KDP vs IngramSpark
Which Self-Publishing Platform Wins?
10-factor comparison for self-publishers: fees, royalties, distribution, and which platform is right for your book type.
⚡ Quick Verdict
10-Factor Comparison
Free — no setup fees
Check IngramSpark's current fee schedule (title setup and revision fees have changed over time)
Paperbacks: 60% of list price minus printing at $9.99 and above, 50% below $9.99
Wholesale discount model: you set price and the discount offered to retailers
Expanded Distribution (lower royalty)
Ingram's network of retailers, bookstores and libraries
Free KDP-assigned ISBN available
Use your own ISBN (options depend on your country)
Consistent for paperbacks
More paper and binding options
Amazon search is a main sales channel for puzzle and activity books
No dedicated puzzle/activity book marketplace
Hardcover available with fewer options
Case laminate and dust jacket options
Printed on demand when ordered
Printed on demand when ordered
Beginner-friendly dashboard
More complex — requires understanding trade discounts and returns
Puzzle books, journals, activity books, Amazon-focused books
Novels, non-fiction, books targeting physical bookstores
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Octozia KDP Creator generates Sudoku, Word Search, Maze, Math, Crossword, Number Fill and Word Scramble puzzles as numbered 300-DPI PNG pages with solutions, ready for you to assemble into your interior. Start a 3-day free trial (card required, cancel anytime).
KDP vs IngramSpark — FAQs
Should I use KDP or IngramSpark for puzzle books?▾
KDP is usually the better starting point. Puzzle and activity book buyers shop heavily on Amazon, and KDP costs nothing to publish. IngramSpark offers wider bookstore distribution, but puzzle books sell mainly online.
Can I publish on both KDP and IngramSpark?▾
Yes, with a caveat. If you enroll an eBook in KDP Select (Kindle Unlimited), that eBook must be exclusive to Amazon. For print books, you can use both KDP and IngramSpark — but disable KDP's Expanded Distribution to avoid channel conflicts.
Does IngramSpark get books into physical bookstores?▾
IngramSpark makes your books available to order through the Ingram distribution network. Bookstores don't automatically stock your book — they choose what to order.
Is IngramSpark worth it for low-content books?▾
For low-content books (puzzle books, journals, coloring books), KDP alone is usually enough because Amazon is where most of these buyers shop and KDP is free to use. IngramSpark makes more sense for novels and non-fiction targeting bookstore distribution. Check IngramSpark's current fee schedule before deciding.
What royalty does KDP pay for paperbacks?▾
KDP pays 60% of the list price minus the printing cost for paperbacks priced at $9.99 or more, and 50% minus printing below $9.99. For example, a $9.99 paperback with a $3.50 printing cost earns about $2.49 per Amazon sale. Use the KDP royalty calculator to check your own numbers.
