How do I set up an account?
Select “Create an Account” and follow the steps to create your IngramSpark account for free today. The main things you’ll need are a valid email address, signed agreements allowing them to print and distribute your book for you, and payment information so you can pay them to print and they can pay you for your book sales.
What do I need to publish a book with IngramSpark?
You’ll need a full setup account (meaning you’ve completed all steps of the account setup process) and your book’s cover and interior files. You’ll also need an ISBN for each format of your book if you’d like to make your book available for distribution. You can get your ISBN as you set up a title in IngramSpark. If you don’t want your book available for sale through Ingram’s global book distribution network, IngramSpark can assign an SKU to your book for printing and manufacturing purposes only. When setting up your title you can select: “Click here if you would like a non-distributable SKU to be assigned to this title.”
How much does IngramSpark cost?
IngramSpark offers competitive pricing specifically designed to give small publishers looking for print and distribution services the best possible value and return. Account setup is free for all, while title setup and printing costs vary based on format.
What formats do my books need to be in?
For print books, you need a PDF of the cover and a separate PDF of the interior content. Ebooks require an EPUB file of the interior content and a JPEG of the cover.
Does IngramSpark offer book editing, cover design, or marketing services?
As a printing, distribution, and publisher education resource, they don’t currently offer proofreading, editing, typesetting, or design services. However, they’ve put together a list of experts who offer special discounts on their services for IngramSpark authors and publishers.
How do I get an ISBN?
United States publishers can purchase an ISBN from Bowker when setting up a title in their IngramSpark account. United States publishers can also receive a free ISBN, non-transferable and owned by IngramSpark, if desired, at the same stage of title setup. United States IngramSpark publishers who purchase ISBNs through their account get a special discounted rate to own their own ISBN. They’re working to be able to offer ISBNs in Australia and the United Kingdom but aren’t quite there yet due to different rules and regulations. IngramSpark is sorry for the inconvenience, but encourage you to own your own ISBN by purchasing from Thorpe-Bowker in Australia and Nielsen in the United Kingdom.
Do I need different ISBNs for my ebook and print book?
Yes, you need a different ISBN for each format of your book. If you have a hardcover version, a paperback version, and an ebook version of the same title, you’ll need three different ISBNs to represent them in their various formats.
What is book metadata?
Book metadata is the descriptive detail for each format of a book (such as author, description, trim size, table of contents, etc.) Computer systems—such as Google and library databases—use metadata to match titles with inquiries. With IngramSpark, metadata input is part of the title set-up process. They offer several educational resources around this critical piece of your book’s discoverability, including a free online course that you can take in under an hour!
Where will my book be available for purchase?
IngramSpark is connected to the ordering systems of 40,000 independent and chain bookstores, libraries, and online retailers worldwide, including Apple, Kobo, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bertrams, Waterstones, Booktopia, and beyond.
Are my books returnable?
Historically, publishers grant booksellers the right to return unwanted or overstocked copies of books. IngramSpark allows you to designate whether or not your titles can be returned. Please note that many booksellers will not stock books that are not returnable; however, the cost of the returned books is deducted from the proceeds of your titles.
Do I have to make my books available to all Ingram partners?
With IngramSpark, you can choose to distribute just print, just electronic, or both. For electronic distribution, publishers have the option of opting out of Apple and Amazon distribution (in case, for example, you already have a direct relationship with those retailers.) Your ebook, however, would still be distributed to Ingram’s other e-retailers.
Where do I use the discount code I got from LoveCoupons.com?
Once you are ready to publish your book and go through the publishing steps, you will have an opportunity to paste the code before billing. For step by step instructions, please read the “How Do I Use My IngramSpark Discount Code?” section above.
