Should I Buy a Barcode from Bowker?

While finishing my book “Feylin Lore: Reflections,” I ran into a situation where I needed to purchase an ISBN to sell through Ingram Spark. One ISBN from Bowker costs $125, and 10 cost less than the price of three ($295). Of course, I bought the ten because I know that after my 90 day exclusive period with Kindle/Amazon ends, I will need to purchase a second one for Smashwords (I think it is due to Ibooks format). So, buying ten was a no-brainer for my situation.

Now, I noticed that Bowker had a bundle to add a barcode into the mix for $320. The normal barcode price is $25, so you save $5 by adding it to your bundle.

I fully intended to use the barcode I bought from Bowker with the hardcover version of my book on Ingram Spark, but when I used their cover generator, I found that it automatically generates a barcode for you…and for FREE!

In short, even if you plan on self-publishing with Createspace, Lulu or some other print on demand site (other than Ingram Spark), as long as you have an ISBN, you can get a free barcode.

Good luck,

-PA