The Best Print on Demand Company - Comparing Book Publishing with Amazon KDP, IngramSpark & Beyond

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Self-publishing a book this year? Learn how to format your book yourself with my online course: bit.ly/formattingcourse After a nightmare of an experience, I no longer work with IngramSpark. Watch my latest video on them to see why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHW1o6yuib1mZq8

[@shawnwilt7196]

Did you ever find out how much D2D charges for book printing?

[@luminalpyxie6454]

@@shawnwilt7196 They have a calculator out now on D2D. I did the calculation based on everything she had, and it looks like Cost to Print would be $5.60. Of course, this is about a year later and I'm not sure if anything changed with the other companies.

[@zrymill]

Is there a print on demand publisher that doesn't shut down your account out of the blue for no reason. I have a book on tantra massage/sexual massage and I'm worried amazon would just shut me down one day and I'd lose all the other books I've published with them and not be able to get another account.

[@davidclark573]

Amazon KDP Publications scammed me out of over $3000 dollars.

[@uncatila]

​Sounds like a violation of community standards. the community of decent God fearing humans​@@zrymill

[@CraigPriestley]

Thanks for this Mandi. I've only used KDP due to the simplicity, free ISBN and cheapness. Also that's where my readers tend to be (at least for now). This video has helped me realise I'm not missing out on too much by going through KDP, so i'll continue where I am :)

[@MandiLynnWrites]

So glad you found the video helpful!

[@annpippin6388]

WhF does KDP. ?

[@HobbyOrganist]

There is a drawback using those "free" ISBN numbers, if you didn't read what it is, you might do so, I bought mine from Bowker

[@alivemedianetwork760]

@@HobbyOrganistwho did you go with and how?

[@foster_field_trips]

Question- I am considering this after the awful experience I’ve had at Ingram Spark. Do you get your book into libraries or anywhere besides the readers that purchase on Amazon?

[@dougwolven8592]

Mandi, this was a big help. I have six KDP books and have made a lot of publishing mistakes that have come back to bite me recently. I am struggling to get "wider distribution" there with no success. I believe in my books, but at the moment, I have to act as the distributor. Libraries and shops can not get them at a discount. Worst of all, I simply want people to enjoy my books, and they aren't easily available! I learned a great deal from your four "beginner" Tube presentations.

[@IanHollis]

KDP gets a point for user-friendliness, bringing it up to five, and IS loses a point, taking it down to four. Then IS gets a point for hardcover dust jacket, so it's now equal five, but KDP gets that final point for no cost to having self-publish. I'd say we can take another point off IS for cost of self-publishing, coz you have to pay PER BOOK, not to mention there's an optional 'promote your book' fee when all is said and done. If you ask me, KDP is the clear winner here.

[@jewelbriard5444]

Totally agree. The last pointers should have counted, putting KDP the clear winner. I just wish KDP had better paper for coloring books, and offered landscape bound layout making coloring pages farther away from the bound edge to lie flatter ... spiral bound would be wonderful too.

[@mowgli6345]

Also Amazon has a bigger platform. More people go there = more sales.

[@btownes-oq2lf]

@@mowgli6345 more sales in a way, but more competition as the barrier of entry is low. This could lead to less sales as you are a small finish in an even bigger pond.

[@carolynloughran5450]

@@btownes-oq2lf Excellent and very valid point👍🏼

[@IchNachtLiebe]

I'm nearing the final editing phase of a debut novel. So far, I'm think that I'm going to go with KDP first, get it all squared away, then publish on the other platforms.

[@TaylerMarieBrooks]

You don't get your book automatically sold in-store with Barnes & Noble. You have to sell 1000 copies first.

[@MetokurAssistant]

Could you point me to where I might find out more information about the 1000 copies thing?

[@f.scott.fitzbeagle]

I was in B&N regional stores for a few months. I was billed for the unsold copies. Careful what you wish for.

[@TaylerMarieBrooks]

@@f.scott.fitzbeagle That is true! When your books go in-store, you are responsible for anything that doesn't sell. It's all part of being an indie author. Unfortunately, bookstores don't want to take risks on us. Sorry to hear about your troubles!

[@f.scott.fitzbeagle]

It wasn't terrible. Just a comeuppance.@@TaylerMarieBrooks

[@machineagevoodoo2106]

isnt there all benefit and no drawbacks to only offer print on demand? why is it even something to shoot for to have in-store. Simply for prestige / being oldschool? If you want to sell, and keep most of your royalties, seems to me that maybe even particularly the well known authords ought to self publish with POD?

