Ingram Book Publishing vs Amazon KDP-Which is Better for Indie Authors?

Self-publishing has revolutionized the book industry, giving authors more freedom than ever before. Two major players dominate the scene when it comes to distribution: Ingram book publishing (through IngramSpark) and Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). But which option is better for indie authors who want to stand out in the competitive world of book publishing?

In this detailed guide, we’ll compare Ingram book publishing and Amazon KDP side by side, look at their pros and cons, and help you decide which route makes the most sense for your goals. If you’re serious about self-publishing and want insights from professional book publishers, keep reading.

Understanding Ingram Book Publishing and Amazon KDP

IngramSpark is the self-publishing arm of Ingram Content Group, the world’s largest book distributor. It allows indie authors and small presses to publish print and eBooks and make them available to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers worldwide. Essentially, IngramSpark connects your book to Ingram’s massive global network.

Amazon KDP, on the other hand, is Amazon’s self-publishing platform. It lets you publish eBooks and paperbacks directly on Amazon’s marketplace, the largest online book retailer in the world. KDP is famous for its simplicity and broad reach within the Amazon ecosystem.

The Key Differences

Let’s break down the main differences between these two publishing giants.

1. Distribution Reach

• Amazon KDP: Your book is instantly available on Amazon’s regional sites worldwide, including the US, UK, Canada, and more. However, physical bookstores usually won’t stock books published only via KDP because they prefer to order through wholesalers like Ingram.

• Ingram Book Publishing: IngramSpark distributes to Amazon and thousands of other outlets: independent bookstores, chain stores like Barnes & Noble, libraries, and academic institutions. If you want your book in brick-and-mortar stores, Ingram gives you a better chance.

Winner: For broad distribution, Ingram book publishing takes the lead.

2. Print Options

• Amazon KDP: Offers paperback printing with decent quality but limited options for special finishes. Hardcover printing became available recently but still has some restrictions.

• Ingram Book Publishing: IngramSpark provides paperbacks and hardcovers with more professional options: better trim sizes, hardcover with dust jackets, and higher-quality print materials that appeal to bookstores and libraries.

Winner: If you want premium print quality, Ingram book publishing is the better choice.

3. Royalties and Costs

• Amazon KDP: No upfront fee to upload your book. You earn up to 70% royalty for eBooks (depending on price and region) and about 60% minus printing costs for paperbacks.

• Ingram Book Publishing: Charges a small setup fee (usually around $49) per format (print and eBook). It also charges revision fees if you update your files. Royalties are lower than KDP because Ingram has to offer wholesale discounts to retailers—usually, you keep around 45% minus printing costs.

Winner: If you’re on a tight budget and want maximum profit per copy on Amazon, KDP is cheaper upfront. But for serious indie authors, Ingram’s wider reach can offset the extra costs.

4. Bookstore Friendliness

Bookstores generally don’t order books from Amazon because Amazon is a direct competitor. They prefer to work with wholesalers like Ingram.

• Amazon KDP: Your book likely won’t appear on bookstore shelves unless you buy author copies and pitch them yourself.

• Ingram Book Publishing: Offers standard wholesale discounts and allows you to make books returnable—a key factor for getting stocked in stores.

Winner: Ingram book publishing is the clear winner if bookstore sales matter to you.

5. Ease of Use

• Amazon KDP: Very user-friendly with a straightforward dashboard. It’s designed for beginners. Publishing an eBook or paperback can take under an hour, and updates are simple.

• Ingram Book Publishing: Slightly more complex. Setting up trim sizes, wholesale discounts, and return policies can be intimidating at first. But for authors who want to look like professional book publishers, the extra options are worth it.

Winner: For ease, Amazon KDP is ahead—ideal for first-time self-publishers.

6. Marketing Support

Neither Ingram nor KDP provides full-fledged marketing services. However:

• Amazon KDP: Offers Amazon Ads and inclusion in Amazon’s powerful recommendation engine.

• Ingram Book Publishing: Helps indirectly by making your book more attractive to bookstores, libraries, and academic buyers.

Regardless of platform, marketing is largely up to you. Many professional book publishers recommend using both and focusing on building your author platform.

Should Indie Authors Use Both?

The short answer: Yes—if you can handle it.

Many savvy indie authors publish paperbacks through both KDP and IngramSpark. Here’s how:

• eBook: Use KDP for the widest reach on Amazon. If you want to sell eBooks on Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, etc., you can use Ingram or an aggregator like Draft2Digital.

• Paperback: Upload to KDP for Amazon sales, then also upload to IngramSpark for non-Amazon stores.

Important: Make sure you don’t enable “Expanded Distribution” on KDP if you’re using IngramSpark for wider distribution—it causes conflicts.

Pros and Cons Summary

What Do Professional Book Publishers Recommend?

Most professional book publishers advise authors to think long-term. If you care about your reputation, book quality, and global reach, Ingram book publishing adds professionalism and credibility. If you just want to get your book live on Amazon with minimal hassle, KDP works perfectly.

Combining both is the best of both worlds. Publish on KDP for Amazon’s huge customer base and use Ingram to reach bookstores, libraries, and other retailers.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between Ingram book publishing and Amazon KDP depends on your goals:

• Want to launch quickly and cheaply? Start with KDP.

• Want your book in bookstores and libraries? Go with IngramSpark.

• Want the widest reach and the most professional approach? Use both.

No matter which option you pick, remember: success in book publishing depends on more than your distributor. Invest in editing, cover design, and a solid marketing plan. That’s how you’ll stand out—not just as an indie author but as a professional in a competitive industry.