For those of you with more questions on KDP you can check out my entire playlist on the platform: czcams.com/video/0NY-gmapDXg/video.html and my playlist on technical elements like barcodes, ISBNs, and more: czcams.com/play/PL5wG4jOiELp0fS9uKMd0dv7qXvNOGzHnT.html
Thanks! I appreciate the straight to the point answer and clear information. (Nothing worse than watching a 30 minute video for a 3 minute answer.) I'll be subscribing. :-)
Ok, good info, now a couple more specific barcode questions: 1. If you provide your own ISBN, but KDP creates the barcode for you, does that affect the imprint info? (Meaning KDP shows as the imprint) 2. If I use my pre-purchase ISBN on multiple printing platforms do they also create barcodes specific to their printing of my book?
Great questions: 1. No, the imprint is something you will fill in when you set up the book in Bowker and you'll put that in KDP. 2. Yes, if you don't provide a barcode, the publishing platform will provide their own no-price listed barcode.
@@1MKWilliams Thanks for the reply. (I watched a few of your vids last night and appreciate the straightforward practicality of the info you provide. I subscribed!)
Good day. This is super helpful. Is it possible to use the same barcode and book cover art for both KDP and Ingram Spark? Many thanks. Have a wonderful day.
In doing some research on the free vs bought ISBN debate I came across an interesting argument recently. If you opt for a free barcode, have no website or social media presence, how can a potential distributor get in touch with you? This is the case for many writers I suspect. They only exist on a 3rd party sites and potentially an interested distributor may not know how to find them. Buying your own barcodes ensures that you, as an indie author are registered as the publisher of your work, and in the UK at least, Nielsen holds your details and provides potential 'bricks and mortar stores' who've seen and like your work, a way of identifying you and requesting stock for distribution. It's not in amazon's interest to manage requests for your material in that way. In looking at how cover art is uploaded on KDP today, it seems that if you have a price in an embedded barcode in the graphic file it will be rejected anyway, as amazon say not to place an image where the barcode sits on the template. Is this correct, or is there another way to upload cover art with a price inclusive barcode? From what I can see, if you have your own ISBN, KDP will generate a no price barcode for you automatically when you enter your ISBN number. I think I'm now leaning more towards having my own no price ISBN / barcode on amazon and then potentially redesigning the cover art to include a new ISBN / barcode if my novel gets picked up - assuming that is, that Nielsen consider adding a price to the barcode as a significant enough change to warrant needing another ISBN.
Hi J, Yes, when uploading the cover file you have to check a box to indicate that you are bringing your own barcode. I've done this with several books without issue. Best of luck!
So on Amazon KDP, if some of my friends decide they want a paper copy of the book. Amazon KDP will print and ship correct? In this case would I then need to supply two ISBN numbers (one for paperback, one for e-book)? This is my first book as well and I am definitely learning as I go. Wow!
MK: KDP does not have a button that says you are bringing your own barcode; I don't know if this is a change since you made this video. They do ask about your our ISBN, but nowhere do they ask about a barcode. Bummer, because I want to use my own. Suggestions?
I believe this is because you used the custom creator that KDP offers. You would need to bring an already designed cover to upload with the barcode on it.
Thank you so much for your video; it was extremely helpful! However, I have a question: I want my book to be in brick-and-mortar stores, so I’ll be buying an ISBN for that. I’ve heard of people saying that Amazon converts these ISBNs from Bowker into barcodes (for free). Is this true? Or does Amazon only convert it without the price barcode? I just wanted to make sure… once again, thanks a lot!
Correct the Amazon barcode has no price. You can purchase your own barcode from bowker with the fixed price or use a service called Bookow that asks for a donation as payment
My back cover has a background on it. Do I need to create a white space for the ISBN and barcode? I see where the KDP template shows the space for the ISBN and barcode and also that it says "no content here."
Is it possible for us to choose the optimal price for our books before they are published? Is it feasible to create a fictitious upload on KDP in order to follow the instructions and get ideal prices?
Great video! what if later on down the line, the book does well and i'd like to get it into brick and mortar stores? can i change the barcode after it's been published?
@@bluezy710 yes, if the price is printed on the barcode and your permanently change the price you'll need a new barcode. Just for a short promo you don't have to change it.
Just to clarify, if I use my own ISBN number for my print book, can I use that same number for KDP print on demand AND any books I print at an independent printer? The binding would be the same, both would be paperback, only change is where it is printed.
Correct, if you have purchased the ISBN and nothing about the format/sizing is changed you can use it at any printer (private or Amazon KDP Print-on-Demand)
Thanks for all your awesome info! Publishing my first kid's book and Im a bit confused... All my research about page counts said to leave the last page blank so Amazon could put their barcode, but now everything is saying itll be on the cover... Is the bar code going to be on the last page inside the book, or on the back or both? Thanks for any help!!
What’s the difference between a barcode with and without a price if I would like a paperback with Ingram and KDP? Is it best to do a barcode with Ingram with a price and then Amazon without price?
Hi Maria, As I mentioned in the video, it all depends on your strategy. If you have no plan to actively try to get brick and mortar stores to stock your book then you are okay to use the no price barcode provided.
Question: While I have a ISBN from KDP, I would like to place it rather in the bottom left than the bottom right corner. So, therefore, I need to include the barcode as part of the cover myself. And for that I need to generate it first, however. What site/tool do you recommend to generate the barcode with the ISBN I have? Is there something special you need to consider?
