Various Options to Cater Print-on-Demand Book Needs Besides IngramSpark
Revamped Guide on Print-On-Demand Alternatives to IngramSpark
Hey there! If you're hankering to amp up your print-on-demand game, look no further. IngramSpark isn't the one and only option in town. Check out a few splendid POD platforms that'll help you shine.
What's the Scoop on Print-on-Demand?
Print-on-demand (POD) is an economical solution for indies to create and distribute their books without worrying about hefty inventory, as there's no minimum order quantity. Once an order rolls in, the system automagically cranks out the book, binds it, and ships it directly to the customer. This process gets rid of the need to pre-print and store loads of books.
Top Perks for Indies
- Dodge the burden of large upfront costs associated with traditional print runs.
- Skip warehousing, shipping, and unsold stock.
- Easily update books with corrections in subsequent print runs.
- Eco-friendly option, as there's no waste from overstocking.
IngramSpark Alternatives
So, let's talk about the competition.
A. POD through our website
1. Amazon KDP
Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) boasts a POD service that syncs seamlessly with their eBook platform. Books are typically up and running within one to three days of being ordered. KDP's print-on-demand services hook up with physical stores in available countries.
While KDP is perfect for those focusing primarily on Amazon sales, it offers free listing and allows for detailed product page creation, charging only commission on sales. The print book royalty structure ranges from 40% to 60% of the sale price. Unfortunately, the service does not support magazines, periodicals, or spiral-bound notebooks.
Amazon KDP vs. IngramSpark
- KDP offers free setup and other Amazon integration, while IngramSpark no longer charges the setup fee for print, but levies approximately $25 per upload for any revisions after the first 60 days once a title has been approved. They also charge a market access fee of 1% of the list price for every print book sold through its global distribution network.
- KDP's production time is speedy (1-3 days), while IngramSpark's is a bit slower (3-5 days), but it offers more format options, including hardcovers with dust jackets.
2. Repro India
Repro specializes in POD services geared towards the Indian market, one of the biggest English-language content markets globally. Production takes up to 7 days.
Their platform lets self-published authors and publishers distribute books directly to major online retailers in India, including Amazon.in, Flipkart, and Bookscape (Repro's own online store).
Note: Repro is an Ingram partner, meaning they provide print-on-demand services to other countries through Ingram.
Repro India vs. IngramSpark
- Repro hones in on the Indian market, allowing direct distribution to major online retailers there. In contrast, IngramSpark offers wider global distribution to bookstores and libraries.
- Repro offers lower-priced services, with black-and-white printing costs around 50% less than Ingram and 20% lower than Amazon Print, and color printing costs slightly cheaper than Ingram yet about 50% less expensive than Amazon Print.
3. CNPeReading
CNPeReading offers a POD service that taps into the monstrous Chinese market teeming with readers eager for print books.
CNPeReading's distribution network includes major Chinese online retailers like JD (which captures 30% of the Chinese market) and Dangdang (a bookseller with 30 million monthly visitors to its online store). This extensive reach ensures your print-on-demand books can effectively permeate the Chinese book market.
💡Be aware that the distribution requirements to China: After a book review by the internal team, the books head to Chinese importers. Mandatory state censorship follows. We don't have control over the process and won't receive any feedback. Store editorial teams have the final say on book display, even if a book passes censorship; they pick books they believe will resonate with their audiences.
How to Reach these IngramSpark POD Alternatives
Welcome to our humble abode! As a valued customer, you'll snag the full perks of our book network.
- Spruce up your metadata to boost discoverability with an appealing blurb and well-selected categories with the AI-assisted Book Metadata Generator.
- Reach 39K+ stores for your print books and 240K+ digital libraries for your ebooks effortlessly.
- Maintain a single dashboard, forgetting all about the hassles of complicated royalty splitting with Abacus.
- Bank 100% net royalties with subscription-based aggregation.
To get started, Sign in/ Sign up, and from the Dashboard, pick between a hardcover or a paperback. Check out the whole process:
At the end, select your POD service of choice.
B. Other POD Services
1. Lulu
Lulu presents a POD service that allows authors to sell books directly via their own stores, alongside the Lulu Bookstore. Royalty rates are a whopping 80% for every sale, minus printing costs.
Books are usually ready within three to five days of being ordered.
Lulu accommodates a wide range of products, including hardcovers, paperbacks, coil bound, and linen wraps. No minimum order is required, and authors may set their own profit margins.
Lulu vs. IngramSpark
- Lulu Direct empowers authors to sell directly through their own stores, with Wix, Shopify, WooCommerce, Lulu Api integration options. IngramSpark, on the other hand, offers wider distribution to bookstores and libraries.
- Lulu's production time (3-5 days) is comparable to IngramSpark's.
- Both platforms support a variety of book formats, including hardcovers.
2. Blurb
Blurb provides a POD service to create captivating books in various paper types. Typical production time hovers around 4 to 5 business days. No minimum order is required.
Blurb supports various book products, such as trade books, magazines, notebooks, photobooks, and ebooks. Photobooks are a fantastic fit for indies publishing graphic novels or recipe books brimming with images.
