2024 IngramSpark Step-by-Step Self-Publishing Tutorial | How to upload a book to IngramSpark

[@1MKWilliams]

If you have any other questions about self-publishing with wide distribution through IngramSpark, I have a TON of videos and questions answered here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2GunX6khJWghMk

[@BrendaDontcha-nf9uz]

Mk Williams, should be in Websters. As a synonym for many words, awesome, helpful, insightful… I could go on. Thanks so much, your videos will always be my go-to for the first videos I invest time in with any research prior to making moves I make as a new author. Thanks for all you do! Best of days to you and all those you care about!

[@1MKWilliams]

That is so sweet!! Thank you!!

[@silvertree3181]

For those having trouble hearing all her content, click on the gear ⚙️ symbol in upper right corner. Pick playback speed 0.75x. The content is good. Thank you for sharing 🥰

[@IreneYam1]

Thank you very much M.K. I'm so thrilled to have subscribed to your account and grateful for your advice!

[@1MKWilliams]

You are very welcome! So happy I can help :)

[@briancox331]

Thx MK this video is so helpful :) The manuscript file type uploaded to IS has to be a PDF, not WORD? I have ADOBE for viewing documents but it's hard to edit them on my MAC. Suggestions? Buy ADOBE Suites etc? Good luck with your books! Your videos are a God send to indie novelists 😎

[@1MKWilliams]

Correct, for print you need to upload the PDF. For eBook an ePub file. You CAN save a MS Word file as a PDF but it may not be accepted. If oyu have Adobe InDesign you can format in that program. 100Covers now offers formatting for indies: 100covers.com/formatting/?ref=49

[@truthboundpublishing]

It says i have a revision fee of $25, but when i click submit, the total comes up at $50...one $25 for "Revision POD Book Digital Cover" and the other $25 for " Revision POD Book Digital Book Block"What is the difference and what are those exactly?

[@1MKWilliams]

One is charging you to change the cover, the other is charging you to change the interior

[@chaneyhobson7959]

What if I published a book through kdp earlier and want to add it to ingramspark? Is that something I can do? I bought my own isbn.

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes, just do not accept the amazon distribution agreement for IngramSpark

[@kathy-lynncross486]

Can anyone tell me if I add additional contributors are they supposed to be listed on the last window before finalizing? I have a second author and her name isn't displayed under mine. I have tried to reach out to Imgramspark for the last two days and haven't received a response from them.

[@1MKWilliams]

You should be able to edit the contributors on the first page. It may not show everyone on the summary kage

[@AmericanFinch-hk9mc]

Is it necessary to have the price barcode attached to the ISBN label for Ingram Spark? Thank you

[@1MKWilliams]

No you do not have to provide a barcode with the price on it. However the barcode IngramSpark will provide will not have the price. So if you want the price on it then you need to provide that

[@patriciadanna7433]

Thanks! You make it look so easy.

[@1MKWilliams]

Happy to help!!!

[@israeljoshua4073]

Hello pls how can I setup an ingramspark account am from Nigeria.

[@1MKWilliams]

I don't believe they have any restrictions. If they do, StreetLib is an excellent alternative that is designed for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia

[@starfilmproductions_]

What if you don’t have ISBN?

[@1MKWilliams]

You will need an ISBN for the book, either you can provide one or IngramSpark will provide one of their own. I generally advice to bring your own: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZu2cquAr9BkkNU

[@larryrobey2986]

Hi! Question for you: do you know if IngramSpark has an API or any way to automatically get order data for your books into another analytics platform besides the reporting they provide behind their account management login? Thank you so much for all of your helpful videos!

[@1MKWilliams]

I believe when you have an account with Ingram publishing services there is but I don't think that is the case for IngramSpark

[@larryrobey2986]

@@1MKWilliams Thank you!

[@KGottliebWalker]

What does an Ingram promotion consist of?

