IngramSpark Book Publishing Review

What is IngramSpark?

IngramSpark is a print-on-demand and eBook distribution platform for independent publishers, self-publishing authors, and small to medium-sized publishing companies. It allows users to easily produce, distribute, and sell their books in a variety of formats, including hardcover, softcover, and eBook, to a global network of online retailers, libraries, and academic institutions. IngramSpark offers a range of services, including formatting, cover design, and distribution, making it an all-in-one solution for self-publishing authors and independent publishers.

Who Invented IngramSpark?

IngramSpark Book Publishing and Distribution is a product of Ingram Content Group, a US-based company that was founded in 1964. Over the years, Ingram has grown to become a leading provider of services for the book industry, including distribution, printing, and content management. The company has several divisions and subsidiaries, including Lightning Source, which provides print-on-demand services, and VitalSource, which provides e-book distribution and technology solutions. IngramSpark, is the result of the collective efforts of the Ingram Content Group team and its leadership.

What Are The Key Features of  IngramSpark?

IngramSpark Book Publishing offers a wide range of features to help self-publishing authors and independent publishers produce and distribute their books. Some of the key features of IngramSpark include:

1. Print-on-Demand: With print-on-demand (POD) technology, books are printed only when they are ordered, reducing waste and making it easier for authors to manage their inventory.
2. eBook Distribution: Authors can distribute their eBooks to a global network of online retailers, including Amazon, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, and more.
3. Formatting and Design Services: The platform offers formatting and design services, including cover design, to help authors create professional-looking books.
4. Global Distribution: Books are distributed to a network of online retailers, libraries, and academic institutions around the world, giving authors access to a large and diverse audience.
5. Royalties and Reporting: IngramSpark provides real-time sales reporting and pays royalties directly to the author, giving authors more control over their earnings.
6. Marketing and Promotional Tools: The platform offers a variety of marketing and promotional tools, including the ability to create custom discount codes, access to author events and webinars, and more.
7. Customer Support: IngramSpark provides 24/7 customer support to help authors and publishers with any questions or issues they may have.

By offering these features, IngramSpark provides a comprehensive solution for self-publishing authors and independent publishers, making it easier for them to produce, distribute, and sell their books.

How to use IngramSpark to Publish Books?

Here are the steps to publish a book on IngramSpark:

1. Sign up for an account: To start using IngramSpark, you will need to create an account on their website.

2. Prepare your book files: You will need to have a digital file of your book, including the text and cover design. The file should meet the required specifications for formatting, including page size, margins, and font.

3. Upload your book files: Once you have prepared your book files, you can upload them to your IngramSpark account. The platform will guide you through the process of adding your book details, such as title, author, and ISBN.

4. Choose your distribution options: You can choose to distribute your book globally or only to specific countries. You can also choose whether to make your book available in print or eBook format, or both.

5. Set your pricing and royalties: You will need to set the retail price for your book and determine how much you would like to earn as royalties.

6. Order a proof copy: It's recommended to order a proof copy of your book to review the print quality and make any necessary changes before it's made available for sale.

7. Publish your book: Once you are satisfied with your proof copy and have made any necessary changes, you can publish your book and make it available for sale through the global distribution network.

By following these steps, you can use IngramSpark to publish and distribute your book globally. The platform offers a comprehensive solution for self-publishing authors and independent publishers, making it easier to produce and sell books in both print and eBook formats.

Is IngramSpark Legit?

Yes, IngramSpark is a legitimate platform for self-publishing authors and independent publishers. It is a subsidiary of Ingram Content Group, a global leader in the distribution of books, media, and technology solutions.

IngramSpark offers a comprehensive suite of tools and resources for authors and publishers, including print-on-demand (POD) technology, global distribution, real-time sales reporting, marketing and promotional tools, and customer support. The platform has a reputation for providing high-quality products and services to its customers.