Ok so the barcode and the ISBN are two different things. If KDP is providing you with a free ISBN for your print book, you won't have it before you upload. If you want to control the placement of the barcode and the ISBN, then you can acquire the ISBN from your official ISBN agency for your country (in the US it is Bowker). Usually those agencies will also issue barcodes or you can get a free barcode. I have a video on that here: czcams.com/video/labQZ8MwQ7U/video.html. Once you have the barcode you can place it on the back cover.
QUESTION: What is the best way to use a barcode if I use KDP for my ebook and paperback but want to publish paperback with Ingram Spark and brick and mortar?
Hi Timothy. So for starters, the eBook doesn't get a barcode so cross that one off the list. For your paperback, you can use the same barcode with IS and KDP. Even though B&M stores won't buy for Amazon, you don't need to have two different covers (one with a barcode and one without) for the two services. Although they do have different cover templates so if your cover designer is going to make two separate files for you, you can ask that the KDP one have no barcode on it. Up to you, it may be easier to just have the priced barcode on both.
I bought my ISBN's from Bowker and plan to publish both print and ebook on KDP and Ingramspark. If I want my book in brick and mortar, I need a barcode with the price on the Ingramspark print version (if I'm understanding you correctly). But where do I buy the barcode? Through Ingramspark or Bowker? I have a cover designer who is doing covers for both KDP and Ingramspark but he did not include a barcode (just a white space where it will go).
Hello, Yes, you can purchase barcodes from Bowker for $25 that will have your price on it. Just be careful when you create them because once you set the price you can't change it without having to buy another one. Best of luck!
The "price" barcode really threw me. Is it really That user unfriendly (e.g. the number "5" is the dollar sign?). If I'm going to scrounge around for a barcode-with-price, I can't least want a human to be able to read it. Am driving myself nuts looking for a free ISDN barcode app that actually prints one with a readable price on it. I assume Bowker will give you a user friendly barcode for the $25 you have to pay for it.
@@1MKWilliams I just checked Bowker and they have a fine website barcode generator with a readable price, but at $25, you do give a look for a free one if they're out there. That was sort of this afternoon's project but I still haven't found one (you'd think they'd have sense enough to include, but maybe I'm missing something). If you know of one and could post a link, that would be great.
Thanks for the video! I used a site to create my ISBN barcode for my KDP print copy - is there a way to know if Amazon will 'accept' my barcode or will place their own on top before purchasing copies? (I noticed something on their website saying it needed to be fully black text but I had chosen a white text one because it worked better with my colour scheme on the cover)
Hmm Ive only done the black barcode on a white background so I'm not sure, but I do know you have to check a box that says "I'm providing my own barcode" when you upload the cover. Don't miss that one
Hi Elizabeth, Congratulations on your book. Happy to help, feel free to book a time with me so we can make a plan calendly.com/1mkwilliamsauthor/author-coach-consultation?month=2023-03
@1MKWilliams Hello, if I buy my own barcode with a price attached, can I use that same barcode with KDP and Ingramspark? Or will they'll be two different barcodes for each platform?
Hi, If I add the barcode with a price, any example will do on KDP, and I use the same barcode on IngramSpark, the cost would have to be different, right? KDP is printing books cheaper than IgramSpark, so do I have to use 2 barcodes for this? But different prices?
The price on the book is the retail price and ideally you are charging the same retail price everywhere (except maybe a discount for buying direct) also Amazon will price match. So you're using the same barcode on both services with the same price
Stupid question; but what if you had a UK priced barcode and it was sold in bookstores abroad like in America in USD via IngramSparks/Amazon? I will use Nielsen as I'm in the UK. I'm not sure if you put in the price when assigning a barcode with an ISBN? Still not sure what price to charge my paperback neither. It will be around 800 pages. Maybe 9.99 GBP.
OMG! 800 pages!! Way to go! That is super impressive. Regarding the price on the barcode, you generally don't need to provide a barcode with a price to Amazon. The main strategy for having the price on the barcode is to get into brick and mortar stores and they don't order through Amazon. For IS you would provide the price, but you make a good point about US/UK pricing. I would suggest going to a local bookshop and looking at the barcodes. How many have just UK pricing and how many have both?
@@1MKWilliams Haha. Thanks 🙂. It was over 400k initially. But now got it down to around 270k. Hopefully it will just about fit into one book and with Amazon's page limit. A lot of people say it's a waste of time buying your own barcode. Especially when a lot of bookstores use their own prices and stickers rather than a priced barcode. Really not sure what to think! I'm thinking ahead, despite awaiting for the proofread to come back from my editor.
@@1MKWilliams Can you still change the price on say Amazon, even though the barcode will have the fixed price? Surely you can, as Amazon won't scan a barcode.
@@Gelbsy Yes, although I usually recommend not providing Amazon with a barcode that has a price on it for that reason. It makes it that much easier to change the price later.
Hi, thanks so much for this video. Just a clarifying question. I have purchased an IBSN for my book, when going through the steps of uploading it to KDP, I will insert the IBSN information I have and when I upload my cover, KDP will automatically generate a barcode for the book. Is this correct?
Hi Jake, Correct when you upload the cover file KDP will add their barcode using your ISBN unless you indicate that you are providing your own barcode on the cover file. Best of luck!
