Reasons why I finally started getting Philippine ISBNs

This year, I finally registered with National Library to be able to get ISBNs for my self-published books from them. I had not been doing that for years because Amazon KDP and Smashwords give free ISBNs, but then those editions don’t get counted as published in the Philippines. (Only based on how some institutions define “Philippine publication” because a book without an ISBN that I publish here is still a Philippine publication but anyway.)

Years ago I was asked what would convince me as an indie author to get PH ISBNs. I said I would consider it if it were online and free. The main reasons why I got PH ISBNs now in 2025:

1. It’s completely online.

2. It’s free.

3. If I wanted to be able to include my book in opportunities (like government procurement, etc) open only to Philippine publications, one of the usual requirements is a PH-issued ISBN.

I need to emphasize to fellow indies that our books are valid and real even without the number, and anyone selling us the idea that without it you’re fake…is just selling you something, and also doesn’t seem to care about actual craft. Ultimately the ISBN is a requirement to be able to scale or do more, but the good or bad book is still a good or bad book.

This is a reminder to some authors to get your ISBNs lol.

The post Reasons why I finally started getting Philippine ISBNs first appeared on Mina V. Esguerra.