Self-Publishing: Only Selling Through IngramSpark
A.D. SterlingShare
I wasn't quite sure what would happen if I chose to only sell my book through IngramSpark since I had opted to print my book via Amazon KDP and IngramSpark for my Somnium Series. When I released by first children's book, Angria, I got the opportunity to find out because the format I wanted to print my book in, 11x8.5, was only available via IngramSpark.
I released my book via IngramSpark and was happy to find that within a few days my book also appeared on Amazon. As long as you don't have the same ISBN listed in Amazon KDP then it will pull in the book from IngramSpark. Within a few days, Amazon placed an order and was stocking both my hardcover and paperback versions.
Eventually it seems that Amazon decided to stop stocking my book in their warehouse, but the book still appears on Amazon. Unfortunately it does indicate a longer shipping timeframe since they aren't guaranteeing the shipping and IngramSpark needs to print the book given the nature of POD. This led me to opt to reformat and re-release my book via Amazon KDP to try and improve sales.
A few things to consider if you want to only print via IngramSpark:
1) Amazon KDP has been less expensive for me than IngramSpark (ie I make more in royalties via Amazon KDP), but - with expanded distribution, it appears Amazon would charge more than IngramSpark. So consider your ultimate distribution goals.
2) If Amazon decides not to stock your book the shipping timelines are significantly slower. Considering Amazon has trained us all to expect our items tomorrow - this could decrease sales. It certainly seems to have impacted my sales.
3) Those negatives considered, only listing your book on IngramSpark would save a lot of time in formatting your book for both. It would also save time down the road if you make changes so you don't have to upload new files to both.
4) I sell far more books through Amazon than through other distributers that buy from IngramSpark, so definitely something to keep in mind when prioritizing your customers.