Why Authors Choose Ingram Book Publishing: Benefits and Drawbacks

July 19, 2025

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Why Authors Choose Ingram Book Publishing: Benefits and Drawbacks

When it comes to bringing a book to life, the choices for book publishing can feel endless and overwhelming. Among the leading options available today, Ingram book publishing stands out as one of the most popular choices for independent authors, small presses, and even established professional book publishers.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly why so many authors choose Ingram, the benefits they enjoy, and the drawbacks they need to consider before hitting publish. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether Ingram is the right partner for your publishing journey.

Understanding Ingram Book Publishing

First, what exactly is Ingram book publishing?

Ingram Content Group is one of the world’s largest book distributors and wholesalers. Through its self-publishing arm, IngramSpark, Ingram provides independent authors and small publishers with tools to publish and distribute print books and eBooks to thousands of retailers and libraries worldwide.

In short, working with Ingram means you get access to the same global distribution network used by major professional book publishers.

The Benefits of Choosing Ingram Book Publishing

Let’s explore the key advantages that attract so many writers and publishers to Ingram:

1. Unmatched Distribution Reach

Perhaps the biggest draw of Ingram book publishing is its vast distribution network. Once you publish through IngramSpark, your book can be listed with:

Major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository.
Independent bookstores worldwide.
Libraries, schools, and academic institutions.

For authors serious about wide book publishing distribution, few competitors match Ingram’s global footprint.

2. Print-on-Demand (POD) Capabilities

IngramSpark uses advanced Print-on-Demand technology. This means your book is only printed when someone orders it, eliminating the need for expensive upfront print runs or storing unsold copies in your garage.

Print-on-Demand saves money, reduces waste, and makes managing inventory far less stressful—one reason many self-publishers prefer Ingram over traditional offset printing.

3. Professional-Quality Printing

Compared to some other POD services, IngramSpark is known for high-quality print standards. Your book can be printed in various trim sizes, binding options, paper types, and color choices.

If you want your book to look and feel like it came from professional book publishers, Ingram delivers.

4. Author Control and Flexibility

Unlike traditional book publishing, where publishers often control pricing, cover design, and even content, IngramSpark gives you complete ownership of your work.

You choose your book’s price, trim size, cover design, and updates. Need to fix a typo or update your bio? You can make revisions at any time for a small fee.

5. Access to Wholesale Discounts

Retailers typically require a standard trade discount (often 40-55%) to stock your book. Ingram allows you to set these trade discounts to appeal to bookstores and libraries.

This level of flexibility helps independent authors compete alongside professional book publishers in the retail market.

6. ISBN Management

Ingram makes it simple to purchase and register ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) through their platform. While you can bring your own ISBNs, having this service under one roof streamlines the book publishing process.

7. eBook Distribution

In addition to print books, IngramSpark also distributes eBooks to major retailers and libraries, letting you manage both formats in one dashboard.

8. Credibility

Books listed in the Ingram catalog appear in the same databases that booksellers and librarians trust. This adds a level of legitimacy that smaller or lesser-known POD services may not offer.

The Drawbacks of Ingram Book Publishing

Of course, no book publishing solution is perfect. Before you sign up with IngramSpark, you should consider the potential drawbacks too.

1. Upfront Costs

Unlike some competitors that offer free uploads, IngramSpark charges fees to upload your book files. Each format (print or eBook) typically has an upload fee, plus a fee for making updates later.

While the costs aren’t huge, they can add up, especially if you plan to update files frequently.

2. Complex Setup

Many first-time authors find IngramSpark’s dashboard a bit more technical compared to other user-friendly self-publishing services like KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).

Details like trim sizes, bleed settings, cover specs, and file formatting can be confusing if you don’t have experience with book publishing. Hiring a professional designer or formatter is strongly recommended.

3. Customer Support

Some authors report that IngramSpark’s customer support can be slow to respond, especially during busy seasons. While they do offer support by email and phone, it may not be as instant as some newer, more user-friendly self-publishing platforms.

4. Competition with Amazon

Many authors also choose to publish their books directly through Amazon’s KDP platform to take advantage of Amazon’s powerful reach and higher royalties.

While you can use both KDP and Ingram, there are complexities to manage—like avoiding duplicate ISBNs or accidental conflicts with distribution rights. Authors need to be careful and informed when using multiple distributors.

5. Discounts and Returns

To make your book attractive to bookstores, you often need to offer a high wholesale discount and accept returns. This can eat into your royalties and even cost you money if books are returned damaged or unsold.

This mirrors how professional book publishers operate, but it’s something many self-published authors underestimate.

Should You Choose Ingram Book Publishing?

So, is Ingram right for you? Here are a few scenarios where Ingram book publishing shines:

You want global print distribution to bookstores, libraries, and academic markets.
You care about high-quality printing and professional presentation.
You want to publish under your own imprint with total creative control.
You’re willing to learn the technical side of professional book publishing or hire help.
You’re ready to invest upfront in setup fees, design, and proper formatting.

On the other hand, if your only goal is to sell eBooks on Amazon, or you prefer a simple, guided self-publishing experience, you might find platforms like KDP or Draft2Digital more user-friendly.

Tips for Succeeding with Ingram Book Publishing

If you decide to go with Ingram, here are a few pro tips:

✅ Hire Professionals: Invest in a professional cover designer and interior formatter. Poor design can sabotage your sales, no matter how good your words are.

✅ Understand Discounts: Research trade discounts and returns policies. Know how they affect your profit margins.

✅ Use Both Ingram and KDP: Many savvy authors use KDP for Amazon (taking advantage of higher royalties there) and IngramSpark for all other distribution channels. Just be careful to avoid duplicate listings and conflicting ISBNs.

✅ Market Your Book: Listing your book in Ingram’s catalog does not guarantee sales. You still need to actively market it—through author websites, social media, book signings, or PR campaigns.

✅ Stay Informed: The publishing industry changes fast. Keep up with Ingram’s updates, new distribution partners, and best practices for self-publishers.

Final Thoughts

Ingram book publishing offers independent authors and small presses an incredible chance to distribute their books worldwide with professional quality. Its powerful distribution network, print-on-demand convenience, and industry credibility make it a leading choice for those who want to compete alongside professional book publishers.

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Meta Description: Discover why authors choose Ingram book publishing. Learn key benefits, drawbacks, and tips for working with professional book publishers to publish your book.
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