[@1MKWilliams]

I don't use it but I believe they put it in a catalog that goes out to booksellers. It seems to be more passive

[@luxhury]

Upload I have no buttons to browse. I did is all inside with a pdf

[@KnowingSelfKnowingOthers]

Just uploaded my book to Ingram and hadn't realised just how slow they were to review the file! I even paid for 'rush' printing and it took a week for the book to be dispatched. Unfortunately that was just before a public holiday, so I have another minimum 2 days before the first proof of my book is likely to arrive

[@1MKWilliams]

Oh no!! So sorry to hear about that. I hope the book arrives soon

[@Cen21000]

Has IngramSpark updated these forms in the last few months or something because when I'm trying to go along with this video, I don't have like half of these options and drop down menus.

[@1MKWilliams]

Potentially. I'll try to make an updated one for 2025

[@sherimorris9873]

I am having nothing but trouble with Ingram Spark. The video doesn't really address roadblocks.

[@1MKWilliams]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYHLYZmAnM18gdk

[@TJ-spirit]

Thanks so much.

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome!

[@nathanarrowsmith1794]

My "Continue" button at 3:23 on the "Add Title" page doesn't work. I've clicked everything as you have but it's not selectable. Is it a case of try again tomorrow? I've heard Ingram is bad, but I've never seen an issue as basic as this.

[@1MKWilliams]

The website can get glitchy. Exit out and try again.

[@timtrottproductions]

Doesn't IngramSpark require a different cover template from Amazon or B&N?

[@1MKWilliams]

Correct. Your designer should be able to provide you with one of each. I was also able to put my DIY covers into both templates easily

[@WinnieLavery]

I selected Print, Distribute and Sell book during set up, but INgram says my book is not eligible for distribution. is there a way to change the settings to Print Only?

[@1MKWilliams]

I believe so. You may need to connect with IngramSpark customer support

[@konstant8437]

Thanks! I’ve submitted my childrens book to ingram spark and amazon but what ive noticed is that to even make a small 2-3$ profit i have to price my paperback childrens book about $18.99 while hardcover books on amazon and barnes and noble are at $17.99-19.99. At these prices the profit is negative. Ive had to price my hardcover version at 28.99 to make a $3 profit and i get charged the wholesale price for returns. Making self publishing print on demand prices uncompetitive. Do you know how other authors are able to sell on amazon tat what is below cost?

[@1MKWilliams]

Some will only offer the paperback or they will do an offset run of the books and warehouse them in their garage and use Amazon seller central to list the books. It is much more tedious and can result in a customer service runaround with Amazon

[@ruthobiarinze4397]

once the book is uploaded and approved on ingramspark.. about how long does it take before it starts appearing in the computer system for stores like barnes and noble or target?

[@1MKWilliams]

It can take anywhere from 2 days to 6 weeks for all the metadata to come through. I notice the listing shows then in a few days the description and cover image come through. Try to check a week after

[@mechellsclassroom5596]

Is it possible to print dry-erase (wipe clean) activity spiral bound books on Ingramspark?I can't find information on if they laminate pages. Sorry for the random question but I'm still researching where I can do this and sell globally.

[@1MKWilliams]

This is not an option with IngramSpark. You can do spiral bound with LuLu. Not sure about their laminate page option. Best of luck

[@jamin6517]

Hey MK! Question for you. Children’s book question. In the description box, should I copy and paste the description from the back of my children’s book(the blurb per se) or is this description in the upload process different? Where does the description in this upload process show up at?

[@1MKWilliams]

You can use the same back-of-the-book description for the long book description you enter on the first page of the upload process.

[@jamin6517]

@@1MKWilliams Ty

[@georgekayange]

I just want to confirm, is it mandatory to upload on both KDP and Igramspark on the same day? What are the implications of delaying uploading on Ingramspark by one month or any other period?

[@1MKWilliams]

If you upload on different days you may get error notices about the ISBN already being in use on Amazon if you have enabled IngramSpark to distribute to Amazon as well

[@georgekayange]

@@1MKWilliams Awesome! I'll definitely ensure I don't enable IngramSpark to distribute to Amazon. Thank you so much for this important clarification. Very helpful, indeed.

[@SheddyOfficial]

Hello ma'am. Your information is top notch. My question is do I need to pay before publishing with Ingram Spark?

[@1MKWilliams]

IngramSpark has waived their upload fees so you can upload and publish without cost. After the book is live for 60 days you have to pay a $25 revision fee per file.

[@SheddyOfficial]

@@1MKWilliams Which engine search bar can I use to generate keywords which I will use to optimize my books for easy visibility? Amazon search bar or Google search bar which one?

[@1MKWilliams]

Either should work but you may want to use Publisher Rocket for more specific keyword options

[@evelynbegay2495]

HI MK, I love your videos. Thank you! So I calculated the cost of each book and how much my royalty earnings will be (before taxes and other fees:). So could you explain the Discount box (what’s the max and min percentages? What does this really mean?) and on the top, above this final page, there a a Duplex Enabled button. What is that? Again, thank you for your expertise:)

[@1MKWilliams]

The minimum discounts have been changed since I made this video but the same strategy applies: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5OrpZukqc51kMU

[@1MKWilliams]

A duplex cover is for paperback with images or a pattern or writing on the interior front or back cover. It is not as common

[@thewokeprophet]

Why isn't it good to use the free ISBN?

[@1MKWilliams]

i've done several videos on this, here is the most recent one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZu2cquAr9BkkNU

[@nachos2000c]

Thank you for the tutorial. For a children’s hard cover picture book, I am not clear on how many blank pages front and back. If I have 42 pages of illustrations and I would like to add 2 more for dedication and interior title page, that would be 44 pages plus to add blank pages on the front and back (and to make it in multiples of 4), that would be a total of 48 to request a cover template? Is it always a multiples of 4?

[@1MKWilliams]

You don't need to add the blank pages to get to multiples of 4. The print on demand service will do that for you,

[@icepopdudes2760]

I love your videos. Really helped me through the process.

[@1MKWilliams]

I'm so happy to hear that. Glad to help!

[@natmosfear]

Thanks for this, MK! So helpful. I'm still a bit confused about the pre-sale date. Do I put the actual release date in both the publication and on-sale date, or the date I want it to be available for pre-sale in both of those sections?

[@1MKWilliams]

Correct. Release date in both publication and on sale date. It is not intuitive and I wish they would change the wording

[@natmosfear]

@@1MKWilliams Thanks for clearing it up!

[@truthboundpublishing]

How can i go into my account and look at my eproofs? is there a way to do that even after they are published?

[@1MKWilliams]

Can I see an eProof of my book from IngramSpark after I have approved it?

[@WinnieLavery]

do you only need to pay for Bookow or Bowker barcodes if you include the price in the barcode?

[@1MKWilliams]

Bowker is a fixed $25, bookow is a suggested donation so you can pay less than $25 if your budget is really limited

[@WinnieLavery]

could you do a step by step for getting barcodes from BOOKOW?

[@1MKWilliams]

Yep: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opLFgo1ugtyEbbc

[@idowurasheed4544]

Please i want to get this right, the expanded distribution on kdp, is the wholesale discount on ingramspark the expanded distribution? Or am getting it wrong

[@1MKWilliams]

Not at all. If you want to use IngramSpark you should NOT utilize KDP expanded distribution whatsoever. If you have already selected that go and unselect it now. You will need to do a title transfer form to IngramSpark. If you have no selected KDP Expanded distribution then continue to not select that. The wholesale discount on IngramSpark is what you are allowing any retailer to pay for your book below retail so they make a profit on your book too.

[@timtrottproductions]

Interesting choices for the discounts, not the recommended 55%.

[@1MKWilliams]

I'm not pursuing a brick and mortar strategy at present

[@ChastityDawn]

Thank you for your videos! They helped a lot when I published my book last year. I didn't publish on Ingramspark at the time but would like to. Because it's been a year, I'm getting the ISBN error. Will I need to use a new ISBN because I didn't do it the same day that I did KDP?

[@1MKWilliams]

Check to make sure you aren't in expanded distribution with Amazon KDP or that you aren't distributing to Amazon via IngramSpark

[@ChastityDawn]

@1MKWilliams Thank you for replying! Yesterday I turned it on but immediately turned it off once I saw this video and realized that I'm competent enough to do it myself. 😂 It was only enabled for a few minutes.

