# KDP vs IngramSpark: Which Should You Use to Publish Your Book?

> KDP vs IngramSpark compared on cost, royalties, bookstore reach, hardcovers, returns and control, so you can choose the right print platform for your book.

Source: https://theauthorpublishing.com/blog/kdp-vs-ingramspark/
Publisher: The Author Publishing
Last updated: 2026-11-01

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Use Amazon KDP if most of your sales will come from Amazon and you want a simple, low-cost, print-on-demand setup. Use IngramSpark if you want your book to be orderable by bookstores, libraries and retailers around the world through Ingram's wholesale network. Many authors use both: KDP for Amazon and IngramSpark for everywhere else, with their own ISBN and matching details.

This guide compares the two platforms on cost, reach, hardcovers, returns and control, explains how to use them together without conflicts and helps you choose. Platform terms change, so we point out where you should check the current rules. If you want help setting either one up, see our [IngramSpark consultancy](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-distribution/ingramspark/) and [Amazon paperback and hardcover publishing](https://theauthorpublishing.com/amazon-publishing/paperback-hardcover-publishing/) services.

## Key takeaways

- KDP is best for Amazon sales, speed and simplicity
- IngramSpark is best for bookstore, library and international wholesale reach
- IngramSpark requires your own ISBN, while a free KDP ISBN cannot be used elsewhere
- Using both is common, but you must avoid overlapping distribution options
- Bookstores often expect returnable books and a trade discount, which carry cost and risk

## What are KDP and IngramSpark?

KDP is Amazon's self-publishing platform for Kindle eBooks, paperbacks and hardcovers. It prints each copy when a reader orders it, and it is free to use. IngramSpark is the self-publishing arm of Ingram, one of the largest book wholesalers. It prints on demand and lists your book in Ingram's catalogue, which bookstores, libraries and online retailers use to order. Both pay you after deducting printing costs, and neither takes ownership of your book. You can read how Amazon works in our guide to [publishing a book on Amazon KDP](https://theauthorpublishing.com/blog/how-to-publish-a-book-on-amazon-kdp/).

## How do KDP and IngramSpark compare?

| Factor | KDP | IngramSpark |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Best known for | Amazon sales and easy setup | Wholesale reach to bookstores and libraries |
| Setup | Free, no upload fee | Fees and policies have changed over time, so check the current terms |
| ISBN | Free ISBN available, limited to KDP | You supply your own ISBN |
| Hardcover | Case laminate in selected sizes | More options, including jackets in some sizes |
| Returns | Not offered to retailers in the same way | Returnable option, which bookstores often prefer |
| Wholesale discount | Fixed for expanded distribution | You set it within allowed limits |
| Reporting | Clear sales dashboard | Detailed reports across many retailers |

## Which platform has better distribution?

KDP sells your book directly on Amazon and can offer an expanded distribution option to other outlets, but that route has limits. IngramSpark places your book in the catalogue that independent bookstores, chains, libraries and many online retailers use, so a bookstore can order a copy by ISBN. This does not mean a bookstore will stock your book, since stores decide what to carry, but without wholesale listing they usually cannot order it at all. For books aimed at bookshops and libraries, IngramSpark is the more useful platform.

## What about cost and royalties?

Both platforms deduct the cost of printing from each sale, and the cost rises with page count, trim size and ink type. KDP's royalty depends on your list price and sales channel, and IngramSpark's compensation depends on the list price, the wholesale discount you set and the printing cost. A low price and a high discount can leave very little. Use each platform's calculator before you decide your list price, and remember that Amazon and the other platforms update their rules from time to time. Our [royalty and tax setup help](https://theauthorpublishing.com/amazon-publishing/royalty-tax-setup/) walks through the numbers.

## What are returns and discounts, and why do they matter?

Bookstores usually expect a trade discount, often around half of the list price, and they often expect to be able to return unsold copies. IngramSpark lets you choose whether to allow returns. Allowing them makes your book more attractive to stores but carries risk, because returned copies are charged against you. Not allowing returns lowers the risk and the chance of stocking. Decide based on your goals and budget. For most authors who sell mainly online, returns are not worth the risk, while for those who want to work with bookstores, they may be.

## Can I use KDP and IngramSpark together?

Yes, and many authors do. A common setup is to publish on KDP for Amazon and on IngramSpark for wholesale, using your own ISBN for both so the book has one identity. Do not use a free KDP ISBN for the IngramSpark edition. Switch off KDP's expanded distribution if you use IngramSpark for wide reach, so the same book is not offered twice. Keep titles, descriptions, prices and cover files consistent. Our [guide to ISBNs](https://theauthorpublishing.com/blog/what-is-an-isbn-do-you-need-one/) explains why the number matters.

## Which should I choose?

- Choose KDP alone if you sell mostly on Amazon, want the simplest setup and have no plan for bookstores
- Choose IngramSpark alone if your main goal is bookstore and library ordering and you accept the extra cost and setup
- Choose both if you want Amazon speed and wide reach, and you are comfortable managing two accounts
- Add [Lulu](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-distribution/lulu/) if you need an unusual binding or a direct-to-reader store

## What mistakes should I avoid when using both?

- Using a free KDP ISBN for an edition you also publish through IngramSpark
- Leaving expanded distribution on while IngramSpark also distributes the same edition
- Setting different prices or titles on each platform, which confuses readers and retailers
- Allowing returns without understanding that returned copies are charged to you
- Uploading the same cover file to both, when each platform has its own template and spine rules

## Frequently asked questions

### Is IngramSpark better than KDP?

It depends on your goal. IngramSpark has stronger wholesale reach, and KDP is simpler and often better for Amazon sales.

### Can I use the same files on KDP and IngramSpark?

Often yes, but each platform has its own cover template and checks, so you may need slightly different cover files.

### Does IngramSpark put my book in bookstores?

It makes the book orderable by bookstores. Stores decide whether to stock it, and you may need to promote it to them.

### Do I need my own ISBN for IngramSpark?

Yes. IngramSpark requires you to supply an ISBN that you own or control.

### Can I switch from KDP to IngramSpark later?

Yes, but if you used a free KDP ISBN you will need a new one for the other platform, so plan before you publish.

### What if Amazon shows my IngramSpark copy as slow to ship?

It can happen. Many authors keep KDP as the source for Amazon sales and use IngramSpark for other retailers.

### Do I have to choose only one platform?

No. Using both is common, as long as you manage ISBNs, prices and distribution settings so the editions do not conflict.

## Services that can help

- [IngramSpark consultancy](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-distribution/ingramspark/)
- [Amazon paperback and hardcover publishing](https://theauthorpublishing.com/amazon-publishing/paperback-hardcover-publishing/)
- [Book distribution services](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-distribution/)
- [Lulu consultancy](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-distribution/lulu/)
- [ISBN and copyright registration](https://theauthorpublishing.com/book-publishing-services/isbn-copyright/)