To format a science fiction novel for IngramSpark, use a 5.5”×8.5” trim on cream paper, export as PDF/X-1a:2001 with all fonts embedded, and set a 50–55% wholesale discount. Sci-fi has dedicated shelf space in every major bookstore chain and most independents — it’s a genre where physical browsing and cover art drive discovery. IngramSpark is how bookstores order from indie publishers. A 90,000-word sci-fi novel runs ~315 pages at 5.5×8.5, costing about $5.68 to print on IngramSpark.
Sci-fi specs for IngramSpark
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Trim | 5.5” × 8.5” (standard) or 6” × 9” (hard sci-fi) |
| Paper | Cream for fiction, White if including diagrams |
| Font | Garamond or Palatino, 11pt |
| Line spacing | 1.35–1.45× |
| Inside margin | 0.75”–0.9” |
| PDF/X-1a:2001 | |
| Color space | Grayscale |
For sci-fi formatting conventions (in-universe elements, technical content, world-building inserts), see how to format a sci-fi novel. This page covers IngramSpark-specific requirements.
Trim size strategy
| Subgenre | Recommended Trim | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Space opera (100K+) | 5.5” × 8.5” | Standard trade, manages page count |
| Hard sci-fi | 6” × 9” | Room for technical diagrams, tables |
| Cyberpunk | 5.25” × 8” | Compact, modern feel |
| Military sci-fi | 5.5” × 8.5” | Standard, longer manuscripts |
| Near-future / literary sci-fi | 5.5” × 8.5” | Trade paperback standard |
| Climate fiction | 5.5” × 8.5” | Reads like literary fiction |
In-universe elements in PDF/X-1a
Sci-fi often includes formatted elements that need special attention for IngramSpark’s PDF/X-1a:
Ship logs, transmissions, data readouts
- Use a monospace font (Courier, Source Code Pro) to differentiate from body text
- All fonts — including monospace — must be embedded in the PDF
- Keep these elements in grayscale (no colored text)
Star maps and technical diagrams
- Convert to grayscale before building PDF
- Minimum 300 DPI at print size
- No transparency (IngramSpark will reject PDFs with transparency)
- If diagrams use fine lines, ensure they’re at least 0.5pt thick — thinner lines may not print cleanly
Epigraphs and fictional excerpts
- Italicized excerpts from fictional texts (ship manuals, history books, news articles) at chapter starts
- Consistent formatting throughout — same indent, same font treatment
Cambric exports PDF/X-1a for IngramSpark automatically. Format your sci-fi with clean typography and export for both KDP and IngramSpark from the same manuscript.
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Bookstore distribution
Sci-fi and fantasy share shelf space in most bookstores (often labeled “Sci-Fi/Fantasy”). For IngramSpark distribution:
- Enable returnability — required for bookstore orders
- 55% wholesale discount — standard for bookstore placement
- BISAC codes — FIC028000 (Science Fiction), plus subgenre codes
- Professional cover — sci-fi covers are the most visually distinctive in fiction. Bookstore browsers judge sci-fi entirely by cover art.
- Hardcover option — sci-fi readers buy hardcovers. IngramSpark case laminate at 5.5×8.5 or 6×9 is worth considering for book one of a series.
Pricing
| Word Count | Pages (5.5×8.5) | IS Cost | Price | Royalty (55% disc) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80,000 | ~280 | ~$5.24 | $16.99 | $2.41 |
| 90,000 | ~315 | ~$5.76 | $17.99 | $2.34 |
| 100,000 | ~350 | ~$6.28 | $17.99 | $1.82 |
| 120,000 | ~420 | ~$7.32 | $19.99 | $1.68 |
Sci-fi paperbacks price $16.99–$19.99. Readers expect to pay more for longer books. Hardcovers at $24.99–$29.99 sell well for established series.
Related guides
- Format a sci-fi novel — genre conventions
- Sci-fi on KDP — Amazon distribution
- 5.5×8.5 IngramSpark specs — trim specifications
- IngramSpark PDF/X-1a — file compliance
- KDP Book Calculator — page count and cost