[@RachelRobinson44]

Ingram Spark has always had the better end product. had so many issues with KDP. Whenever I did have an issue with IS, customer service was great. Tired of fighting with KDP so only go through them as a last resort. I rarely pay fees for IS since I am part of a writers association.

[@THERetiredHomeskoolMomma]

Writer’a Assoc?

[@LaTunyaElise]

What do you mean by writer's association?

[@RachelRobinson44]

NIWA (Northwest IndependentWritersAssociation, PNWA (PacificNorthwestWritersAssociation, Alli (Authors Alliance), 20Booksto50k, etc.

[@justonebite]

Do you pay a fee for the association?

[@RachelRobinson44]

Most writer associations have a membership fee. Some are 35 dollars a year up to 99. Depends on their size and what they offer.

[@Exayevie]

I don’t care if IngramSpark won every single category by a mile - the payment to upload is a no-holds-barred dealbreaker for me. I’ll always associate that model with vanity presses. In my opinion, when you’re starting out and every sale is a fight, there’s no point cutting into your insanely narrow profit margins with extra fees, especially not for such minimal differences in quality.

[@makennazornes]

Who would you use then for wide distribution?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Hm, I've never thought of it that way. Very valid point! I don't mind the fee uploading. It drives me up the wall to have to pay fees every time I need to update content as well.

[@Exayevie]

@@makennazornes Personally, I'm honestly not that concerned about wide distribution. I've been watching the publishing and self-publishing industries since I was just a dreamy little kid in the 90s, when selling a self-published book meant roadtripping to all the libraries in your state and passing them out by hand lol. I still think that even with wide distribution, the real success of a book is going to depend above all on the author's ability to shill. So if/when I FINALLY finish this manuscript (haha) I think having it up on just one big, known website and then supporting that with hand sales and my own website would probably satisfy me. That's just me though, I haven't tried it in practice yet - maybe I will regret this opinion some day, but as Aragorn says, it is not this day lol

[@adaddinsane]

You can always find coupons for free upload.

[@debbywilson546]

As an author of exclusively hardcover children's books, IS is definitely worthwhile. So it depends on your intended audience.

[@stephaniemodkins4624]

Thank you for this video. It is so helpful. I was not clear on the most popular POD platforms. Great to hear them rated against each other.

[@thekarmafarmer608]

Super helpful, thanks. I`ve not heard quite so much good about IngramSpark before. I had decided not to use them before listening to you here. Getting finished up to publish and print for the first time, so very grateful for your video here.

[@sarahmonnier5207]

This video was awesome. I am working with a small start-up press and getting IngramSpark to get back to me for anything at all is a nightmare. Having to choose between quality and customer service is terrible. KDP is obviously non-negotiable; we want to sell books so we need to work with Amazon, so I'm super relieved to hear you say their quality and their customer service are so fantastic. I was really liking what I was seeing and hearing about D2D so your review is disappointing but I'm VERY grateful for it because it means we won't dive in blindly. Thanks for the video!

[@haleymist09]

I've heard a bit about D2D and it'd be great to have a 3rd option so it was disappointing to not have D2D as a contender yet.

[@debbywilson546]

Thanks heaps for this breakdown, Mandi. I'm on my 4th book with IS (in Australia) and haven't had too many problems at all. Perhaps your videos will encourage IngramSpark to up their game as far as customer service goes, and then the difference will be obvious. Clear winners, I think.

[@jeanwilliams2629]

Mandi, thank you so much for this video. I don't know why I've had such a hard time with KDP since 2020. The support is NOT there as it once was. And when I've attempted to publish an illustrated book, forget it! KDP was not only not helpful but driving me crazy with what was their problem: a brilliant illustrated first author copy but after that fuzzy illustrations even on the Amazon book site.

[@jarekzawadzki]

You've missed one parameter: languages supported, e.g. in KDP you can only publish paperbacks in Western European languages, some Indian languages and Japanese.

[@mikecook_author]

Excellent. I like the breakdown and review from each on-demand publisher. I especially enjoyed the quality of cover and interior portions. I think an author is more critical of how his/her book is printed. Great video.

