Beyond Amazon: The Indie Author’s Guide to Using IngramSpark to “Go Wide”
Maximize your book's global reach by taking advantage of IngramSpark’s expanded distribution network.
Beyond Amazon: The Indie Author’s Guide to Using IngramSpark to “Go Wide”
For many independent authors, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the natural starting point, and then they stop there, thinking Amazon distribution is all that matters. However, staying exclusive to Amazon means leaving a massive portion of the market on the table.
There are many popular online and physical retailers outside of Amazon, not to mention libraries. To tap into these potential avenues, you need to “go wide.” IngramSpark’s expanded distribution network provides an excellent and easy solution for authors interested in reaching the widest audience possible.
That doesn’t mean you have to abandon KDP. You can use KDP and IngramSpark together for the best distribution options and highest earnings—KDP for direct Amazon distribution and IngramSpark for expanded. Here’s how to leverage IngramSpark for a wide distribution strategy.
Own Your ISBNs: Control Your Publishing Options
Your first step should be to purchase ISBNs in your name from your country’s official ISBN agency, such as Bowker in the US. Owning your ISBNs ensures you are the publisher of record and gives you complete control over your metadata and where your book is published.
If you initially published with KDP using their free ISBN, that means they are listed as the publisher in their ISBN account (not you). In this case, you won’t be able to go wide until you purchase your own ISBNs.
Get Your Files Right: Professional Book Design
Ingram’s automated pre-media checking system instantly rejects PDFs with incorrect color profiles (RGB instead of CMYK), low-resolution images, or spine widths that miss the mark by a fraction of a millimeter. Hiring experts is essential to avoid frustrating file rejections.
IngramSpark and KDP both have their own cover specs. This means you can’t use the same cover file at both platforms and expect it to print well or be accepted. You’ll need a separate cover for IngramSpark, built to their specifications.
This may lead to a small file adjustment charge depending on who you’re working with, but for authors who want to reach the most readers, the additional charge is worth the greater sale potential.
You might need a separate eBook file, as well, depending on the format. At 1106 Design, we provide a standard ePub that can be uploaded to IngramSpark, as well as an ePub coded specifically for Amazon.
Fortunately, as long as your print interior PDF file is set up properly for POD, you can use the same interior at both platforms.
Optimizing Book Metadata for Expanded Distribution
Proper metadata is the key to helping the right readers find your book. IngramSpark distributes globally, and their metadata includes sections that KDP’s does not. We’ll briefly dive into a few notable differences below.
BISAC Categories
Whereas KDP has their own Amazon category names, IngramSpark uses US industry-standard BISAC codes. BISAC stands for Book Industry Standards and Communications. BISAC categories provide a structure for organizing books based on their content, making it easier to find and browse books based on specific genres or topics. Our BISAC category guide provides more information, including advice for making your selection.
Thema Subject and Qualifier Codes
In addition to using BISAC categories, you should use Thema subject and qualifier codes to help make your book more discoverable in the global market. This IngramSpark article about Thema codes offers additional insight and advice to make the most of them.
Wholesale Discounts
IngramSpark allows authors to set a wholesale discount between 40% and 55% for print books.
The minimum 40% discount works fine for authors who wish to solely focus on online retailers. A 55% wholesale discount is recommended for authors who want a chance to appear in physical bookstores (note that it only helps with eligibility; retailers choose what books to stock). A higher discount gives the retailer room to make a profit, but it cuts into your earnings.
IngramSpark provides a great article about wholesale discounts for anyone wanting to learn more about them.
Book Return Policies
IngramSpark allows you to choose your return policy. You can read the breakdown of how these rules impact your bottom line in IngramSpark’s return policy guide. In short, there are three options:
No/Non-Returnable: You can choose not to allow returns. This can potentially save you money, but most physical bookstores require books to be returnable.
Yes—Deliver: You can allow returns and have the copy shipped to you, in which case you’ll be charged the wholesale cost of the book and pay for shipping and handling.
Yes—Destroy: You can allow returns, but the returned units will be shipped back to IngramSpark and destroyed. In this option, you’re only charged the wholesale cost of the book.
Launch Wide with an Experienced Design Team
This all may sound rather technical, but with the right team to guide you, it’s relatively simple when you get down to it. At 1106 Design, we provide the guidance and advice to help our authors craft their metadata and create their own print-on-demand accounts so they retain 100% control and net revenue.
Don’t let technical hurdles stand between your book and the world. With precise file engineering and a strategic distribution plan, you can confidently take your book far beyond Amazon. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
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