After a nightmare of an experience, I no longer work with IngramSpark. Watch my latest video on them to see why: th-cam.com/video/RDRryxTX30M/w-d-xo.html Want to know more about your printing and distribution options? Check out another video here: th-cam.com/video/gRV8fdoJKgw/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for this video, Mandi! Definitely important for first-time self publishing authors to keep their eyes open and do all the research they can before self-publishing their dream, or even trade publishing it. The industry does have layers! You pointed out some really important points in this video!
thanks a lot for your advice. I am about to publish with KDP. You are right. I can forgo hardcover edition, which hardly as a high demand, as I have noticed in my previous self-published book.
Your information dovetails with my experience also. One other thing, too: Being a newbie to Ingram, I made a mistake in entering the ISBN #, and found I couldn't correct it. I had to delete the entire data set and start all over again. Super frustrating--and they took days to answer my plea for help.
I can't thank you enough for this video and your other IngramSpark rant. I'm getting ready to set up preorders for my upcoming novel and while I have self-published before, this will be my first time using Ingram (because I'd reeeaally love that expanded distribution). This was all very informative! ♥
This was very helpful. I'm trying to use the book builder tool and getting no help. The video instructions and page doesn't match what they are telling you to do.
How about tax payment to IRS from Ingramspark earnings ? Especially for non USA resident (authors). Ingram wrote that they do not collect money for tax payment to IRs as Amazon does.
Now you can't call therm at all and my titles have been stuck in the "in process" form for almost a week. Their customer services used to be better than now. They only respond with generic responses
Can you explain to me please why the isbns need to match up? Wouldn’t one be for KDP and another be for the others? Why would they have to link up? If someone orders books from Amazon they will get one isbn and if another orders book they Ingram they will get another. Does this cause an issue though? I don’t see where the issue would be. But i am new. I published thru KDP first and when I set up my Ingram account, they asked if I would like to upload to the Amazon marketplace and I said no because I was already on it. Do I stilll need to math the ISBNs?
I don’t know if this is new but the chat feature has been super helpful for the customer service aspect! It was so easy and I was honestly surprised with how easy it was because I had heard horror stories! Also I think they are getting quicker with their revision process because it’s been so fast this month!
So if we decide to do both KDP and Ingram, where do I start, and who do it get my ISBN from? Because I believe KDP ISBN is free, and Ingram is more expensive.
You'd use the same ISBN for both. You buy your ISBN and register it through www.myidentifiers.com/ If you don't use the same ISBN the book will be listed twice on Amazon. In short, KDP can assign you a free ISBN, but if you want to also publish/print through Ingram, you need to buy an ISBN and use that same ISBN for KDP as well.
Mandi Lynn that was my question also, you answered it perfectly. I think that’s what I’m going to do, publish through both. That seems like the way to go, what do you think?
For IngramSpark you need paid ISBN's. Most people, like me, regiater their ISBN's under their LLC's, but I believe (but don't quote me on this) you can make up a publishing house without actually registering that publishing house for an LLC.
Mandi Lynn I live in Canada where I can get free ISBNs through Library and Archives Canada. I was just under the impression that Ingramspark deals only with companies not individuals even if the company is a one person show.
This was so helpful, Mandi! It's kind of sad that non-US indie authors have to rely on IngramSpark since Amazon KDP is only available for select countries. Hopefully when I'm getting ready to indie publish, IngramSpark's customer service gets infinitely better OR maybe Amazon KDP could try appealing to a larger audience. Thanks for the insight again!
If book stores want to return unsold inventory it gets sent back to whatever address you put on file. What you do with the books that get sent back to you is up to you.
Hello Mandi, thank you for sharing so much information that I did not know. Also, I would like to know if I suppose to submit my manuscript to be copyrighted first before submitting it to IngramSpark? And does IngramSpark do the typesetting for your book?
