Publishing with kdp AND Ingramspark

Publishing with KDP and IngramSpark is possible, as long as you don't sign up for Kindle Select. My last three books, I published through both KDP and IngramSpark at the same time. (Use these links to get started – there are phonies out there!)

Why both? There are a few other legitimate companies, but KDP is the least expensive I’ve found. But many bookstores and libraries prefer dealing with Ingram, which is where they purchase most traditionally published books - IngramSpark is their platform for small indies.

I did expanded distribution with KDP, so my books are available widely (including Nook). While my royalty is higher when sales are made directly at Amazon, some people do not shop there! I still get a royalty when a book sells elsewhere.

I’m not sure I’ll do IngramSpark again. They charge each time you upload a manuscript, and their process is not user-friendly. Just getting sales reports is complicated. I’ve been spoiled by Amazon’s efficiency and most of my sales are still through Amazon.

Also, I may try signing up for Kindle Select when I launch my next book. "Boosting" blog posts through my Facebook page is increasing traffic at this website, so getting a boost from Amazon may be a good way to increase sales on a new book. If I do participate in Kindle Select, eBooks can only be published/sold through KDP. I'm not sure it would be worth the hassle to sign up for print-only at Ingram.

One more thought: Another reason I like KDP is not currently true.

When we did a school yearbook with them, we never hit publish. The school was able to buy author copies (not labeled PROOF), then sell them to parents. This avoided concerns about the kids’ photos going out onto the web. It was also nice for people who wanted reasonably priced books just for family.

Amazon eliminated this option – so it’s not currently available. They’ve had complaints and are reconsidering. I’ll let you know when they go back to it.

Kindle vs. kindle select

Kindle vs. Kindle Select - I’ve had people tell me if you publish with KDP, your books can’t be purchased on Nook or you’ll be violating your contract with them. I’ve also been told you can’t publish at both Ingram and Amazon. These limitations are only true if you choose to participate in Kindle Select – which is for eBooks only.

Kindle Select is an optional free program within KDP where Amazon boosts (advertises) your eBook on while you’re enrolled.

• Kindle Select does require the eBook be sold (distributed) exclusively at the Kindle Store during the enrollment period.

• These limitation are just on the eBook. Other forms of the title (print, video, audio, etc.) can be distributed elsewhere.

• Here's the tricky part: Initial enrollement is for 90 days, but there’s automatic renewal that must be turned off if you want to stop and open up your options.

I publish print and eBooks through Kindle Direct Publishing. I prefer self-publishing with Amazon’s KDP because:

1. They don’t charge for uploads – no matter how many times you redo a manuscript.

2. They charge a very reasonable amount per book – one or a large order.

3. I set my own price – and it can be competitive because their charge is reasonable.

4. They’re user-friendly with tons of useful help available for free.

5. I’ve never been pressured to buy the services for which they do charge.

6. Their sales and other reports are easily accessed and clear.

7. If I want to talk to a person, I request a call back and it comes within minutes, without having to hunt for the link or deal with bots.

I’ve never signed up for Kindle Select because some buyers prefer to avoid Amazon. However, since most of my sales do come through Amazon, I might try Kindle Select for the initial 90 days of my next book launch.