Q: When purchasing an ISBN, I’m always asked if I also want to purchase a barcode for my self-published book. Do I need to buy one?

The answer generally is no. Most print-on-demand companies, such as KindleDP, provide a barcode for free. About the only time you’d want to purchase a barcode is if you are plan to print the book at a place that does not offer a barcode (such as the local printshop) and will distribute the book solely by yourself.

Related articles:
• How to purchase an ISBN for your book
• Design a back cover that sells your book

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My name is Rob Bignell. I’m an affordable, professional editor who runs Inventing Reality Editing Service, which meets the manuscript needs of writers both new and published. I also offer a variety of self-publishing services. During the past decade, I’ve helped more than 300 novelists and nonfiction authors obtain their publishing dreams at reasonable prices. I’m also the author of the 7 Minutes a Day… writing guidebooks, four nonfiction hiking guidebook series, and the literary novel Windmill. Several of my short stories in the literary and science fiction genres also have been published.