IngramSpark Review: Don't Make the Same Mistake I Made
- 22 hours ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
A provider of print-on-demand and distribution services, IngramSpark gets a low rating of 1.9 out of 5 on Google Reviews. From me they get 1/5. Personally, as an indie author, I regret publishing with this platform, and I'm not the only one. This post explores what IngramSpark offers, user problems and frustrations, and alternatives to IngramSpark for indie authors seeking a better publishing experience.
What Is IngramSpark and How Does It Work for Indie Authors?
IngramSpark (often called Ingram) is a self-publishing platform ultimately owned by the Ingram Content Group, headquartered in Tennessee, USA. Ideally, the company allows authors to print and distribute their books globally.
It provides print-on-demand services for both paperback and hardcover books, along with eBook distribution. Other self-publishing platforms, such as Draft2Digital and Lulu Books, use Ingram as a distributor.
It's easy to sign up for Ingram, but beware of glitches in the system. When I first tried to fill out the form I got an error message telling me my phone number was not entered correctly. It was. Emailed customer support.
By the time they finished scratching their bellies and got back to me much later, asking for more details, etc, the glitch had been fixed on their end, and I had already made the account. Though I didn't realize it, this little bug was an ominous warning of things to come.
On IngramSpark, Indie authors can upload their manuscripts and cover files, set pricing, and make their books available through Ingram’s extensive distribution network. The network includes bookstores, libraries, and online retailers like Amazon.
The platform promises several benefits:
Wide distribution reach of 40,000 retailers through Ingram’s global network (inc. Kobo, B&N, Amazon, etc) and libraries. Other self-publishers (D2D, Lulu and the rip-off vanity site BookBaby) often use this network.
Print-on-demand services, common today to avoid large upfront printing costs and inventory
Control over book pricing and metadata
Access to professional-quality printing
Sounds great, right?
For many indie authors, IngramSpark seems like a one-stop solution to get their books into the hands of readers, without needing a traditional publisher or going through a middleman who uses Ingram for publishing anyway.
I decided to join IngramSpark because, when trying to sign up to Amazon, Amazon's robot rejected my legitimate ID. On getting hold of a human, I was told they could not override the robot. Apparently the ID issue is a common and known problem, but Amazon is disinclined to do anything about it.
So, since IngramSpark distributes to Amazon, I thought this company would make a great substitute, and they were happy to accept my information. Publishing eBooks was a breeze for the first few, and they showed up on KU within a day or so.
Then, disaster!
And it only got worse when I tried to publish a print book.
IngramSpark Has a Low Rating for a Reason
... so don't make the same mistake I did. Google Reviews gives IngramSpark a 1.9-star rating out of five, revealing a strong pattern of customer dissatisfaction. Here are the main issues reported by users and personally experienced:
1. Technical Issues
Uploading files often causes errors, especially with formatting and cover specifications. For print books, the book remains in processing while Ingram takes days to notify the author if there's a file error.
Other publishing platforms like Draft 2 Digital and Lulu, alert you right away, when uploading your files, so you can fix and resubmit immediately. With Ingram, you upload, wait three days while your file is processing, get an error message, attempt to fix, upload and repeat ad infinitum.
For print books, you must upload a .pdf file of a wraparound cover. Ingram suggests you use their "template", which is an ugly pink picture of the bleed line width and the required measurements for front, spine and back of book, and your ISBN barcode embedded. They send the "template" to you by email. In my case, It not a working template (I'd suggest Lulu Books for an excellent interactive book cover template), just a picture with a lot of extraneous whitespace.
When I tried again at a later date, the "template" maker was completely glitchy, telling me fill in form fields that don't actually exist on the page. I started fresh a few times, with ever increasing annoyance, then gave up before frustration got the better of me. Good thing, because this exact glitch (error message: fill in book type) now appears on forms throughout the site.
I embarked on the (ongoing) quest to make a PDF wraparound cover using the exact specs provided by Ingram. I was able to make a nice one on Canva and submitted it. However, after the book was in processing for a couple of days, Ingram sent me an automated error message. Then, it was back to: attempt to fix, upload, wait three days, get another error message, attempt to fix, upload and repeat ad infitum - or do I repeat myself?
Users often find the platform’s guidelines unclear, causing delays and repeated submissions.
2. Month-Long Wait for Customer Service
Slow or unhelpful customer support is an ubiquitous complaint, and for good reason. There is no customer support phone number. Authors fill out an e-form and suffer through long wait times.
Although you'll receive an email telling you a representative will respond within five days, you'll wait a month or more, often to get generic answers and no resolution to the problem. This lack of support is especially frustrating when dealing with urgent issues like printing errors, pre-orders or distribution problems.
But wait! Ingram has the solution. If you pay $25-$50, you can get faster customer service. The company creates the need by delaying response times, blaming it on workload. This unethical and appalling practice is a clear attempt to push customers into paying for customer service.
Though not a corporation itself, this company is owned by Ingram Content Group, thus operates on a highly corporate level. They're busy with big players, and little indie authors like you and me are just so much drek beneath their shiny heels.
Corporate interests lie only in what financial value they can squish out of you. Like many other companies, the company's people look at financial stats, crunch numbers, and, dwelling in this disassociated realm, have no interest in or empathy with the individual.
