ISBN & Distribution question

[J.F.]

If I own my own ISBN for both print and e-book, can I use the same ISBN for Createspace/Kindle (Amazon), Ingram Spark and Smashwords?

Or should I do different ISBNs for each company/format? Thanks!

[Geoff]

I believe an ISBN is linked to each time the book is published - so if you publish via Amazon - a unique ISBN is required - if you publish as a self publisher and issue your own paperback of the same book, another number is required, and if you issue an e-book in support of your paperback, another number is required.
The ISBN tells the publishing industry which publication has been ordered by a buyer. i.e your paperback, or your e-book or the Amazon issue.
Hope I've not confused you :-o)

[J.F.]

Thanks! In Canada, my ISBN is registered with Library and Archives Canada under my publishing company.

It sounds like I will need unique ISBN for different formats (E-book, paperback, etc) but can use different distributors.

[Mike]

J.F. wrote: "Thanks! In Canada, my ISBN is registered with Library and Archives Canada under my publishing company.

It sounds like I will need unique ISBN for different formats (E-book, paperback, etc) but ca..."

That's also the situation in the States as I understand it. Separate ISBNs, but you can use either the same distributor, or use a different one - which is what I'm doing.