, and most of your advice seems right on. I especially like the balance that you displayed by showing the “pros” and “cons” to many choices, and the “warning signs” about so-called “self-publishing” companies should be required reading for all who dare to venture into self publishing.

A small quibble is that Bowker now sells individual ISBNs directly from their own website (you don’t have to get them from a reseller) and I believe these will show you as the publisher. It’s not cheap ($125 minimum for one ISBN) but it can be done, as I’ve done this for my clients when it’s appropriate.

It might also seem less onerous to readers to know that there are publishing service companies that will handle the majority of the tasks needed to get your book ready for print, and stay with you through the production process so you don’t have to separately contract with editors, designers, proofreaders, indexers, etc. but use a “one stop shop.”

Anyway, thanks again for all the work on this series, it’s much appreciated.