by Mike Van Horn
I’m currently uploading my books to IngramSpark that are already published on Amazon, so bookstores and libraries can order them. The IngramSpark uploading process is clunkier than Amazon’s. I discovered that having a doc containing key information it requested was a great help. Here are the items you should put on that doc so that you don’t have to go hunt them up in mid-process.
- Your IngramSpark account number
BASIC INFO button
- Title and subtitle
- ISBN. The same ones used on Amazon, but different for print and ebook. You cannot use the Amazon-provided ISBN. I bought a bunch from Bowker.
- Imprint name. (You’re the publisher.)
- Series name and number, if there is one
- Edition name and number, if there is one
- Authors are called “contributors,” since you’re uploading as a publisher.
- Your bio (plus for any other contributors)
- Prior works. Titles. I divided mine by genre.
- Affiliations, e.g., writers’ organizations
- Categories. IngramSpark’s range of categories is narrower than on Amazon.
- Audience. Is AI used?
- Keywords. I used the same ones as on Amazon. (I use Publisher Rocket to identify good categories and keywords.)
- Full book description
- Short description. I used my subtitles.
- Testimonials or reviews from readers
- Table of contents
PRINT INFO button
- Trim size
- Binding
- Number of pages. Don’t forget to include unnumbered front material.
- Spine width and weight (calculated from page count)
- Prices. You need to enter them for US, UK, EU, AU, CDN. On Amazon once you enter for the US, the others are calculated for you. Not on IngramSpark. I copied these from Amazon. Otherwise you must look up exchange rates.
- Discount and return policy. IngramSpark recommends 55% and “Destroy.”
- Enable look inside?
- Publication and release dates
UPLOAD NEW FILE button
- For print books, PDF files for insides and for cover (front, back, spine). My Amazon files worked just fine.
- For ebooks, epub files plus front cover.
DOWNLOAD E-PROOF button. A pdf downloads.
Review the pdf on the screen and approve it. Unless you find glitches.
You have 60 days to make free changed uploads. After that it costs something.
You receive an email when the book is active–or when problems are detected. This takes a few days.
Author
One of my favorite things about BAIPA is its culture of generosity, the willingness — even eagerness — to share what we have each learned in the process of bringing stories to life. We provide educational programs, networking, marketing opportunities, encouragement, and information on industry vendors and services. And lots of one-on-one advice and mentoring.
We welcome all who have an interest in making connections within the world of independent publishing and learning more about how to publish and sell their work successfully. Together we are raising the standard of independent publishing and helping our members thrive.
Do join us!
—Becky Parker Geist, BAIPA Board of Directors, President
Quick Resources
Current BAIPA members do not need to register for our monthly meetings. The night before the meetings, they will receive the Zoom info. For workshop registration, currently, members get in free for all workshops and will receive the Zoom info the night before the meetings, as well as in the confirmation email.