The timeline for when you need to submit for copyright isn't super specific, but before you publish is best. By typesetting, I assume you mean formatting your novel for publication. IngramSpark doesn't handle any of that. You'd need to do it yourself or hire a designer. I personally design covers and format books if you're interested: bit.ly/2I3tCvA
That was super helpful! Towards the end of the video you talk about using both Ingram and KDP. Should I do IngramSpark and then KDP, does it matter which order you go in?
Super helpful, thank you. If you're doing both Ingram & KDP, which should you do first? Which way is easier to avoid problems? KDP, then Ingram? Or vice-versa? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have my own ISBN.
I was about to send Ingram Spark my manuscript for my paperback book, but their agreement says all books include ebooks as well. When I wrote to customer service, I told them, I am not offering my book via ebook, only print. They said I must agree to their terms, then added, it won't matter, I can still select paperback later in the process. ??? Are they joking?
Thanks, Mandi. I'm going with Ingram for my hardcover picture book, due out in Sept., and have already experienced many of the frustrations you describe! Q: When I pick a royalty rate, you are saying that it will apply to ALL the retailers? Small indies, B&N, and Amazon -- all the same?? :(
What I don't get is for Amazon, how do I actually sell the books using Ingram Spark or KDP? What I mean is, on Amazon there is the sales page of the book where it has the information and the reviews, and on the back end has the meta data. But when you click on the sales portion, various book distributors pop up, including Amazon, and the customer chooses which one to buy from. So how is this set up with Ingram Spark or KDP?
If someone buys a book on Amazon, KDP is the one that handles the sale since KDP is owned by Amazon. If a customer buys a book anywhere else, IngramSpark handles that sale since they do the expanded distribution.
Hi Mandi.. for amazon kdp, i heard we would get 1099 MISC to file our taxes. How does it go in ingram? I heard they don’t offer 1099 MISC...plz enlighten...based on my visa status, i can accept only royalties..
That's correct. If I remember correct I have to manually create an publishers compensation report through Ingram which you can do under the "reports" tab.
K. Williams make them sign a contract saying they are just a work for hire and they will not own the copyright. Also add a non compete clause. You can find work for hire contracts templates on google.
You need to format your book yourself. IngramSpark only prints the book. I suggest you look at my Self-Publishing playlist here on TH-cam to learn more.
I wonder if this is a US thing? I've had prompt and personal service when I phone our 'branch' in Melbourne. (I prefer to phone people). I use 2 proof readers for typos etc before I upload my files. Thanks for the tip about updating info in the next month.
Hi Mandi - thanks for the video. Very helpful. So if I wanted to only do a hardcover, but not have users pay the crazy shipping costs via IS, should I lower the wholesale discount rate and direct users to Amazon? Thanks!
Retailers are the only ones about to purchase from IngramSpark, and even with shipping it will still be cheaper than buyer from Amazon. Unless I'm misunderstanding your question?
Ok thanks. I guess I am confused because I stumbled on another video where the author said that they charge almost $18 for shipping when ordering directly from IS.
Hi @Mandi Lynn, I am just here because I wanted my planner to sell in hardcover, actually, I already published that planner to KDP through paperback, but still, I think the best choice is to sell them with hardcover for the quality purpose only. Do you think it is the best choice to use Ingram Spark? And is it okay if it's published already in KDP but will get another one to publish in Ingram but hardcover? Is there no issue with that? I wanna know someone's suggestion :(
You can publish on both KDP and IngramSpark. A hardcover edition requires a new ISBN though. Another option for hardcover is Barnes and Noble Press, but I haven't personally used it yet.
You can and you have to if you want the books to be linked up correctly. The only time you need separate ISBN's is different book formats (paperback, hardcover, ebook)
@@MandiLynnWrites Thank you Mandi! i'm publishing my debut book soon, and your videos have been so helpful for me. Do you have one that talks about margins and bleed? does the same manuscript work for KDP and Ingram or do you have to alter the margins for both?
Great video, thanks. I self-published the first two editions of my book with bookbaby but I'm considering Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Barnes & Noble for the third edition. I'm on Social Security so my financial resources are rather limited. Any ideas, suggestions etc?
