A large print book on IngramSpark uses a 6×9 or larger trim with 16–18pt body text, 1.5–1.8× line spacing, and requires a PDF/X-1a:2001 file with CMYK or grayscale color space. IngramSpark is the preferred platform for large print editions because its distribution network reaches libraries and bookstores worldwide — and libraries are the single largest buyers of large print books. Roughly 40% of US public libraries actively stock large print collections, and they order through Ingram, not Amazon.
Why IngramSpark matters for large print
| Channel | KDP | IngramSpark |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon sales | Yes | Yes (via Ingram distribution) |
| Library orders | Very limited | Yes — Ingram is the primary library supplier |
| Bookstore orders | No | Yes (40,000+ retailers) |
| Returnability | No | Yes (required for library/bookstore) |
| Wholesale discount | Fixed 40% | Configurable up to 55% |
To get library orders, you need:
- IngramSpark distribution (Ingram is how libraries order)
- Returnability enabled (libraries won’t order non-returnable books)
- 55% wholesale discount (the library standard)
- Separate ISBN for the large print edition
- “Large Print” in the title or subtitle
Formatting specifications
| Setting | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Trim size | 6” × 9” (or 7” × 10” for 100K+ words) |
| Body font | 16pt serif (Garamond, Georgia, Bookman) |
| Line spacing | 1.6× |
| Inside margin | 0.85”–1.0” |
| Outside margin | 0.65”–0.8” |
| Paper | Cream (55# — easier on eyes) |
For detailed font recommendations and page count estimates, see the Large Print KDP Specs page — the interior formatting is identical for both platforms. The only difference is the export format.
PDF/X-1a requirements
Same as all IngramSpark books:
- PDF/X-1a:2001 compliant
- CMYK or Grayscale color space
- All fonts embedded
- Transparency flattened
- Page size exactly 6” × 9” (or your chosen trim)
- Even page count
- No printer marks
Cambric creates a separate large print edition profile from your same manuscript — 16pt text, 6×9 trim, PDF/X-1a export for IngramSpark. Ready for library distribution.
Get Cambric — $199
Printing cost and pricing
Large print at 6×9 on IngramSpark (B&W, cream):
| Word Count | Pages | IS Print Cost | Suggested List Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50,000 | ~320 | ~$6.72 | $16.99–$18.99 |
| 70,000 | ~430 | ~$8.48 | $18.99–$21.99 |
| 80,000 | ~480 | ~$9.28 | $19.99–$22.99 |
| 100,000 | ~590 | ~$11.04 | $22.99–$24.99 |
With a 55% wholesale discount (library standard) and a $19.99 list price:
- Wholesale price: $19.99 × 45% = $9.00
- Print cost: ~$9.28 (80K words)
- Margin: -$0.28 per copy
This is tight. Options:
- Raise list price to $21.99+ — most readers and libraries accept this
- Reduce wholesale discount to 50% — fewer library orders but better margin
- Use 7×10 trim — fewer pages, lower print cost (but less standard)
Run your numbers with the KDP Book Calculator.
ISBN and metadata
For library cataloging and distribution:
- Separate ISBN required — large print is a distinct edition. Buy from Bowker or use IS’s free ISBN.
- Title format: “[Book Title]: Large Print Edition” or “[Book Title] (Large Print)”
- BISAC subject codes: add the Large Print subject heading alongside your genre
- Contributor role: same author, same data
Library marketing tips
Once your large print edition is on IngramSpark:
- Email your local library — librarians can order directly through Ingram once they have the ISBN
- List on Baker & Taylor — another major library distributor. IngramSpark distribution feeds into B&T automatically.
- Self-E from BiblioBoard — lets you submit ebooks directly to library systems
- Enable returnability — non-negotiable for library orders
Related specifications
- Large print on KDP — font/trim/formatting details
- 6×9 on IngramSpark — standard edition specs
- IngramSpark requirements — general platform guide
- KDP Book Calculator — cost and royalty
- Spine Width Calculator — spine for cover template