[@YTchannelreviews1]

so exited, i'm shopping around, getting quotes for print on demand. I just submitted my book through Barnes & Noble print on demand so i can try and print a few test copies to make sure it look all good. the last 11 months i been working on a 108k word book on meditation and the phenomena associated with it as well as adding some african spiritual ancient cosmological information that coincides with the metaphysical stuff. sooo happy i'm at this step. Nobody knows how special of a day today is for me 😭🥳 🎉. can't wait to start this journey. I subbed to your channel. Thank you. You helped a lot, gave me the info i needed 👍🏾

[@haleymist09]

What a cool book! Good luck!

[@zontar12]

I have published non-fiction books with KDP (starting when it was Createspace) for years. For the most part I have been very happy with how easy it is to work with them, and how good the final book looks. The only problem I've had is when KDP has some kind of issue with the contents, wording on the cover, etc. They just send you a form email with no details and you have to try and figure out what the problem is. Plus when you do manage to get a live person, they can't help you either. Very frustrating.

[@jeanwilliams2629]

My issue with KDP is when they took over Create Space, we now do not own the rights to our books. I found this out the hard way.

[@melissakearns3802]

@@jeanwilliams2629 Can you explain this more? Is it that people who used CreateSpace lost the rights to their books when it transfers to KDP? Or that anyone who uses KDP looses the rights to their book?

[@jeanwilliams2629]

@@melissakearns3802 We read that when Create Space was taken over by KDP that KDP now owns our book once we uploaded that book to KDP. It is in the agreement page.

[@HobbyOrganist]

@@jeanwilliams2629 Did you use their "free" ISBN for your book(s)? there is a catch, that's why I bought mine from Bowker directly, so the ISBN is my property.

[@HobbyOrganist]

@@jeanwilliams2629 I don't see any such claim on their page, it may vary by country but in the US anyway you the author own the copyrights to your book, KDP's rights include being able to display your book COVER on their site and elsewhere for marketing it, to show portions of the inside to customers to decided if they want to buy it or not. If you publish your book in other formats like Kindle electronic- then there's rights they have connected to the customer's purchase of the electronic copy- that they can keep that on their devices etc. There are other issues if you use their in-house "free" ISBN number, one is you can't use that anywhere else- the ISBN belongs to KDP. I never allowed my book to be published in Kindle form, it's paperback ONLY, once you release a digital file such as used by Kindle devices it can be hacked, copied and distributed by anyone anywhere and it's a lot easier to do than people think. Yes, a paper book can be scanned, but it takes a LOT more work, effort and motivation to sit there and scan 300 pages out of a book and fix the results. There is this too that comes up periodically in one form or another on those devices your book mightbe on;; Your Amazon Kindle and your Amazon account could be hacked by just opening a single ebook, according to research published Friday as part of the DEF CON security conference taking place in Las Vegas this week. Once the malicious book is opened, a remote hacker could delete all books on the device and could steal the authentication token used to get into an Amazon account, according to the proof of concept attack developed by researchers at Israel-based cybersecurity company Check Point. “Equipped with these tokens the attacker would now be able to access the victims Amazon account and perform anything on his behalf,” said Yaniv Balmas, head of cyber research at Check Point. An attacker could have also used the Kindle as a launchpad for attacking other devices on a local WiFi network. Balmas was able to create a evil ebook that took advantage of a flaw in the Kindle operating system that meant when parsing images from the book it wasn’t limiting the amount of code that could be written to the device, known as a heap overflow bug. That flaw allowed him to overwrite parts of memory. To get complete control of the Amazon device, he discovered another flaw that allowed him to grant himself root user rights.

[@captainnolan5062]

I went through the ratings and weighted them; giving 5 points for first place, 4 for second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth and 1 for fifth. When there was a tie, I averaged the points. The Results: Kindle Direct Publishing 28.5; IngramSpark 24.5; Barnes & Noble 21.0; Lulu 17.0; Draft2Digital 14.0. IngramSpark's poor customer service dragged them down below KDP.

[@yvonnebelcher1823]

This was super helpful; this is my first book, self-publishing because...who wants to give a publisher 7k to publish a book. Thank you, all the questions I had were addressed

[@matthewjamesmiller]

Definitely, KDP is the BEST currently in 2022, even though they don't have dust jackets and don't make it as easier/helpful in Japan where I live. Ingram Sparks is a headache and they could easily be AMAZING if they wanted to be, they just don't care enough to be GREAT.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

It's so true! If InngramSpark wanted to, they could be the best by far, no competition. Personally, I feel like they've shown time and time again they don't care about the opinions of the authors they serve.

