What is an ISBN?
Think of an ISBN like your book’s social security number — it tells the publishing world your book is real, legit, and ready to be found. Bookstores, libraries, and online retailers all use ISBNs to track and sell books. If you’re self-publishing and want your book to look professional (and actually be discoverable), you’ll need one. It’s a small number with big power — just like you!
What is assisted self-publishing?
Assisted self-publishing gives you the independence of self-publishing with guidance along the way. You stay in control of your book and your rights, while we provide the tools, resources, and trusted industry connections to help you get it done—like editors, designers, and marketing tips. You’re the boss; we just help you build your team.
Here at The Indie Author Revolution, LLC, we believe publishing should be empowering, not expensive. That’s why we’re committed to making the journey affordable, accessible, and indie-author friendly—from first draft to final upload.
One way we do that? By offering an assisted self-publishing kit and guidance. You shouldn’t have to break the bank just to make your book legit. We’re here to help you take control of your publishing path — on your terms, and within your budget.
The Indie Author Revolution is listed as the Imprint Publisher, as we are registered through Bowker as the publishing house. You are an assisted self-published author—empowered and in control, with support behind the scenes to bring your vision to life.
Trusted Support, Handpicked by You
With our network of vetted professionals, you can confidently build a team that supports your publishing journey from draft to debut. We connect you with trusted experts for:
- Developmental, line, and copyediting
- Proofreading
- Custom cover design
- Character illustrations
- Discounted deluxe interior formatting
- Author website and marketing setup
- Uploading files to publishing platforms
You choose who to work with and when—while we make finding reliable support a whole lot easier.
ISBN AGREEMENT TERMS:
How Assisted Self-Publishing Works with Indie Author Revolution
At Indie Author Revolution, we help indie authors publish professionally—without giving up creative control, rights, or royalties. You keep 100% ownership of your book. We just help you launch it like a pro.
What You Get
When you publish with us, you receive:
- An official ISBN (issued through our publishing house)
- Barcode files (PNG, JPG, PDF)
- Listing under our imprint: Indie Author Revolution, LLC
- Metadata registration in Bowker’s Books In Print database
- Two metadata updates within 12 months
- Platform flexibility (KDP, IngramSpark, B&N Press, etc.)
You stay in control—we simply register your ISBN, prep your files, and support your publishing goals.
Author Support Services
We also connect you with:
- Professional editors (developmental, line, and copyediting)
- Cover designers and illustrators
- Templates and how-to guides
- Real-time Q&A and publishing help
- Clear contracts that protect your rights
This is publishing with support, not gatekeeping.
What Is Metadata—and Why Does It Matter?
When we assign your ISBN, we also submit your book metadata to Bowker. This includes:
- Title, author name, publication date
- Format (eBook, paperback, hardcover)
- Genre (BISAC category), price, and description
- Cover image and contributor details
Retailers like Amazon and IngramSpark use this data to catalog and distribute your book.
If anything needs to be updated (like a price, typo, or new blurb), you can request metadata edits—we include 2 free updates with every ISBN assignment.
What Happens If We Ever Shut Down?
If Indie Author Revolution ever dissolves:
- Your ISBN remains valid and attached to your book
- You’ll still be listed as the author; we remain the imprint of record
- You may want to re-release your book with a new ISBN in the future
- You’ll retain all your rights and royalties, always
We include a clause in every agreement to make sure you’re protected and informed, no matter what.
What We’re Not
- We don’t promise bestsellers or bookstore deals
- We don’t take your royalties
- We don’t claim your copyright
- We don’t lock you into long-term or exclusive contracts
We’re here to amplify your voice—not control it.
Frequently Asked Questions—Please Review Before Purchase
Do I really need an ISBN to self-publish?
If you want to sell your book in stores (online or physical), have it show up in library catalogs, or just look like the polished author you are — yes, you need one.
No ISBN = no professional distribution.
Can’t I just use the free ISBN from Amazon?
You can — but that ISBN belongs to Amazon, not you. It limits how and where you can distribute your book. If you want full control over your publishing rights and the freedom to sell your book anywhere (like Barnes & Noble, indie bookstores, or libraries), owning your ISBN is the way to go.
We can show you how to purchase your own ISBN, just send us a message!
Do I need a different ISBN for my ebook and paperback?
Yes! Every format (ebook, paperback, hardcover, audiobook) gets its own ISBN. Think of it like dressing your book up for different events — you wouldn’t wear the same outfit to a wedding and a beach day, right?
Will readers ever see my ISBN?
Not unless they’re really into barcodes (hey, we don’t judge). But it lives on the back of your book and in the metadata behind the scenes, helping retailers, libraries, and distributors find and categorize your title.
Where do ISBNs even come from?
The official source is Bowker (in the U.S.), but we make it easier and more affordable for indie authors by offering ISBNs through The Indie Author Revolution, LLC — because you deserve professional tools without the professional price tag.
What happens if I publish without an ISBN?
Your book might still exist, but it’s basically flying under the radar. No ISBN means no listing in major retailer databases or library systems. You’re a ghost. A very talented ghost, but still invisible.
Where can I use my new ISBN?
When you buy through The Indie Author Revolution, LLC, you have no restrictions on where you can use your ISBN!
Supported platforms include (but are not limited to): KDP, Barnes & Noble Press, Lulu, PublishDrive, and IngramSparks.
Who owns my book?
You do! The Indie Author Revolution, LLC holds no rights to the content, cover, or intellectual property of your novel!
The Indie Author Revolution is listed as the Imprint Publisher, as we are registered through Bowker as the publishing house. You will be featured as one of our assisted self-published authors. Please review the terms below.
Do I have to list your logo on my book as the publisher?
You can absolutely list the Indie Author Revolution, LLC logo on your novel — but it is not required! It is completely optional. Should you choose to display it, the placement is entirely up to you!
You are required to list Indie Author Revolution, LLC, under the imprint section whenever you publish your book.
Your novel will be featured on our website as one of our self-assisted published authors.
What will I get if I obtain an ISBN?
If you purchase one assisted self-publish kit, you will receive one (1) official 13-digit ISBN issues by Bowker, barcode files in PNG, JPG and/pr PDF format, and the official listing of your barcode — “Published by Indie Author Revolution, LLC”*
You will also be featured on our website as one of our assisted self-published authors!
*This listing is for administrative purposes only and does not imply ownership, publishing rights, or entitlement to royalties on the part of the Indie Author Revolution, LLC.
Can I get a refund after purchasing?
All sales are final. No refunds will be issues. ISBNs are assigned to your specific novel, and cannot be changed, exchanged, cancelled or reassigned under any circumstances.
What else do I need to know?
ISBNs are valid for a single format (i.e., paperback, eBook, hardcover, audiobook) and each require a SEPARATE ISBN.
Any significant content changes (i.e., revised edition, updated cover, substantial rewrites) require a NEW ISBN.
What happens after I purchase my assisted self-publishing kit?
Once your purchase is completed, you will be contacted by our official website email (iarllcofficial@gmail.com), with an Assignment Agreement as well as our ISBN Book Registration Document.
Please fill these out as soon as possible*, and send them back with an image of your book cover.
Once you have given us a publishing date, you’ll be featured on our website as one of our self-assisted published authors.
*any delay in this step may result in delayed delivery of your ISBN.
Please note: The Indie Author Revolution nonprofit is currently pending IRS approval for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. For full legal details, see our Legal Page.
The Indie Author Revolution, LLC 