Introduction
Are you ready to self-publish your book and reach a global audience? IngramSpark is a powerful platform offering professional print-on-demand and book distribution services for independent authors. This IngramSpark Publishing Guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire self-publishing process, ensuring you can successfully publish and distribute your book to readers worldwide. From understanding pricing and formatting to navigating distribution options, this guide is your essential resource for mastering IngramSpark and achieving your publishing goals.
Why Choose IngramSpark for Self-Publishing?
IngramSpark provides authors with access to a massive global distribution network, allowing books to be sold in major bookstores, libraries, and online platforms. Whether you’re publishing a novel, a nonfiction guide, or a children’s picture book, IngramSpark’s flexible options will help you meet your goals.
Setting Up Your IngramSpark Account
The first step to publishing on IngramSpark is creating an account. This is where your publishing journey begins.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Account
- Go to the IngramSpark website and click on “Sign Up.”
- Fill in your personal details such as name, email address, and contact information.
- You’ll also need to set up payment details for royalties.
- Once your account is set up, you’ll have access to the publishing dashboard, where you can manage your books and monitor sales.
Required Documents and Information
Before starting the upload process, make sure you have your book formatted, your manuscript ready, and your cover designed. You’ll need a professional book design and book layout for print and eBook formats.
Choosing a Publishing Package
IngramSpark offers various packages, such as Print Only, eBook Only, or both. You can also opt for additional services like ISBN registration and global distribution. Select the package that suits your needs and budget.
Preparing Your Manuscript
Once you’ve created your account, it’s time to prepare your manuscript for submission. This is a crucial step in the self-publishing process and involves careful attention to book layout and book formatting.
Formatting Your Manuscript for Print
For physical copies of your book, formatting is key to ensuring a professional result. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Trim Size: Choose the right trim size for your book. Popular sizes for novels are 5”x 8” or 6”x 9”, while children’s books may require custom sizes.
- Margins and Bleeds: Ensure you have the correct margin settings and allow for bleed if your design extends to the edges of the page.
- Fonts and Spacing: Use a legible font for body text (e.g., Garamond, Baskerville, Caslon, Minion, Sabon, Jenson, Times New Roman, or Bembo), and make sure the line spacing is easy to read.
Creating an eBook Version
IngramSpark also supports eBook publishing in the ePub format. Ensure your eBook is optimized for various devices by adjusting fonts, paragraph styles, and links for navigation. The Fast Fingers Book Formatting Service can help streamline this process.
Cover Design
Your cover is the first impression readers will have of your book, so it needs to be striking and professional. If you don’t have graphic design skills, consider hiring a professional book designer. A good cover design will ensure your book stands out.
IngramSpark’s Cover Design Requirements
- Dimensions: IngramSpark provides specific dimensions based on your chosen trim size.
- Bleed: Ensure the design extends beyond the trim area to avoid white borders.
- Spine Width: For paperbacks, the spine width is determined by the page count and paper type.
- You can also use IngramSpark’s cover template generator to ensure the design fits the technical specifications.
Uploading Your Files
Once your manuscript and cover are ready, it’s time to upload them to IngramSpark. The platform supports various file formats for print and eBooks.
Supported File Formats
- For Print Books: Upload your manuscript as a PDF. This ensures the integrity of your book layout and formatting is preserved.
- For eBooks: Upload your manuscript as an ePub file for eBook distribution.
Previewing Your Files
IngramSpark offers a preview tool that allows you to see how your files will appear in print. Use this to double-check your book formatting results and ensure everything looks good before finalizing.
Pricing and Royalties Explained
Setting the right price for your book is crucial to its success. IngramSpark’s pricing model is straightforward, but it’s important to understand how royalties are calculated.
Setting Your Retail Price
IngramSpark lets you set your retail price for your book, but you should consider production costs, royalty rates, and competitor pricing when making this decision. Remember, a competitive price point helps your book attract more readers.
Royalties
- For print books, royalties are based on the book’s wholesale price, minus production costs.
- For eBooks, royalties are typically 40% of the retail price, though this can vary depending on distribution channels.
Distribution Options
IngramSpark offers a range of distribution options that can help your book reach global markets. Choose between global distribution or selective distribution to target specific retailers.
Choosing Global vs Selective Distribution
- Global Distribution: Your book will be made available through a large network of online retailers, bookstores, and libraries.
