Self-publishing ISBNs on the rise

International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) for self-published titles have climbed 218.33 per cent since 2011, according to the latest report from ProQuest affiliate Bowker. Some 786,935 ISBNs were assigned to self-published titles in 2016; in 2011, that number was 247,210.

The studyhighlights the latest self-publishing trends in print and ebook formats. For 2016 vs. 2015, the numbers indicate a continuing growth trend for print (+11 per cent), though at a slower rate than a year ago (+34 per cent). Ebooks show a slight decline in the number of title registrations (-3 per cent), but this is a significantly smaller decrease compared to the prior year (-11 per cent).

'Overall, we believe that these numbers point toward an ongoing maturation and stabilisation of the self-publishing industry,' said Beat Barblan, director of identifier services at Bowker.

The report also indicates that the self-publishing industry is dominated by three service providers which, combined, account for 84 per cent of all print and ebook titles published last year.

'Tracking these trends and comparing the numbers over the years provides tremendous insight into this industry,' Barblan added. 'This enables us to respond by offering the best tools and support to independent authors, according to their current needs.'