[@IntrepidGlobalCitizen]

Hey Matt! How do you have your paperbacks delivered to readers in Japan? I am in South Korea and about to publish my first book. It seems shipping fees would be extremely high to SK or Japan. I suppose I could order a bunch of copies and have them delivered to my address in the US when I return there and them bring them back as luggage to SK for readers here. Seems like a complicated procedure.

[@Biber0315]

I published through Lulu last April. I went with them after spending A LOT of time comparing options. In the end it was all about the quality of the final product. My only complaint about them was the lethargy in communication.

[@lauranicoleofficial_]

how msany ppl shop there? did you sell well

[@ravenofgaia5638]

This is the best video comparing companies that I've seen so far. You've made it so clear for me what to choose. Thank you for making this video. :)

[@devoragray3357]

Gift from the book gods to have this in my suggestions. Self-pub in Nov and I’ve been hunt and pecking this subject the last month.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Best of luck with your book!

[@heathjarvis2362]

When we published our first book through KDP, we ordered two paperback proofs and one hardcover proof. The hardcover looked great, even without the coveted dust jacket. One of the two paperback proofs looked perfect, while the other was cut incorrectly - by a significant amount. So I'd have to say that even a company with great quality still makes mistakes. And yes, the "not for resale" banner on the proofs is certainly annoying.

[@JQRose]

What a thorough review of those book publishers. When you said you were going to discuss so many topics with 5 book samples, I thought this would be pretty boring. But you kept it lively, and I had to snicker at some of your comments. Especially a timely video for me. I just submitted my book for a hardcover book published by KDP. This is my first time to order a hardcover. Plus I ordered premium color and paper. I about had a heart attack at the printing cost--$11.00.--but it is a premium product. Besides, I want it to be special since it's a guided journal for mothers. You know you gotta spoil Mom. Of course, Mom may decide to lay out the cash to write her experiences raising those kids. KDP does have live chat and it saved my life. I chatted twice with the agent. Each time was helpful and delighted I didn't have to wait days for an email or line up on the phone line for service. Yes, it's way too late to be publishing a hardcover book only a month before Mother's Day! I see you rolling your eyes. After I got the price for printing with KDP, I checked Lulu, but it was no better. I saw there was a charge for distribution too? I went with KDP and after watching your video, I feel comfortable. Thank you.

[@murraymorison3924]

What a splendid presentation. Thank you. I had a book published with help of a small company - that used Ingram Spark. They knew what they were doing and Ingram Spark were fine. But now I want to do an illustrated book on my own and it sounds like KDP is the one to go with! Thanks again!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donnastokes8808]

I have just written a child’s book that I chose to come out on a different faster avenue. I am first doing a 6 minute video that premiers on U Tube 8-18 with a 1 minute video trailer out 7-1. Then it will be published on KDP hopefully and it’s cartoon is so colorful and cute! It will relate with the book! I am very excited to see how this avenue will work out. They Call Me DOG FACE. Is the name of my inspirational book. Thank you for all your hard work. Just know I am hearing you!!

[@beckymagnolia1]

WOW!!!!! What an amazing resource!!! Holy cow. Thank you for this.

[@adaddinsane]

I've always used IS (for years). Never had a problem. #justsayin

[@3ltawle]

This is so helpful!! I'm so glad i stumbled across your channel 😭❤ as a first time author, my whole experience has been so daunting and specially when i reached to the publishing part but THANKS TO YOU. I have now made up my mind to publish first on KDP and later on once i feel a little more confident i'll use IG too.

[@shaunmcmichael6386]

Super helpful! I've previously ordered through Ingram, but I had an experienced book designer prep the files. Cool to hear about KDP as another option.

[@GetReal521]

Mandi, this video is exceptional! I found you detailed the various categories in a way that helped me make my decision for a paperback that I look to publish by month’s end (Feb 2023). Curious? I have decided to go with KDP. I was planning to use IngramSpark, however your comments about both tipped the scales for me. AND I really value customer service - so KDP fits the bill in that area as well. Great Video. Thank you!!

[@Pam24K]

Getting ready to publish my first book and this was very helpful.

[@pineconey]

Thanks for your nice comparative look! Regarding Ingram: If something made you "never want to work with them again," I think that's that. It's a deal breaker, even if the final product wins by a hair. I like KDP. Just a couple of issues: Paper is good, but a bit thicker would be better (70 maybe), and hardcover proof seemed to have a bit of warpage in both the cover and pages and a distinct division of the interior into two chunks. Overall, KDP is pretty easy to work with. The worst I've encountered, and it seems rare, is getting an error message upon upload with no clue as to what the error is. But as you said, they're easy enough to contact to work things out, and it's great that they don't charge for setup, revisions, etc.

