By Chris Olsen

There are several platforms for self-publishing your print book. Two popular platforms are Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark. To determine whether these platforms may work for you, you’ll want to consider distribution (how your book gets into the hands of readers) and royalties (what you stand to make in book sales).

Print books ultimately make it to readers via full-service, wholesale and retail distribution. Full-service book distributors work almost exclusively with traditional publishing companies that print large quantities of books on offset presses to keep prices low. Books are stored in warehouses and distributed at wholesale prices to retailers. This option can be cost-prohibitive and is generally not accessible to indie authors.

Wholesale book distributors use print-on-demand technology, which allows them to cost-effectively print a single copy and eliminates the need to print large quantities of books and warehouse them. These distributors sell directly to booksellers, libraries and schools at wholesale prices. This option is available to indie authors, though working with wholesale book distributors reduces your potential profit.

Retail book distributors sell books directly to consumers on their websites, printing and shipping them on demand as orders are received. This option is accessible to indie authors and often perceived as free, though authors do pay in the form of royalties.

Following are key details about Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, your estimated costs, and what you stand to make. Because printing and royalty rates are calculated using book specs, the rates shown here are for a 300-page 6-by-9-inch softcover book with a black-and-white interior and priced it at $18.99 (retail). Numbers are based on 2025 rates for both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.

Amazon KDP

Amazon launched KDP in 2007 to make publishing and the process of bringing books to its retail platform accessible to indie authors. A decade later, it introduced its wholesale distribution option, “Amazon KDP Select,” to compete with IngramSpark.

Book Distribution

• Without wholesale distribution, the book is available for purchase by the public exclusively on Amazon
• With wholesale distribution, the book is available to Amazon KDP’s distribution network*

Author Royalties

• Estimated printing cost per book: $4.60
• Estimated royalties per book: $6.79 (without wholesale distribution); $2.99 (with wholesale distribution)

Publishing Process

• Author sets up an account
• Author must purchase/register a Bowker ISBN in advance (for books published on multiple platforms) or opt for a free ISBN from Amazon KDP (this makes the book exclusive to Amazon KDP)
• Author uploads the book’s interior and cover files per the platform’s specs (PDFs), reviews the files first (digital proofs in the platform), and submits them for publication (this is free for the initial file upload and subsequent revisions)
• Author may order advance print copies before the book goes live
• Amazon KDP reviews the files second and, if not rejected, makes the book available for purchase within a few business days

IngramSpark

IngramSpark was launched in 2013 by full-service book distributor Ingram Content Group, Inc., one of the largest book distributors in the world, to make its wholesale distribution network accessible to independent authors and publishers.

Book Distribution

• Without wholesale distribution, the book is available for purchase by the author only, exclusively on IngramSpark
• With wholesale distribution, the book is available in the Ingram catalog accessed by booksellers, libraries and schools, and it is aggregated to online booksellers
• Retail outlets are not guaranteed

Author Royalties

• Estimated printing cost per book: $5.48
• Estimated royalties per book: $2.12 (with wholesale distribution)

Publishing Process

• Author sets up an account
• Author must purchase/register a Bowker ISBN in advance (for books published on multiple platforms) or opt for a free ISBN from IngramSpark (this makes the book exclusive to Indy Pub)
• Author uploads the book’s interior and cover files per the platform’s specs (PDFs) and submits them for publication (this is free for initial file upload and revisions within 30 days)
• IngramSpark reviews the files first and, if not rejected, forwards the files to the author within a few business days
• Author reviews the files second (digital proofs in a PDF) and approves them for publication
• Author may order advance print copies before the book goes live
• IngramSpark makes the book available for purchase within a few business days

Publishing on Multiple Platforms

It is possible to publish on both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. You will need to purchase/register an ISBN from Bowker, rather than opt for a free one from Amazon KDP or IngramSpark (which makes your book exclusive to those platforms). Be sure to upload your files to Amazon KDP first and do not choose “Amazon KDP Select” (Amazon’s wholesale distribution). After your book is live on Amazon, upload your files to IngramSpark and choose wholesale distribution.

Publishing to both platforms in this order will ensure you receive a higher royalty rate from Amazon, and your book will be available to Ingram’s powerful network of booksellers, libraries and schools.

For more information about book distribution, read Book Distribution Basics for Indie Authors.

*Amazon KDP’s wholesale distribution option (Amazon KDP Select) is a bit misleading as booksellers, libraries and schools don’t typically purchase their book inventory from Amazon. Authors receive lower royalties to cover costs for this wholesale option but rarely see any benefit from it.

About the Author

Chris Olsen is a book designer, publisher, educator and the author of “Whyography: Building a Brand Fueled by Purpose.” The founder of Publish Her and Publish Her Story, Chris has helped thousands of women tell their stories and publish their books.

About Publish Her

Publish Her is a female-founded publisher dedicated to educating authors and elevating the words, writing and stories of women. We are passionate about amplifying the voices of women of color, women with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We aim to make publishing an attainable, exciting and collaborative process for all.