[@1MKWilliams]

@@ChastityDawn you may need to do the title transfer form with IngramSpark to allow them to do the distribution. You'll still have direct distribution to Amazon via KDP but it allows IngramSpark to do the rest

[@ChastityDawn]

@@1MKWilliams Thank you! I'll check into that. Have an amazing day and week! 😊

[@righteousantidote63]

Thank you so much, this video really helped me.

[@1MKWilliams]

You're so welcome! Happy to help!

[@jamin6517]

Would a children’s book at 36 font be considered a “large text book?”

[@1MKWilliams]

large text books are specifically defined as such for visually impaired readers. They have more than just a specific font size but also certain rules on which words need to be bolded to help them stand out more.

[@jamin6517]

@@1MKWilliams wow I didn’t have a clue. TY

[@doughnuthead8757]

Just to be sure. When you upload your cover, it's front, spine, and back or just front?

[@1MKWilliams]

When you upload the print cover it should be one PDF that has front spine and back. IngramSpark has a template for print covers, I suggest using it to make sure it is accepted on the first try

[@doughnuthead8757]

@@1MKWilliams Front, spine, and back. Got it. Thanks.

[@thewokeprophet]

How much do you charge to upload a manuscript?

[@1MKWilliams]

IngramSpark no longer has any upload fees

[@thewokeprophet]

Thank you, after you read and accept the terms it asks what your job is, that part was confusing along with the chart that you input the price of your book. Also did you make a video for Lulu, I'm a new author trying to learn all of this. Thanks for your help.

[@bluebull1246]

Is it the same if you are hybrid published?

[@1MKWilliams]

That depends on what you and the hybrid publisher have agreed to as far as who does the uploading and distribution

[@jamin6517]

Thank you

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome

[@WinnieLavery]

Once i have uploaded my books to INgramspark, is there a way to go in and change the Publishing Rights?

[@1MKWilliams]

I'm not sure what you mean by publishing right? Distribution? Who the author or copyright holder is?

[@WinnieLavery]

@@1MKWilliams When uploading there are two options: " I own the copyright" and "public domain." by mistake I had clicked the wrong one, and I am wondering if there is a way to change it before my book is released/published

[@1MKWilliams]

@@WinnieLavery you should reach out to IngramSpark support to assist with this

[@truthboundpublishing]

So, i uploaded some files, and they had some issues with the spine, will i still have to pay the $25 to upload again??

[@1MKWilliams]

I answered your question here: kzbin.infoT-ckJrZyqKs

[@DeanRocha-i6p]

So I recently got my Eproof children's book to look at and the ends of the pages are all cut off. This book is basically a 9x10. I noticed your Eproof is single pages. I uploaded mine in a landscape both pages shown on the Eproof. Should I have uploaded my PDF in single pages for this print book?

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes, the file should be single pages and not spreads.

[@DeanRocha-i6p]

@@1MKWilliams Thank you!!

[@DeanRocha-i6p]

@@1MKWilliams So I've got one more question on this. Should I have uploaded the front and back cover in portait (single pages) as well?

[@1MKWilliams]

@@DeanRocha-i6p the full wrap cover could be on page, please use the IngramSpark template

[@WinnieLavery]

What does Publication Day look like? If I am out of town the day my book is released, is there anything I need to do?

[@1MKWilliams]

It's up to you and your marketing plan how you promote your launch day

[@truthboundpublishing]

hello, how can i cancel my book order from ingramspark?

[@1MKWilliams]

I'm not sure. You'll likely need to contact their customer service line

[@JudyMillarwriter]

(1) For hardcover, can I upload the same cover file to I.S. that I used for paperback, or does hardcover file need to be slightly larger? (2) Will they apply the ISBN graphic to back cover, or should my cover file include ISBN? (3) Curious why royalties for Canada didn't populate in your video when all other markets did? THANK YOU for all your videos, and your reply!

