KDP vs. IngramSpark

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​Independent authors have two primary options for self-publishing: Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark. Each of these options has benefits and drawbacks.

In this post, we'll cover the basics of KDP and IngramSpark to help you make an informed decision about where to place your book.

​Quick Comparison

	KDP	IngramSpark
Fees	Free upload; free changes	$49 upload fee; additional charge for change
Available Formats	​Paperback and ebook	Paperback, hardcover, and ebook
Returns	No returns	Can make books returnable
Distribution	Better for Amazon and online sale	Better for bookstores and libraries
Proof and Author Copies	Proof copies only before pub	Author copies available before pub

What are KDP and IngramSpark?
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KDP and IngramSpark are print-on-demand (POD) publishing platforms. That means books are printed when they are ordered, rather than in advance. Since independent authors are also the publisher, using a POD platform keeps authors from needing to cover up-front printing costs.

These self-publishing platforms provide two main services: printing and distribution. The author/publisher is responsible for everything else, including editing, book design, and marketing and promotion.

For details about the process to prepare to upload to KDP or IngramSpark, check out this post. For this discussion, we are not considering any of the back-end work that goes into producing a publication-ready book.

Costs

KDP does not charge any up-front fees. Uploading and publishing your work through KDP is totally free.

IngramSpark charges a $25 upload fee for each file. To upload an ebook version and a print version of your book, you'll pay $49. If you need to make changes, you'll have to pay an additional fee.

Available Formats
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Both platforms offer a variety of print sizes and options. You can choose from standard and nonstandard trim sizes, white and cream paper, and matte and glossy covers.

However, KDP only offers paperback formats (for now—KDP hardcovers are currently in beta). In addition to paperback, IngramSpark offers three hardcover formats: laminate, cloth with jacket, and laminate with jacket.

Authors can publish ebooks through both KDP and IngramSpark.

Example of cloth case with dust jacket

Example of laminate case

Royalties
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KDP and IngramSpark offer similar royalty structures, which are based on the list price, printing cost, and sales channel. KDP offers an online royalty calculator.

​IngramSpark has slightly higher printing costs, which can reduce authors' royalties. However, IngramSpark allows authors to set deeper discounts for sales channels, which is important for getting books into brick-and-mortar bookstores.

Proof and Author Copies
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Proof copy from KDP

Proof copies are ordered before the book is available for purchase. They are stamped with a watermark indicating the book is not for resale. Author copies have no such stamp and are purchased by the author for only the printing cost.

KDP allows authors to purchase proof copies before the book is available and author copies after. That means that you won't have access to a final, non-watermarked version of your book before it is available for sale—which can be challenging if you want to send ARCs (advanced reader copies) to reviewers prior to publication.

IngramSpark does not offer proof copies. But it allows authors to purchase author copies prior to publication.

​Because IngramSpark's printing costs are higher, authors will likely pay more for author copies from IngramSpark than from KDP.

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Distribution
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Here is where the main differences between KDP and IngramSpark lie. KDP is great for online sales. IngramSpark is better for sales through bookstores.

Unlike KDP, IngramSpark allows authors to make their books returnable. If a bookstore purchases the books and they don't sell, the store can return them to the publisher (in this case, the author) for a refund. Many bookstores will not purchase books without this option.

Additionally, bookstores will not typically order from KDP. Amazon is their biggest competitor, and bookstores are already used to ordering books through Ingram (the distribution channel).

KDP or IngramSpark for first-time authors?
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KDP and IngramSpark each have benefits, and the best way to maximize your potential reach is to publish through both platforms. If you take this approach, there are a few things to be aware of.

1. You will need to purchase an ISBN, rather than using a free ISBN from KDP or IngramSpark. This is a good idea anyway, since it allows you to list your name as the publisher.
2. You should publish through KDP first, to make sure Amazon populates with the KDP version of your book.
3. You can use the same interior files for both platforms (unless you publish a hardcover version on IngramSpark), but you will need slightly different cover files. Your cover designer can handle this for you.

By publishing your book on both platforms, you make it easier to sell effectively online and in bookstores. Since the emphasis of the KDP version is online sales, most authors will not benefit much from publishing the ebook version on IngramSpark.

Remember that this is general advice. Depending on your needs, your route may be different. When deciding whether to publish through KDP and/or IngramSpark, consider the benefits of each option and choose the path that aligns with your goals.

If you need help choosing the best platform for your book, reach out to our team. We would love to help you through the process.

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