Use KDP for Amazon sales and IngramSpark for bookstores and libraries. Most successful indie authors use both platforms — they’re not competitors, they’re complementary distribution channels. KDP gives you the highest per-copy royalty on Amazon (the world’s largest bookstore). IngramSpark gives you access to 40,000+ bookstores and libraries worldwide. Using only one leaves money on the table.

Side-by-side comparison

FactorKDPIngramSpark
Print cost (300pp B&W)$4.45$4.80
Amazon royalty60% of list − print costN/A (Amazon orders through IS at wholesale)
Bookstore reachAmazon only40,000+ retailers worldwide
Library reachLimitedFull Ingram catalog
Wholesale discountFixed by AmazonYou choose: 40–55%
ReturnabilityNot availableAvailable (essential for bookstores)
HardcoverYes (case laminate)Yes (case laminate + dust jacket)
PDF/X-1a requiredNoYes
Setup feeFreeFree (was $49, eliminated 2023)
File uploadPDFPDF/X-1a:2001
ProofingDigital proof or $4 physical$4–$12 physical proof
Global distributionAmazon marketplacesIngram global network
Speed to market24–72 hours5–10 business days

Royalty comparison

For a 300-page B&W paperback at $15.99:

ScenarioRevenue per Copy
KDP — sold on Amazon$5.14
KDP Expanded Distribution$1.55
IngramSpark — 50% discount$3.20
IngramSpark — 55% discount$2.39

KDP pays the most per copy sold on Amazon. But KDP Expanded Distribution (for bookstores) pays the least. IngramSpark at 55% discount — the bookstore standard — pays more than KDP Expanded and actually gets your book into stores.

The two-platform strategy

This is what most 6-figure indie authors do:

  1. KDP for Amazon — your primary revenue channel. Highest royalty per copy. Amazon’s algorithm, advertising, and Kindle Unlimited.
  2. IngramSpark for everywhere else — bookstores, libraries, Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores, international retailers, academic buyers.
  3. Disable KDP Expanded Distribution — it conflicts with IngramSpark and pays less. Let IngramSpark handle non-Amazon distribution.

Why not just IngramSpark for everything?

IngramSpark distributes to Amazon, but:

  • Amazon lists IS-distributed books with longer shipping times
  • No access to KDP advertising
  • No Kindle Unlimited
  • Lower Amazon search visibility

Why not just KDP for everything?

KDP’s expanded distribution is limited:

  • No returnability (bookstores won’t order)
  • Lower royalty than IngramSpark for non-Amazon sales
  • No library catalog presence
  • No Ingram distribution network
One manuscript, both platforms
Cambric exports KDP-ready PDF and IngramSpark PDF/X-1a from the same manuscript. Format once, publish on both platforms.
Get Cambric — $199

Quality comparison

Quality FactorKDPIngramSpark
Paper qualityGood (cream or white)Slightly better (whiter whites, smoother)
Print consistencyVaries by facilityMore consistent across facilities
Cover finishMatte or glossyMatte or glossy
BindingPerfect bindingPerfect binding
HardcoverCase laminate onlyCase laminate or dust jacket
Color accuracyGood (RGB input)Better (CMYK input = more control)

Both produce professional-quality books. The differences are subtle and most readers wouldn’t notice.

Timeline comparison

StepKDPIngramSpark
Account setupMinutesMinutes
File uploadMinutesMinutes
Review/approval24–72 hours5–10 business days
First sale possible3–5 days2–3 weeks
Catalog listingImmediate on Amazon6–8 weeks for full catalog distribution
Proof copyOptional ($4)Recommended ($4–$12)

Start with KDP for speed, add IngramSpark for reach.

File requirements

RequirementKDPIngramSpark
Interior PDFStandard PDF, fonts embeddedPDF/X-1a:2001
Cover PDFStandard PDF, exact dimensionsPDF/X-1a:2001, exact dimensions
Color spaceRGB or CMYKCMYK or Grayscale only
TransparencyAllowedNot allowed
Font embeddingRequiredRequired
Bleed0.125” if needed0.125” if needed

The PDF/X-1a requirement is the biggest difference. Most formatting tools that support KDP don’t support IngramSpark. Word doesn’t. Cambric and InDesign do.