@@MandiLynnWrites It's going to be my first Children's book and I'm nervous about how to publish this book. I've finished all the pages and art but hopefully they eccept PNG files at an odd shape pages
Thanks so much, for your information about book publishing company and other things to remind me I know all of our group and we are aware of all know about this business of book publishing writting and so on I am always with you with our group whenever I need or information to One another I definitely with you and we are connected with online business we are almost forever and for the future. I am now in the library I will see your email message if you have already sent to me. and anywhere else I go I will remember you.either Ingram spark or any other company, therefore I have subscribed for your important to me. Thanks so much for your help.
Thanks, Mandi. I had a good experience with IngramSpark, though I am based in the UK. The print quality is better than KDP, just, I think. The dashboard can be tricky, but a video on how it works for me is here: th-cam.com/video/RNiRVPCvoRc/w-d-xo.html
There CS is awful. So bad you want to ask yourself, do you even want my business or is this just a way to get email addresses. Absolutely the worst. Wal*Mart has better CS. IS makes Wal*mart looks like the Ritz-Carlton!
After a nightmare of an experience, I no longer work with IngramSpark. Watch my latest video on them to see why: th-cam.com/video/RDRryxTX30M/w-d-xo.html
Want to know more about your printing and distribution options? Check out another video here: th-cam.com/video/gRV8fdoJKgw/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for this video, Mandi! Definitely important for first-time self publishing authors to keep their eyes open and do all the research they can before self-publishing their dream, or even trade publishing it. The industry does have layers! You pointed out some really important points in this video!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the video. I am attempting to become a first-time author so this is all new to me. It was helpful.
Very helpful, balanced, and nicely explained, Mandi. Thanks!
thanks a lot for your advice. I am about to publish with KDP. You are right. I can forgo hardcover edition, which hardly as a high demand, as I have noticed in my previous self-published book.
Thank you for sharing this info. You definitely raised a couple of flags for me to investigate before moving forward with Ingram.
Your information dovetails with my experience also. One other thing, too: Being a newbie to Ingram, I made a mistake in entering the ISBN #, and found I couldn't correct it. I had to delete the entire data set and start all over again. Super frustrating--and they took days to answer my plea for help.
I can't thank you enough for this video and your other IngramSpark rant. I'm getting ready to set up preorders for my upcoming novel and while I have self-published before, this will be my first time using Ingram (because I'd reeeaally love that expanded distribution). This was all very informative! ♥
Glad I could help! Good luck!
Thanks for the video.
Can I self publish on Draft2Digital and kobo after checking ☑ the option on Draft2Digital?
This was very helpful. I'm trying to use the book builder tool and getting no help. The video instructions and page doesn't match what they are telling you to do.
I am publishing my novel next year, so thanks a lot for your advice!
Best of luck!
@@MandiLynnWrites thanks heaps!
How about tax payment to IRS from Ingramspark earnings ? Especially for non USA resident (authors). Ingram wrote that they do not collect money for tax payment to IRs as Amazon does.
So as an author who would like to have my book in a bookstore, would you recommend IngramSpark?
That was very helpful. Thank you! It sounds like you faced a lot of difficulties but thank you for sharing your story. 😇🙏
Now you can't call therm at all and my titles have been stuck in the "in process" form for almost a week. Their customer services used to be better than now. They only respond with generic responses
Can you explain to me please why the isbns need to match up? Wouldn’t one be for KDP and another be for the others? Why would they have to link up? If someone orders books from Amazon they will get one isbn and if another orders book they Ingram they will get another. Does this cause an issue though? I don’t see where the issue would be. But i am new. I published thru KDP first and when I set up my Ingram account, they asked if I would like to upload to the Amazon marketplace and I said no because I was already on it. Do I stilll need to math the ISBNs?
I don’t know if this is new but the chat feature has been super helpful for the customer service aspect! It was so easy and I was honestly surprised with how easy it was because I had heard horror stories! Also I think they are getting quicker with their revision process because it’s been so fast this month!
Yeah! I've been super excited about their changes lately!
