KDP vs IngramSpark: Which Platform Is Right for Your Book?
Neither platform is “better”, they serve different goals.
KDP is ideal for:
Amazon-focused distribution
quick setup
cost-sensitive authors
IngramSpark is better for:
bookstores and libraries
hardcover distribution
wider international reach
The mistake many authors make is choosing a platform before understanding how their book will be printed and sold. File preparation and formatting differ between platforms, which is why professional setup matters.
PUBLISHING & PLATFORMS
What “Print-Ready Files” Really Mean (And Why It Matters)
“Print-ready” doesn’t just mean a PDF that looks good on screen.
True print-ready files meet:
exact trim size requirements
correct bleed and margins
platform-specific color profiles
proper spine calculations
Files that aren’t truly print-ready often pass initial upload checks but fail at printing, resulting in cropped art, dull colors, or rejected proofs. This is one of the most common issues we fix for authors who come to us after struggling alone.
Feeling unsure about your next step?
Paperback and hardcover books are not interchangeable formats.
Hardcovers:
require different cover construction
need spine and case calculations
handle color and contrast differently
Choosing format impacts illustration density, layout spacing, and budget. Many first-time authors choose hardcover for prestige, then realize paperback suits their audience better. These decisions are easiest to make before illustration begins.
Paperback vs Hardcover: What First-Time Authors Should Know
We help authors turn ideas into finished, publish-ready books, with guidance at every stage.
