The IngramSpark vs KDP comparison tool shows your exact royalty difference between the two biggest print-on-demand platforms. Enter your book's list price and page count to see which distributor pays more per copy sold, and factor in distribution costs and wholesale discounts.
Book Details
Typical bookstore discount: 40–55%
Side-by-Side Comparison
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How to Use the IngramSpark vs KDP Comparison
Choosing between IngramSpark and KDP for your print book comes down to three factors: royalty per copy, distribution reach, and operational complexity. This comparison tool helps you see the royalty difference so you can make a data-driven decision.
Step 1: Enter Your Pricing and Book Specs
Start with your planned list price and page count. The comparison changes significantly based on whether your book is priced above or below $9.99 (the KDP royalty rate threshold). For a 300-page novel priced at $14.99, KDP pays approximately $4.54 net; IngramSpark with a 45% wholesale discount pays approximately $3.45 net for Amazon orders but provides access to non-Amazon channels.
Step 2: Set the IngramSpark Wholesale Discount
IngramSpark requires you to set a trade discount for retailers. The standard bookstore discount is 40–55%. At 55% discount on a $14.99 book, the retailer receives $8.24 off the cover price — leaving only $6.75 for printing costs and your royalty. Set a realistic discount based on your distribution goals: use 40% for Amazon-only through IngramSpark, and 55% for bookstore distribution.
Step 3: Understand the Break-Even Point
The tool shows how many copies you'd need to sell through IngramSpark's wider distribution to make up for the lower per-copy royalty. If IngramSpark pays $1.09 less per copy but gives you access to a distribution channel that generates 50+ additional sales per month, the wider distribution wins financially despite the lower unit royalty.
FAQ
Should I use KDP exclusive or go wide with IngramSpark?
KDP Select (exclusive) gives access to Kindle Unlimited borrows and promotional tools but locks you out of other platforms for 90 days. Going wide with IngramSpark + Draft2Digital reaches Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and library networks. Most authors who earn significantly from non-Amazon sources choose wide distribution. If 90%+ of your sales are on Amazon, KDP Select may maximize income.
Does IngramSpark charge setup fees?
IngramSpark charges a one-time setup fee per title (typically $49 for print or $25 for ebook). They also charge revision fees if you upload corrected files. KDP has no setup fees and allows unlimited free revisions. This fee difference matters more for short-run or experimental titles where the title may not earn back setup costs.
What is the IngramSpark wholesale discount?
IngramSpark requires you to set a trade discount (typically 40-55%) for bookstores to order your book. This comes out of your list price before royalties are calculated. For Amazon sales through IngramSpark, Amazon takes a 45-55% discount, meaning your IngramSpark royalty on Amazon may be lower than your direct KDP royalty for the same title.
Can I use both KDP and IngramSpark for the same book?
Yes, for print books you can list the same title on both platforms as long as you're not enrolled in KDP Select (which is ebook-only exclusivity). Many authors use KDP for Amazon print sales (lower cost, faster Prime eligibility) and IngramSpark for bookstore and library orders. You'll need to ensure your ISBNs and pricing are consistent across platforms.
Which distributor is better for getting into bookstores?
IngramSpark is far better for bookstore distribution. Ingram is the largest book wholesaler in North America — most physical bookstores order from Ingram. A KDP book technically appears on Amazon's retail site but is not available for wholesale ordering by bookstores. If bookstore placement is a goal, IngramSpark is necessary.