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An ISBN is not needed to publish on Lulu.

To have a book distributed outside of Lulu and entered into the book industry commerce chain, an ISBN is needed. Each version of a book — paperback, hardcover, second edition — must have a different ISBN. A unique ISBN that distinguishes between different versions of a book, helps customers will always be sure that they are ordering the book they want.

For information on how to obtain an ISBN, see the Distribution FAQ. For more information on ISBNs and how they work, visit the U.S. ISBN Agency’s FAQs.

ISBNs are not for serial publications (magazines, journals, etc.) If you are publishing a recurring product (for example, a monthly literary journal), consider getting an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number). ISSNs are for any printed, electronic, or Web material that is produced as an ongoing product. For more information, see Can I get an ISBN for my periodical publication (magazine, etc.)?