As a (sometimes) indie author, I’m always looking for the best way to produce high-quality paperback editions of my books. My latest order of After All These Years was printed via IngramSpark, and I wanted to share my thoughts on the process—especially how it compares to Amazon KDP.
Cover Design Template: Simple and Effective
One of the first things I noticed when preparing my book for print was how user-friendly IngramSpark’s cover design template is. In my experience, it’s actually a little easier to use than Amazon KDP’s equivalent, although it has to be said that Amazon’s template is also quite easy to use. The template provided clear guidelines, making it straightforward to ensure my cover fit perfectly without unexpected trimming issues. When it comes to cover design, I have worked as a graphic designer in the past, so using design software comes naturally to me. But if you’re not a design guru, it is worth noting that both Amazon and Ingram have cover creators as part of their setup processes, should you need them.
A Superior Range of Finish Options
One area where IngramSpark really stands out is the variety of print options available. Unlike Amazon KDP, which has more limited choices, Ingram offers a greater selection of finishes and paper types. For this edition of After All These Years, I chose an 8×5 paperback with a matte finish and groundwood eggshell paper. Upon receiving the book, I was extremely impressed with how professional it looked and felt—exactly the kind of quality you’d expect from a book sold in Waterstones. The texture, weight, and overall presentation were fantastic.
The Upload Process: A Small Learning Curve
Uploading my files to IngramSpark was a fairly straightforward process. However, I did have to do a bit of research to ensure I exported my cover artwork correctly in PDF format. Once I had the correct settings, the process was seamless. Unlike KDP, which automatically converts files into print-ready formats, IngramSpark requires a bit more attention to detail, but the result is worth the extra effort.
Cost Per Copy: Reasonable for the Quality
Pricing is always a factor when choosing a printing service. I ordered two copies, and each one cost me £6.83 (excluding delivery). Given the superior quality of the print, I found this price to be quite reasonable. The added flexibility of print options makes the slightly higher cost worthwhile, especially for authors who want their books to have a truly professional finish.
Delivery Costs and Speed
For shipping, I opted for standard delivery, which was £1.47 more than the Economy option. In the past, I’ve used Economy shipping, but I found that it can be painfully slow—especially for hardcovers and dust jackets, sometimes taking over a month depending on the quantity ordered. This time, my books arrived in less than a week, which was a pleasant surprise. Additionally, I chose the Express service to ensure faster processing, bringing my total order cost to £19.88.
Final Thoughts: IngramSpark vs. Amazon KDP
Overall, my experience with IngramSpark has reaffirmed my decision to continue using their services for proof copies and future print runs. While this particular edition of After All These Years is not yet listed for distribution through IngramSpark (it is currently available via Barnes & Noble and Amazon), I found the overall quality of Ingram’s product far superior to Amazon KDP. The ability to order a proof without a watermark was a huge plus—something that KDP unfortunately does not allow unless the book is listed for sale.
For future print runs and proofs, I’ll be sticking with IngramSpark. Their wider range of options, better-quality finishes, and professional feel make them my preferred choice, even if I have to wait a little longer for certain formats like hardcovers. If you’re an author looking for a polished, bookstore-quality print, I highly recommend giving IngramSpark a try!