- Selective Distribution: You can choose specific retailers or distribution channels that align with your book’s genre or niche.
ISBN and Barcodes
IngramSpark provides an ISBN for your book, but you can also bring your own. It’s essential to have an ISBN for both the eBook and print versions of your book.
Using IngramSpark’s ISBN vs Your Own
- Using IngramSpark’s ISBN is free, but it means IngramSpark will be listed as the publisher.
- If you prefer to maintain complete control over your publishing rights, purchase your own ISBN.
Barcodes for Print Books
A barcode is necessary for physical copies of your book. IngramSpark can generate one for you at no extra cost, or you can create one through a third-party service.
Proofing Your Book
Before going live, it’s crucial to proof your book to ensure it meets your standards. Order a proof copy and check for any formatting or design issues.
Reviewing the Proof
When you receive your proof, inspect it carefully for:
- Page Layout: Ensure that the book layout looks professional.
- Cover Design: Check that the cover prints correctly and looks as intended.
- Text Quality: Ensure the text is clear and well-formatted.
Marketing and Promotion
Once your book is published, it’s time to promote it! A well-thought-out marketing strategy will help you reach readers.
Utilizing IngramSpark’s Marketing Tools
IngramSpark offers several tools and resources to help authors market their books, including promotional materials and opportunities for book discounts.
Building an Online Presence
- Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to build your author brand.
- Consider creating a website or landing page to help readers discover your book.
Managing Sales and Royalties
IngramSpark offers an easy-to-use dashboard where you can track sales, royalties, and payments.
Sales Reports
You can access detailed sales reports through your account to monitor how well your book is performing. Use this data to make informed decisions about marketing and pricing strategies.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting for IngramSpark Publishing
When publishing on IngramSpark, authors may encounter common issues that can delay or hinder their book’s release. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most frequent problems and solutions:
- File Upload Errors: Ensure your files are in the correct format (PDF for print, ePub for eBook), meet size and resolution requirements, and pass IngramSpark’s file preview tool.
- Metadata Issues: Double-check your book’s metadata (title, author name, categories, and keywords) to avoid errors or missed opportunities for discoverability.
- Cover Design Problems: Follow IngramSpark’s cover size and resolution guidelines. If needed, use their cover template tool to ensure the dimensions are correct and images are high-quality.
- Pricing and Royalties Confusion: Use IngramSpark’s pricing calculator and understand the royalty structure to set a competitive price while ensuring a profitable margin.
- ISBN and Barcode Issues: Verify your ISBN details and ensure a barcode is included for print books. IngramSpark can generate a barcode for you if necessary.
- Approval Delays: If your book’s approval is delayed, it could be due to formatting or file issues. Address these promptly to keep the process moving smoothly.
- Customer Support: IngramSpark provides customer support and a Knowledge Base to help resolve any issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out if needed.
By preparing your files carefully, double-checking metadata, and troubleshooting common issues early on, you can streamline your publishing process and avoid delays.
Post-Publication: Next Steps
The journey doesn’t end when you hit the “publish” button. After your book is available for sale, your efforts should shift towards maintaining momentum, tracking progress, and exploring opportunities to expand your book’s reach and success. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you should focus on after your book is published:
Promote Your Book Consistently
Just because your book is available for purchase doesn’t mean readers will find it on their own. Continuous promotion is key to keeping your book in front of potential readers.
Key Promotion Strategies:
- Social Media Marketing: Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to share updates, teasers, reviews, and behind-the-scenes content about your book. Regular posts can help build engagement with your audience and attract new readers.
- Book Reviews and Testimonials: Reach out to book bloggers, influencers, and readers to leave reviews on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, and personal blogs. Positive reviews can boost your book’s visibility and credibility.
- Email Marketing: Build an email list by offering exclusive content, early access, or special promotions to readers who sign up for your newsletter. Regularly communicate with your subscribers to keep them engaged.
- Book Signings and Author Events: If possible, arrange virtual or in-person book signings, speaking engagements, or interviews to promote your book. These events can help you connect directly with readers and build a loyal following.
- Paid Advertising: Invest in paid ads on platforms like Amazon, Facebook, or Instagram. You can target specific demographics or genres to increase book sales and visibility.
