To format a poetry book for IngramSpark, use a 5.5”×8.5” or 5”×8” trim on cream paper, left-aligned text (never justified), and export as PDF/X-1a:2001 with fonts embedded. Poetry distribution through IngramSpark is especially valuable because independent bookstores and libraries are where poetry sells — not Amazon. Brick-and-mortar poetry sections are curated by staff who read poetry, and they order through Ingram. A typical 80-poem collection runs 90–120 pages at 5.5×8.5, costing about $2.32–$2.68 to print.
Poetry specs for IngramSpark
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Trim | 5.5” × 8.5” (standard) or 5” × 8” (chapbook) |
| Paper | Cream — warmer, literary feel |
| Font | Garamond, Palatino, or Caslon, 11–12pt |
| Alignment | Left-aligned (ragged right) — never justify poetry |
| Line spacing | Single or 1.1× within poems, double between stanzas |
| Inside margin | 0.7”–0.85” |
| PDF/X-1a:2001 | |
| Color space | Grayscale |
For poetry formatting conventions (line breaks, stanzas, page layout), see how to format a poetry book. This page covers IngramSpark-specific requirements.
Line break preservation in PDF/X-1a
The critical issue for poetry on IngramSpark: line breaks must be preserved exactly. PDF/X-1a preserves the layout of your PDF file perfectly — but the PDF itself must be correct.
- Generate your PDF from a tool that gives you exact control over line breaks
- Do not rely on Word’s “Save as PDF” — Word may reflow lines differently than the screen version
- Test: open your PDF and verify every poem, line by line, against your source
- Continuation lines (when a line is too long for the trim width) should be indented 2–3 spaces
If your longest lines exceed 55 characters at 5.5×8.5 or 45 characters at 5×8, some lines will wrap. Rewrite or switch to a wider trim.
Library and bookstore distribution
Poetry sells in bookstores and libraries, not on Amazon. IngramSpark is essential:
Independent bookstores
- Most indie bookstores have a curated poetry section
- Staff who manage poetry sections are genre enthusiasts — they browse Ingram’s catalog
- Returnability and professional cover are prerequisites
Libraries
- Public libraries stock poetry collections, especially award-winning and regional poets
- Academic libraries collect broadly
- LCCN (Library of Congress Control Number) significantly increases library acquisition — apply at loc.gov before publication
Poetry distribution checklist
- Enable returnability — essential
- 55% wholesale discount — standard for institutional buyers
- BISAC codes — POE005000 (American Poetry), POE011000 (Subjects & Themes), etc.
- LCCN — increases library pickups dramatically
- Separate ISBNs — paperback and ebook each need their own
Cambric preserves exact line breaks, indentation, and stanza spacing. Export PDF/X-1a for IngramSpark and reach bookstores and libraries where poetry actually sells.
Get Cambric — $199
Chapbook formatting
Chapbooks (20–40 poems, 30–50 pages) are a staple of the poetry world:
- 5×8 trim — the standard chapbook size
- Perfect binding — IngramSpark requires minimum 24 pages for perfect binding
- Saddle stitch not available — IngramSpark doesn’t offer saddle stitch. If your chapbook is under 24 pages, you’ll need to add pages (notes, acknowledgments, blank pages)
- Cover: matte finish is traditional for poetry chapbooks
Pricing
| Poems | Pages (5.5×8.5) | IS Cost | Price | Royalty (55% disc) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 poems | ~60 | ~$2.00 | $14.99 | $4.75 |
| 60 poems | ~80 | ~$2.28 | $15.99 | $4.92 |
| 80 poems | ~110 | ~$2.68 | $15.99 | $4.52 |
| 100 poems | ~140 | ~$3.08 | $16.99 | $4.57 |
Poetry collections price $14.99–$16.99 for paperback. The per-unit margin is excellent because page counts are low and print costs are minimal. Hardcover poetry collections ($22.99–$26.99) sell well as gifts.
Related guides
- Format a poetry book — detailed conventions
- Poetry on KDP — Amazon distribution
- 5.5×8.5 IngramSpark specs — trim specifications
- IngramSpark requirements — platform overview
- KDP Book Calculator — page count and cost