Course 9: IngramSpark and Using Both (with KDP, UK and US) (PDF Guide)

A 34-page printable PDF guide for UK and US self-publishers who want bookshops and libraries to be able to order their book: set up IngramSpark, work out discounts, returns and earnings, and run it alongside KDP safely.

It is part of Self-Publishing: From Beginner to Pro, a ten-course series of printable PDF guides from Long Room Learning. Written in plain UK English with UK and US rules side by side. Facts, prices and platform rules were checked on the official websites on 27 October 2026. Every fee and rule is dated and sourced, and screens are described by section name.

What you'll learn

• What IngramSpark does and does not do: being available is not the same as being stocked
• IngramSpark and KDP compared side by side
• 2026 fees, including free title set-up and the 1.875% global distribution fee
• Account set-up and getting paid, UK and US side by side, and which ISBN you need
• Every section of the print title set-up, in order
• File rules, eProofs, printed copies, release dates and print pre-orders
• Print costs, wholesale discounts and publisher compensation, with worked UK and US examples
• Returns (No, Yes – Deliver, Yes – Destroy) and the real risks, with a worst-case calculation sheet
• Using KDP and IngramSpark together for the same book: one ISBN, Expanded Distribution off, two cover files, matching prices, and the two set-up orders
• Four printable handouts, including a KDP and IngramSpark earnings calculator

Who it's for

First-time self-publishers in the UK or the US who want their print book to be orderable by bookshops, libraries and online retailers beyond Amazon, and who are thinking about using IngramSpark on its own or alongside KDP.

Who it's not for

It does not cover file preparation, cover design, buying ISBNs, KDP set-up in detail or marketing. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and no level of orders or sales is promised: IngramSpark does not guarantee any shop will stock your book.

Common questions

How do I get my self-published book into bookshops and libraries?

IngramSpark lists your print book in Ingram's catalogue so that shops, libraries and online retailers can order it, printed on demand. Being available is not the same as being stocked: whether a shop orders it depends on demand and your own marketing. Course 9 explains the set-up and the trade terms that affect ordering.

Can I use KDP and IngramSpark at the same time?

Yes. Use the same ISBN for the same paperback on both, and do not tick KDP's Expanded Distribution for that book. Decide before you upload whether you want a print pre-order, because that changes the order of set-up. Course 9 sets out both set-up paths.

How much does IngramSpark cost?

On 27 October 2026 IngramSpark's rate card listed print, ebook and combined title set-up as free, with a global distribution fee of 1.875% of the list price at the time of sale. Print costs and the wholesale discount also come out of each sale.

What wholesale discount should I set on IngramSpark?

IngramSpark generally describes 53% to 55% plus returnable as giving the widest availability, but a higher discount means less for you. You earn the list price minus the discount minus the print cost, which can be very small or even negative. Course 9 has worked UK and US examples and an earnings calculator.

Should I allow returns on IngramSpark?

It is your choice and your cost. The settings are No, Yes – Deliver (US and Canada only) or Yes – Destroy, and if returns are allowed you pay for returned copies at any time after the sale. Course 9 includes a worst-case calculation sheet.

Do I need my own ISBN for IngramSpark in the UK?

Yes. Outside the US you need your own ISBN; in the UK you buy it from Nielsen. In the US, IngramSpark also offers free ISBNs that can be used only on IngramSpark.

What you get

An instant-download A4 PDF (34 pages) to read on screen or print, including four printable handouts: an IngramSpark set-up checklist, a returns and wholesale discount decision sheet, a KDP and IngramSpark earnings calculator, and a checklist for running both platforms.

Digital download (PDF). General information only; not legal, tax or financial advice. Fees, costs and rules were checked on the official websites and documents on 27 October 2026 and can change at any time, so always check the official sources before you set prices, discounts or returns. Long Room Learning is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by IngramSpark, Ingram Content Group, Amazon or KDP. No level of sales, orders or income is promised.