However, as with any publishing platform, it's important to carefully research and consider your options before making a decision. You should consider factors such as cost, book quality, distribution options, marketing and promotional tools, and customer support, and compare them to other publishing platforms to determine which is the best fit for your needs.

IngramSpark Alternatives?

There are several alternative platforms to IngramSpark for self-publishing authors and independent publishers, including:

1. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Amazon's KDP platform allows authors to publish and distribute eBooks and print books to a global audience through Amazon's online marketplace.
2. Draft2Digital: Draft2Digital is a digital publishing platform that offers authors a simple way to distribute their books to a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, iBooks, and more.
3. Kobo Writing Life: Kobo Writing Life is a self-publishing platform that allows authors to publish and distribute eBooks to a global audience through Kobo's online marketplace. 
4. Lulu: Lulu is a self-publishing platform that offers print-on-demand technology and distribution to a variety of online retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Read more about Lulu here
5. Blurb: This platform specializes in photo book publishing, but also offers tools and resources for authors to publish and sell their own books in print and digital formats. Blurb offers a variety of design templates and customization options, and authors can set their own prices and earn up to 80% royalty on each sale. Read more about Blurb here
6. Sqribble: Sqribble is an Ebook Writing software that allows users to create eBooks in a fast and easy way. It has advanced automated features such as pre-designed templates, automatic content generation, and drag-and-drop editing that is user-friendly and saves time compared to traditional eBook creation methods.  Read more about Sqribble here
7. Reedsy: Reedsy is a self-publishing platform that connects authors with professionals such as editors, designers, and marketers to help them create and publish their books.
8. BookBaby: BookBaby is a self-publishing platform that offers a range of book production and distribution services, including print and e-book formats. It provides design tools, templates, and marketing resources to help users create and publish their books.

IngramSpark Price?

he cost of using IngramSpark for self-publishing authors and independent publishers varies depending on the services used. Some of the costs associated with the platform include:

1. Set-up fee: There is a one-time set-up fee of $49 to use the platform.
2. Print Book Production Costs: IngramSpark offers print-on-demand (POD) technology, but authors will still need to pay for the cost of producing the book, including cover design, interior design, and editing.
3. eBook Distribution Costs: The cost to distribute eBooks through IngramSpark is $12 per title.
4. Print Book Distribution Costs: There is no fee to distribute print books through IngramSpark, but authors will still need to pay for the cost of producing the book and any shipping costs associated with fulfilling orders.
5. Marketing and Promotional Costs: While IngramSpark offers a variety of marketing and promotional tools, some may require additional fees, such as custom discount codes or access to author events and webinars.

It's important to note that the prices listed here are subject to change and may not be up-to-date. It's best to check the IngramSpark website for the most up-to-date information on their pricing structure.

Additionally, it's important to carefully consider all of the costs associated with self-publishing, including design, editing, marketing, and distribution, in order to determine the total cost of publishing your book.

IngramSpark Vs Lulu?

The cost of using IngramSpark for self-publishing authors and independent publishers varies depending on the services used. Some of the costs associated with the platform include:

1. Set-up fee: There is a one-time set-up fee of $49 to use the platform.
2. Print Book Production Costs: IngramSpark offers print-on-demand (POD) technology, but authors will still need to pay for the cost of producing the book, including cover design, interior design, and editing.
3. eBook Distribution Costs: The cost to distribute eBooks through IngramSpark is $12 per title.
4. Print Book Distribution Costs: There is no fee to distribute print books through IngramSpark, but authors will still need to pay for the cost of producing the book and any shipping costs associated with fulfilling orders.
5. Marketing and Promotional Costs: While IngramSpark offers a variety of marketing and promotional tools, some may require additional fees, such as custom discount codes or access to author events and webinars.

It's important to note that the prices listed here are subject to change and may not be up-to-date. It's best to check the IngramSpark website for the most up-to-date information on their pricing structure.

Additionally, it's important to carefully consider all of the costs associated with self-publishing, including design, editing, marketing, and distribution, in order to determine the total cost of publishing your book.