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How do I upload my book to IngramSpark?

Everything you need to know about publishing your book to IngramSpark.

Publishing your book through IngramSpark is a fantastic way to expand your reach beyond Amazon and get your title into the global distribution network. While Amazon KDP is excellent for reaching online shoppers, IngramSpark connects your book directly to over 40,000 retailers, libraries, independent bookstores, and universities worldwide.

To ensure a smooth publication process and avoid costly revision fees, follow this complete, step-by-step guide to setting up and uploading your book.

Before You Start: File & Setup Requirements

IngramSpark has incredibly strict technical requirements. Because they charge a $25 fee for post-publication revisions, you want to make sure your files are 100% finalized before uploading.

Before logging into your account, ensure you have the following ready:

  • Your Own ISBN: IngramSpark does not provide free ISBNs. You must purchase your own from Bowker (for US authors) or your country's national ISBN agency. You need a separate ISBN for each format (paperback, hardcover, ebook).
  • Interior Manuscript PDF: Formatted exactly to your chosen trim size with a correct color profile and embedded fonts.
  • Cover PDF: Designed precisely to match your final page count and paper type. Use IngramSpark’s cover template generator to get exact spine dimensions.
  • Book Metadata: Your finalized title, subtitle, keywords, and description.

Step-by-Step Upload Process

Step 1: Account Setup & Title Creation

Log into your account at ingramspark.com and click Add Title. You will be asked whether you are uploading a print book, an ebook, or both. Select the option that matches your project (setting up print and ebook together costs $49).

Step 2: Enter Book Details (Metadata)

Enter your book's title, subtitle, language, and descriptions.

  • Short Description: Limited to 350 characters.
  • Full Description: Up to 4,000 characters. Make sure to weave your primary target keywords naturally into both descriptions so retailers and libraries can easily discover your book.

Step 3: Add Authors and Contributors

Input your author name exactly as it appears on the cover. You can also add up to two additional contributors, such as your editor, cover designer, or illustrator, to ensure they are credited in the global metadata database.

Step 4: Select Categories & Add Review Snippets

Choose up to three BISAC categories. Be as specific and niche as possible; targeting lower-competition categories makes it easier for your book to stand out. If you already have editorial reviews or early Amazon reviews, you can paste those snippets here (up to 4,000 characters).

Step 5: Specify Print Format Settings

This is where you define the physical look of your book. Select your:

  • Trim Size: Common sizes include 5×8, 5.5×8.5, or 6×9 inches.
  • Paper Color: Typically cream (for fiction) or white (for nonfiction).
  • Binding Type: Perfect bound is standard for paperbacks.
  • Laminate: Choose between a matte or gloss finish.
  • Page Count: This must match your interior PDF file exactly.

Step 6: Enter Your ISBN

Input the unique ISBN you purchased for this specific format. Remember, you cannot transfer an Amazon/KDP-issued free ISBN to IngramSpark.

Step 7: Set Pricing and Retailer Discounts

Set your book's retail price. IngramSpark will display the minimum price required to cover basic printing and production costs.

💡 Crucial Step for Bookstore Distribution: Set your retailer discount to 55%. This is the traditional industry standard. If you drop this discount lower (e.g., to 40%), brick-and-mortar bookstores will generally refuse to stock or order your book because their profit margins disappear.

Step 8: Upload Files and Submit

Upload your finalized interior PDF and cover PDF (and your EPUB file if you are including an ebook). The platform will run an automated technical check on your files. If any formatting errors or bleed issues are found, the system will flag them immediately.

Once your files pass the check, submit the title. It typically takes a few business days for IngramSpark to review and approve the book, after which it will propagate to global retail catalogs within 1 to 2 weeks.

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Leaving KDP Expanded Distribution On: If you are using both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, you must opt out of Expanded Distribution on KDP. Leaving it active creates conflicting duplicates in the Ingram database, which confuses retailers and can suppress your IngramSpark listing.
  • Uploading Unfinished Files: Treat the "Submit" button as final. Every minor fix or typo correction you upload after publication will cost you a $25 revision fee.
  • Skipping the Royalties Calculator: Always use IngramSpark's built-in calculator before finalizing your price to ensure your profit margin stays positive after wholesale discounts and printing costs are deducted.

Need help finalizing your files or mapping out your wider distribution strategy? Check out our comprehensive guide on how to publish a book or connect with the team at selfpublishing.com for personalized publishing support.