When it comes to self-publishing, two of the most well-known platforms are Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark. Both offer powerful tools to get your book into readers’ hands, but they serve different purposes. As a self-published author, I use both strategically to maximize my book’s reach, pricing flexibility, and overall success. Let’s talk about both platforms and how to use them effectively together!

KDP: Amazon’s Self-Publishing Powerhouse

Kindle Direct Publishing is Amazon’s self-publishing platform and is often the first stop for indie authors. Given that Amazon holds a significant share of the online book market, publishing with KDP ensures your book is available to a vast audience.

Pros of KDP:

  • Amazon Reach: Since Amazon dominates online book sales, having your book available on KDP ensures high visibility.
  • Ease of Use: The interface is user-friendly, allowing authors to upload manuscripts and covers quickly (also it’s free!).
  • Print-on-Demand (POD): No need to invest in large print runs. Books are printed as they are ordered.
  • KDP Select Option: Enrolling in KDP Select grants access to Kindle Unlimited and promotional tools, such as countdown deals.
  • Higher Royalties: KDP offers up to 70% royalties on eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99.

Cons of KDP:

  • Limited Print Distribution: KDP’s Expanded Distribution is an option, but it lacks the reach and wholesale discount flexibility that bookstores prefer. Also, a lot of bookstores are boycotting Amazon, so keep that in mind.
  • KDP Select Exclusivity: If you opt into KDP Select, your eBook must remain exclusive to Amazon for at least 90 days.
  • Print Quality Issues: While generally acceptable, KDP print quality can be inconsistent compared to professional offset printing, and that’s to put it kindly. I’ve definitely received boxes of KDP orders that have been totally unreadable and destroyed because of print errors or simply because the Amazon delivery driver decided to punt it from their truck into my mail room rather than carrying it.

IngramSpark: A Wider Distribution Network

IngramSpark is a self-publishing platform owned by Ingram, one of the largest book distributors in the world. It enables authors to distribute books to retailers, libraries, and bookstores beyond Amazon.

Pros of IngramSpark:

  • Expanded Distribution: Books are available to major retailers like Barnes & Noble, indie bookstores, libraries, and even international markets.
  • Better Print Quality: IngramSpark offers higher-quality paper and print options, making books more appealing to bookstores. Accidents can still happen (I once received a box of hardcover books that were supposed to have dust jackets 100% naked with no dust jacket at all), but their customer service is fantastic and will remedy the error quickly if IngramSpark is at fault.
  • Hardcover Options: While KDP allows you to publish hardcovers, they are… not pretty. IngramSpark’s hardcover books are absolutely gorgeous and include dust jackets for protection.
  • Wholesale Discount & Return Options: Bookstores are more likely to stock books that offer standard wholesale discounts (40-55%) and returnability.

Cons of IngramSpark:

  • Setup Fees: IngramSpark is free, but revisions are not.
  • Lower Print Royalties: Due to wholesale discounts, print royalties tend to be lower than KDP’s.
  • Complex Interface: IngramSpark has a steeper learning curve, making it less beginner-friendly.
  • Longer Processing Times: Book approval and updates take
    longer compared to KDP’s fast turnaround.

 

How I Use Both Platforms

Rather than choosing one platform over the other, I leverage both to maximize my book’s availability and profitability.

KDP for Amazon Sales and Paperbacks

I always publish my eBooks and paperbacks through KDP first because Amazon is the biggest book retailer in the world. I also consider KDP Select for eBooks when I want to take advantage of Kindle Unlimited and pair this with promos from Written Word Media to maximize profit.

IngramSpark for Expanded Print Distribution

Since bookstores and libraries prefer ordering through Ingram, I publish my paperback and hardcover editions on IngramSpark. I set a competitive wholesale discount (usually around 40%) to increase the likelihood of bookstores stocking my book. I typically don’t stock IngramSpark’s paperbacks, but I always purchase my hardcover copies from them.

 

Slow down and choose wisely before publishing on multiple platforms!

  1. Use KDP for eBook Publishing and Quick Paperbacks: This ensures higher royalties and access to Amazon’s massive audience.
  2. Use IngramSpark for Paperbacks & Hardcovers: This allows bookstores and libraries to order your book more easily.
  3. Turn Off Expanded Distribution on KDP: This prevents potential conflicts in pricing and distribution overlap between the two platforms.
  4. Adjust Your Pricing Strategy: KDP allows for competitive Amazon pricing, while IngramSpark’s pricing should consider wholesale discounts.
  5. Use IngramSpark Promo Codes: They often run promotions to waive setup fees, making it more cost-effective.

Final Thoughts

Both KDP and IngramSpark have their strengths and weaknesses, but when used together, they provide a powerful self-publishing strategy. KDP ensures a strong Amazon presence with high royalties, while IngramSpark offers wide distribution and better print quality. By strategically leveraging both, I ensure that my books reach as many readers as possible, whether they’re shopping online or browsing in a local bookstore.

If you’re a self-published author looking to maximize your book’s reach, I highly recommend using both platforms to your advantage.

Need help publishing your book? Reach out to me! I offer consultation services for every budget.