Simply upload your creation to the Blurb platform, and the base price depends on the specific format you choose, like photo, paperback, magazine, and so on.
When eager to sell your book on Blurb's site or on additional retailers provided by IngramSpark, you can earn 45-64% royalties.
The service offers its own design software to help authors design their creations to meet bookseller standards. It also integrates with Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and InDesign for smoother formatting and submission.
Blurb vs. IngramSpark
- Blurb's design software and Adobe integrations outshine IngramSpark's distribution services.
- Blurb's production time (4-5 days) runs parallel to IngramSpark's, but Blurb offers a wider range of product types, including photobooks and notebooks.
- IngramSpark offers wider distribution to bookstores and libraries, while Blurb has an integrated bookstore.
3. Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble Press offers a POD platform for authors to publish and track sales on various formats. Books produced through Barnes & Noble Press are available on BN.com and via NOOK devices.
Barnes & Noble vs. IngramSpark
- Barnes & Noble Press provides instant access to BN.com and NOOK devices, gaining entry to millions through stores, apps, and devices.
- The production time for Barnes & Noble Press (5-10 days) is slightly longer than IngramSpark's.
- Both services offer varied book formats and binding options. Barnes & Noble Press, however, focuses more on distribution through its own channels.
4. BookBaby
BookBaby offers a POD service highlighting professional production and assistance. It boasts a $399 setup fee for wide distribution ($149 for BookBaby shop), making it the priciest alternative among competitors.
They supply a diverse range of book products, including paperbacks, hardbacks, perfect bonds, and color printing options.
BookBaby offers a 50% royalty rate to authors and supports extensive distribution, including all of IngramSpark's stores plus additional retailers. Authors can list their POD books on major platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as wholesale distributors.
BookBaby vs. IngramSpark
- BookBaby's production time for orders under 500 books (3-5 days) is similar to IngramSpark's. It has a minimum order requirement of 25 books though.
- BookBaby's distribution network includes all of IngramSpark's stores plus additional retailers.
5. Bookvault
Bookvault is a UK-based POD platform geared towards helping authors sell both direct and wide. Bookvault's distribution networks include heavy hitters like Amazon, IngramSpark, Gardners, and The Great British Book Shop.
Bookvault vs. IngramSpark
- With the free plan, Bookvault charges a $25/title setup fee compared to IngramSpark's varying setup costs.
- Bookvault's royalty range (40-90%) is higher than IngramSpark's, depending on specific sales channels utilized.
- Both platforms provide access to major retailers, with Bookvault notably including IngramSpark in its distribution network.
6. Acutrack
Acutrack offers book printing and fulfillment services. They cater to various book products, including paperbacks, hardbacks, spiral binds, journals, workbooks, calendars, and coloring books in various sizes.
Acutrack vs. IngramSpark
- Orders from Acutrack are shipped within one business day of placement, compared to IngramSpark's 3-5 day production time.
- Acutrack requires a minimum order, while IngramSpark offers genuine print-on-demand without any minimums.
- Acutrack caters to eclectic book types, such as spiral-bound and coloring books, that aren't usually available through IngramSpark.
- IngramSpark concentrates on wide distribution to bookstores and libraries, while Acutrack prioritizes e-commerce integration and direct fulfillment.
Pick Your POD Provider
When choosing your POD provider, ponder the following aspects:
1. Transparency
Opt for providers with consistent policies, steering clear of shocking changes that disrupt author workflows.
2. Production Speed
Swift output times contribute to customer satisfaction and positive reviews. Prioritize services with efficient production processes to remain competitive.
3. Fulfillment Efficiency
Check production and shipping times for efficient services with carrier partnerships, ensuring reduced shipping costs. International distribution expands potential markets.
4. Retail Connections
A robust network of wholesalers and booksellers increases the likelihood of your book making it into brick-and-mortar bookstores.
5. Book Format Options
Assess their book formatting possibilities to satisfy specific sales channel requirements and keep up with market preferences.
6. Proof Quality
Quality, affordable proofs ensure authors are satisfied with the final product before full production.
7. Cost Structure
Compare POD services' financial models: some neglect upfront fees, instead requiring commissions from each sale, while others require initial payments, allowing authors to pocket all profits. Select the option that suits you best.
8. User Feedback
Delve into reviews from other authors to glean insights into the service's reliability, quality, and customer support.
Splendid Printed Pages
While Ingram Spark might reign supreme, remember you've got options aplenty. Numerous POD services, each with unique strengths, await. In our tech-savvy era, don't miss out on connecting with readers who hunger for a tangible tale. Enjoy the journey!
- books can be self-published using technology-driven Print-on-Demand (POD) platforms like Amazon KDP, Lulu, Blurb, and BookBaby, which allow indies to access Amazon sales, the Indian market, or even China, respectively.
- In entertainment, these POD platforms can help you publish physical books, but to impact readers further, you could consider companion ebooks, audiobooks, or even movie adaptations, leveraging various formats to engage readers in multiple ways.
