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Options for Print-on-Demand Book Services Apart From IngramSpark
IngramSpark might be the top dog for many print-on-demand services, but it's not the only one in the game. If you're curious about other options, here are a few that we recommend checking out.
Let's Dive into Print-on-Demand
Print-on-demand (POD) is a budget-friendly strategy for independent authors and small or medium-sized publishers to produce and distribute their books. Each book production begins with an order placement. Once the order is processed, the printing, binding, and shipping happen automatically to the customer's doorstep.
With POD, you enjoy the freedom of not having large initial costs for traditional print runs, warehousing struggles, and unsold inventory. Plus, the process is more environmentally-friendly as it eliminates the need for pre-printing and storage.
Top Guns in the Print-on-Demand World - No Loyalty to IngramSpark
Now it's time to explore some of the great alternatives to IngramSpark.
A. Print-on-demand via Our Website
1. Amazon KDP
Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers a POD service for authors who want to leverage the ebook titan's power. Print books typically take 1-3 days to manufacture after ordering. The print-on-demand services are coupled with access to Amazon's physical retail stores in available countries [1].
KDP is an ideal choice for those targeting Amazon shoppers, boasting free listing and the ability to create detailed product pages. The royalty structure ranges from 40% to 60% of the sale price [1]. The downside? KDP doesn’t support magazines, periodicals, or spiral-bound notebooks.
When compared to IngramSpark, KDP offers free setup and various Amazon integrations, but its production time is slower (1-3 days vs. IngramSpark's 3-5 days). On the plus side, IngramSpark provides more format options, including hardcovers with dust jackets [4].
2. Repro India
Repro caters specifically to the Indian market, one of the largest English-language content markets globally. Book production takes up to 7 days with this service.
Authors and publishers can take advantage of Repro's online platform to distribute books directly to major online retailers in India, such as Amazon.in, Flipkart, and Bookscape (Repro's own online store).
It's good to note that Repro is an Ingram partner, providing print-on-demand services to other countries through Ingram [1].
Compared to IngramSpark, Repro focuses solely on the Indian market for distribution, while IngramSpark offers global distribution to bookstores and libraries. Regarding pricing, Repro tends to have lower costs for black-and-white printing (approximately 50% lower than Ingram and 20% lower than Amazon Print). Color printing costs are slightly cheaper than Ingram's and about 50% less than Amazon Print [4].
3. CNPeReading
CNPeReading offers print-on-demand services for authors aiming to penetrate the Chinese market. Distribution includes major Chinese online retailers, such as JD (which captures 30% of the Chinese market) and Dangdang (with 30 million monthly visitors to its online store).
💡Note the distribution requirements to China: After being reviewed internally by the platform team, the book is sent to Chinese importers for mandatory state censorship. We do not have any criteria for the process and are not provided with any feedback. Store editorial teams have the final say on book display, even if it passes censorship, as they unfortunately pick books that align with their audiences [2][5].
How to Access Your Favorite IngramSpark Alternatives
As a valued member of our community, you'll reap all the benefits of the our website book network.
Step 1: Use the AI-assisted Book Metadata Generator to polish your metadata and boost discoverability for your print books and ebooks with industry-standard blurbs and tailored categories.
Step 2: Reach over 39K+ stores for your print books and 240K+ digital libraries for your ebooks with a smooth onboarding process.
Step 3: Monitor your author business from one dashboard, simplifying complex royalty splitting with Abacus.
Step 4: Bank 100% net royalties with the subscription-based aggregation service.
To kick things off, simply Sign in/ Sign up, then select "My Books" from the Dashboard to choose between hardcover and paperback.
Full process here:
At the end, pick your POD service of choice.
B. Other Print-on-Demand Services
1. Lulu
Lulu offers POD services for authors to sell their books through personal stores, in addition to Lulu Bookstore. Authors enjoy royalties of 80% for every sale after printing costs.
Books are typically produced within 3-5 days of ordering. Offered options range from hardcovers and paperbacks to coil bound and linen wraps [1]. There's no minimum order requirement, and authors can set their own profit margins [4].
Lulu vs. IngramSpark
- Lulu's production time (3-5 days) is similar to IngramSpark's, but Lulu also allows you to sell directly through a personal store with integrations for Wix, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Lulu Api [3][4].
- Both services offer a variety of book formats and binding options [3][4].
2. Blurb
Blurb provides a POD service that excels in offering a wide variety of paper types for authors to choose from. Production time typically takes 4-5 business days for printing and binding [1].
Blurb produces books not only in standard formats but also in magazines, notebooks, cookbooks, and photo books with high-quality prints. Photobooks serve graphic novel or cookbook authors well, emphasizing graphics and photos [3].
To create your book on the Blurb platform, you only have to register. The base price will depend on the type of format you'd like to use (photo, paperback, magazine, etc.).
Once your book is created, you have the opportunity to have it listed on Blurb's site or Blurb (provided by IngramSpark) plus other retailers. You can earn 45-64% royalties through this service [3].
Blurb vs. IngramSpark
- Blurb offers its own design software and Adobe integrations, while IngramSpark focuses more on distribution services [3][4].
- Blurb's production time (4-5 days) is similar to IngramSpark's, but Blurb provides a wider range of product types [3][4].
- IngramSpark offers a more robust distribution network, while Blurb provides easy access to an integrated bookstore.
3. Barnes & Noble Press
Barnes & Noble Press offers a POD platform for authors to publish and track sales of their books in various formats. Titles can be accessed through BN.com and NOOK devices [1].