HELP! Lol. My plan is to publish my paperback and ebook with KDP and my hard back with Ingram. I would love for my book to be in Target, Walmart etc. with that being said should I purchase a barcode? I’m guessing I should get a barcode for the hardback since Ingram will distribute it all over and and not get one for the paperback since that’s only being sold on Amazon. Does this sound right or should get a bar code for the paperback being sold on Amazon as well?
Hello, Yes that would be correct. If you are only listing the paperback with KDP it doesn't make much sense to pay for a barcode with the price on it as most brick and mortar retailers will not purchase through Amazon. It does make sense to get it for your hardcover through IngramSpark if you plan to pursue a brick and mortar strategy. Best of luck!
@M.K. Williams I am buying my ISBNs from Bowker but am wondering about barcodes. I want to know if I get my barcode at Amazon and later want it in an actual store, will Amazon allow me to sell the book at a retail store with their barcode? Does having my own ISBN free me from having to be dedicated to Amazon KDP?
Having your own ISBN gives you the ability to be independent from Amazon. I've not heard of issues with a barcode from Amazon (or IngramSpark or another self -publishing platform) not being accepted at a B&M retailer. But you can go with the Amazon barcode now (your ISBN will still show on it) and you can add an owned barcode later of you opt for a brick and mortar strategy.
If I use KDp barcode, then I have an opportunity to sell it in a store, ( author copies- I can buy up to 999) can they just sell it at the same price, but add a price tag? Or should I have my designer make a design with a price to use for author copies if they’ll allow it? Thank you. Super helpful video!
Hi Glorida, I would check with the store that you have in mind. Most want to see the price on the barcode because it takes away the guesswork on their end for how much to charge and they don't have to add any price stickers.
@@1MKWilliams thank you. If they use the barcode to ring it up still, and it has a price sticker on it that coincides, I wonder if that will be ok? Do you recommend having the designer make another cover with the price on it? Kdp recommemded not putting the price on it. In case you wanted to change the price as you go.
@@energyhands Correct, putting the price on the book does limit your ability to quickly adjust the price of the book. If you have a plan of action for getting the book into brick and mortar stores then yes create a version with the price on it. You can always swap that out for the no price option later if you choose.
Hello MK. Do I need a separate ISBN and barcode for my KDP and Ingramspark? I will be starting with Amazon and then move on to Ingramspark with the help of an Amazon representative.
Hello, The ISBN for your paperback will be the same regardless of which platform you upload to. The barcode can be the same or you can use the free one from Amazon and IngramSpark. czcams.com/video/3xQRiBMh13I/video.html Also, Amazon and IngramSpark are two completely different companies. Someone from Amazon won't be able to help you get the book on IngramSpark. I do have some videos and a book that can help: 1mkwilliams.com/going-wide/
i am working with a designer who refuses to add in the bar code... the person claims that i upload it separately and send the bar code as a seperate pdf... the cover i have has a blank white square for where the bar code goes. however the person is refusing to put it onto the PDF image... is the designer right? or am i right to tell her no it must be included?
Do you have a video where you walk through uploading your own bar code? I keep having problems on KDP with the launch previewer not working when I try, I get this error. "We're sorry. The service or feature you are trying to use is currently unavailable. We're working to solve the problem as quickly as possible. Please try again later." It looks like the title and subtitle match on Bowker, Amazon is no help. Any ideas?
If the previewer isn't working I would exit completely, give it 30 minutes and then go in again and try. If it is the previewer not working that is unrelated to the barcode or anything on the bowker side of things.
Thank you! Quick question- I got a barcode with a price on it. I want to drop the price of my book when I publish it on Amazon for the first few days. Can I do this if I already got a barcode with a set price? Thanks!
Yes you can, but keep in mind you can use the barcode that Amazon provides for your paperback which will not have the cost on it to solve for this as well.
@@1MKWilliams ok, thank you! Can I use the Amazon barcode for KDP and my own for like, Ingram spark for example? (Sorry just want to make sure I understood clearly)
@@abeejalan7444 the KDP barcode would be applied by KDP to your print cover so just on KDP. You should use the barcode you already purchased with IngramSpark :)
Hi thank you for your videos. I have the ISBN and if I get the barcode from Kdp can I then publish with IS with the same barcode or will they provide it like kdp?
So pretty much all brick and mortar retail stores won't buy books printed by Amazon to sell on their stores. Stores need to receive a wholesale discount in order to sell the books (with Amazon KDP does not allow authors to set) and Amazon is killing brick & mortar retail. So if an author plans to get their books into physical stores, I recommend listing the print book with IngramSpark as well since they can set a wholesale discount. You can bring your own barcode to Amazon but just know it wont have any impact on whether a physical store will stock the book. It is just for simplicity if you already have the barcode on the print cover.
Yes there are some barcode generators out there that will create an EAN ISBN13 barcode for free. I'm planning to do a video on some options in the next few months.
Thank you so much for this video, I am so brand new it is scary lol So I really appreciate this. I have a few questions. I would like to get my book on both amazon and have it go wide. If I buy my own ISBN number, which I will, do I have to put my barcode on both Amazon and other platforms that will sell my books? I know you explained this well but I am in preschool here and don't understand. Would it be beneficial if I but my ISBN number on both Amazon and wide? I pray I make sense here.
