Amazon KDP vs. IngramSpark: Which Platform Should You Choose?

Self-publishing has never been more accessible, but choosing the right distribution platform can make or break your book's success. Two names dominate the conversation: Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) and IngramSpark. Both allow you to publish print-on-demand books and reach readers worldwide, but they work very differently. This guide breaks down every key difference so you can make the right call for your book.

Distribution Reach

When it comes to where your book can be sold, the two platforms take very different approaches.

Amazon KDP is the undisputed king of online book retail. Publishing through KDP puts your book directly on Amazon.com and its international storefronts: the single largest book marketplace in the world. KDP also offers an “Expanded Distribution” option that pushes your title to a limited network of non-Amazon retailers and libraries, but authors frequently report that this channel delivers minimal sales.

IngramSpark, by contrast, is built for broad distribution from the ground up. Ingram is the world's largest book distributor, and publishing through IngramSpark gives your title access to over 40,000 retailers, libraries, schools, and online stores globally, including Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Waterstones, independent bookshops, and library systems like OverDrive. If you want your book on the shelves of a physical bookstore or stocked in public libraries, IngramSpark is the platform that makes that possible.

Bottom line: KDP wins on Amazon. IngramSpark wins everywhere else.

Royalty Rates

Understanding how each platform pays you is critical to your profitability.

Amazon KDP offers two royalty tiers for eBooks:

• 35% of the list price for books priced below $2.99 or above $9.99
• 70% of the list price for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99 (in supported territories)

For print books, KDP calculates royalties as a percentage of the list price minus the printing cost. The standard royalty rate is 60% of the list price, with printing costs deducted. Because KDP's print costs are competitive, authors often retain a reasonable margin on paperbacks sold through Amazon.

IngramSpark uses a different model. You set a wholesale discount (typically 30–55%) that retailers take off your list price. Your royalty is whatever remains after the wholesale discount and the print cost are subtracted. A standard 55% wholesale discount is required for books to be returnable and stocked in physical stores — which can significantly reduce your per-unit margin compared to selling direct on Amazon.

For print-on-demand costs, KDP generally has a slight edge for books sold on Amazon, while IngramSpark's costs are competitive for books distributed to the broader trade market.

Bottom line: KDP typically yields higher royalties per unit on Amazon. IngramSpark's royalties are lower per unit but open the door to far more sales channels.

Print Quality

Both platforms produce professional-quality books, but there are meaningful differences.

Amazon KDP offers standard white or cream paper stock in a range of trim sizes, with perfect binding for paperbacks and case laminate or dust jacket options for hardcovers. Print quality is consistently good and well-suited for most fiction and non-fiction titles. However, KDP's options are more limited — you won't find premium paper weights or specialty finishes.

IngramSpark offers a wider range of paper stocks, including standard white, cream, and a higher-quality “60 lb” and “70 lb” uncoated stock. Binding options include perfect bound, case laminate hardcover, and cloth cover hardcover. IngramSpark is widely regarded by authors and publishers as producing a slightly superior print product — particularly for illustrated books, children's books, and titles where paper quality matters. Many traditional publishers use Ingram's printing network, which speaks to its professional-grade output.

Bottom line: Both are excellent for most books. IngramSpark has the edge for premium print quality and specialty formats.

Setup Costs

Cost is often a deciding factor for indie authors, especially those just starting out.

Amazon KDP is completely free to use. There are no setup fees, no annual fees, and no charges for uploading or revising your files. You can upload a new interior or cover file at any time without paying a penny. This makes KDP an extremely low-risk entry point for new authors.

IngramSpark historically charged setup fees per title (typically around $49 for print and $25 for eBook). However, IngramSpark has run frequent promotions — often in partnership with writing organisations and self-publishing communities — that waive these fees entirely. It's worth checking their website or searching for a current promo code before paying full price.

One important cost to be aware of: IngramSpark charges a revision fee (around $25) each time you upload a corrected interior or cover file after your initial setup. This can add up if you're still fine-tuning your manuscript. KDP, by comparison, allows unlimited free revisions.

Bottom line: KDP is free with no revision fees. IngramSpark has upfront costs, though promotions can reduce or eliminate setup fees — but budget for revision fees.

Ease of Use

Your publishing experience day-to-day matters, especially if you're managing multiple titles.

Amazon KDP is widely considered the more beginner-friendly platform. The dashboard is clean and intuitive, the file upload process is straightforward, and KDP's built-in previewer lets you check your book's formatting before publishing. KDP also provides detailed guided prompts throughout the setup process, making it easy for first-time authors to navigate without prior publishing knowledge.

IngramSpark has a steeper learning curve. The platform is more technically demanding — file specifications are stricter, and errors during upload are more common for authors unfamiliar with print-ready PDF standards. The dashboard is functional but less polished than KDP's. That said, IngramSpark provides solid documentation and support resources, and once you've learned the system, it becomes manageable.

Bottom line: KDP is significantly easier for beginners. IngramSpark rewards authors willing to invest time in learning its requirements.

Can You Use Both?

Yes, and for many authors, using both platforms simultaneously is the smartest strategy.

The most common dual-distribution approach works like this:

• Publish your print book on KDP to capture Amazon sales, taking advantage of KDP's free setup, competitive print costs, and seamless Amazon integration.
• Publish the same print book on IngramSpark to reach all other retailers, libraries, and bookshops worldwide.

The key to making this work is to disable KDP's Expanded Distribution when you're also using IngramSpark. If you leave Expanded Distribution enabled on KDP, your book may appear in non-Amazon channels through both platforms simultaneously — which can cause pricing conflicts and inventory confusion for retailers.

For eBooks, a similar split is possible: use KDP for Amazon Kindle distribution, and use IngramSpark (or another aggregator like Draft2Digital) for all other eBook retailers.

Note that if you enrol your eBook in KDP Select, you are required to make it exclusive to Amazon — meaning you cannot simultaneously distribute it through IngramSpark or any other platform. KDP Select offers benefits like Kindle Unlimited inclusion and promotional tools, but exclusivity is the trade-off.

Bottom line: Using both platforms together is a proven strategy for maximising reach. Just disable KDP Expanded Distribution to avoid channel conflicts.

Our Recommendation

There's no single right answer: the best platform depends on your goals. Here's a clear breakdown:

Choose KDP only if:

• You're a first-time author and want the simplest, lowest-cost path to publishing
• Your primary sales channel is Amazon and you're not targeting bookstores or libraries
• You're publishing an eBook and want to enrol in KDP Select / Kindle Unlimited
• You want to iterate quickly with free file revisions

Choose IngramSpark only if:

• You're targeting physical bookstores, libraries, or international retailers as your primary market
• You're publishing a premium or illustrated book where print quality is paramount
• You already have an established audience outside of Amazon

Use both if:

• You want maximum distribution across Amazon and the broader book trade
• You're serious about building a long-term publishing business
• You're comfortable managing two platforms and disabling KDP Expanded Distribution

For most self-publishing authors, the dual-distribution strategy (KDP for Amazon, IngramSpark for everywhere else) offers the best of both worlds. Start with KDP to get comfortable with the process, then add IngramSpark once your files are polished and you're ready to expand your reach.