How to Self-Publish Your Book with Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark
So, you’ve written a book. First of all, congratulations! That’s no small feat, and you deserve to bask in the glory of having your thoughts, stories, or expertise captured in words.
But what now? Traditional publishing can be a maze of rejections, long wait times, and frustrating compromises. I spent two years trying to publish my book the traditional route. I had 3 different literary agents represent me, before dropping the project for one reason or another. I used a wonderful company called The Reading List Editorial to help me along the way. This is a legitimate husband and wife team who can help you every step of the way without scamming you. Be EXTRA cautious with this process, as there are literally thousands of publishing scammers out there who will take your money and your rights for the book.
Thankfully, self-publishing is here to save the day.
With platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark, you have all the tools you need to turn your manuscript into a published book. These platforms allow you to maintain control over your work, set your own pricing, and reach readers worldwide. Let’s break down how to self-publish your book step-by-step and get it into the hands of readers.
Step 1: Prepare Your Manuscript
Before you upload anything, your manuscript needs to be polished. This is your time to shine, so make sure your book is the best it can be.
Edit, Edit, Edit: Whether you hire a professional editor or enlist the help of trusted beta readers, your manuscript should be free of typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies. A polished book stands out. Nothing will deter readers like excessive typos! I used a few different editors, the main one being Red to Black Editing. This team was incredible to work with. I also used ChatGPT later on to find any errors or grammatical mistakes. I also used Teresa Crumpton for my books. I would highly recommend any of these resources.
Format for Success: Both KDP and IngramSpark have specific formatting requirements. For KDP, you’ll need a .docx or .epub file for eBooks and a print-ready PDF for paperbacks. IngramSpark’s print books also require a PDF, but their eBook setup accepts .epub files. You can hire a company to help with this part (like The Reading List Editorial), or use a program like Vellum. I have done both ways!
Design Your Cover: Your cover is the first thing readers will notice, so it needs to be professional and eye-catching. KDP has a free Cover Creator tool, but hiring a designer or using tools like Canva or Adobe InDesign can elevate your cover to the next level.
Step 2: Choose Your Platforms
Why use both KDP and IngramSpark? Each has its strengths:
KDP: Perfect for Amazon, which dominates eBook sales. It’s free to publish on KDP, and you’ll earn royalties of up to 70% for eBooks and 60% for paperbacks after printing costs.
IngramSpark: Ideal for getting your book into physical bookstores, libraries, and other online retailers. While IngramSpark has setup fees (around $49 for eBooks and print books), it offers a broader distribution network.
By using both platforms, you’re maximizing your book’s reach!
Step 3: Set Up Your Book on Kindle Direct Publishing
Create an Account: Head over to Kindle Direct Publishing and sign up. If you already have an Amazon account, you can use it to log in. Do NOT create more than one account, or they can ban you from publishing on their website in the future. Read the terms and conditions when creating your account if you want to have a serious future as an author.
Enter Your Book Details: Click “Create” and choose between Kindle eBook or Paperback. Fill in the title, subtitle, series information (if applicable), and author name. Add a description that hooks readers—this is your pitch!
Upload Your Manuscript and Cover: Follow KDP’s guidelines to ensure your files meet their specifications. Use their previewer tool to check how your book will look on Kindle devices and in print.
Set Pricing and Royalties: Choose a price for your book and decide whether to enroll in KDP Select, which gives you access to Kindle Unlimited readers but requires exclusivity for eBooks.
Publish: Once everything looks good, hit “Publish,” and your book will be available on Amazon within 72 hours.
Step 4: Set Up Your Book on IngramSpark
Create an Account: Visit IngramSpark and sign up. This platform is a bit more complex than KDP, but their resources and customer service are helpful.
Enter Your Book Information: Provide the title, author name, and other details. IngramSpark will also ask for metadata, like keywords and BISAC categories, to help retailers and libraries find your book. You will need an ISBN number for this platform, so you might as well purchase and use the same one for Amazon as well.
Upload Your Files: Use their file upload tool to add your print-ready PDF and/or .epub file. IngramSpark’s file requirements are strict, so double-check their guidelines or use their file review service to avoid errors.
Set Pricing and Distribution: You’ll set wholesale discounts (typically 55% for retailers) and decide whether you want to allow returns. While returns can boost your chances of getting into bookstores, they come with risks since unsold books are returned at your expense.
Approve and Publish: After reviewing your files and settings, approve your book for distribution. It may take a week or two to appear in retailers’ catalogs.
Step 5: Market Your Book
Self-publishing means you’re in charge of your marketing. Here’s how to get started:
Build Your Author Platform: Use social media, a personal website, or an email list to connect with readers. TikTok is particularly good for this.
Leverage Amazon: KDP offers promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and free eBook promotions (if you’re in KDP Select).
Reach Out to Bookstores: Use IngramSpark’s distribution network to approach local bookstores. Provide a sell sheet and offer to host a signing event.
Reviews Matter: Send copies to book bloggers, influencers, or friends who can leave honest reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
Paid Ads: Consider running ads on Amazon or social media platforms. Start small and test what works before scaling up.
Step 6: Monitor and Adjust
After your book is published, the work doesn’t stop. Keep an eye on your sales and reviews, and be willing to adapt your strategy. For example:
If your book isn’t selling, revisit your keywords, description, or pricing.
If your reviews mention a recurring issue, consider updating your manuscript.
Stay active on social media and engage with your readers.
You Can Do This
Self-publishing might seem overwhelming at first, but platforms like KDP and IngramSpark make it accessible for anyone with a story to tell. The key is to take it one step at a time. Focus on creating a polished book, leveraging the strengths of both platforms, and building a marketing plan that suits your goals.
And remember: you’re in control. This is your book, your journey, and your chance to share something meaningful with the world. So take a deep breath, dive in, and enjoy the process. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send me a message!
Your readers are waiting.