So if you own your ISBN then you can use it on any platform. The ISBN is specific to the book format. So if you only publish an eBook you only need 1 ISBN. If you have both an eBook and a paperback that is two ISBNs. They can go with you to any platform. The barcode can be issued by the platform for your print book if you do not care about having the price of your book on the barcode. Having the price helps when you are trying to get the book in the brick and mortar stores. The barcode is not the same thing as the ISBN. Barcodes are only for physical products (like a paperback book).
@@1MKWilliams How do I get my price on the barcode if I want to sell it to private stores? Also, how would I buy or get prints with the price on it for these private book stores? Do you do a class lol 😂 I would buy/pay to go/take lol 😂
I go over a lot of this in my book Self-Publishing for the First-Time Author (no course yet, but it's in the works). That book is my guide to all of these questions and more: 1mkwilliams.com/self-publishing-for-the-first-time-author/ Best of luck, happy I can help!
Nope! You shouldn't need a barcode to donate to the library but I would recommend having a Library of Congress number so the library can keep the book in their catalog
In purchasing my 10 ISBNs from Bowker, it asks for the company name. I planned on using some of the ISBNs for my Amazon KDP paperback and some for my Draft2Digital paperback. So then, should I just put my own name rather than Amazon KDP?
Yes, in this case you are the owner of the ISBNs so you can put your name or your business name. For the same format (eBook and paperback) you will use the same ISBN across all platforms. Unless you are using a different trim size or binding, the same ISBN is used regardless of the platform you upload to.
@@1MKWilliams For my paperback across all platforms, I can use the same ISBN and barcode with price I purchased? I think you said in this video that your KDP paperback will just have the price. So it's only if you defer to Amazon's identifier number that you are limited to using it on Amazon. My same priced barcode can be utilized at both Draft2Digital and Amazon for my paperback?
If I use my own barcode and ISBN for KDP do I need a separate ISBN and barcode to market my print book on other platforms and in brick and mortar stores?
For those of you with more questions on KDP you can check out my entire playlist on the platform: czcams.com/video/0NY-gmapDXg/video.html and my playlist on technical elements like barcodes, ISBNs, and more: czcams.com/play/PL5wG4jOiELp0fS9uKMd0dv7qXvNOGzHnT.html
I need a book designer, any recommendations?
@@jerrynickles7818 yep, I have a few recommendations on my website for cover and interior design authoryourambition.com/author-resources/
@@1MKWilliams thank you :)
Thank you, finally someone cleared that up for me. My first book and it's a big learning curve.
So glad I could help. Congratulations on your first book 🎉
Thanks! I appreciate the straight to the point answer and clear information. (Nothing worse than watching a 30 minute video for a 3 minute answer.) I'll be subscribing. :-)
Glad to help!
Your videos are brilliant. I have learnt so much from you and am now ready to self publish my book on Amazon KDP.
That is so great to hear!! Best of luck with your book!
Ok, good info, now a couple more specific barcode questions:
1. If you provide your own ISBN, but KDP creates the barcode for you, does that affect the imprint info? (Meaning KDP shows as the imprint)
2. If I use my pre-purchase ISBN on multiple printing platforms do they also create barcodes specific to their printing of my book?
Great questions: 1. No, the imprint is something you will fill in when you set up the book in Bowker and you'll put that in KDP. 2. Yes, if you don't provide a barcode, the publishing platform will provide their own no-price listed barcode.
@@1MKWilliams Thanks for the reply. (I watched a few of your vids last night and appreciate the straightforward practicality of the info you provide. I subscribed!)
@@steve_bal4 awesome, thank you so much! I'm glad I can help
I had the same question . (Was so confused) This helps. Thanks yall
Good day. This is super helpful. Is it possible to use the same barcode and book cover art for both KDP and Ingram Spark? Many thanks. Have a wonderful day.
Very helpful!
Happy I can help!
In doing some research on the free vs bought ISBN debate I came across an interesting argument recently. If you opt for a free barcode, have no website or social media presence, how can a potential distributor get in touch with you? This is the case for many writers I suspect. They only exist on a 3rd party sites and potentially an interested distributor may not know how to find them. Buying your own barcodes ensures that you, as an indie author are registered as the publisher of your work, and in the UK at least, Nielsen holds your details and provides potential 'bricks and mortar stores' who've seen and like your work, a way of identifying you and requesting stock for distribution. It's not in amazon's interest to manage requests for your material in that way. In looking at how cover art is uploaded on KDP today, it seems that if you have a price in an embedded barcode in the graphic file it will be rejected anyway, as amazon say not to place an image where the barcode sits on the template. Is this correct, or is there another way to upload cover art with a price inclusive barcode? From what I can see, if you have your own ISBN, KDP will generate a no price barcode for you automatically when you enter your ISBN number. I think I'm now leaning more towards having my own no price ISBN / barcode on amazon and then potentially redesigning the cover art to include a new ISBN / barcode if my novel gets picked up - assuming that is, that Nielsen consider adding a price to the barcode as a significant enough change to warrant needing another ISBN.
Hi J, Yes, when uploading the cover file you have to check a box to indicate that you are bringing your own barcode. I've done this with several books without issue. Best of luck!
Great straight to the point video - thanks!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video!
Yes! Thank you for answering my question about it!
You're welcome! Glad I could help 😃
10 thumbs up! Exactly what I need to find out. To the point!
