Ingram Print-On-Demand With PublishDrive
Ingram is a global book distribution company specializing in print-on-demand, boasting a broad reach of over 40,000 stores. As an approved aggregator of Ingram print-on-demand, PublishDrive helps indies to distribute print books online to Ingram plus other networks as swiftly as possible. Let’s review why you should choose Ingram book publishing and how to get started.
What’s Print-On-Demand?
Print-on-demand (POD) is a printing technology and business process that has become a game-changer for indie authors and publishers (especially small to medium-sized publishers). That’s because, with POD, you no longer have to print a ton of books in advance. Instead, you can get a book printed only when an order is made. This allows you to list your book in various stores without having prints in stock. You save money as well as the hassle that comes with printing logistics.
About Ingram (And IngramSpark)
Ingram is one of the largest companies providing print-on-demand products, reaching over 40,000 stores, including big names like Barnes & Noble, Baker & Taylor, and more. IngramSpark is the self-publishing platform you can use to set everything up.
POD has become a popular option across global and regional chain bookstores, independent book retailers, university bookstores, internet retailers, gift retailers, specialty retailers, museum shops, public and school libraries, and more. With Ingram publishing, you can tap into these different markets in no time.
What’s PublishDrive? It’s the only online self-publishing platform you need to sell your book – in all formats, such as print, ebook, and audiobook – in numerous stores around the globe. Get support in book formatting, publishing, marketing, royalty reporting, and beyond.
Is It Worth Publishing to Ingram’s Network?
Ingram is, in fact, the world’s largest network of stores for print-on-demand books. If you ever considered selling print books, Ingram’s network is the place to realize and maximize your selling potential.
Why Ingram via PublishDrive?
With PubishDrive, you can manage and promote not just print but ebook and audiobook formats as well. With a single self-publishing platform, you can reach Ingram’s network as well as other stores like Apple or Google and markets like China. See PublishDrive's full list of stores.
Here’s another thing to know. Ingram doesn’t charge a setup fee for print anymore (it used to be $49). However, they will charge approximately $25 per upload for any revisions after the first 60 days after a title has been approved. With PublishDrive, there are no revision fees.
The Ingram book company also uses a “market access fee” that takes 1% of the list price for every print book sold through its global distribution network. For example: “for a $20 book, the fee will be 20 cents.” This is essentially the royalties you give up. By going to most other aggregators, you will have to pay an additional royalty percentage on top of Ingram’s market access fee. With PublishDrive’s subscription-based aggregation, you get to keep the full royalties you’d earn with Ingram.
Other PublishDrive perks include:
- Simple interface for all book formats. Upload and track your books in all stores, even rankings in places like Goodreads.
- Print formatting support. PublishDrive automatically tackles all print-related formatting requirements for your Ingram books at every store.
- Transparent analytics and sales reports. Track sales in real-time for all stores. Enjoy pre-made sales charts to understand your data.
- Book promotion services. Run ads, get featured spots, collect book reviews easily, and more.
Easy Ingram Print-On-Demand Conversion With PublishDrive
To submit your book for Ingram printing and distribution, you’ll need two files in docx, pdf, or epub (PublishDrive will convert your files for you):
- Book cover design that also includes the back cover, spine, and bleed area.
- Manuscript file that includes all pages of your book.
As long as your files fit under general POD requirements, PublishDrive takes care of the rest. The platform makes sure you meet specific guidelines for every Ingram store. Learn more about print-on-demand requirements.
Here’s how easy it is to get your files uploaded for POD distribution with PublishDrive:
- Upload your manuscript file.
- Provide manufacturing details, like trim size, binding type, cover laminate type, interior color, paper color, number of pages, and whether you’d like to add a copyright page to your book.
- Upload your cover design file (if you don’t have one handy, you can easily create one within PublishDrive’s POD converter.)
For a more detailed look, check out PublishDrive’s print-on-demand converter.
Printing Costs
POD costs include manufacturing and printing. This is basically the cost of developing the cover, binding, and printing pages. These costs differ across printing providers, depending on the number of pages, coloring, and trim sizes.
When it comes to print manufacturing costs, you’d have to cover them. When it comes to distribution, the costs get deducted from the sales price. Then printing costs get deducted from the rest. The result of everything is your royalty earnings.
Here’s an example:
Sell price: $20
Distribution cost: 45%
Manufacturing cost: $6 (based on how many pages, color or black and white, trim sizes)
Author’s compensation: 20 * 45% - $6 = $3
To calculate your actual costs, head to printing costs under your PublishDrive dashboard (free to create an account).
Start Selling Print in No Time
It doesn’t take much to publish POD books and start selling in thousands of channels.
- Sign up for a free PublishDrive account
- Upload your print book
- Add print specifics such as trim sizes
- Add your metadata like author name or retail price
- Enable the stores you’d like
- Hit submit for a quick review by PublishDrive’s industry experts
With PublishDrive, all you need to do is switch on the channels you want to sell in:
With PublishDrive and Ingram, publishing books has never been easier. Reach Ingram’s vast network plus everywhere else: