To format a fantasy novel for IngramSpark, use a 6”×9” trim on cream paper (or 5.5”×8.5” for books under 80K words), export as PDF/X-1a:2001 with embedded fonts, and convert any maps or illustrations to CMYK or grayscale before building the PDF. Epic fantasy’s longer manuscripts (90K–200K words) make IngramSpark’s wide distribution especially valuable — bookstore buyers are more likely to shelve a substantial 400-page fantasy novel than a thin genre paperback.
Fantasy specs for IngramSpark
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Trim size | 6” × 9” (100K+ words) or 5.5” × 8.5” (under 80K) |
| Paper | Cream (55#) — traditional fantasy feel |
| Body font | Garamond, Palatino, or Minion Pro, 11–12pt |
| Line spacing | 1.35–1.5× |
| Chapter openers | Decorative — ornaments, drop caps, styled headings |
| Scene breaks | Three asterisks or ornamental divider |
| Inside margin | 0.75”–0.9” (gutter needs to be generous for thick books) |
| PDF format | PDF/X-1a:2001 |
| Color space | Grayscale (unless maps/illustrations are color) |
For detailed fantasy formatting conventions, see how to format a fantasy novel. This page covers IngramSpark-specific requirements.
Maps and illustrations: the CMYK problem
Fantasy novels often include maps, chapter illustrations, or decorative elements. On IngramSpark, every image must be CMYK or grayscale — RGB triggers file rejection.
For black-and-white maps (most common)
Convert to grayscale before placing in your layout:
- Photoshop: Image → Mode → Grayscale
- Free alternative: GIMP → Image → Mode → Grayscale
Grayscale maps work well on cream paper and avoid the CMYK conversion entirely.
For color maps (special editions)
- Convert to CMYK before building the PDF
- Colors will shift — especially greens and blues look muted in CMYK
- Request a proof copy to verify color accuracy
- Color interior printing at 6×9 costs significantly more (see cost section below)
Cambric converts images to the correct color space and exports PDF/X-1a for IngramSpark automatically. Import your map, place it in front matter, and export.
Get Cambric — $199
Cost and pricing for fantasy on IngramSpark
Fantasy manuscripts run long. Here’s what that means for IngramSpark economics at 6×9 on cream paper:
| Word Count | Pages | IS Print Cost | Suggested List Price | Royalty (50% discount) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80,000 | ~230 | ~$4.93 | $16.99 | $3.57 |
| 100,000 | ~295 | ~$5.97 | $17.99 | $3.03 |
| 120,000 | ~350 | ~$6.85 | $18.99 | $2.65 |
| 150,000 | ~440 | ~$8.29 | $21.99 | $2.61 |
| 200,000 | ~590 | ~$10.69 | $24.99 | $1.81 |
For books over 150K words, the print cost eats most of your margin on IngramSpark. Consider:
- Splitting into two volumes (common for epic fantasy series)
- Using white paper to reduce cost ($0.001–$0.002/page savings)
- Pricing at $22.99+ (fantasy readers accept higher prices for doorstop books)
Use the KDP Book Calculator for precise cost estimates.
Front matter for fantasy
Fantasy front matter often includes elements that need special handling on IngramSpark:
| Element | IS Consideration |
|---|---|
| Map (full-page) | Must be grayscale or CMYK. 300 DPI minimum at print size. Place on a recto (right-hand) page. |
| Pronunciation guide | Standard text formatting — no special requirements |
| Series timeline | Standard text formatting |
| ”Previously in the series” | Helps IngramSpark’s wider audience who may find the book in a bookstore |
Hardcover fantasy on IngramSpark
IngramSpark offers hardcover (case laminate) at 6×9 — a real selling point for fantasy. Hardcover fantasy is a premium product that commands $24.99–$29.99 list prices.
- Same interior PDF requirements as paperback
- Cover file dimensions differ (extra 0.625” on each panel for case wrap)
- Higher print cost: roughly $9–$12 for a 300-page B&W book
- Use IngramSpark’s cover template generator for exact hardcover dimensions
Series distribution strategy
For a fantasy series on IngramSpark:
- Enable returnability on all volumes — bookstores won’t stock non-returnable
- Set consistent wholesale discount (50–55%) across the series
- Consistent trim and spine design — series recognition on bookstore shelves
- Volume numbering in metadata — IngramSpark displays series order in catalogs
- Include back matter preview of the next book in each volume
Related guides
- Format a fantasy novel — genre conventions
- 6×9 IngramSpark specs — trim specifications
- 6×9 KDP specs — KDP version
- IngramSpark PDF/X-1a — file compliance
- Spine Width Calculator — important for thick fantasy books