Glad the video was helpful ☺️
Thank you clarifying and explaining this!
You're welcome!
Thanks for this! I appreciate your brevity.
You're welcome!
Awesome! Thank you M.K. Williams!
You're welcome!
This was very useful. Thank you!
You're welcome!
Great informative video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
You're welcome!
So on Amazon KDP, if some of my friends decide they want a paper copy of the book. Amazon KDP will print and ship correct? In this case would I then need to supply two ISBN numbers (one for paperback, one for e-book)? This is my first book as well and I am definitely learning as I go. Wow!
Correct one isbn for eBook, one for paperback. Best of luck!!
Thanks so much M.K.! This is s a big help :)
You're welcome!
But where can I buy the barcode? And yes we want the store eventually in a brick and mortar store.
In the US you can buy one from bowker for $25. Or you can get one from Bookow and they ask for a donation to keep the site running
Amazing thank you so much.
You're welcome!
Love your niche!
Thank you!! Happy to help those who want to self-publish :)
MK: KDP does not have a button that says you are bringing your own barcode; I don't know if this is a change since you made this video. They do ask about your our ISBN, but nowhere do they ask about a barcode. Bummer, because I want to use my own. Suggestions?
I believe this is because you used the custom creator that KDP offers. You would need to bring an already designed cover to upload with the barcode on it.
Thank you so much for your video; it was extremely helpful! However, I have a question: I want my book to be in brick-and-mortar stores, so I’ll be buying an ISBN for that. I’ve heard of people saying that Amazon converts these ISBNs from Bowker into barcodes (for free). Is this true? Or does Amazon only convert it without the price barcode? I just wanted to make sure… once again, thanks a lot!
Correct the Amazon barcode has no price. You can purchase your own barcode from bowker with the fixed price or use a service called Bookow that asks for a donation as payment
@@1MKWilliams Thank you so much for clearing it up!
My back cover has a background on it. Do I need to create a white space for the ISBN and barcode? I see where the KDP template shows the space for the ISBN and barcode and also that it says "no content here."
Correct, you'll need to have a solid color box there for the barcode to be placed on top of
Is it possible for us to choose the optimal price for our books before they are published? Is it feasible to create a fictitious upload on KDP in order to follow the instructions and get ideal prices?
Yes, KDP has a pricing calculator you can run: kdp.amazon.com/en_US/royalty-calculator
Thank you so much x
You're welcome!
Thanks!
You're welcome!!
Great video! what if later on down the line, the book does well and i'd like to get it into brick and mortar stores? can i change the barcode after it's been published?
Yes, you can update the cover with a new barcode while it is still print on demand. Best of luck!
@@1MKWilliams What if I decide to lower the price at a later time? Do I need to go get a new barcode then if my original one has a price on it?
@@bluezy710 yes, if the price is printed on the barcode and your permanently change the price you'll need a new barcode. Just for a short promo you don't have to change it.
Doesn't Ingram spark take it to brick and mortar stores?
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Just to clarify, if I use my own ISBN number for my print book, can I use that same number for KDP print on demand AND any books I print at an independent printer? The binding would be the same, both would be paperback, only change is where it is printed.
Correct, if you have purchased the ISBN and nothing about the format/sizing is changed you can use it at any printer (private or Amazon KDP Print-on-Demand)
Thanks for all your awesome info! Publishing my first kid's book and Im a bit confused... All my research about page counts said to leave the last page blank so Amazon could put their barcode, but now everything is saying itll be on the cover... Is the bar code going to be on the last page inside the book, or on the back or both? Thanks for any help!!
Both :)
What’s the difference between a barcode with and without a price if I would like a paperback with Ingram and KDP? Is it best to do a barcode with Ingram with a price and then Amazon without price?
Hi Maria, As I mentioned in the video, it all depends on your strategy. If you have no plan to actively try to get brick and mortar stores to stock your book then you are okay to use the no price barcode provided.
@@1MKWilliams I was linked to bookow which adds the price to barcode - is this reliable?
@@mariahutchison6578 I've tried that site once and so far so good. They do ask for a donation to keep the site running which is fair.
@@1MKWilliams thank you just wanted confirmation from someone else who’s used it:)
@@mariahutchison6578 no worries. Best of luck with your book!
I need a book designer any recommendations?
Yep, I have several on my website. Both cover and interior design: authoryourambition.com/author-resources/
Question: While I have a ISBN from KDP, I would like to place it rather in the bottom left than the bottom right corner. So, therefore, I need to include the barcode as part of the cover myself. And for that I need to generate it first, however. What site/tool do you recommend to generate the barcode with the ISBN I have? Is there something special you need to consider?
Ok so the barcode and the ISBN are two different things. If KDP is providing you with a free ISBN for your print book, you won't have it before you upload. If you want to control the placement of the barcode and the ISBN, then you can acquire the ISBN from your official ISBN agency for your country (in the US it is Bowker). Usually those agencies will also issue barcodes or you can get a free barcode. I have a video on that here: czcams.com/video/labQZ8MwQ7U/video.html. Once you have the barcode you can place it on the back cover.
QUESTION: What is the best way to use a barcode if I use KDP for my ebook and paperback but want to publish paperback with Ingram Spark and brick and mortar?
