Mistakes happen, even in the world of publishing. One of the more critical areas where accuracy matters is your book’s ISBN metadata. Incorrect metadata (such as a misspelled author name, wrong title, or incorrect format) can cause confusion, affect discoverability, and lead to distribution issues. Fortunately, correcting these mistakes after publication is possible, but the process varies depending on your publishing method and the platforms involved.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to correct ISBN metadata mistakes after publishing, the implications of such errors, and steps you can take to avoid them in the future.
ISBN metadata refers to all the descriptive information associated with a book’s International Standard Book Number (ISBN). This includes:
This metadata is stored in bibliographic databases like Books In Print and made available to distributors, libraries, bookstores, and online retailers. Therefore, any inaccuracies in this data can result in misclassification, incorrect listings, or missed sales opportunities.
Some of the most frequent metadata mistakes include:
Each of these can have downstream effects on your book’s visibility, credibility, and accessibility.
Correct metadata is crucial for:
Yes, ISBN metadata can be corrected after publication, but with important limitations. An ISBN is a permanent identifier tied to a particular edition and format of a book. While you can correct certain information linked to the ISBN, the core aspects of the book (title, author, format) must remain consistent with the actual product associated with that ISBN. Otherwise, a new ISBN will be required.
Start by reviewing:
Determine whether the error is in the ISBN registry, the retail platform, or both.
If you purchased your ISBN through an agency like ISBN Services (U.S.) or Nielsen (U.K.), log in to your account:
Note: ISBN Services and Nielsen both allow you to edit certain metadata fields like:
However, if you’ve entered a completely incorrect title or assigned the ISBN to the wrong format, you may be advised to retire the ISBN and use a new one.
If the error is reflected on a platform like Amazon KDP, Barnes & Noble Press, or IngramSpark, you must update the metadata separately through those dashboards:
For audiobooks, metadata updates must be handled through platforms like ACX, Findaway Voices, or Author’s Republic.
If your book is distributed through an aggregator (e.g., Draft2Digital, PublishDrive, StreetLib), you should:
If your metadata issue cannot be corrected through self-service tools, contact the appropriate support teams:
Provide your ISBN, details of the incorrect metadata, and your correction request. Be specific and professional.
Certain metadata errors cannot be corrected under the existing ISBN. You will need to assign a new ISBN if:
Always treat each unique product version as a separate ISBN entry.
Corrections to metadata in the ISBN registry (e.g., ISBN Services) may take 24–72 hours to appear publicly.
Updates to retail sites (like Amazon or Apple Books) can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the platform and whether metadata is refreshed automatically or manually by staff.
To reduce the chances of future metadata issues:
While correcting ISBN metadata mistakes after publication can be a hassle, it’s an essential step in protecting your book’s reputation, discoverability, and commercial success. Always begin by updating your ISBN registry entry through your provider (like ISBN Services) and follow up with retail and distribution platforms.
Accurate metadata isn’t just a technicality, it’s the foundation of how your book is seen, sold, and shared. By addressing mistakes promptly and thoroughly, you ensure that your book is presented to the world as professionally as it deserves to be.
Q: Can I change the title associated with an ISBN?
A: Only minor corrections are allowed. If you’re changing the title substantially, you must use a new ISBN.
Q: What if I used a self-publishing platform’s free ISBN?
A: You’ll need to request metadata corrections through that platform (e.g., Amazon KDP or IngramSpark), as you don’t control the ISBN directly.
Q: How long does it take for metadata changes to reflect on Amazon?
A: It can take between 24 hours to several weeks, depending on the nature of the correction and whether manual review is required.
Q: Can I reassign an ISBN to a different book if I made a mistake?
A: No. ISBNs are non-transferable once assigned and published. If the ISBN is attached to the wrong book, you must get a new one.
Q: Do I need to notify libraries or wholesalers of corrections?
A: If your book is listed in library databases (e.g., WorldCat) or wholesaler catalogs (e.g., Baker & Taylor), contact them directly or through your distributor to request updates.
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