To format a YA novel for IngramSpark, use a 5.5”×8.5” trim on cream paper, export as PDF/X-1a:2001, and set up library-friendly distribution with a 55% wholesale discount. YA is one of the strongest library categories — school libraries and public library YA sections order through Ingram’s catalog. IngramSpark is how your self-published YA novel appears alongside titles from Penguin Teen and HarperTeen. A typical 70,000-word YA novel runs ~260 pages at 5.5×8.5, costing about $4.88 to print.
YA specs for IngramSpark
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Trim | 5.5” × 8.5” (standard YA) |
| Paper | Cream (fiction) or White (contemporary/graphic elements) |
| Font | Garamond, Georgia, or Palatino, 12pt |
| Line spacing | 1.4–1.5× (generous for younger readers) |
| Inside margin | 0.75”–0.9” |
| PDF/X-1a:2001 | |
| Color space | Grayscale |
For YA formatting conventions (font size, POV headers, discussion guides), see how to format a YA novel. This page covers IngramSpark-specific requirements.
Why IngramSpark matters for YA
YA distribution is different from adult fiction:
- School libraries — the #1 bulk buyer of YA. School librarians order through Ingram.
- Public libraries — YA sections are heavily curated. Librarians use Ingram’s catalog and review sources.
- Bookstore YA sections — Barnes & Noble and independent bookstores have dedicated YA sections. IngramSpark is how they order.
- Book fairs — Scholastic dominates, but independent bookstores supply school book fairs through Ingram.
Without IngramSpark, your YA novel is invisible to the institutional buyers who drive most YA sales volume.
Library distribution setup
For maximum YA distribution in libraries:
- Enable returnability — libraries and bookstores require it
- 55% wholesale discount — the standard for institutional buyers
- BISAC codes — use YAF (Young Adult Fiction) codes, not JUV (Juvenile) unless for middle grade
- Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) — apply before publication at loc.gov. Libraries prioritize books with LCCNs.
- Separate ISBNs — paperback, hardcover, and ebook each need their own
- Age range metadata — specify “Ages 14–18” or “Ages 12–17” in IngramSpark metadata
Hardcover YA
Many libraries prefer hardcover for durability. IngramSpark case laminate at 5.5×8.5 works well for YA. Price hardcover at $18.99–$22.99 for library acquisition budgets.
Cambric exports PDF/X-1a for IngramSpark automatically. Format your YA novel with generous spacing and clean typography, then export for both KDP and IngramSpark.
Get Cambric — $199
Discussion guide
Including a reading group / discussion guide in back matter increases library and school adoption:
- 8–12 discussion questions
- Themes and topics for classroom use
- Author’s note about inspiration
- Place after the story ends, before About the Author
Libraries actively seek YA titles with discussion guides for reading programs.
Pricing
| Word Count | Pages (5.5×8.5) | IS Cost | Price | Royalty (55% disc) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55,000 | ~210 | ~$4.12 | $14.99 | $2.63 |
| 65,000 | ~245 | ~$4.64 | $15.99 | $2.56 |
| 75,000 | ~280 | ~$5.16 | $16.99 | $2.49 |
| 85,000 | ~315 | ~$5.68 | $16.99 | $1.97 |
YA paperbacks price $13.99–$16.99. YA readers (and their parents) are somewhat price-sensitive. Hardcovers at $18.99–$22.99 target library budgets.
Related guides
- Format a YA novel — genre conventions
- YA on KDP — Amazon distribution
- 5.5×8.5 IngramSpark specs — trim specifications
- IngramSpark requirements — platform overview
- KDP Book Calculator — page count and cost