Why Indie Authors Use IngramSpark to Sell Paperbacks and Hardcovers on Amazon
What if the best way to sell more paperbacks and hardcovers on Amazon... wasn't just using Amazon? Welcome to a little-known strategy that savvy indie authors are using to get the best of both worlds—Amazon KDP for its reach and convenience, and IngramSpark for its professional print options and bookstore access.
If you're new to self-publishing, you've probably heard that Amazon is king. And it is, especially for digital books and Kindle Unlimited. But when it comes to print books—especially hardcovers—Amazon KDP doesn't always offer the control or quality you might want. That's where IngramSpark steps in.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about why indie authors use IngramSpark to produce paperbacks and hardcovers that still end up being sold—successfully—on Amazon.
By the end, you'll know exactly how to:
Set up print books with IngramSpark
Sell them through Amazon and other platforms
Understand the cost differences
Avoid common mistakes
Use ScribeCount to track and compare your sales performance
Background: What Are Amazon KDP and IngramSpark?
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is Amazon’s self-publishing platform. It’s free to use, and you can publish both eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks (and more recently, hardcovers). Your book gets listed on Amazon’s storefronts worldwide, and you can earn up to 60% royalty for print books.
IngramSpark is a print-on-demand and global distribution service offered by Ingram Content Group, one of the largest book distributors in the world. It allows indie authors to publish and distribute paperback and hardcover books to online retailers, brick-and-mortar bookstores, and libraries.
So why would you use both? Because Amazon doesn't distribute well beyond Amazon, and IngramSpark gives you access to places Amazon can’t—or won’t—go.
Why Use IngramSpark to Sell Books on Amazon?
Using IngramSpark to create print books that are then sold on Amazon gives you better print options, control over pricing and discounts, and a wider professional appearance. Let’s dig deeper into the benefits.
1. Hardcover Options
Amazon only recently introduced hardcovers—and their options are limited. IngramSpark offers more trim sizes, dust jackets, and premium print options.
2. Bookstore Access
Many bookstores refuse to stock books printed by Amazon. IngramSpark books are eligible for bookstore and library distribution because they use Ingram’s wholesale network.
3. Professional Appearance
IngramSpark books often look more professional due to higher print quality and more flexible design options. You can even control your own publisher imprint.
4. Avoiding the “Out of Stock” Issue
Sometimes Amazon marks a book as “Temporarily Out of Stock” when it’s distributed through Ingram, which seems like a bad thing—but it’s not. Amazon still ships the book, but it appears less self-published and more traditionally available. For some authors, this increases credibility.
5. One ISBN, Multiple Sales Channels
With IngramSpark, you can use your own ISBN to control metadata, pricing, and more. You also avoid having your book locked exclusively into Amazon’s system.
Step-by-Step: How to Use IngramSpark to Sell on Amazon
Here’s a walk-through of how to use IngramSpark to get your book onto Amazon:
Step 1: Format Your Book
Make sure your manuscript and cover files meet IngramSpark’s print specifications. Here’s their file setup guide.
Step 2: Purchase ISBNs
You’ll need to provide your own ISBNs. In the U.S., get them from Bowker. One ISBN for each version: paperback, hardcover, eBook.
Step 3: Upload to IngramSpark First
Always upload to IngramSpark before KDP. This ensures your metadata is locked and consistent across platforms. Select Amazon as a sales channel through Ingram’s Global Distribution program.
Step 4: Set Discounts and Returns
IngramSpark lets you choose wholesale discounts (typically 55%) and return settings. If you want bookstores to carry your title, set it to returnable and offer the full discount.
Step 5: Publish Through Amazon KDP (With a Twist)
If you want to use KDP too, avoid selecting “Expanded Distribution” for your print version. Let Ingram handle wide distribution while Amazon handles Amazon sales.
Order of Use: Why IngramSpark First?
Publishing through IngramSpark first is critical. When Amazon sees the ISBN in its system already—coming from Ingram—it avoids conflicts. If you upload to KDP first and then try Ingram, Amazon might block the Ingram version.
By starting with IngramSpark, you control the metadata and ISBN. Then you publish on KDP using a different ISBN (or none) just for the Amazon version if needed, or you let Amazon auto-list the Ingram version.
Example: Costs for a 350-Page Hardcover
Let’s compare:
Amazon KDP Hardcover (6x9, 350 pages)
Printing Cost: $9.25
List Price: $24.99
Royalty (60% of $24.99 - $9.25): $5.74
IngramSpark Hardcover (6x9, 350 pages, with 55% wholesale discount)
Printing Cost: $9.65
Wholesale Price: $24.99 x 45% = $11.25
Profit: $11.25 - $9.65 = $1.60
IngramSpark Title Setup Fee: $49 (can be waived with a promo code or order of 50+ books)
It seems like Amazon offers higher royalty—but only on Amazon. With IngramSpark, you get wider distribution and better bookstore reach. And savvy authors often sell both versions.
Pros and Cons of Each Platform
Amazon KDP
Pros: Free, simple, fast, high Amazon royalties
Cons: Limited hardcover options, no bookstore reach, no real imprint control
IngramSpark
Pros: Professional printing, bookstore/library access, real publisher imprint
Cons: Upfront fees, lower royalties, setup complexity
ScribeCount: Track All Sales in One Place
When using multiple platforms like KDP and IngramSpark, it can be hard to track your royalties. ScribeCount solves this by pulling in data from both and giving you visual dashboards of your sales.
You can:
Track Amazon and IngramSpark sales together
Compare income across formats
See print vs. digital performance
Automate reporting and planning
This is especially useful if you’re publishing wide and want to compare performance over time.
Why the Best Authors Use Both
The smartest indie authors use both platforms to get the best Amazon presence and widest reach. Here's how it usually works:
Use IngramSpark to create your print books and distribute widely
Upload to Amazon KDP (without expanded distribution) to control your Amazon listings
Monitor all of it with ScribeCount
This strategy helps you maximize royalties, professional quality, and discoverability.
Conclusion
IngramSpark and Amazon KDP each have unique strengths. But when used together, they give indie authors maximum reach, quality control, and sales power.
You don’t have to choose one over the other. Use IngramSpark to tap into bookstores, libraries, and global markets. Use KDP to dominate Amazon. And use ScribeCount to bring it all together.
You’re building a business. You deserve tools that work together to make that easier.
Now go publish something great.
Further Resources:
FAQ
Q: Can I use the same ISBN on both KDP and IngramSpark? A: Yes, if you use your own ISBN and upload to IngramSpark first. Do not use KDP’s free ISBN if you plan to use Ingram.
Q: Will Amazon show "out of stock" if I only use Ingram? A: Possibly. But the book will still be purchasable, and some authors say this actually increases buyer trust.
Q: Can I opt out of Amazon when publishing through Ingram? A: No. But you can manage where your primary listing comes from by uploading to Amazon KDP with a different ISBN or allowing the Ingram version to feed through.
Q: Do I need ScribeCount if I’m only using Amazon? A: It’s most useful when you publish wide. But even with just Amazon and Ingram, ScribeCount saves time and gives you better insights.
