When it comes time to print and distribute your book, it may seem as if many options are open to you. On the surface, this is true. However, a little-known secret in the self-publishing industry is that most of the “publishers” that purport to print and distribute your book for you go through IngramSpark.
So, why not deal with IngramSpark directly? Let’s explore some of the benefits of skipping the middlemen and where to turn if you need help.
Stay in Control
When you work directly with IngramSpark, you’re in charge. You can log in to your account to check the status of your book, set your retail price, review sales reports, and choose your distribution channels. You don’t have to depend on a third party to provide you with the information you need to ensure your author business is running as you like. Similarly, you can publish your book on your schedule, not anyone else’s.
Keep Your Files
Staying in control of your accounts also means you stay in control of your files. You don’t need to worry about losing access to your files if a self-publishing company disappears or you decide not to work with them any longer—you oversee every aspect of publication and distribution. If your files have any issues, you can edit and reupload them as necessary without waiting for a middleman to report the problem to you—if they ever do.
ISBNs in Your Name
In a similar vein, it’s always best to purchase ISBNs in your own name. When a “publisher” provides a “free” ISBN, they’re giving you one of theirs—meaning THEY, not YOU, are registered as the publisher of your book.
Full Access to Necessary Tools
Even before you set up your account, IngramSpark provides access to pricing calculators, cover templates, a thorough Help section, and a wealth of information on their blog. The pricing calculators reveal the full compensation you’ll receive from every sale, not the lesser “royalty” amount promised by self-publishing companies. Try it out for yourself.
Make More Money
Setting up POD/distribution accounts in your name means that you keep all revenue minus wholesaler discounts and printing fees. When you work with a publishing company, you not only pay them up front for book preparation services, but they may even take a portion of your earnings off the back end with each sale you make.
Does that make sense to you?
You invested the most time and effort into your book, so you deserve to reap the full rewards. Dealing with IngramSpark directly enables you to turn the highest profit.
Now, what if you want all these benefits but it still seems daunting because you don’t know the first thing about setting up a book? There’s really nothing to fear. Author service companies like 1106 Design are happy to help. We’re a highly-rated expert on Ingram’s Resource Page, and we love helping authors. Better yet, we won’t claim ownership of your files or take a cent of your earnings.
Self-publishing is about sharing your book with the world on your terms. IngramSpark helps make that possible with a robust Help section, an award-winning blog, and 24/7 customer support every step of the way. It might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right support, practice, and determination, you can get your titles set up in no time.