Barnes & Noble vs. IngramSpark
- Barnes & Noble Press provides direct access to BN.com and NOOK devices, exposing authors to millions of readers through stores, apps, and devices [2].
- The production time for Barnes & Noble Press (5-10 days) is slightly longer than IngramSpark's (3-5 days) [4].
- Both services offer a variety of book formats and binding options [3][4].
4. BookBaby
BookBaby provides premium POD services with professional support and a high-quality product. The service charges a $399 setup fee for wide distribution and $149 for the BookBaby shop [4].
BookBaby offers a wide range of book products, including perfect-bound, paperback, and hardback, with both black-and-white and full-color printing options.
Authors retain 50% of the royalties through BookBaby, with extensive distribution including all IngramSpark stores and additional retailers [4].
BookBaby vs. IngramSpark
- BookBaby's production time (3-5 days for orders <500 books) is comparable to IngramSpark's, but BookBaby has a minimum order requirement of 25 books [4].
- BookBaby's distribution network extends to all IngramSpark stores and additional retailers [4].
5. Bookvault
Bookvault is a UK-based POD platform that empowers authors to sell directly and wide. Bookvault's distribution networks include major retailers such as Amazon, IngramSpark, Gardners, and The Great British Book Shop.
Bookvault vs. IngramSpark
- Bookvault offers a free plan, with a setup fee of $25/title compared to IngramSpark's varying setup costs [4].
- Bookvault's royalty range (40-90%) is relatively high compared to IngramSpark, depending on the chosen sales channels [2][4].
- Both services provide access to major retailers, with Bookvault notably including IngramSpark in its distribution network.
6. Acutrack
Acutrack is a book printing and fulfillment service based in the US. Products include paperback, hardcover, spiral-bound, journals, workbooks, calendars, and coloring books in various sizes.
Acutrack vs. IngramSpark
- Orders are shipped within one business day of placement through Acutrack, compared to IngramSpark's 3-5 day production time [4].
- Acutrack has a minimum order requirement, while IngramSpark offers true print-on-demand with no minimums [4].
- Acutrack offers a wider variety of book types, including spiral-bound and coloring books, which are not typically available through IngramSpark [4].
- IngramSpark focuses on wide distribution to bookstores and libraries, while Acutrack emphases e-commerce integration and direct fulfillment [4].
Choose Wisely - Selecting Your Print-On-Demand Provider
When picking the perfect POD provider, consider the following factors:
1. Transparency
Rely on providers who maintain consistent policies and steer clear of sudden changes that could cause hassle for you [4].
2. Production Speed
Expedient processes lead to customer satisfaction and positive reviews. Opt for service providers with efficient production processes to stay competitive [4].
3. Fulfillment Efficiency
Thoroughly evaluate packing and shipping times. Services with carrier partnerships may offer reduced shipping costs. International distribution expands potential markets [4].
4. Retail Connections
A robust network of wholesalers and booksellers increases the likelihood of your book being placed in physical bookstores [4].
5. Book Format Options
Give careful thought to their book formatting possibilities, ensuring that you can meet specific requirements for different sales channels while staying on top of market preferences [4].
6. Proof Quality
High-quality, affordable proofs allow authors to ensure the final product meets expectations before full production [4].
7. Cost Structure
Various POD services have diverse financial models. Some charge no upfront fees but take commissions on each sale, while others require initial payments, allowing authors to retain all profits. Determine which model aligns best with your needs [4].
8. User Feedback
Seek reviews from other authors to gain valuable insights into a service's reliability, quality, and customer support [4].
Wrap Up
While Ingram Spark might be the favorite for many, it's essential to remember that it isn't the only player in town. A world of print-on-demand services is waiting for you to explore, each with its distinct strengths. In our digital era, remember print offers a unique, tangible experience that millions of readers still treasure. Don't miss out on connecting with these readers who cherish the art of holding a book in their hands.
Enrichment Data:
Printrunner is another popular print-on-demand service for self-publishers. It offers custom print solutions for hardcover and paperback books, as well as comic books, calendars, and photo books [4].
When compared to IngramSpark, Printrunner has faster shipping times (1-3 days for standard shipping and 3-5 days for expedited) [4]. It also offers worldwide shipping, making it an appealing option for authors targeting international markets [4].
However, Printrunner has a minimum order requirement of 5 books for standard shipping and 1 book for expedited shipping [4].
On the other hand, IngramSpark's distribution network is much broader, offering access to over 40,000 bookstores in nearly 200 countries [2]. Additionally, IngramSpark has more flexible pricing options, with the freedom to decide on list prices and discounts for each title [2].
Ultimately, selecting the best print-on-demand service depends on your specific needs and priorities, whether you aim for faster production times, a wider distribution network, or a more cost-effective solution [1][4].
Timeless Tip: Review the pros and cons of each service, considering factors such as production speed, transparency, fulfillment efficiency, retail connections, book format options, cost structure, and user feedback [1]. Compare these aspects to weigh your options and choose the ideal print-on-demand service for your publishing journey.
- With print-on-demand services like Amazon KDP, Lulu, Blurb, and others, authors can capture the entertainment value of books by publishing their written works without the need for large initial investments or unsold inventory.
- For those targeting readers in the Indian market or those interested in self-publishing magazines, periodicals, or spiral-bound notebooks, Repro India could be an appealing alternative to IngramSpark due to its specific focus on the Indian market and lower costs for black-and-white printing.