[@1MKWilliams]

1. Yes you need a separate file for paperback and hardcover covers. 2. I believe you are referring to the barcode (not the ISBN). Yes, if you do not provide a barcode on the cover, the barcode will be provided by IngramSpark with your ISBN on it. 3. I'm not sure, it has never populated. Seems to be a system glitch.

[@JudyMillarwriter]

@@1MKWilliams I'm trying to upload to Ingram Spark and they want my ISBN for "print" and "ebook". By "print" do they mean "paperback" ISBN? I also have a hardcover ISBN, and I don't see on their screen where they differentiate. Help. I don't want to mess this up. Thanks!

[@1MKWilliams]

@@JudyMillarwriter yes

[@jackdboon]

Where can I find information about prices? I am new to this and need help understanding the financial aspect of self-publishing. What I mean is when Ingram distributes your work, who pays for that?

[@1MKWilliams]

IngramSpark no longer has an upload fee but they do take a small percentage of each sale. Everything is shown in their compensation calculator: myaccount.ingramspark.com/Portal/Tools/PubCompCalculator

[@bobd4401]

What do you do if Ingram Spark flags your upload for having an "ICC Profile"? Is there a way to remove the ICC profile without having to buy/subscribe to Adobe InDesign?

[@1MKWilliams]

That has to do with how the file was saved. This happens to me in photoshop sometimes. If you made the file go back and try to save again. On the grey box where you name the file and decide where to save it there should be a box at the bottom to uncheck with the ICC profile. If someone designed it for you send them a screenshot of the notice and they should be able to fix it quickly.

[@user-uo9br9fe2s]

Thank you so much!

[@1MKWilliams]

You're welcome!

[@scottludden4848]

Hi M.K, just bought Author your Ambition, excited to dive in. Is there any downside to start uploading the books to the different platforms a few weeks ahead of launch to see if there are problems with my formatting? I am not publishing until mid April. Thanks again!!!

[@1MKWilliams]

Yay! Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy Author Your Ambition. Yes! Definitely upload ahead of time to catch any of those issues. You can set a preorder or preschedule on most platforms. Even if you don't promote it as a preorder you still ensure everything goes live correctly on the same day/same time.

[@francescaluciana5189]

Hi M.K.! Do you offer one on one consultations with new authors? Your videos are super duper helpful but I am malfunctioning with information overload and was wondering if there is an option to schedule a session with you. Is this something that you offer? TYIA! (Or even live discussions on a social media platform?) PS - I just tried checking out "formatted books" and it says their site is suspended, but this video was uploaded only in February of this year (2024). Did they go under, or has the site been relocated under a different name? THANK YOU!

[@1MKWilliams]

Hello, I stopped offering one on one coaching at the beginning of this year. If I do open those up again my email subscribers will be the first to know. I do also have my workbook that walks you through the entire process so it is my brain downloaded into workbook or PDF form for you to use: 1mkwilliams.com/workbook/ Yes, unfortunately Formatted Books did close their doors earlier this year, it was a real bummer. Luckily, 100 Covers also offers the same services at amazing prices: 100 Covers: 100covers.com/?ref=49

[@francescaluciana5189]

@@1MKWilliams Thank you so much I will purchase your book and check out 100 covers! I appreciate your time and expertise!

[@WinnieLavery]

What happens after you approve an eproof? Do you get a confirmation email that says now you can print your book?

[@1MKWilliams]

Once you approve the eproof it will show a pop up asking if you want to order print copies. If you miss it go to the orders tab

[@evelynbegay2495]

Thank you for all your questions. I’m actually reading your questions and the read MK’s responses:)

[@KarenLewin-bi1td]

On the part where you are putting ISBN in, why does this have to be done ‘the same day’ as the upload to KDP? What happens if I try to do it a week later? Thank you.

[@1MKWilliams]

The systems can get a little glitchy if you are using both to distribute the same book. When I upload on the same day I never have any issues with the ISBN

[@KarenLewin-bi1td]

I envision that I do both on same day with doing KDP first of course. Then do Ingramspark, but have an issue with KDP not going through and then the recommended publishing order gets messed up such as Ingram first and then KDP (not recommended). Maybe I worry too much lol. Would this issue be helped by setting a release date for Ingram Spark in the future instead of same day ( to give needed time to fix anything on KDP first)? I thought if I have a purchased ISBN that there would be no issues using across multiple platforms.