Hi Timothy. So for starters, the eBook doesn't get a barcode so cross that one off the list. For your paperback, you can use the same barcode with IS and KDP. Even though B&M stores won't buy for Amazon, you don't need to have two different covers (one with a barcode and one without) for the two services. Although they do have different cover templates so if your cover designer is going to make two separate files for you, you can ask that the KDP one have no barcode on it. Up to you, it may be easier to just have the priced barcode on both.
I bought my ISBN's from Bowker and plan to publish both print and ebook on KDP and Ingramspark. If I want my book in brick and mortar, I need a barcode with the price on the Ingramspark print version (if I'm understanding you correctly). But where do I buy the barcode? Through Ingramspark or Bowker? I have a cover designer who is doing covers for both KDP and Ingramspark but he did not include a barcode (just a white space where it will go).
Hello, Yes, you can purchase barcodes from Bowker for $25 that will have your price on it. Just be careful when you create them because once you set the price you can't change it without having to buy another one. Best of luck!
@@1MKWilliams Thank you!!
The "price" barcode really threw me. Is it really That user unfriendly (e.g. the number "5" is the dollar sign?).
If I'm going to scrounge around for a barcode-with-price, I can't least want a human to be able to read it.
Am driving myself nuts looking for a free ISDN barcode app that actually prints one with a readable price on it.
I assume Bowker will give you a user friendly barcode for the $25 you have to pay for it.
All of them will have the 5 for the $ in the printed version, but I have seen a few that add a $ version above the official code!
@@1MKWilliams
I just checked Bowker and they have a fine website barcode generator with a readable price, but at $25, you do give a look for a free one if they're out there.
That was sort of this afternoon's project but I still haven't found one (you'd think they'd have sense enough to include, but maybe I'm missing something).
If you know of one and could post a link, that would be great.
I'm planning to look at a few different options in the next few months.
Thanks for the video! I used a site to create my ISBN barcode for my KDP print copy - is there a way to know if Amazon will 'accept' my barcode or will place their own on top before purchasing copies? (I noticed something on their website saying it needed to be fully black text but I had chosen a white text one because it worked better with my colour scheme on the cover)
Hmm Ive only done the black barcode on a white background so I'm not sure, but I do know you have to check a box that says "I'm providing my own barcode" when you upload the cover. Don't miss that one
@@1MKWilliams No problem! Thanks for getting back to me so quickly with your thoughts!
Hi! If you have your own ISBN. Can you just give KDP the numbers? Will they provide the barcode for you with your own number?
Yes, KDP can provide the barcode even if you have your own ISBN
I am publishing book translated in 5 languages. Please help
Thanks
Hi Elizabeth, Congratulations on your book. Happy to help, feel free to book a time with me so we can make a plan calendly.com/1mkwilliamsauthor/author-coach-consultation?month=2023-03
If I use my own ISBN and KDP barcode, can I change this later if I decide I want my book in brick and mortar stores?
If you use your own ISBN and barcode you shouldnt have to change anything to later have it available in brick and mortar
@@1MKWilliams Thank you!
Hi, If I wanted to get a barcode of my own what is the best format to order JPEG or PDF?
Jpeg or png
Thank you!@@1MKWilliams
@1MKWilliams Hello, if I buy my own barcode with a price attached, can I use that same barcode with KDP and Ingramspark? Or will they'll be two different barcodes for each platform?
You can use the same barcode on any platform
Thanks for that. I have one further question. If I add my price to the barcode, is that price then fixed forever?
Hi Molly, no you can change the price of your book at any time, but you would need a new barcode with the new price.
Hi, If I add the barcode with a price, any example will do on KDP, and I use the same barcode on IngramSpark, the cost would have to be different, right? KDP is printing books cheaper than IgramSpark, so do I have to use 2 barcodes for this? But different prices?
The price on the book is the retail price and ideally you are charging the same retail price everywhere (except maybe a discount for buying direct) also Amazon will price match. So you're using the same barcode on both services with the same price
@@1MKWilliams Thank you
Stupid question; but what if you had a UK priced barcode and it was sold in bookstores abroad like in America in USD via IngramSparks/Amazon? I will use Nielsen as I'm in the UK. I'm not sure if you put in the price when assigning a barcode with an ISBN? Still not sure what price to charge my paperback neither. It will be around 800 pages. Maybe 9.99 GBP.
OMG! 800 pages!! Way to go! That is super impressive. Regarding the price on the barcode, you generally don't need to provide a barcode with a price to Amazon. The main strategy for having the price on the barcode is to get into brick and mortar stores and they don't order through Amazon. For IS you would provide the price, but you make a good point about US/UK pricing. I would suggest going to a local bookshop and looking at the barcodes. How many have just UK pricing and how many have both?
@@1MKWilliams Haha. Thanks 🙂. It was over 400k initially. But now got it down to around 270k. Hopefully it will just about fit into one book and with Amazon's page limit. A lot of people say it's a waste of time buying your own barcode. Especially when a lot of bookstores use their own prices and stickers rather than a priced barcode. Really not sure what to think! I'm thinking ahead, despite awaiting for the proofread to come back from my editor.
@@Gelbsy that's good to plan ahead. The nice this with barcodes is that you can change them if you shift your strategy.
@@1MKWilliams Can you still change the price on say Amazon, even though the barcode will have the fixed price? Surely you can, as Amazon won't scan a barcode.