Track Sales and Performance
Once your book is published, it’s important to monitor its sales and performance across various platforms. Tracking these metrics will help you identify what’s working and what needs improvement in your marketing efforts.
Things to Track:
- Sales Data: Regularly review your sales reports on platforms like Amazon, IngramSpark, or any other distributor. Tracking your sales will help you understand which channels are performing best and where to focus your marketing efforts.
- Royalties and Earnings: Keep track of your royalties to understand your earnings and identify trends. If certain formats or distribution channels are generating higher earnings, consider shifting your marketing strategies to emphasize them.
- Amazon Author Central and Goodreads: These platforms offer additional insights into your book’s performance and allow you to manage your author profile. Use these tools to track reader interactions, reviews, and book ranking changes.
How to Use This Data:
- Refine Your Marketing Strategy: If one marketing approach (e.g., social media ads, influencer collaborations) yields better results than others, focus more resources on that tactic.
- Identify Trends: Are certain months seeing a spike in sales? This could indicate successful promotions or seasonal demand. Use this data to plan future promotions or offers.
Offer Updates or New Formats
Even after your book is published, there are still ways to refresh your product and keep readers engaged. Offering updates or additional formats can breathe new life into your book and expand its audience.
Options for Updates or New Formats:
- Revisions or New Editions: If you receive constructive feedback or identify areas for improvement, consider releasing an updated edition of your book. This could include fixing any errors, adding new content, or updating outdated information.
- Companion Guides or Workbooks: If your book is non-fiction, consider creating supplementary materials such as workbooks, study guides, or companion books. These can provide added value to your readers and encourage them to purchase more.
- Special Editions: You could release special editions of your book with bonus content, such as an author’s note, behind-the-scenes information, or additional chapters. This can appeal to dedicated fans who want exclusive material.
- Audiobook Version: If you haven’t already, creating an audiobook version can open up a whole new audience who prefers listening over reading. Audiobooks are growing in popularity, and platforms like Audible or Apple Books are great ways to distribute them.
- Foreign Language Editions: If your book has a broad appeal, consider translating it into other languages to reach international markets.
Explore New Distribution Channels
If you only published your book on one platform (like Amazon), consider expanding to other distribution channels. More platforms mean more exposure and potentially more sales.
Distribution Options to Explore:
- Global Distribution: Platforms like IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and Smashwords offer global distribution, allowing your book to reach a wider audience across multiple retailers, libraries, and markets.
- Retailers Beyond Amazon: Look into selling your book on other platforms like Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, or Google Play. Each platform has its own audience, and expanding your reach increases your book’s chances of being discovered.
- Libraries and Audiobook Platforms: Distribute your book to libraries through services like OverDrive or find audiobook distribution platforms like Findaway Voices to ensure your work reaches different segments of the reading audience.
Engage With Your Readers
Building a relationship with your readers doesn’t end after the book launch. Engage with your audience to foster loyalty and keep them coming back for future projects.
Ways to Engage:
- Reader Communities: Participate in book clubs or online communities like Goodreads, Reddit, or Facebook groups where your readers are discussing your book or similar genres.
- Respond to Reviews and Comments: Engage with readers who leave reviews or comments. Show appreciation for their support and listen to any feedback they provide.
- Host Contests or Giveaways: Running contests or offering giveaways is a great way to keep your audience excited about your work. It can also help increase visibility by encouraging readers to share your book with their friends.
Plan for Future Projects
Post-publication is the perfect time to start planning your next book or project. Building a career as a self-published author involves more than just one book; it’s about creating a catalog that readers can explore.
Future Project Ideas:
- Series: If your book is the first in a series, start outlining the next installment. Series often lead to long-term success and a loyal fanbase.
- Short Stories or Novellas: Consider writing and publishing shorter works in the same genre or universe to maintain reader interest while building anticipation for your next full-length book.
- Collaborations or Guest Features: Collaborate with other authors or creators in your niche to expand your reach and cross-promote each other’s work.
By continuing to promote, track, and update your book, you can maximize its potential and keep the momentum going long after its initial publication. Post-publication is not the end; it’s a continuous journey of growth, engagement, and opportunity.
Conclusion
Publishing on IngramSpark offers authors a world of opportunities to share their work globally. By following this guide, you’ll have everything you need to successfully publish your book, from book formatting services to marketing and distribution. Keep learning, adapting, and growing as an author!