Have you published with IngramSpark? Share you experience with us!
no just doing research about Ingram
Mrs.Mandylyn
Do you teach newbies for like keywords and category ty for replying back
My greatest wish for IngramSpark is a printing facility in the Europe Union, now that the UK has gone solo. Maybe in Ireland.
So if we decide to do both KDP and Ingram, where do I start, and who do it get my ISBN from? Because I believe KDP ISBN is free, and Ingram is more expensive.
You'd use the same ISBN for both. You buy your ISBN and register it through www.myidentifiers.com/
If you don't use the same ISBN the book will be listed twice on Amazon.
In short, KDP can assign you a free ISBN, but if you want to also publish/print through Ingram, you need to buy an ISBN and use that same ISBN for KDP as well.
Mandi Lynn that was my question also, you answered it perfectly. I think that’s what I’m going to do, publish through both. That seems like the way to go, what do you think?
True @ customer service or lack thereof.
I cannot use IngramSpark because here in Romania I cannot have a publishing company...Interesting video, good to know this. Have a blessed day, Mandi!
Thank you. Do you need to set up your own publishing ‘company’ to use Ingramspark? I know you don’t for KDP but I thought you do for Ingram.
For IngramSpark you need paid ISBN's. Most people, like me, regiater their ISBN's under their LLC's, but I believe (but don't quote me on this) you can make up a publishing house without actually registering that publishing house for an LLC.
Mandi Lynn I live in Canada where I can get free ISBNs through Library and Archives Canada. I was just under the impression that Ingramspark deals only with companies not individuals even if the company is a one person show.
This was so helpful, Mandi! It's kind of sad that non-US indie authors have to rely on IngramSpark since Amazon KDP is only available for select countries. Hopefully when I'm getting ready to indie publish, IngramSpark's customer service gets infinitely better OR maybe Amazon KDP could try appealing to a larger audience. Thanks for the insight again!
With Ingram Spakrs, Is there an estimated time you have to wait for your book to be approved before you can order Author copies?
This has been super helpful. Thank you! Thank you!
Awesome! So glad to hear!
I’m a self published author ✍🏽 of three books I wish I knew about Ingram sparks I’m happy I know about it now.
Totally great, thank you very much! I've learned a few things.
Thanks so much for the info. Does help to know these things.
Great video, I’m subscribing
Great vid! For returns on IS, If I check "returnable" am I responsible for any of those items coming back?
If book stores want to return unsold inventory it gets sent back to whatever address you put on file. What you do with the books that get sent back to you is up to you.
@@MandiLynnWrites Thanks so much!
Very clear and straightforward, thank you!
Hey miss I have a quick question, So ONLY if you purchase an isbn than you can publish your book through Ingramspark and KDP??
You can use a free ISBN for KDP, but you need a paid one for Ingramspark
Hello Mandi, thank you for sharing so much information that I did not know. Also, I would like to know if I suppose to submit my manuscript to be copyrighted first before submitting it to IngramSpark? And does IngramSpark do the typesetting for your book?
The timeline for when you need to submit for copyright isn't super specific, but before you publish is best. By typesetting, I assume you mean formatting your novel for publication. IngramSpark doesn't handle any of that. You'd need to do it yourself or hire a designer. I personally design covers and format books if you're interested: bit.ly/2I3tCvA
So you aren’t able to see your sales before running a report? You just depend on them to tell you the truth? No independent verification???
That was very helpful - Thank you so much for making this video!
That was super helpful! Towards the end of the video you talk about using both Ingram and KDP. Should I do IngramSpark and then KDP, does it matter which order you go in?
I'd always do KDP first because you can trial and error easier there. Once you perfect your book and listing, then upload it to IngramSpark.
Super helpful, thank you. If you're doing both Ingram & KDP, which should you do first? Which way is easier to avoid problems? KDP, then Ingram? Or vice-versa? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have my own ISBN.
KDP is easier. Ingram is not user friendly and unforgiving. KDP at least has amazing customer service.