[@SilverXT]

Woo! First. I guess I'm going with KDP for sure. Biggest return on profit

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Very true!

[@eduardogarcia9793]

Thank you so much for going to the lengths of going through all of these companies and sharing your findings.

[@drinabridgepress]

Great video! Thank you so much for putting it together! 🤗 I guess I would pick KDP and B&N press. I wish someone would confirm that you could have your print book on B&N shelves if you publish through them!!! That would be the only reason I would use their press.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

I'd reach out to Barnes and Noble Press customer service to find out! I'd like to think the answer is yes, but you never know!

[@HerHealthyHome]

When I went to a local store as a local author, all they said that they needed was my book uploaded on their site

[@thecoffeechronicles]

Thanks! Very helpful. I screwed up and dove into Lulu when I first published. I was winging it. This time around, I'm researching. Lol. Your videos are proving very helpful.

[@royhunt1493]

This is good analysis and research. Very helpful and enlightening thank you Mia

[@coastalbeer]

I bought three copies of Robert C Bauer, "The Kid Gallagher Story " from Amazon. My favorite book was a high quality product and my wife loves this author very much!

[@Karen-J-Carlisle]

Ingram Spark prints locally in Australia. I've had great service from the Aussie 'branch'. They've saved my butt with 'walking through' a print to make sure I got it on time when I 'rush ordered' a run for an event. OK the pay to upload is a bummer, but I try to upload when they send a 'voucher'. The quality, service, and Australia printing/post for my event stock is worth it.

[@pjalexander_author]

Super video! Thanks Mandi for all the useful info!!

[@KellieAlston]

Thank you so much for this video. I was vacillated between these and it looks like I am going to end up using Vervante which will also publish my books on KDP. I simply cannot deal with poor customer service no matter what other pros exist. So, IngramSpark would not work for me. The fact that you have to pay for IngramSpark and they refuse to have a customer service number tells me everything that I need to know. Thanks so much for this info. You have saved me so much pain and strife.

[@judysheerwatters-youhaveas1996]

Great video! I appreciate you paying the cost to go through all five different companies so that we could see the actual prices that we would pay to do business with them. I would’ve thought that working with KDP would have been the first choice hands-down on everything except for proof copies. I don’t like working with Ingram Sparks after the huge problem I had with the children’s book there just a year ago. But I might take another look at them. thanks and I look forward to your next great video.

[@mikecook_author]

Interesting. I thought I posted a comment but do not see it. I enjoyed your quality of cover & interior portions the best. Great video comparing each print-on-demand company.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Thanks! I also have the individual videos for each print-on-demand company where I dive a little deeper into the quality.

[@jacintahudson9252]

Haha. Watching you come around to IS is hilarious. But seriously, thank you for doing this comparison experiment for us and sharing the results. This video has confirmed what I was working with- KDP first, then IS second. Very helpful.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Always the way to go! Perfect your book in KDP before moving to publish on IngramSpark!

[@JustFeathers]

Just found you from this video. I've been writing for 15 years and feel I'm ready to throw myself out there. Buying your Summit book now! Thank you :)

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Thanks! I hope you love the book!

[@JustFeathers]

@Mandi Lynn - Stone Ridge Books I literally just told my friends, "Who do I think I am? I can't publish!" And your comment popped up immediately after, haha!

[@JustFeathers]

@Mandi Lynn - Stone Ridge Books the book just came in the mail, and it's your old cover without the Belle last name! I'm so excited because I liked this cover better, haha!

[@dmorris61]

This was great Mandi, and really useful. I emailed you the other day, but this answers many questions. Thanks.

[@haileym5912]

I'm considering just buying like two copies (hard cover) of my novel so I can have my own copy for me and my co-author. Lulu seems to be pretty easy to use and not overly expensive. We also don't have the background art at the chapter pages so we wouldn't have to worry about that. It looks like Lulu might be a solid option. Have you gotten any hardcovers from Lulu? (and seen how they are with opening them/if they're super stiff and have to be really bent open like the paperback?)

[@whyaskwhybuddry]

@Mandi Lynn, Would you add to your Rating Scheme the Speed to Publish? If everything was perfect from the start (cover, interior, Editing, etc), how long does it take for each POD to list your new book as "Available for Sale"?