[@1MKWilliams]

@@KarenLewin-bi1td owning your ISBN does resolve most issues but the networks can get mixed up some times. I always do a preorder where I can for that exact reason

[@슈쌤-w6m]

Hello. I am from Korea. I am thinking of publishing a children's book through IngramSpark and Amazon KDP. It is quite difficult and complicated to get an ISBN in Korea, so I am planning to use a free ISBN. However, if I upload the book to both IngramSpark and KDP, I will end up with two different ISBNs for the same book. Is that okay?

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes, in that case you would have 2 ISBNs which isn't ideal. You have some options: 1. have two ISBNs for the same book. 2. Slightly vary the Amazon and IngramSpark editions so the ISBNs are for distinct/unique editions. 3. Just use IngramSpark because they also distribute to Amazon. Best of luck!

[@슈쌤-w6m]

@@1MKWilliams Thank you so much!

[@SafeJournal]

Is it possible to not print and only distribute?

[@1MKWilliams]

Yes, with Ingram Publisher Services they just do warehousing and distribution. However it is a much higher level business relationship so you'd likely need to bring a large existing audience or a history of sales

[@WinnieLavery]

for uploading to Ingram spark, do you have to have the ingram cover template or can you use KDPs?

[@1MKWilliams]

You should use the IngramSpark template for IngramSpark

[@WinnieLavery]

so i am also uploading to KDP, would I just send both of the templates to my cover artist?@@1MKWilliams

[@lukealang3305]

Do you prefer using IngramSpark as opposed to KDP for printing? My ebook is currently at KDP, but my paperback and hardcover are with IngramSpark. Should I move? Your opinion?

[@1MKWilliams]

I like using both. I use KDP for my eBook and print books that are sold on Amazon.com. I use IngramSpark for all the other retailers for print. They have a huge network and I prefer the ease of having one other platform for everything else over having a dozen log ins for each vendor. Best of luck!

[@lukealang3305]

@@1MKWilliams Ah, so in KDP, you do not choose the 40% “global distribution thing” (say goodbye to the correct words there). You use IngramSpark for that part?

[@1MKWilliams]

@@lukealang3305 yeah DONT do expanded distribution with KDP. I have a video on it but it's no good

[@lukealang3305]

@@1MKWilliams I’ll watch it! Thank you so much for the info.

[@scottludden4848]

Hi M.K. I plan on launching my childrens book late April, may even push to May if I need too. My book is done, formatted, have isbn #, etc.. what platform do you recommend ordering a authors copy? On that platform, can I upload my book and not have it go live yet? or how does that work? thanks again for all your replies.

[@1MKWilliams]

I find that Amazon KDP has a better price for author copies but IngramSpark does allow you to order copies before you enable distribution so you can see it before it is distributed. (Keep in mind, the time it takes the book to get to you can eat into your release schedule). Amazon KDP I don't think allows author copies prior to hitting publish, I think the only option if you uploaded but did not publish is a proof copy and that will have the "proof - not for resale" band around the book

[@pamalynlalor2826]

Hello M.K. Thanks for sharing these videos. I am a new Inde author and I have my book on Amazon KDP. However, Do I need a new ISBN to upload my paperback and hard cover? Also, I don't want to get kick off KDP by not doing the right upload. Please give me some feedback. Thanks, Pam

[@pamalynlalor2826]

To upload on Ingram Spark. Mama Pam

[@1MKWilliams]

@@pamalynlalor2826 I have a ton of videos about ISBNs that you can check out here: kzbin.info/aero/PL5wG4jOiELp0BbfdZUAVE9BmHL51VJBf3

[@hananharb2301]

you're the coolest!

[@1MKWilliams]

aww! thank you :)

[@blacksmithart]

I'm not trying to be rude, but you have times where you speak so quickly it almost sounds as though your words run together. You do a great job job of showing and explaining; just be aware of your pace.