Day: September 3, 2026

ISBN vs Google Books ID: What’s the Difference?

ISBN vs Google Books ID

An ISBN is an international, product-level identifier used across the book supply chain. A Google Books volume ID is Google’s opaque identifier for a volume record in Google Books and its API. A GGKEY is a Google-generated catalog identifier that partners can request when a book has no ISBN or EAN; Google says GGKEYs are […]

Do Hardcover and Paperback Need Different ISBNs?

Do Hardcover and Paperback Need Different ISBN

Yes. A hardcover and a paperback version of the same book need different ISBNs because an ISBN identifies a specific product form—not merely the story or manuscript. Even when the title, author, and interior text are identical, the binding, dimensions, price, manufacturing specifications, and inventory record make the hardcover and paperback separate products in the […]