3. Quality Control Problems
Several users report issues with print quality, such as poor color reproduction, incorrect margins, or binding problems. This does serious harm to an author's reputation and potential sales if selling, and to personal enjoyment if authors just want a few books printed for friends and family, only to find they paid high-end prices for garbage.
4. Distribution Limitations and Delays
While IngramSpark offers wide distribution, some authors find their books are not listed promptly or correctly on retailer sites. Delays in availability and errors in metadata can affect sales, cause headaches and reduce opportunities for marketing and promotion.
In my case, limitations include print books I uploaded through Draft2Digital, into the Ingram distribution network, and thus to Amazon. However, Amazon hasn't updated some of the books, EVER, and they're full of formatting errors. This effectively sabotages me as an author.
Draft2Digital informed me they have no power over this as it's distributed through Ingram. When I finally got a reply from an Ingram rep, I was told they couldn't do anything either, because Amazon's robots pick the books they want. Ingram has no power in this regard either, causing unsolvable problems for the author.
(Amazon, of course, refuses to respond to me, except to send me into a robotic "customer service" phone and AI-chat loop. With my last dying hope I even sent snail mail to Amazon head office, to be completely ignored. Seems they're all using the same "avoid customer service" playbook here).
5. Complicated Royalty and Payment Processes
Authors often mention difficulties understanding royalty calculations, and delays in payments. Reporting tools used by Ingram can be inadequate for accurately tracking sales.
Alternatives to IngramSpark for Indie Authors
Given these ongoing and worsening problems, many indie authors explore other platforms with similar services but better user experiences.
Some see Amazon as a distinct alternative, but given my experience (for instance, besides the robot domination issue, no customer service, greedy unethical tactics like forcing you to spend $50 on Amazon before you can even leave a review for a book you bought from them - and other complaints), I cannot recommend this platform. It remains the top book retailer online, so if you're interested, Google will find you the information.
Here are my picks (I don't get paid this - picks are based my own personal experience and opinion)
Draft2Digital focuses on eBook distribution but also offers print-on-demand services through partnerships. Benefits include:
User-friendly dashboard
Easy upload
Upload in any common format - D2D automatically generates an .epub file, the standard retail version for eBooks. You need do nothing.
Preview your book right away
Add icons and decorative dividers to your book
Wide distribution to multiple retailers (through Ingram, print only)
No upfront fees; they take a small commission on sales
Preoders: YES
Draft2Digital is praised for excellent customer support and ease of use. I've been using the platform for a long time, and it's a true gem among the rabble of online self-publishing sites.
ISBN (International Standard Book Number): Draft2Digital will give you a free ISBN, but if you plan to publish and sell across multiple platforms, it's better to use your own, dedicated ISBN .
Read my Draft2Digital Review
2. Lulu
Lulu is a print-on-demand and distribution platform. It offers:
No setup fees
Global distribution options (through Ingram)
Variety of print formats and sizes
User-friendly tools for book cover creation, or supply your own .pdf wraparound
No ISBN needed to sell in the Lulu Bookstore
Pre-orders: NO
Lulu’s customer service is rated much better than IngramSpark’s, and through personal experience I concur. This platform also provides more transparent pricing, excellent royalties and a variety of book formats like paperback, hardcover, premium and standard printing, creme paper if desired, and many other options. There is a $5 fee for enabling global distribution, which you don't have to pay with Draft2Digital or Ingram, but it's miniscule compared to some.
ISBN: To sell in the Lulu Bookstore, you don't need one. For global distribution, you need your own ISBN, or Lulu can give you one for free.
Read my Lulu Review
3. Blurb
Caveat emptor - I haven't personally tried this site yet myself. Reports and ratings are highly variable.
Blurb specializes in high-quality photo books, art books, and trade books. It offers:
Easy-to-use design software
Print-on-demand with premium options
Distribution through Ingram's network
Pre-orders: YES
Blurb is ideal for authors who have visually rich content, and want better control over design and print quality. From what I'm seeing, it's great for photo books, image-heavy projects, and people who want to order smaller quantities of their own books, for personal enjoyment.
If selling, a major drawback is that if a book is published, it cannot ever be edited again, and can only be unpublished. This reason is enough to turn me off this platform, but you might find it useful if your book is perfectly edited and will never need any more.
ISBN: To sell exclusively through the Blurb bookstore, you don't need an ISBN. For global distribution, or if you're publishing a trade book (like a fiction novel) you do. They'll provide one, or you can use your own.
What Indie Authors Should Consider When Choosing a Platform
Choosing the right self-publishing platform depends on an author’s specific needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Ease of use: Look for platforms with clear instructions and intuitive interfaces.
Customer support: Responsive and helpful support can save time and frustration.
Cost transparency: Understand all fees before committing.
Print quality: Order proofs to check quality before wide distribution.
Distribution reach: Consider where your target readers shop.
Royalty and payment clarity: Ensure you can track sales and payments easily.
Trying out multiple platforms with a test project, reading recent user reviews and merciless due diligence can help authors make informed decisions. When I picked Ingram, I did not choose wisely. Be sure you don't make the same mistake.
Happy Writing!
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