ISBNs can feel intimidating. That 13-digit barcode seems like it's reserved for big publishing houses. But anyone can get one — and it's simpler than you might think.
What Exactly Is an ISBN?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier assigned to each published book. It allows booksellers, libraries, and retailers to list your title in their systems. Without an ISBN, your book doesn't commercially exist — it can't be sold on Amazon, ordered through a bookstore, or catalogued by a library.
An ISBN doesn't protect your work (that's what copyright is for, and it's automatic from the moment you create something). It's purely a distribution identifier.
Who Issues ISBNs in France?
In France, the AFNIL (Agence Francophone pour la Numérotation Internationale du Livre) manages the distribution of ISBNs. It operates under the authority of the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF).
One important thing to note: an ISBN is not assigned to an author, but to a publisher. If you're self-publishing, you'll need to set up a publishing entity first — or use a platform that handles it for you.
3 Ways to Get an ISBN
1. Create Your Own Publisher Number
This is the official route to getting an ISBN fully in your name. Here's how:
- Go to the AFNIL website (afnil.org)
- Create an account as a publisher
- Declare your structure (sole trader, association, or simply your name if you're publishing as an individual)
- Get your publisher prefix (a block of 10, 100, or 1,000 ISBNs depending on your needs)
- Generate your ISBNs from your AFNIL personal account
- Register each title as you go
2. Use the ISBN Provided by Amazon KDP
If you publish through Amazon KDP, the platform can assign you a free ISBN. It's convenient and fast — but that ISBN belongs to Amazon, not you. Your book will be identified as published by "Independently published."
For a children's book sold primarily online, this is often perfectly fine. If you want to sell in bookstores or build your author brand, having your own ISBN is the better choice. Check out our guide to publishing on Amazon KDP for the practical details.
3. Use a Self-Publishing Platform
Some platforms include an ISBN in their offering (Bookelis, TheBookEdition, BoD…). Same logic as Amazon: the ISBN belongs to them, but you have nothing to manage.
| Method | Cost | ISBN in Your Name | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFNIL direct | Free (10 ISBNs) | Yes | 2–5 days |
| Amazon KDP | Free | No | Immediate |
| BoD/Bookelis platform | Included or paid | No | Varies |
| Block of 100 ISBNs | ~€44 excl. VAT | Yes | 2–5 days |
Legal Deposit: Required or Not?
If you get an ISBN and publish in France, legal deposit is mandatory. For printed books, you send 2 copies to the BnF. For digital books, it's also required if the book is publicly distributed.
It costs nothing — you just send copies. And it gives your publication real legitimacy.
ISBNs and Children's Books: What You Need to Know
For a self-published illustrated children's book, an ISBN becomes genuinely useful if you want to:
- Sell it on marketplaces (Amazon, Fnac, Cultura)
- Distribute it through physical bookstores
- Build a collection with multiple titles
- Give a professional gift (a book with an ISBN is a real book)
You can create your illustrated story on MakerBook without worrying about an ISBN for personal use or as a gift. To see what books created on the platform look like, take a peek at the examples.
In Summary
Getting an ISBN in France is free and open to everyone through the AFNIL. The only real decision: do you want that ISBN in your name (AFNIL route) or is a platform-issued ISBN enough for your needs?
For an author getting serious about self-publishing, the AFNIL process is well worth the few clicks it takes. For a children's book you're giving as a gift, it's a secondary question — what matters is the story.
If you want to go further on publishing children's books, the guide to selling your children's books covers all the available distribution options in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ISBN required to publish a book?
No. An ISBN is only required if you want to distribute your book commercially (bookstores, Amazon, large retailers). For personal use or a gift, you don't need one.
How long does it take to get an ISBN through the AFNIL?
Between 2 and 5 business days after registering on afnil.org. The process is entirely online, and the first 10 ISBNs are free.
Does an ISBN change if I update my book?
Yes. Each substantially different version (new edition, different format, digital vs. print) needs its own ISBN. A simple typo fix doesn't require a new ISBN.
Does Amazon KDP automatically assign an ISBN?
Amazon KDP offers a free ISBN, but you can also enter your own ISBN during the publishing process. If you already have your number through the AFNIL, use it — your book will then be identified with your publishing house, not Amazon's.