@@Gelbsy Yes, although I usually recommend not providing Amazon with a barcode that has a price on it for that reason. It makes it that much easier to change the price later.
Not sure if it's been asked already, but is there any meaning behind the blue "T" graphic that Amazon has on their barcodes?
Hi, thanks so much for this video. Just a clarifying question. I have purchased an IBSN for my book, when going through the steps of uploading it to KDP, I will insert the IBSN information I have and when I upload my cover, KDP will automatically generate a barcode for the book. Is this correct?
Hi Jake, Correct when you upload the cover file KDP will add their barcode using your ISBN unless you indicate that you are providing your own barcode on the cover file. Best of luck!
HELP! Lol. My plan is to publish my paperback and ebook with KDP and my hard back with Ingram. I would love for my book to be in Target, Walmart etc. with that being said should I purchase a barcode? I’m guessing I should get a barcode for the hardback since Ingram will distribute it all over and and not get one for the paperback since that’s only being sold on Amazon. Does this sound right or should get a bar code for the paperback being sold on Amazon as well?
Hello, Yes that would be correct. If you are only listing the paperback with KDP it doesn't make much sense to pay for a barcode with the price on it as most brick and mortar retailers will not purchase through Amazon. It does make sense to get it for your hardcover through IngramSpark if you plan to pursue a brick and mortar strategy. Best of luck!
@@1MKWilliams Thank you
@M.K. Williams I am buying my ISBNs from Bowker but am wondering about barcodes. I want to know if I get my barcode at Amazon and later want it in an actual store, will Amazon allow me to sell the book at a retail store with their barcode? Does having my own ISBN free me from having to be dedicated to Amazon KDP?
Having your own ISBN gives you the ability to be independent from Amazon. I've not heard of issues with a barcode from Amazon (or IngramSpark or another self -publishing platform) not being accepted at a B&M retailer. But you can go with the Amazon barcode now (your ISBN will still show on it) and you can add an owned barcode later of you opt for a brick and mortar strategy.
@@1MKWilliams Thank you. So, I can change the barcode without having to make a new edition of the book?
@@taliagoodwomanmann yes, it would just be a new barcode on the print cover. No need to do a new edition.
Do you have to have your designer put a white box for the barcode or does KDP put a white background behind the barcode?
No, if you are using the KDP provided barcode they will but the entire barcode with the white background on the back cover for you.
If I use KDp barcode, then I have an opportunity to sell it in a store, ( author copies- I can buy up to 999) can they just sell it at the same price, but add a price tag? Or should I have my designer make a design with a price to use for author copies if they’ll allow it? Thank you. Super helpful video!
Hi Glorida, I would check with the store that you have in mind. Most want to see the price on the barcode because it takes away the guesswork on their end for how much to charge and they don't have to add any price stickers.
@@1MKWilliams thank you. If they use the barcode to ring it up still, and it has a price sticker on it that coincides, I wonder if that will be ok? Do you recommend having the designer make another cover with the price on it? Kdp recommemded not putting the price on it. In case you wanted to change the price as you go.
@@energyhands Correct, putting the price on the book does limit your ability to quickly adjust the price of the book. If you have a plan of action for getting the book into brick and mortar stores then yes create a version with the price on it. You can always swap that out for the no price option later if you choose.
Hello MK. Do I need a separate ISBN and barcode for my KDP and Ingramspark? I will
be starting with Amazon and then move on to
Ingramspark with the help of an Amazon representative.
Hello, The ISBN for your paperback will be the same regardless of which platform you upload to. The barcode can be the same or you can use the free one from Amazon and IngramSpark. czcams.com/video/3xQRiBMh13I/video.html Also, Amazon and IngramSpark are two completely different companies. Someone from Amazon won't be able to help you get the book on IngramSpark. I do have some videos and a book that can help: 1mkwilliams.com/going-wide/
Hi again! The LCCN request asks for a city and state of publication. How do you know that if you are self publishing on Amazon? thanks!
If you are publishing on Amazon then you are the Publisher :) Use your city and state!
Hey so does the barcode have to be already on the cover image file when we upload it or is it added as a separate file during setup?
It depends. If you want to bring your own it needs to be on the cover image. If no barcode is on the cover image then KDP will add one automatically.
@@1MKWilliams alright thank you! I’m definitely wanting everything to be my own.
Will KDP print my barcode on my journal if I list it?
Yes, if you publish with KDP they can add a no price barcode.
i am working with a designer who refuses to add in the bar code... the person claims that i upload it separately and send the bar code as a seperate pdf... the cover i have has a blank white square for where the bar code goes. however the person is refusing to put it onto the PDF image... is the designer right? or am i right to tell her no it must be included?
If you purchased your barcode with the price then you are correct, it must be on the cover pdf that you upload to KDP or IngramSpark
@@1MKWilliams thank you so much! Very fast response i will like and sub
Do you have a video where you walk through uploading your own bar code? I keep having problems on KDP with the launch previewer not working when I try, I get this error. "We're sorry. The service or feature you are trying to use is currently unavailable. We're working to solve the problem as quickly as possible. Please try again later."
It looks like the title and subtitle match on Bowker, Amazon is no help. Any ideas?
If the previewer isn't working I would exit completely, give it 30 minutes and then go in again and try. If it is the previewer not working that is unrelated to the barcode or anything on the bowker side of things.
Thank you!