IngramSpark selling my book I did it His Way, but telling me that they cannot locate book. Solution Please
I was about to send Ingram Spark my manuscript for my paperback book, but their agreement says all books include ebooks as well. When I wrote to customer service, I told them, I am not offering my book via ebook, only print. They said I must agree to their terms, then added, it won't matter, I can still select paperback later in the process. ??? Are they joking?
That's not true at all. I'm not sure why they said that.
Very honest and spot-on, Mandi!
GREAT video, and well presented. Thank you.
Thanks, Mandi. I'm going with Ingram for my hardcover picture book, due out in Sept., and have already experienced many of the frustrations you describe! Q: When I pick a royalty rate, you are saying that it will apply to ALL the retailers? Small indies, B&N, and Amazon -- all the same?? :(
You pick a discount rate, and it's separated by location, not retailers, so it would all be the same.
Mandi, thanks for all your suggessions. Very good infor....
Really? Was this recently? Because they've been amazing every time I've spoken to them about issues.
What I don't get is for Amazon, how do I actually sell the books using Ingram Spark or KDP? What I mean is, on Amazon there is the sales page of the book where it has the information and the reviews, and on the back end has the meta data. But when you click on the sales portion, various book distributors pop up, including Amazon, and the customer chooses which one to buy from. So how is this set up with Ingram Spark or KDP?
If someone buys a book on Amazon, KDP is the one that handles the sale since KDP is owned by Amazon. If a customer buys a book anywhere else, IngramSpark handles that sale since they do the expanded distribution.
@@MandiLynnWrites But who notifies the various sellers to sell your book? Amazon is the marketplace but you buy books from sellers.
thanks very helpful, and still relevant
Great video! Very informative for those using KDP and wanting to also use Ingramspark!
Hi Mandi.. for amazon kdp, i heard we would get 1099 MISC to file our taxes. How does it go in ingram? I heard they don’t offer 1099 MISC...plz enlighten...based on my visa status, i can accept only royalties..
That's correct. If I remember correct I have to manually create an publishers compensation report through Ingram which you can do under the "reports" tab.
i have a question.. should your book be copyrighted when its being editted by a professional? or should it be done after final revision to publish it?
I do it at the end of the editing process
@@MandiLynnWrites ok thats good to know... but how do you know your work is safe when someone edits?
That's a GREAT question!🤔
K. Williams make them sign a contract saying they are just a work for hire and they will not own the copyright. Also add a non compete clause. You can find work for hire contracts templates on google.
@@iamdejhab5280 o wow, thanks you for that and I will remember to do that. May the Lord blessings be upon you always.
k.williams
Quick question, since i'm self publishing do I need to write my manuscript double spaced? Does IngramSpark
You need to format your book yourself. IngramSpark only prints the book. I suggest you look at my Self-Publishing playlist here on TH-cam to learn more.
@@MandiLynnWrites ahhhh bet! Thank you so much I’ll check them out
I wonder if this is a US thing? I've had prompt and personal service when I phone our 'branch' in Melbourne. (I prefer to phone people). I use 2 proof readers for typos etc before I upload my files. Thanks for the tip about updating info in the next month.
It might be. For myself and other authors I've talked to, we've had nothing but trouble from IngramSpark
Hi Mandi - thanks for the video. Very helpful. So if I wanted to only do a hardcover, but not have users pay the crazy shipping costs via IS, should I lower the wholesale discount rate and direct users to Amazon? Thanks!
Retailers are the only ones about to purchase from IngramSpark, and even with shipping it will still be cheaper than buyer from Amazon. Unless I'm misunderstanding your question?
Ok thanks. I guess I am confused because I stumbled on another video where the author said that they charge almost $18 for shipping when ordering directly from IS.
They were ordering author copies for themselves
Thank you for sharing what your experience has been 🙏🏼
I did find this helpful. Thanks!