[@faerierosepress4133]

Thank you for doing this! This information was also very helpful!

[@tylerchildress2444]

Mandi, I’d like to hear more about quality and prices for books with many interior color photos. Thanks for the great comparisons.

[@exwhyzedprint]

Don't forget us for your next self-published video! We can print one copy or more but our prices are much better for slightly longer print runs. Super cheap at the moment for self-publishers in the States because of how weak the pound is :)

[@SanctifiedSista117]

Glad to see your comment here! I’m checking out your website now as I’m a new author looking for a company to print and direct sell my books.

[@mikeyheaton]

@@SanctifiedSista117 Ahh, that's great to hear. Any questions, do give us a shout, we are here to help on email, phone and live chat.

[@brucerule]

Very informative video. I was leaning toward Kindle Direct Publishing and your great insights have confirmed my choice. Thanks!

[@SimulationFirst]

That is a great video! Thank you. I have used IngramSpark (previously Lightning Source) to print and distro my books (20-ish books) for years - and I have experienced ALL of the problems that you listed with them. But in general it has gone well. This year I will be publishing my first novel and am looking at different POD options. I think I will give KDP a try. Also, I am going to adjust my Ingram discount level, because they have raised their print prices in recent years and seriously cut into my own profits. I did not realize that it would make such a big difference.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Yeah you have to keep a close eye on royalty rates with IngramSpark, otherwise you'll lose out on a lot of money.

[@R53Hype]

Great video! So much good information. This is exactly what I was looking for.

[@themanifestationking21]

You are the best. I thank you so much for this video, as it saved me so much research time. I love you.

[@3PairDesigns]

Wow, Mandi, that was a really good and informational comparison! I have dabbled with Lulu and frankly just wasn't impressed, it was a bit of a challenge to figure out the whole pricing thing. It was not a fiction book like yours, so I am glad I tested it with a puzzle book. I feel that technically, KDP may have won your competition because even though you liked the brighter covers of the other publishers, KDP did do it accurately. Having said that, I think I would have liked the brighter colors too! Thank you for this very informational video, it was very helpful! 😉

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Thanks! Glad you liked the video!

[@jeffreynichols803]

Awesome, thank you. I spent hours trying to find an email address or phone number for Amazon, to no avail. I will have to look again.

[@jeannemoore6610]

Thank you for the comparisons - it's very helpful.

[@philipstrumolo8057]

I've always gone with K.D.P. If it weren't for that hideous grey banner on the author copy, they'd be perfect. And, thanks for another great and informative video. Gerard Denza The Edward Mendez series.

[@kerrychumbley]

isn't the grey banner on KDP only on the proof copy, the author copy doesn't have that?

[@philipstrumolo8057]

@@kerrychumbley I think that you're right. My mistake. Thanks for pointing that out. Regards, Gerard Denza

[@kerrychumbley]

@@philipstrumolo8057 I think it's only a problem if you want a proof before hitting publish to check it or for promotional reasons otherwise hit publish and order an author copy

[@philipstrumolo8057]

@@kerrychumbley Many thanks. You're up on things. Best regards, Gerard Denza

[@victoriasmith9424]

I so agree about Ingram Sparks. I think I hate them! Not only does it take forever to solve an issue, when they respond your right, they don't answer so then again I have to response asking for what I need. back and forth and now days going by to where it's been almost 2 weeks and no resolve. I'm in the final publishing stage with them so I could get my proof,and there was two issues that they aren't addressing. Whereas, if it were Amazon, within 5 minutes they'd call me back and assist immediately. I like your show! Victoria

[@styledbybella]

Thank you so much for this!!! I was just researching the pros & cons of each of those self-publishing platforms and came to the conclusion that KDP is the best for me. I am also wanting to self-publish through iBooks but I think that its only available to US residents. I live in Peru, so if you know self-publishing platforms besides KDP, that accept international authors, let me know. Oh and that they do not require to pay subscription or a plan. My options are: KDP, Wattpad, Medium, My Own Website (still trying to figure out how this works). If anyone has any feedback, please feel free to comment and let me know what's best.

