IngramSpark Publishing
IngramSpark is a self-publishing platform that allows authors to create, print, and distribute books globally. It offers both hardcover and softcover printing, as well as ebook distribution. Through Ingram Book Group, authors can reach over 39,000 bookstores, libraries, and retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. IngramSpark provides more options for book formats and distribution than Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), but charges setup fees and generally has higher costs for author copies. The platform is highly regarded in the traditional bookselling industry, making it easier to get books into physical stores.
Printing Options:
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Hardcover and softcover with more paper and cover choices than KDP.
Setup Fees:
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$25 for each ebook, $49 for a print book or print book + ebook.
Distribution:
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Print Books: Available through Ingram Book Group, reaching over 39,000 bookstores, retailers, libraries, and schools in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Ingram is well-regarded in the bookselling industry.
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Ebooks: Distributed to over 25 global retailers including Amazon, Apple, and Barnes & Noble.
Royalties:
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Print Titles: 45% of the list price minus production costs. Books usually need a 50%–55% discount for bookstore sales.
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Ebooks: 65%–70% of the list price depending on the market.
Pros:
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Extensive hardcover and ebook distribution beyond Amazon.
Cons:
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Higher costs for author copies and shipping, mixed production quality, and lower royalties on Amazon sales compared to KDP.
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Click here to set up your IngramSpark account.
After filling out your information, verify the account and login. Proceed to fill out your business information, address, etc. You'll set up security questions and agree to terms and conditions next. DO NOT accept the Ingram "Amazon Addendum" or the "Apple Ebook Distribution Agreement (Agency)". The "Target.com" addendum may be accepted, if you choose. Initial where needed, and click "finish".
Enter payment information so buyers can purchase books. Follow prompts, enter tax information, and double-check that the W-9 is correct. Click "finish" again, and your account is set up.
To view your revenue to date, log into your IngramSpark account, and click the "Reports" icon in the left sidebar. You'll see a list of available reports; to view profits so far, click "Publisher Compensation Payments Report". You may then adjust the time frame of the report, enter your email address, and then submit your request.
In the same Report tab, you can click on "Publisher Compensation Unpaid Invoices" to check your future revenue.
Log into your IngramSpark account, and in the left sidebar, select "Titles". From here, you can choose "place order" next to the titles you'd like to order. Check your information and enter promo codes if you have them. Select your printing and shipping options, update order to check the cost, and proceed if you're ready. Follow the prompts, then complete your order.
Making your book returnable through IngramSpark can help you reach bookstores — but it also places the financial risk on you, the author.
IngramSpark offers three return options:
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No Returns – No additional cost, but less appealing to bookstores.
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Yes – Deliver – Books are returned to you; you’re responsible for the wholesale cost and shipping fees.
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Yes – Destroy – Books are destroyed; you’re still charged the wholesale cost.
Choosing to make your book returnable could increase distribution opportunities, but always balance potential visibility with the potential financial liability. Click here to learn more.
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Kindle Direct Publishing
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon's self-publishing platform that allows authors to publish and sell their books online. It offers both print-on-demand (POD) and eBook services, meaning books are only printed when ordered, eliminating upfront costs. KDP also provides access to Amazon’s global marketplace, making it easy for authors to distribute their books to a wide audience. Authors can set their own prices, track royalties, and retain control over their content while KDP handles printing, shipping, and customer service.
Printing Options:
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Hardcover and softcover available in various sizes. Hardcovers must be 70+ pages.
Setup Fees:
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None.
Distribution:
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Paperbacks: Automatically distributed to Amazon sites worldwide.
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Expanded Distribution: With a lower 40% royalty, your book is also available to bookstores, libraries, and academic institutions, but KDP only works with US-based distributors. Some bookstores may avoid KDP due to lower discounts and non-returnable books.
Ebooks:
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Distributed through Amazon; accessible via any Kindle-compatible device. Authors can choose worldwide availability. Exclusive ebooks with KDP have access to built-in marketing tools.
Royalties:
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Print: 60% on Amazon orders, 40% through Expanded Distribution.
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Ebooks: 35% standard, or 70% for books priced $2.99–$9.99.
Pros:
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Simple setup, high royalties, lower author copy costs, good quality.
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KDP typically offers better rates than IngramSpark.
Cons:
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Size limits on hardcovers, Kindle-only ebooks, and limited appeal for bookstores.
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Click here to visit the Kindle Direct website.
If you already have an Amazon account, sign in. If not, you'll need to sign up. Use the "Create your KDP account" button, and follow the prompts, including verification and agreeing to terms and conditions. You may need to verify a second time.
Fill in the required personal, banking, and tax information and click finish.
AUTHOR CENTRAL
In your KDP account, go to the Marketing page, and choose the Marketplace (Amazon). When you click on "Manage author page", you'll be redirected to Author Central, where you can join for free - just use your KDP account information to sign up. Explore Author Central, and fill in your bio, add a photo, and even add reviews. Just make sure to "Publish" all changes you make.
AMAZON ADS
From your KDP dashboard, click the "Promote and Advertise" button. Choose to run an ad campaign, and set your Marketplace to Amazon. Click "create ad campaign". You can choose to continue with Sponsored Products. Name your campaign the title of your book and the date. Set a daily budget within your price range. Then, use the automatic targeting - these are chosen by Mission Point Press professionals.
FREE BOOK PROMOS
Once your eBook is enrolled in KDP Select, you can run a free book promotion by offering it for free for up to five days out of each ninety-day enrollment period. To schedule this, go to your bookshelf in your KDP dashboard, click "promote and advertise" and under "price promotion" click "free". Follow the prompts, and click save. If you choose, you can go back into your dashboard under "Promote and Advertise" and cancel the free promo.
To track your revenue, log into your account, and click "Reports". Adjust the report options in your sales dashboard as needed, then click "generate report". There are many different ways to keep track of what's selling best.
To order author copies of your book, log into your KDP account, and navigate to your bookshelf. Select the button with three dots next to the title you'd like to order, and click "Request Author Copies". You can check the cost, and adjust your order as needed. Once satisfied, click "Submit Order", and you'll be redirected to your Amazon cart to make your purchase.