Quick question- I got a barcode with a price on it. I want to drop the price of my book when I publish it on Amazon for the first few days. Can I do this if I already got a barcode with a set price?
Thanks!
Yes you can, but keep in mind you can use the barcode that Amazon provides for your paperback which will not have the cost on it to solve for this as well.
@@1MKWilliams ok, thank you! Can I use the Amazon barcode for KDP and my own for like, Ingram spark for example? (Sorry just want to make sure I understood clearly)
@@abeejalan7444 the KDP barcode would be applied by KDP to your print cover so just on KDP. You should use the barcode you already purchased with IngramSpark :)
@@1MKWilliams thanks so much for your help! 😊
Hi thank you for your videos. I have the ISBN and if I get the barcode from Kdp can I then publish with IS with the same barcode or will they provide it like kdp?
Wait so can you sell amazon copies of your book with a barcode price, can those be on stores?
So pretty much all brick and mortar retail stores won't buy books printed by Amazon to sell on their stores. Stores need to receive a wholesale discount in order to sell the books (with Amazon KDP does not allow authors to set) and Amazon is killing brick & mortar retail. So if an author plans to get their books into physical stores, I recommend listing the print book with IngramSpark as well since they can set a wholesale discount. You can bring your own barcode to Amazon but just know it wont have any impact on whether a physical store will stock the book. It is just for simplicity if you already have the barcode on the print cover.
@@1MKWilliams gotcha! Thank ya so much for the info!! ❤
Hi! Do you know if you can add your own bar code to your cover when using KDP Cover Creator Tool? Thanks!
Hi Rebecca, I don't believe so. I haven't used that tool in a few years but I don't recall any option to upload one.
@@1MKWilliams Thats what a suspected but was hopeful I was wrong! haha ok thanks
I have been told never to buy barcodes. can I use barcode generators that put price on them?
Yes there are some barcode generators out there that will create an EAN ISBN13 barcode for free. I'm planning to do a video on some options in the next few months.
Thank you so much for this video, I am so brand new it is scary lol So I really appreciate this. I have a few questions. I would like to get my book on both amazon and have it go wide. If I buy my own ISBN number, which I will, do I have to put my barcode on both Amazon and other platforms that will sell my books? I know you explained this well but I am in preschool here and don't understand. Would it be beneficial if I but my ISBN number on both Amazon and wide? I pray I make sense here.
So if you own your ISBN then you can use it on any platform. The ISBN is specific to the book format. So if you only publish an eBook you only need 1 ISBN. If you have both an eBook and a paperback that is two ISBNs. They can go with you to any platform. The barcode can be issued by the platform for your print book if you do not care about having the price of your book on the barcode. Having the price helps when you are trying to get the book in the brick and mortar stores. The barcode is not the same thing as the ISBN. Barcodes are only for physical products (like a paperback book).
@@1MKWilliams How do I get my price on the barcode if I want to sell it to private stores? Also, how would I buy or get prints with the price on it for these private book stores? Do you do a class lol 😂 I would buy/pay to go/take lol 😂
@@1MKWilliams And thank you for taking the time to help me. It means the world to me that you even replied.
I go over a lot of this in my book Self-Publishing for the First-Time Author (no course yet, but it's in the works). That book is my guide to all of these questions and more: 1mkwilliams.com/self-publishing-for-the-first-time-author/ Best of luck, happy I can help!
@@1MKWilliams Will be getting this and thank you!
If I distribute with Kdp and ingram, will they both use different barcodes, and will this be okay under the same isbn?
The barcodes may be different but it will show the same ISBN as long as you use the ISBN you own for the book
What if I only want to sell on amazon, but I wanted to donate some copies to my local library? Will I need to buy a barcode for that?
Nope! You shouldn't need a barcode to donate to the library but I would recommend having a Library of Congress number so the library can keep the book in their catalog
@@1MKWilliams Oh, OK. Thanks so much!
In purchasing my 10 ISBNs from Bowker, it asks for the company name. I planned on using some of the ISBNs for my Amazon KDP paperback and some for my Draft2Digital paperback. So then, should I just put my own name rather than Amazon KDP?
Yes, in this case you are the owner of the ISBNs so you can put your name or your business name. For the same format (eBook and paperback) you will use the same ISBN across all platforms. Unless you are using a different trim size or binding, the same ISBN is used regardless of the platform you upload to.
@@1MKWilliams For my paperback across all platforms, I can use the same ISBN and barcode with price I purchased? I think you said in this video that your KDP paperback will just have the price. So it's only if you defer to Amazon's identifier number that you are limited to using it on Amazon. My same priced barcode can be utilized at both Draft2Digital and Amazon for my paperback?
@@AshleyBDavis correct, the barcode is specific to your ISBN, not the platform
@@1MKWilliams And using that same barcode with a price on my Amazon paperback won't get me thrown in Amazon jail? lol
@@AshleyBDavis nope, just check the box that you are providing your own barcode. :)
Can I choose later to buy a barcode and distribute to bookstores or do i need to decide before I upload my book to kdp?
Great question! You can get a barcode with the price on it later
@@1MKWilliams Awesome! Thank you!
Please help me
This was very helpful! Thank you
You're so welcome!
Thank you!!!!!
You're welcome!
If I use my own barcode and ISBN for KDP do I need a separate ISBN and barcode to market my print book on other platforms and in brick and mortar stores?