[@Sean.Vosler]

Thanks for sharing all this! Saved me a lot of time

[@DeborahChapin]

I'm doing art books with photos so I am going with Lulu for printing, because they are printing on 80# coated paper Amazon is printing on 60# paper regardless of the color standard or premium uncoated. The quality of reproduction is night and day between these two papers. Art and photo books require coated paper for reproductions otherwise they look like cheap. Just saying it depends on what the book is about and what printing quality you need. Also with 3rd party printers you can still market on Amazon which is it's forte but they are no good when it comes to print quality.

[@johnheav]

Once again, thank you for actionable, usable info!

[@RekhaChadhaAuthor]

I have publish two of my children books on Lulu Bookstore Site, they had a good customer service and they do a good job with a package delivery when they are sending my books, I am looking for another publishing site as my second option for people to buy my books on, so they have two options, Mandi Lynn you are amazing and love the video 😊

[@AbhiIndrarajan]

The main reason why I would go with Ingramspark is because KDP doesn't offer my book size. I do photography books. Just my two cents. Lol

[@Infinitemindsetcoach]

so good...amazing video! love that you're so specific!

[@PatrickCooperPhotography-nw1pp]

Correct me if I'm wrong but it doesn't look like you have much choice with the paper stock for the internal pages with these POD companies. I noted that you preferred some papers over others with the books that you had printed. At the moment, I'm working on getting a flip book printed. I'm referring to those small sized picture books that feature a sequence of images and you flip through the pages to recreate the appearance of motion. A flip book in POD sounds like a cool idea. Though you would have to be very specific about the paper stock used for the pages. This is crucial for a flip book because you need the right thickness of paper for the flipping motion and for durability.

[@philosophicsblog]

I've self-published 2 books. One through KDP and the other through pre-POD, where I distributed them through Taylor & Francis. Stores and libraries can purchase books through KDP. In fact, I sold around a third that way through KDP, but I used my own ISBN. I understand that the free ISBNs are specific to Amazon, so that's a consideration. Also, the KDP copy with a band is not an Author's copy; it's a Proof copy, the intent of which is only for you to assess the product before a real production run. They use cheaper stock paper for the cover and interior, and they use cheaper ink. It's more for the author/publisher to assess the layout and trim. When you order a true Author's copy, the bar is not present, and they use production materials, so the ink on the cover and interior is better. I say this because it's unfair to demerit the book comparing apples and oranges. Thanks.

[@EdmundAlynJones]

I appreciate you documenting this process, Mandi Lynn. I'm planning on making a workbook to supplement my eBook. I'm sure you have video on this topic, but if not, I'd like to make a request for your advice. I am so glad I found you. Cheers:)

[@huraibyel-huraiby7462]

Good video. Very informative. All I would say is that the categories should have different weights depending on importance. With such a system the winner would be more justified

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Very true! I hope anyone watching the video can gauge importance based on their personal preference.

[@TheFifileigh]

I self-published 2 novels at Lulu.

[@ismaillaghmaid1382]

And how was your experience

[@kayweda5929]

Based on this video and your tutorial for Ingram spark, I think I would only use it for a hardcover author copy. Thank you for all of these videos, I fell a little less like a fish out of water now.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@noramccarthymic-art9245]

Very informative - your thinking is spot on. Thank you.

[@zatazhamaat8098]

This was a really informative video. Thanks.

[@Mojojazzonline]

This was so help! You are awesome

[@dottiearnold4988]

Great explanations and overall review of all companies! Thank you for the information. Based on customer service alone , sounds like KDP would be my choice.

[@Mike-ny6sf]

I used to self-publish and distribute via my website. And I had my book printed by a wonderful book printing company in the Midwest. Medical issues caused me to go with KDP. Very easy to use, the print quality is good both for the inside pages and the cover, the royalties are pretty good. The only problem I have with them is their lousy packaging. I ordered 20 to 40 books at a time and always get some damaged or blemished books with author copies. Then I have to fight with KDP and Amazon to get it straightened out and sometimes they say the books are not bad. But I sell to a wholesaler who will not accept the slightest blemishes on a book.

[@miguelcabral1836]

If you buy your own copies, do you get them, at cost?

[@Demion83]

The more I research the more I lean Ingram Spark. Even though I feel like KDP superficially at face value seem better and originally I though they seemed better.

[@rachaelbarillari4055]

This was SO helpful, thank you!

[@Shalaena]

I'm kind of sad you didn't address DPI on covers and interiors. I recently published through Ingram Spark because the KDP version of my cover and the files inside were such a low DPI it made the maps and artwork look terrible! I used all the same files for the interior on both sites, and the maps, chapter header images, and any fonts not Palatino like the main body were super low quality only through KDP, but were perfect from Ingram Spark. I only ever ordered author proof copies, but I would imagine they send the same quality that will be distributed. My only complaint about Ingram Spark was that my cover is darker than it's supposed to be.

