How to Upload to IngramSpark
Step-by-step guide to publishing your book on IngramSpark for global distribution to bookstores and libraries.
IngramSpark is the industry standard for distributing your book to bookstores, libraries, and schools worldwide. While KDP focuses on Amazon, IngramSpark gets your book everywhere else. This guide will walk you through the upload process to ensure your book is accepted and distributed correctly.
1Before You Start
Make sure you have these items ready before you begin the upload process:
💡 Pro Tips
- ISBN: You need a unique ISBN for each format (Print & Ebook). You cannot use Amazon's free ISBN here.
- Print Files: Your interior PDF and cover PDF (must be separate files).
- Ebook File: Your .epub file (if distributing ebook).
- Metadata: Title, description, author bio, and keywords.
- Bank Info: For royalty payments.
2Step 1: Create Your Title
Log in to your IngramSpark dashboard and click "Add Title".
Select Format
Choose "Print & Ebook" (recommended if you have both) or just "Print" / "Ebook".
Enter ISBN
Enter your 13-digit ISBN. If you have both formats, you'll need to enter an ISBN for each.
Confirm Ownership
Check the box confirming you own the rights to the content.
3Step 2: Book Details (Metadata)
Enter your book's core information. This must match your KDP details exactly if you are publishing on both platforms.
Title & Author
Enter title, subtitle, and author name exactly as they appear on your cover.
Categories (BISAC)
Select up to 3 BISAC codes. These tell bookstores where to shelve your book.
Description
Paste your book description. You can use basic HTML for formatting (bold, italics).
💡 Pro Tips
- Use the same description as Amazon for consistency
- Choose BISAC codes that accurately describe your genre
- Add keywords that readers might use to find your book
4Step 3: Print Options (Crucial!)
This section determines how your book is printed. These settings MUST match the files we created for you.
Trim Size
Select the exact size we formatted your book for (e.g., 6 x 9 in, 5.5 x 8.5 in).
Interior Color & Paper
Black & White on White Paper (standard for novels) or Creme Paper. Select "Standard Color" or "Premium Color" for picture books.
Binding Type
Perfect Bound (standard paperback), Case Laminate (hardcover), or Saddle Stitch (booklets).
Laminate Type
Matte (smooth, non-glare) or Gloss (shiny). This is a personal preference.
⚠️ Important
- If you select the wrong trim size, your files will be rejected.
- "Premium Color" is much more expensive than "Standard Color" - check the printing cost calculator first.
5Step 4: Upload Your Files
Now it's time to upload the print-ready files we sent you.
Upload Interior PDF
Upload the file named "Print_Interior_WithBleed.pdf" (or similar).
Upload Cover PDF
Upload the full cover spread PDF (front, spine, and back).
Upload Ebook (Optional)
If doing ebook, upload the .epub file here.
💡 Pro Tips
- IngramSpark checks files automatically. If you get an error, check our "Common Errors" guide.
- Ensure you are uploading the "With Bleed" version if your book has images extending to the edge.
6Step 5: Pricing & Distribution
Set your price and how much bookstores will earn.
Set Retail Price
Enter your list price for each market (USD, GBP, EUR, etc.).
Wholesale Discount
We recommend 55% (Trade Discount) if you want bookstores to order it. You can set it to 40% or 30% for higher royalties, but bookstores likely won't stock it.
Returns
Select "Yes - Destroy" or "Yes - Deliver". Most bookstores will NOT order books that are not returnable.
⚠️ Important
- Making your book "Non-Returnable" significantly reduces the chance of bookstores stocking it.
- "Yes - Deliver" means you pay for the shipping of returned books. "Yes - Destroy" is usually safer for new authors.
7Step 6: Validation & Proof
IngramSpark will process your files (usually takes 24-48 hours).
Wait for Processing
You will receive an email when the file review is complete.
Review E-Proof
Log back in and review the digital proof carefully. Check page order, images, and cover alignment.
Approve for Distribution
If everything looks good, click "Approve". You may need to pay a setup fee at this stage (look for promo codes online!).
Congratulations! Your book is now being distributed to Ingram's massive network. It can take 2-6 weeks for your book to appear on retailer websites (like Barnes & Noble or Waterstones), so be patient. If you need to make changes later, you can upload new files, but keep in mind there is usually a revision fee.
Need Help with Your Book Formatting?
Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
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