IngramSpark is a platform that offers print on demand (POD) and ebook publishing. Although publishing on Amazon KDP is cheaper and easier, IngramSpark has the best global distribution network.
A note on distribution:
POD: My recommendation is that you buy ISBNs from Bowker. (If you’re an American). The short-term cost is annoying, but in the long run you’ll make more money. How? Use the same ISBN for your print book on Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. In this way, you can maximize print sales on Amazon and reach new readers through IngramSpark’s vast network of bookstores, retailers and libraries. Publish on Amazon KDP first, opt out of Expanded Distribution, then publish on IngramSpark.
ebooks: Don’t use IngramSpark for ebooks. You’ll make more money uploading directly to ebook retailers when you can, like with Amazon KDP, Kobo Writing Life and Google Play Books, and then using an aggregator like Draft2Digital to reach the other major ebook players.
Book-building tool
Alright, so how do you use IngramSpark’s free online book design tool? First, make sure you have an account with IngramSpark. After logging in, go to the following page: buildyourbook.ingramspark.com
Book info
Add the title, the author name, the publisher, etc. The page count and spine width will automatically populate based on your interior layout and trim size.
Trim size
Select your trim size. IngramSpark has lots of options.
Binding type
Paperback? Hard cover? Dust jacket? You decide!
Interior color
You can have a black & white interior or print in color.
Paper type
Options: white or creme
Cover type
Options: matte or glossy
Choose a layout
After you have finished with the Book Info tab, move along to the next tab, named Interior. Your first order of business will be choosing a layout.
Upload your manuscript
Here’s where the headaches (potentially) begin. IngramSpark wants your manuscript in .docx format (a Word document). Even after uploading a Word document, however, the conversion isn’t always the cleanest.
Tip: Prepare your manuscript with the Reedsy Book Editor and export it as a Word document (.docx). Upload the .docx file to IngramSpark. The conversion is usually quite seamless. Tutorial here: How to use the Reedsy Book Editor
Edit your manuscript
Certain pages are automatically generated, including a table of contents (which you can delete). You can also edit or delete the copyright page.
I had to add some things to my copyright page, so I edited it by selecting the pencil icon. I then pasted my copyright information into the editor.
You’ll also note that your chapter headings will be under Body Text. You can edit each one by clicking the pencil icon to the right and you can also delete them. Use the Add Text option to the right if you need to add content.
Choose a cover layout
Navigate to the Cover tab and choose a layout. I highly recommend uploading your own cover images, at least the front cover, rather than designing the cover in IngramSpark.
Upload your images
Again, I recommend creating the front cover and the back cover in another program and then uploading the images (JPEG/PNG). IngramSpark’s design options are limited.
Place your images
Position your images accordingly. IngramSpark has a place reserved for the barcode on the back cover. I used a solid color for the spine because my book was so small, but you could also create an image for the spine.
Approval and export
In the top right, select the Approve My Book button. Review your interior file and cover file. By the way, you can download these files and upload them to Amazon KDP without any problems. Why do the same work twice? 😉