The Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark question is one of the first decisions every self-published author has to make. These are the two dominant platforms for self-published print and ebook distribution, and the choice between them matters more than most first-time authors realise. The good news is that you do not have to pick just one. Many experienced indie authors use both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark together. However, to understand whether that is the right approach for your book, you need a clear picture of what each platform actually does, where they differ, and where they overlap.
This guide gives you an honest Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark comparison — with real royalty numbers — so you can make the right call for your specific book, genre, and goals.
Table of contents
- What Amazon KDP does well
- What IngramSpark does well
- Real royalty calculations: KDP vs IngramSpark
- Side by side comparison table
- Which platform should you use?
- Using Amazon KDP and IngramSpark together
- Getting your files right for both platforms
- Frequently asked questions
What Amazon KDP does well
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is where the vast majority of self-published authors start, and for good reason. It is free to upload, the setup process is straightforward, and Amazon is where most English-language book buyers search first. For most indie authors, KDP is the single largest source of both print and ebook sales.
KDP ebook royalties and pricing
KDP gives you strong royalty rates for ebooks. The 70% royalty tier applies to books priced between $2.99 and $9.99 in most markets. Books priced outside that range drop to the 35% tier. For print books, your royalty is 60% of your list price minus the printing cost, which varies based on page count and paper type.
Kindle Unlimited: extra income for genre fiction authors
KDP also makes it easy to enrol your ebook in Kindle Unlimited, Amazon’s subscription reading service. This can generate significant page-read income if your genre has a strong KU readership. Romance, fantasy, and thriller readers consume enormous amounts of content through KU. The trade-off is that Kindle Unlimited requires ebook exclusivity, meaning your ebook cannot be sold elsewhere while enrolled.
The main limitation of KDP
The core limitation of KDP is distribution reach beyond Amazon. Your print books are available on Amazon and through KDP’s expanded distribution program, but they are not typically stocked in physical bookstores. Reaching other major retail channels consistently requires IngramSpark.
What IngramSpark does well
IngramSpark is the indie publishing arm of Ingram, the largest book distributor in the world. When bookstores, libraries, and retailers order books, they almost all do so through Ingram’s network. Publishing on IngramSpark means your book is technically available to over 40,000 retailers and libraries globally, not just on Amazon.
Who benefits most from IngramSpark
IngramSpark matters most if you want your book in physical bookstores, if you are actively pursuing library sales, or if you want your title available to international retailers. For authors doing speaking events, workshops, or any kind of in-person selling, having your book orderable through Ingram is professionally important and practically useful.
IngramSpark’s downsides
IngramSpark charges a setup fee of $49 per book, though promo codes are widely available. The interface is more complex than KDP, and the file specifications are stricter. Formatting errors that KDP might overlook will be flagged by IngramSpark, which is why professional formatting matters so much when publishing across both platforms.
Real royalty calculations: KDP vs IngramSpark
The royalty comparison between KDP and IngramSpark only makes sense when you look at real numbers. Here is exactly what you earn on a $9.99 paperback (200 pages, black and white, 6×9 trim) and a $9.99 ebook under each platform.
Paperback royalty comparison on a $14.99 book
| Platform | List price | Print cost | Retailer discount | Your royalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon KDP (sold on Amazon) | $14.99 | ~$3.65 | 40% Amazon takes | ~$5.34 per copy |
| IngramSpark (sold via retailers) | $14.99 | ~$3.65 | 55% to retailers | ~$3.10 per copy |
KDP pays more per copy on Amazon sales because Amazon is both the retailer and the distributor — no wholesale discount is needed. IngramSpark pays less per copy because retailers need a margin to resell your book. However, IngramSpark opens thousands of sales channels that KDP cannot reach at all.
Ebook royalty comparison on a $9.99 ebook
| Platform | List price | Royalty rate | Your earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon KDP (70% tier) | $9.99 | 70% | $6.99 per sale |
| IngramSpark (via Apple Books, Kobo) | $9.99 | ~45 to 60% | $4.49 to $5.99 per sale |
For ebooks, KDP’s 70% rate on Amazon is hard to beat. However, if you are selling wide across Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play, and other platforms without KDP Select exclusivity, the combined ebook income from multiple platforms often exceeds what KDP alone generates.
What 500 sales looks like on each platform
| Scenario | 500 copies on Amazon via KDP | 500 copies via IngramSpark retailers |
|---|---|---|
| $14.99 paperback | ~$2,670 royalties | ~$1,550 royalties |
| $9.99 ebook | ~$3,495 royalties | ~$2,245 to $2,995 royalties |
The numbers make clear why most authors use KDP for Amazon income and IngramSpark for reach rather than relying on IngramSpark alone. The per-sale earnings are lower through IngramSpark, but the access to bookstores, libraries, and international retailers is genuinely valuable — particularly for non-fiction, business books, and authors who do in-person events.
Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark: side by side comparison
| Feature | Amazon KDP | IngramSpark |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to publish | Free | $49 per book (free with promo code) |
| Ebook royalty | 35% or 70% depending on price | Up to 60% non-exclusive |
| Print royalty | 60% of list price minus print cost | List price minus discount and print cost |
| Kindle Unlimited | Yes (requires exclusivity) | No |
| Amazon distribution | Direct and priority | Available but lower priority |
| Bookstore distribution | Limited via expanded distribution | 40,000+ retailers and libraries globally |
| Library access | Limited | Strong via Ingram network |
| Returnability | Not available | Optional — helps bookstore placement |
| Hardcover printing | Available | More options including case laminate |
| File specifications | More flexible | Stricter — professional formatting required |
| Interface difficulty | Beginner friendly | More complex |
| ISBN | Free ASIN (not a real ISBN) | Requires your own ISBN |
| Best for | Amazon-focused, ebooks, KU authors | Wide distribution, bookstores, libraries |
Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark: which platform should you use?
Use KDP only if…
You are publishing your first book and primarily want Amazon sales. KDP is simpler, free to use, and the platform most of your potential readers are already browsing. It is also the right starting point if you write genre fiction with a strong Kindle Unlimited readership and want to maximise ebook income through page reads.
Add IngramSpark if…
You want the widest possible print distribution, care about bookstore availability, or are writing non-fiction where library sales matter. IngramSpark is also worth adding if you do in-person author events where people want to order your book through local stores, or if your book targets an audience that shops outside of Amazon.
Use both if…
You want maximum reach and are willing to manage two platforms. This is what most serious indie authors do once they have published more than one book. KDP handles Amazon. IngramSpark handles everywhere else. The setup takes a few hours to do correctly but pays off for the life of the book.
Using Amazon KDP and IngramSpark together
Using Amazon KDP and IngramSpark together is entirely possible and is what most experienced indie authors do. There is one important configuration step to prevent the two platforms from competing against each other on Amazon.
Turn off KDP’s expanded distribution when you set up IngramSpark. This prevents KDP from trying to fulfil orders that IngramSpark should be handling through other channels. Then set your IngramSpark Amazon channel to non-returnable. This ensures Amazon prioritises the KDP edition for Amazon sales while IngramSpark handles all other retail channels cleanly. Once configured this way, the two platforms work together without conflict and you get the benefits of both.
Getting your files right for both platforms
One practical challenge of publishing on both platforms is that Amazon KDP and IngramSpark have different file specifications. KDP is more forgiving with formatting imperfections. IngramSpark is significantly stricter and will reject files that KDP would accept without flagging anything.
This is one of the most common pain points authors run into when they try to publish on both platforms using a single file prepared for just one of them. Our complete manuscript formatting guide explains exactly what each platform requires and how to prepare your files correctly for both. If you want to avoid the technical complexity entirely, XpressPublisher formats and prepares books for both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark and handles all specification differences.
If you are also wondering whether self-publishing on either platform is worth it overall, our guide on whether self-publishing is worth it in 2026 covers the full picture with real numbers.
Frequently asked questions about Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark
Can I use Amazon KDP and IngramSpark at the same time?
Yes, and most serious indie authors do. Turn off KDP’s expanded distribution and set IngramSpark’s Amazon channel to non-returnable. KDP handles your Amazon sales while IngramSpark covers all other retailers, bookstores, and libraries without the two platforms competing with each other.
Which pays higher royalties: Amazon KDP or IngramSpark?
KDP pays higher per-unit royalties on Amazon sales. On a $14.99 paperback, KDP pays around $5.34 per copy versus $3.10 per copy through IngramSpark retailers. On a $9.99 ebook, KDP pays $6.99 at the 70% tier versus $4.49 to $5.99 through IngramSpark. However, IngramSpark opens thousands of additional sales channels that KDP cannot reach, so total income from both platforms together almost always exceeds either one alone.
Is IngramSpark worth the $49 setup fee?
Yes, for most authors — particularly those writing non-fiction, business books, or any title where bookstore or library placement matters. Before paying, search for an IngramSpark promo code through the Alliance of Independent Authors or your local writing organisation. Many memberships and publishing events offer free setup codes.
Does IngramSpark get my book into bookstores automatically?
No, not automatically. IngramSpark makes your book available to order through bookstores but does not guarantee shelf placement. To improve your chances, set a trade discount of at least 40%, make your book returnable, and reach out directly to local bookstores. A professional cover that fits your genre also helps significantly.
Do I need an ISBN for IngramSpark?
Yes. IngramSpark requires your own ISBN. In the USA, ISBNs are purchased through Bowker and cost $125 for a single ISBN or $295 for ten. In the UK, they are available through Nielsen. Owning your own ISBN means you appear as the publisher of record across all platforms, which is worth the investment if you are building a publishing imprint.
Which platform is better for ebook distribution?
Amazon KDP is best for Amazon Kindle ebook sales, especially if you want to enrol in Kindle Unlimited. For wide ebook distribution across Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play, and other platforms, use a distributor like Draft2Digital alongside KDP without enrolling in Kindle Unlimited exclusivity. IngramSpark can also distribute ebooks but most authors find dedicated ebook distributors more efficient for wide distribution.
At XpressPublisher, we help authors across the USA and UK set up and publish on both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark correctly, from file preparation and formatting to full distribution setup and marketing. Get a free proposal today and find out what it takes to get your book live on every platform that matters.
Call 805-635-2324 (USA) or +44 784 689 5422 (UK). Email info@xpresspublisher.com. Rated 4.2 Great on Trustpilot.