[@jeanwilliams2629]

Poor quality illustrations with KDP is the only reason why I'm going to try Ingram Sparks.

[@cobusbrits2]

What DPI did you use?

[@Shalaena]

@@cobusbrits2 300

[@theolambert]

Your video is sooo helpful! Thanks for that!

[@iSoWavie]

Amazing video Mandi would you recommend KDP for a self-help-technique short read (113 pages) book paperback? I'm a first-time author and have gone through Bowker for all my ISBN + Barcode needs plus, they threw in a press release, electronic sell sheet, and book2look I need guidance for distribution ebook and print on demand. Any insight would be helpful from the self-publishing/author community. Thank you all; many blessings and much success to you all!

[@carolrochester7091]

My choice would be KDP. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@AKGagliano]

Excellent video and breakdown. Thanks a ton...subscribed.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Awesome, thank you!

[@elsieschmaltz6754]

My children's book: Easter Hunt 🐢🐇 is in print as of Oct in 2022 yr but early for Easter 2023 yr. Waiting is impatience but exacting at the same time because it is my first book and I illustrated it myself.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Which company do you think is the best print-on-demand option for self-publishing? Let me know in the comments below! I have a book formatting course coming soon! Sign up to the waitlist to get a discount when the course is released! exciting-engineer-5402.ck.page/f0cca0dbcf

[@wendymaree]

I like the sound of KDP. I heard that IngramSparks requires you to be a company or have your own imprint. this costs quite a bit of money over here.

[@debbywilson546]

No, there is no such requirement. Just need an ABN (in Australia).

[@askmisspatience]

As a children’s author would say I.S. for distribution since libraries and book stores can be super beneficial for marketing and reaching the audience. Amazon having hard cover is huge. It use to only be I.S. In the past a lot of people have complained about their print on demand quality shipped to readers. This is a great video with super useful info. In the past I.S. had way better print color quality. A publishing friend who printed her book that included a lot of color pictures with I.S. sold me on the quality over Amazon. At the time though. I think it depends on the type of genre’ and distribution for authors. If Amazon can print a quality hard cover children’s book could do the second printing. But for distribution I.S. would need to be first, imo. The library especially is a huge deal. You’ve given me some great info to consider. Thank you 😊

[@JohnVDenley]

cool thanks I had heard about these other things, but I am going to stick with KDP for now, as you say, it sounds like the safest bet for my first book!

[@leorivers7759]

This helps. KDP is what they used to say "Reliable transportation."

[@davidweeks1997]

What about setting up your own printing facilities? Assuming your book volume justifies it. As for distribution, what matters is the ISBN, since that's the "global identification" of each title. The rest is Internet communications. Local business, local jobs, total control, total responsibility, maximum profits where volume is there.

[@tomaria100]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@lfjgill6042]

Thank you for this complete, efficiently delivered information. Wish you'd included Quality of Color in the criteria. Have you done that in another video somewhere? I've just completed and uploaded my first book on Amazon (on 10/30), and am having trouble with their making it actually available--oddly, they put it up "live" on every other Amazon site EXCEPT the U.S. one, where it still languishes under their ridiculous notice: "Temporarily out of stock" (six days after their acceptance)--though of course it was never IN stock! ( Six days later, I have not found KDP nor Amazon C.S. to be very helpful with the issue so far.) At any rate, also oddly, I WAS able to order an author copy, and I find the interior color to be dull and of poor quality, despite my uploading all images at 400 dpi. The paper is also too thin, so that image shadow from previous page shows through. Because the images are artistic complements to the poems and haiku, they need to be striking, not dull. BTW, this was with their "premium color" ink, on white paper. Again, thanks for a very helpful video. --Lfj Gill

[@GregsBassShed]

Really great video, thanks so much!

[@yonisapir6270]

Super helpful video, thank you.

[@hayleyannikki5259]

I've seen that crease in books I've purchased from B&N before

[@benicio1967]

Thank you for all this information. You really put so much time and work into this and it’s so helpful. Do you happen to know if kdp prints calendars? It’s been tough getting a definitive answer when I’ve researched it.

[@TheAnthropol]

I primarily need to see the comparison based on color quality for photos. Have you done one on that.