Hi @Mandi Lynn, I am just here because I wanted my planner to sell in hardcover, actually, I already published that planner to KDP through paperback, but still, I think the best choice is to sell them with hardcover for the quality purpose only. Do you think it is the best choice to use Ingram Spark? And is it okay if it's published already in KDP but will get another one to publish in Ingram but hardcover? Is there no issue with that? I wanna know someone's suggestion :(
You can publish on both KDP and IngramSpark. A hardcover edition requires a new ISBN though. Another option for hardcover is Barnes and Noble Press, but I haven't personally used it yet.
Thank you, Mandi. Very helpful. Subscribed!
My first urban book who do you think is better than ingramspark?
Kindle Direct Publishing
Hey how do I get in contact for a cover design
You can find all my cover design info here: stoneridgebooks.com/book-cover-design/
You can't use the same ISBN on IngramSpark and KDP
You can and you have to if you want the books to be linked up correctly. The only time you need separate ISBN's is different book formats (paperback, hardcover, ebook)
When you talk about waiting 3mths to get paid, is that every 3mths or just the first 3mths?
It's all the time. But once you pass those first three months you'll get a check every month but it will just be delayed. If that makes sense...
@@MandiLynnWrites ... kinda... 🤔😄
(2:55) I have never made a tpyo.
Really helpful thanks
Is their service any better this year or lately?
It's gotten a little better :)
@@MandiLynnWrites what about now? another year later lol
Does it matter if you upload to KDP or Ingramspark first? Thank you to anyone who can let me know!(:
I prefer KDP first before it's free to update files if it has error. IngramSpark there's a fee
@@MandiLynnWrites Thank you Mandi! i'm publishing my debut book soon, and your videos have been so helpful for me. Do you have one that talks about margins and bleed? does the same manuscript work for KDP and Ingram or do you have to alter the margins for both?
Helpful! thank you
Great video, thanks. I self-published the first two editions of my book with bookbaby but I'm considering Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Barnes & Noble for the third edition. I'm on Social Security so my financial resources are rather limited. Any ideas, suggestions etc?
Personally, I've had lots of issues with Amazon KDP. I'm still waiting for y 2018 tax info. :(
I think KDP might be all digital now, so you'd have to go into your account to find your tax info (I believe, I'd have to look it up)
Great info! Quick question: if I get free ISBNs for my book at Amazon, can I still self-publish on other platforms??
You'd have to do some digging. I've only ever published with KDP and IngramSpark.
Thanks for the info
thank you very much
Have things improved since the time this was created? Want to know before dealing with them.
Thank You Mandi you were very helpful
Glad it was helpful!
@@MandiLynnWrites It's going to be my first Children's book and I'm nervous about how to publish this book. I've finished all the pages and art but hopefully they eccept PNG files at an odd shape pages
Very helpful video!
Thank you!
Thanks 😊
Thank you!
Very much appreciated❤
Glad to hear!
IngramSpark has left the chat.
😂😂😂
Thanks so much, for your information about book publishing company and other things to remind me
I know all of our group and we are aware of all know about this business of book publishing writting and so on I am always with you with our group whenever I need or information to One another I definitely with you and we are connected with online business we are almost forever and for the future.
I am now in the library I will see your email message if you have already sent to me. and anywhere else I go I will remember you.either Ingram spark or any other company, therefore I have subscribed for your important to me.
Thanks so much for your help.
are you related to Jessica Nigri? u might be.
Thanks, Mandi. I had a good experience with IngramSpark, though I am based in the UK. The print quality is better than KDP, just, I think. The dashboard can be tricky, but a video on how it works for me is here: th-cam.com/video/RNiRVPCvoRc/w-d-xo.html
You chose Paypal and if you don't like to be paid that way change it.
No comments since 4yrs
Yay first!
Almost switched to them. Gonna pass.
HOW DO YOU KNOW THEY ARE NOT STEALING YOUR SALES? THIS SOUNDS FISHY...
There CS is awful. So bad you want to ask yourself, do you even want my business or is this just a way to get email addresses. Absolutely the worst. Wal*Mart has better CS. IS makes Wal*mart looks like the Ritz-Carlton!
Thank you ☺️