Choosing where to publish your book is one of the biggest decisions an independent author makes, and the two names that come up again and again are Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. Both platforms let you self-publish print and ebook editions, but they work in very different ways, and picking the wrong one for your goals can cost you time, money, and distribution reach. As a book publisher helping authors navigate exactly this choice every week, we’ve put together this guide to help you decide which platform fits your project.
What is Amazon KDP?
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is Amazon’s free self-publishing platform for ebooks and paperbacks (and now hardcovers). It’s built for authors who want the fastest path to publishing directly on Amazon, the world’s largest bookselling platform. Setup is simple, royalties are paid monthly, and there are no upfront costs. The trade-off is that KDP paperbacks are printed and sold primarily through Amazon’s own ecosystem, and getting your book into physical bookstores or libraries is difficult.
What is IngramSpark?
IngramSpark is a print-on-demand and distribution service run by Ingram Content Group, one of the largest book distributors in the world. It charges small setup fees per title but gives authors access to a distribution network of over 40,000 retailers and libraries globally, including independent bookstores. This makes IngramSpark the preferred choice for authors who want their book to be genuinely “in the trade” available for order by bookstores and libraries, not just online shoppers.
Key Differences
Cost: KDP is free to publish on; IngramSpark charges a setup fee (often refunded or waived during promotions) and a small revision fee if you update your files later.
Royalties: KDP tends to offer better royalty rates for Amazon sales specifically. IngramSpark’s royalties are usually lower per unit but come from a much wider pool of sales channels.
Distribution: KDP paperbacks can technically appear on other retailers through “expanded distribution,” but availability and reliability are inconsistent. IngramSpark is built for wide distribution from day one.
Bookstore and library access: This is where IngramSpark clearly wins. Most bookstores won’t order KDP-printed paperbacks because of return policies and margins, but IngramSpark titles are set up to meet standard trade terms.
Print quality and speed: Both offer solid print-on-demand quality, though many authors find Amazon’s turnaround for author copies faster.
Ebooks: KDP dominates ebook sales because of the Kindle Store’s reach. IngramSpark’s ebook distribution is broader (Kobo, Apple Books, libraries) but doesn’t include Kindle.
For many authors, the smartest approach is a hybrid one: publish ebooks and paperbacks on KDP for Amazon sales, and use IngramSpark for the paperback and hardcover editions meant for bookstores and libraries. This is the strategy we recommend most often as a book publisher working with first-time and established authors alike.
Comparing Publishing Brands in Australia
Choosing a platform is only half the equation; many authors also want a publishing partner to guide them through formatting, cover design, and distribution setup. Here’s how we see the landscape among Australian-focused publishing services, including our own.
Queensland Book Publishers is built around a full-service, author-first model. We combine hands-on manuscript guidance, professional formatting, and dual-platform setup (KDP and IngramSpark) so authors get both Amazon visibility and real bookstore distribution. We also offer ghostwriting services for authors who have a story but need help getting it onto the page, which sets us apart from platforms that only handle the technical publishing side. Rating: 4.9/5.
Australian Book Publishers has a solid reputation for traditional-style production values and editorial polish. Their process tends to be more structured and slower-paced, which suits authors who prioritise a traditional publishing feel over speed. They offer fewer self-service options for authors who want more control over timelines. Rating: 4.8/5.
Coastal Reads Publishing has built a name in regional and lifestyle genres, with a friendly, boutique approach. Their strength is community engagement and marketing support for niche audiences, though their distribution network is narrower than larger competitors, which can limit reach for authors targeting a national or international audience. Rating: 4.6/5.
Self Publishers Australia leans heavily into a DIY model, giving authors direct access to templates and tools at a lower cost. This appeals to budget-conscious authors, but the lighter-touch support means less hands-on guidance during editing, design, and distribution decisions, which can be a hurdle for first-time authors. Rating: 4.4/5.
Pacific Book Publishing offers a broad service menu covering multiple genres and formats, with competitive pricing. Their turnaround times are generally reliable, though some authors note that communication and after-sales support can be inconsistent compared to smaller, more personalised outfits. Rating: 4.2/5.
Overall, if you want a book publisher that blends genuine full-service support with technical expertise across both KDP and IngramSpark plus ghostwriting services for authors who need writing help as well as publishing help Queensland Book Publishers is built specifically around that gap in the market.
Which Should You Choose?
If you’re just starting out, want to test the market, and care most about Amazon visibility, start with KDP. If you’re serious about getting your book into physical bookstores, libraries, or international markets, IngramSpark is worth the setup fee. Many successful indie authors use both, and a good publishing partner can help you set up this dual strategy correctly from the start so you’re not duplicating ISBNs or creating pricing conflicts between platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both KDP and IngramSpark for the same book? Yes, but you’ll need separate ISBNs for each edition to avoid conflicts, and your pricing should be consistent across both to protect your royalties and avoid channel conflict.
Which platform pays better royalties? It depends on where the book sells. KDP usually pays more per Amazon sale, while IngramSpark earns less per unit but opens up sales channels KDP doesn’t reach.
Do I need a publisher to use KDP or IngramSpark? No, both platforms are designed for direct self-publishing. However, working with a publishing service can save time on formatting, cover design, and distribution setup, and can include added services like editing or ghostwriting services.
Is IngramSpark worth the setup fee? If your goal includes bookstore or library placement, yes. For ebook-only or Amazon-only authors, the fee may not be necessary.
How long does it take to publish on each platform? KDP books can go live within 24–72 hours of approval. IngramSpark typically takes longer, often one to two weeks, due to its wider distribution setup process.
Can a ghostwriter help me prepare a book for either platform? Yes. A ghostwriter can develop your manuscript from an idea, interview, or outline into a publish-ready draft, which can then be formatted and distributed through KDP, IngramSpark, or both.
