KDP vs IngramSpark (2025)
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 ever
$49 per title (waived occasionally with promo codes)
60% (print) — after printing costs
Wholesale discount model: you set price, retailer takes ~55%
Expanded Distribution (lower royalty)
2,000+ retailers: Barnes & Noble, Walmart, libraries, bookstores
Free — KDP assigns its own ISBN
You need to purchase your own ISBN ($125 per title)
Good — consistent for paperbacks
Excellent — premium options including hardcover with better paper
Excellent — KDP's search is a primary channel for puzzle books
Limited visibility — no dedicated puzzle/activity book marketplace
Limited hardcover options
Full hardcover with case laminate, dust jacket options
2-5 days standard
2-4 days (comparable)
Very easy — beginner-friendly dashboard
More complex — requires understanding trade discount structure
Puzzle books, journals, activity books, Amazon-focused books
Novels, non-fiction, books targeting physical bookstores
KDP vs IngramSpark — FAQs
Should I use KDP or IngramSpark for puzzle books?▾
KDP. Amazon's marketplace is the #1 destination for puzzle and activity book buyers. Sudoku, Word Search, Maze, and Crossword books consistently rank well on Amazon KDP. IngramSpark offers better bookstore distribution but puzzle books sell primarily online.
Can I publish on both KDP and IngramSpark?▾
Yes, with a caveat. If you enroll in KDP Select (Kindle Unlimited), that requires Amazon exclusivity for eBooks. For print books, you can distribute through both KDP and IngramSpark simultaneously — but disable KDP's Expanded Distribution to avoid channel conflicts.
Does IngramSpark get books into physical bookstores?▾
IngramSpark makes your books available to bookstores through their Ingram distribution network (2,000+ retailers). However, bookstores don't automatically stock your book — they choose what to order. Most independently published books aren't stocked in physical stores regardless of distributor.
Is the $49 IngramSpark fee worth it?▾
For low-content books (puzzle books, journals, coloring books), no. KDP gives you better visibility on Amazon, where low-content buyers shop, at zero cost. The $49 fee makes more sense for novels and non-fiction targeting bookstore distribution.
What royalty does KDP pay for paperbacks?▾
KDP pays 60% of the list price minus the printing cost. For a $9.99 paperback with a $3.50 printing cost, you'd earn approximately $2.49 per sale. Pricing above $9.99 significantly increases your per-unit royalty.
