How to Choose Between Amazon KDP and IngramSpark for Your Book
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Last updated: October 18, 2026
Amazon KDP vs. IngramSpark: KDP is the simplest way to sell ebooks and print books on Amazon, while IngramSpark distributes print books to a much wider network of retailers, libraries and bookstores. Many self-published authors use both: KDP for Amazon, and IngramSpark for everywhere else. Neither platform guarantees bookstore placement. This comparison is dated October 2026, so check each platform's current documentation before publishing.
Key takeaways
- KDP is best for reaching Amazon customers with ebooks and print.
- IngramSpark is best for wider print distribution, including bookstores and libraries.
- Neither charges setup fees for new titles as of this writing.
- Using both is common, but plan your ISBNs and distribution settings carefully to avoid conflicts.
What does each platform offer?
Amazon KDP lets you publish ebooks, paperbacks and hardcovers for sale on Amazon stores. It offers a free ISBN for paperbacks, though that ISBN can only be used on KDP and the imprint shows as "Independently published" (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, n.d.-c). It also offers Expanded Distribution for paperbacks to some other outlets.
IngramSpark, part of Ingram, distributes print books, and ebooks, through a network it describes as more than 40,000 retailers, libraries, universities and educators (IngramSpark, n.d.). Bookstores and libraries commonly order through Ingram, which is why many authors use it for print.
What are the costs and distribution options?
| Amazon KDP | IngramSpark | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup fees | None | None for new titles (IngramSpark, n.d.) |
| Revisions | Free | Free within 60 days of publication; check current terms after |
| Ebook royalties | 70% at US prices of $2.99 to $12.99 (minus delivery), otherwise 35% | Set by retailer terms |
| Paperback royalties | 60% of list minus printing (at $9.99+); 40% for Expanded Distribution | List price minus wholesale discount and printing |
| Free ISBN | Yes, KDP use only | Check current offer |
| Main reach | Amazon stores | Wide retail, library and bookstore network |
| Bookstore returns | Not available | Optional |
KDP's ebook and paperback royalty terms are set out in its help pages (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, n.d.-a, n.d.-b). IngramSpark lets publishers set a wholesale discount and choose whether to accept returns, settings that affect whether bookstores are willing to stock a title. IngramSpark has also introduced a 1% market access fee on print sales (IngramSpark, n.d.).
How do print and ebook workflows differ?
Both platforms require a print-ready interior PDF and a full-wrap cover PDF sized to your trim, page count and paper. KDP requires 0.125 inch of bleed and provides spine width calculations based on page count and paper type (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, n.d.-d). IngramSpark has its own cover template generator. Always use each platform's current template, because specifications can differ slightly.
For ebooks, KDP accepts EPUB and other formats, and if you enroll in KDP Select, the ebook must be exclusive to Amazon during enrollment. If you want your ebook available on other retailers, you can distribute it through IngramSpark or directly through other platforms instead. See ebook vs. paperback vs. hardcover.
Can authors use both platforms?
Yes. A common setup:
- Buy your own ISBNs from Bowker, so the same print edition can be listed on both platforms.
- Publish the paperback on KDP for Amazon sales, without Expanded Distribution.
- Publish the same paperback on IngramSpark for wider distribution.
- Publish the ebook on KDP, and on other retailers if you are not in KDP Select.
The key is avoiding conflicts. If you use KDP's free ISBN, you cannot use it on IngramSpark. If you turn on KDP Expanded Distribution and also use IngramSpark for the same edition, the two can clash. Plan this before you upload. For ISBNs, see ISBNs, copyright and book registration.
Which should you choose?
- KDP only: if you mainly want Amazon sales and the simplest setup, especially for ebook-first launches.
- IngramSpark only: rare, but possible if you sell mainly through bookstores and events.
- Both: if you want Amazon reach and the option of bookstore and library availability.
Being available to order is not the same as being stocked. Bookstores choose what to carry, and that depends on demand, pricing, discount, returns and relationships.
For the full process, read how to self-publish a book in the US and the book production process. Cihaiyura's Print Ready Package prepares files to your printer's specifications. Book a free consultation to plan your setup.
References
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. (n.d.-a). eBook list price requirements. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200634560
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. (n.d.-b). Paperback royalty. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201834330
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. (n.d.-c). ISBNs for print books. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/A18PX0NLBGTTLN
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. (n.d.-d). Create a paperback cover. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201953020
IngramSpark. (n.d.). No more setup fees. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://www.ingramspark.com/no-more-setup-fees