IngramSpark and Amazon KDP solve different distribution problems, and many authors should use both. Here's an honest comparison for UK authors of reach, royalties, bookshop access and costs, plus the simplest way to get both.
Key Takeaways
- KDP is the best route to Amazon itself, the largest book retailer, with simple setup and strong ebook royalties.
- IngramSpark is the best route to bookshops and libraries, reaching 40,000+ retailers through the Ingram catalogue, which UK shops can order from directly or via wholesalers such as Gardners.
- Many successful authors use both: KDP for Amazon sales, IngramSpark for everywhere else, this is the standard wide-distribution strategy.
- Managing two platforms, two sets of files, and two royalty dashboards is the real cost. A full-service partner can run both for you.
- Want both platforms handled under one team? Call Spines Publishing UK at +44 20 4515 8379 or email info@spinespublishing.co.uk.
IngramSpark vs. Amazon KDP is one of the most-asked questions in self-publishing, and the honest answer is that they're not really competitors. They solve different problems. KDP gets you onto Amazon; IngramSpark gets you into bookshops and libraries. Understanding what each does best is how you choose, and for many authors, the best answer is both.
Distribution Reach Compared
This is the heart of the decision. Each platform owns a different slice of the market.
- Amazon KDP distributes your book directly on Amazon, the single largest book retailer in the world, where the majority of self-published sales happen. Setup is fast and the ecosystem (Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Author Central) is powerful.
- IngramSpark distributes through the Ingram catalogue, the wholesale network that bookshops, libraries and international retailers order from, reaching 40,000+ outlets worldwide. Ingram prints UK orders in the UK, and its titles are available to Waterstones and independent bookshops. This is the channel KDP can't fully reach.
Short version: KDP owns Amazon. IngramSpark owns the bookshop-and-library channel. Your readers shop in both places.
Royalty Structure Compared
| Factor | Amazon KDP | IngramSpark |
|---|---|---|
| Ebook royalty | 35% or 70% | Up to 70% (wide retailers) |
| Print royalty | Up to 60% (Amazon) | Up to ~70% minus wholesale discount |
| Wholesale discount control | Fixed | You set 30–55% (affects bookshop orders) |
| Returns | Not applicable (no returns) | Optional, but bookshops often require it |
| Best royalty for | Amazon sales | Wide print distribution |
On Amazon itself, KDP generally gives you the better print margin. For sales through bookshops and other retailers, IngramSpark is how you reach them at all, with a wholesale discount you control (UK bookshops and wholesalers typically expect 40%+ to stock a book).
Bookshop and Library Access
This is IngramSpark's decisive advantage. UK bookshops and libraries order through wholesalers such as Gardners and Ingram; they generally won't order from Amazon (a competitor). To have any realistic chance of physical bookshop placement, your book needs to be in the Ingram catalogue, listed as returnable, with a trade-standard wholesale discount. KDP's own "expanded distribution" exists but is widely considered weaker for true bookshop reach. If shelves matter to you, read how to get your book into UK bookshops.
Cost and Revision Fees
- Amazon KDP: Free to publish. No setup or revision fees. This simplicity is a real advantage.
- IngramSpark: Historically charged title setup and revision fees, though these are often waived via promotions or for members of organisations like ALLi. Budget for possible revision fees when you update files.
- Both: Print-on-demand, so no stock to buy: you (or the retailer) only pay to print what sells.
The Catch: Using Both Means Double the Work
The standard pro strategy (KDP for Amazon, IngramSpark for everywhere else) is genuinely the best of both worlds. But it doubles your operational load: two accounts, two sets of correctly-formatted files, two cover templates with different specs, two royalty dashboards, and careful coordination so you don't accidentally let KDP's expanded distribution collide with IngramSpark on the same retailers. For many authors, that complexity is where the dream of wide distribution stalls.
The Simplest Way to Get Both: Full-Service Distribution
This is where a full-service partner earns its place. Rather than managing two platforms yourself, Spines Publishing UK's distribution service places your book across 100+ global retail channels, including Amazon and the Ingram bookshop-and-library network, from one coordinated process. You get the reach of both platforms without running two back ends, while keeping up to 70% royalties and 100% of your rights.
8,000+ authors published across 100+ retail channels. One team handles the files, the specs and the dashboards, so you get Amazon plus bookshops without becoming a distribution manager.
Which Should You Choose?
- Amazon-only, hands-on author? KDP alone is simple, free, and covers most of your sales.
- Want bookshops and libraries? You need IngramSpark in the mix; KDP can't get you there.
- Want maximum reach and willing to manage two platforms? Use both, the proven wide strategy.
- Want maximum reach without the operational headache? Use a full-service distributor that runs both for you.
Get Amazon + bookshops without the two-platform hassle
Spines Publishing UK distributes your book to 100+ channels (Amazon, bookshops, libraries and international retailers) from one coordinated process. Call +44 20 4515 8379, email info@spinespublishing.co.uk, or explore distribution.
Explore Book DistributionIngramSpark vs. KDP isn't really an either/or. KDP wins Amazon; IngramSpark wins bookshops and libraries; together they win wide distribution. The only real question is whether you want to manage both platforms yourself or have one team do it for you. To see how distribution fits the bigger publishing picture, revisit our pillar on the best self-publishing companies in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IngramSpark or KDP better for wide distribution?
They're better at different things. KDP is the best route to Amazon, the largest retailer, with simple free setup. IngramSpark is the best route to bookshops and libraries via the Ingram catalogue they order from. For true wide distribution, most authors use both, or a full-service distributor that covers both.
Should I use both IngramSpark and KDP?
Many successful authors do: KDP for Amazon sales (better Amazon print margin, Kindle ecosystem) and IngramSpark for bookshops, libraries and other retailers. The trade-off is managing two platforms, two file sets, and two dashboards. A full-service partner can run both for you to avoid that complexity.
Can I get my book into UK bookshops with KDP?
KDP offers 'expanded distribution', but UK bookshops and libraries order through wholesalers such as Gardners and Ingram and generally won't order from Amazon, a competitor. For realistic bookshop placement, your book should be in the Ingram catalogue (via IngramSpark or a distributor), listed as returnable with a trade wholesale discount.
Which platform pays higher royalties?
On Amazon itself, KDP generally gives the better print margin and strong ebook royalties (35% or 70%). For sales through bookshops and other retailers, IngramSpark is how you reach them at all, with a wholesale discount you set (typically 40%+ for bookshops to stock you). The 'best' royalty depends on where the sale happens.
Are there fees for IngramSpark or KDP?
KDP is free to publish with no setup or revision fees. IngramSpark has historically charged title setup and revision fees, though these are frequently waived through promotions or organisation memberships. Both use print-on-demand, so neither requires you to buy stock upfront.
