I’m trying Ingram Spark (IS) for the first time. Fortunately, I was able to use the files I had already created for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

Since I use Google Docs instead of Word, I have to manually create the mirror margins by inserting section breaks and then changing the margins for each page. I can do everything else in Google Docs that I could in Word, including setting up the trim size. Then I download it in the appropriate format.

The first thing I added on Ingram Spark (IS) was an ebook. I was able to use the EPUB file from KDP and the JPG for the cover that I made in KDP Cover Creator. ISBN’s are not needed for ebooks. Everything went fairly smoothly.

I was less impressed with the print book process. Choosing the criteria, trim size, paper and uploading the manuscript file wasn’t an issue. IS only accepts PDFs, which I had created in the desired trim size to match the output.

Ingram Spark also offers a free ISBN feature. However, using the free ISBN marks your book as self-published. Books which use the free ISBN are labeled as “independently published” rather than your label being listed as the publisher of record. Also, that specific free ISBN can not be used with another publishing platform.

ISBN’s for writers based in the US need to be purchased from Bowker at isbn.org. I purchased 10 ISBN’s for $295.00. You can also purchase barcodes and QR codes. I opted not to do that. 

Remember, if you want to simultaneously publish via KDP and Ingram Spark with the same ISBN (it must be your own ISBN), create drafts of the project in both places. Do not use KDP expanded distribution. Then you can complete the project on both platforms.

There is nothing on IngramSpark like Kindle Vella that offers the ability to publish episodes. I like that feature on KDP.

When I sign in I can see my list of titles, check my sales reports, and promote my books.. 

KDP has pay per click type ads, which I prefer because I can place parameters on how much per day I want to spend. IS offers an ipage listing which advertises to bookstores and libraries for $150 per ISBN. There are a couple of options ranging from $105 to $300 to advertise on Google, social media, websites and newsletters.

IS doesn’t have anything similar to Author Central or an Author Page with your information and books that KDP provides..

Once you publish your books you can create a link for free and post that link on your social media or website. There isn’t a built in platform like Amazon.

The issue I had was with the cover file. IS asks for a pdf. I started by converting the JPG I created in KDP Cover Creator, but was given an error message because it wasn’t in the correct pdf format. My other option was to submit my specs for the book and receive a file that I could use to create a cover. It isn’t anywhere near the sophistication of KDP’s Cover Creator and it didn’t have the features such as creating a less than 100% opaqueness to a text box. It wasn’t particularly easy to work with. However, I finally realized that I could insert the JPG I had downloaded from KDP into the pdf template. If I didn’t have the KDP jpg file from Cover Creator I think the cover would have been less professional looking.

It took a little bit of finagling to get the provided bar code inserted in the right space. The template said the barcode could be moved to the desired location, but I was unable to move it or bring it on top of the cover image. I finally cropped the pdf template to isolate the barcode, converted it to a jpg and then I could manipulate it and place it where I wanted. None of the ease of KDP Cover Creator.

Then I waited. I never had to wait more than a day or two to get my files approved in KDP, so waiting for a week annoyed me. Unfortunately, even uploading new files didn’t correct the error I was having with the cover. It still looked like the file that gave me an error. I thought maybe I would have to delete the title and then redo the whole thing. However, I couldn’t find that option.

In the end, I gave up trying to publish a paperback with IngramSpark. If anyone else had a better experience I’d love to hear about it in the comments.