ISBN Debate: Buy or Not to Buy, That is the Question

📚 FREE vs. PAID ISBNs: To buy or not to buy. That is the question 🤺 

Pros Talking Prose Podcast

🔥 Self-publishing authors, LISTEN UP! Are free ISBNs a sneaky trap? Or are purchased ISBNs just a money grab from the publishing overlords? Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) and Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) go head-to-head in this spicy debate over one of indie publishing’s most controversial questions. 🤯

💥 Spoiler Alert: The right answer depends on YOUR author goals! Whether you're an indie rebel or a control freak about your publishing empire, we break down the pros, cons, and hidden costs of ISBN decisions.

👉 In this episode, we answer:

✔️ Do you REALLY need to buy your own ISBN, or is the free one good enough?

✔️ Will using a free ISBN secretly sabotage your book’s success? 😱

✔️ What’s the REAL difference between a Bowker ISBN and a KDP-assigned one?

✔️ How much control do you actually lose with a free ISBN? (Hint: More than you think.)

✔️ Does an ISBN affect distribution, royalties, bookstores, and libraries?

😂 We also curse Amazon’s nepotistic ways, and puzzle on Troy’s choice of footwear (JK). 

🔔 Don’t make a rookie mistake! Watch now and drop your ISBN hot takes in the comments! Are you #TeamFreeISBN or #TeamOwnYourISBN? ⬇️

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