IngramSpark

IngramSpark is a self-publishing platform that allows authors and publishers to print and distribute books in both print-on-demand (POD) and eBook formats. It’s part of Ingram Content Group, one of the largest book distributors in the world, which means books published through IngramSpark can be made available to a wide network of bookstores, libraries, and online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookshops.

How IngramSpark Works

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how it works:

1. Account Setup

  • Sign Up: Create an account on the IngramSpark platform.
  • Fee Structure: There’s a small fee for uploading your book ($49 per title for print and eBook, or $25 per format if uploading separately). They also offer occasional discounts or promo codes for free setup. You can avoid this fee by joining the Alliance of Independent Authors and using their monthly codes (plus it’s great to be a member anyway because they have educational resources, a podcast, and a watch list of vanity publishers to avoid.) Check them out!

2. Prepare Your Files

To publish with IngramSpark, you need the following:

  • Interior File: A properly formatted PDF of the book interior, designed for print (e.g., trim size, margins, fonts embedded).
  • Cover File: A print-ready PDF for the cover, including the spine and back cover. A downloadable template is available based on the book’s dimensions and page count.
  • eBook File (optional): If you’re publishing digitally, you’ll need an EPUB file and possibly a cover image as a separate file. Use Vellum or Atticus to make sure your ePub file is perfect. These programs can also produce a beautiful pdf file for your physical book’s interior.

3. Set Metadata

You’ll need to input key details about your book:

  • Title and subtitle
  • Author name
  • ISBN: IngramSpark requires you to provide your own ISBNs, which can be purchased through agencies like Bowker (in the U.S.).
  • Category: Choose the appropriate BISAC codes to help retailers classify your book.
  • Keywords: For discoverability in search engines and online stores. Use Publisher Rocket to find keywords.
  • Price: Set the retail price and your desired wholesale discount.

4. Distribution Options

IngramSpark offers access to:

  • Retail Channels: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores, etc.
    Note: If your book is also in Amazon KDP, please make sure to disable the “Expanded Distribution” option when you publish. IngramSpark covers everything (and more) in that network, and you don’t want to junk up the system by listing your book multiple times.
  • Library Networks: Public, school, and university libraries worldwide.
  • Global Reach: Distribution in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Authors can choose to enable or disable specific distribution options.

5. Print-on-Demand (POD)

IngramSpark uses POD technology, which means books are only printed when an order is placed. This eliminates the need for large upfront print runs or warehousing costs. Authors can order personal copies at cost, making it economical for personal or event-based sales.

6. Royalties and Costs

  • Wholesale Discount: Retailers typically expect a 40-55% discount off the retail price, which is deducted from your royalties.
  • Print Costs: Based on page count, trim size, paper type, and binding style. The formula for royalties is: Royalty=Retail Price−Wholesale Discount−Print Costs\text{Royalty} = \text{Retail Price} – \text{Wholesale Discount} – \text{Print Costs}
  • eBooks: Royalties are usually 70-80% of the retail price, depending on the sales channel.

7. Quality Control

After uploading files, IngramSpark provides a digital proof to review. Authors can also order a physical proof to ensure the book meets their standards before making it available to the public.

8. Post-Publication Tools

  • Sales Reporting: IngramSpark provides detailed reports on sales across distribution channels.
  • Marketing: Tools like promotional codes for libraries or bookstores are available, but most marketing is the author’s responsibility.
  • Revisions: You can update files at any time for a $25 fee.

Pros of IngramSpark

  • Global Distribution: Access to bookstores and libraries that Amazon KDP often doesn’t reach.
  • Print Quality: Often regarded as superior to other POD services.
  • Wide Format Options: Many trim sizes, binding styles, and paper types.

Cons of IngramSpark

  • Upfront Costs: Setup fees and fees for revisions.
  • Learning Curve: More technical requirements for formatting and file preparation.
  • Customer Support: Often criticized for slow response times.

Who Should Use IngramSpark?

IngramSpark is ideal for authors who:

  • Want to target brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries.
  • Need high-quality POD for niche markets.
  • Have professional or industry-standard book files ready for upload.

For those primarily targeting Amazon, KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) might be simpler. However, many authors use both platforms, leveraging KDP for Amazon and IngramSpark for wider distribution.