What Is the Best Book Printing Service? Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark for POD Printing

If you’re getting ready to publish your book, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is how to print it. Should you use Amazon KDP? IngramSpark? Both? Or something else entirely? With so many print-on-demand (POD) options available, it’s not always clear which one makes the most sense for your goals, your budget, or your timeline. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between the most popular platforms—and introduce a third option that might be better suited to personal projects or premium-quality books.

My Experience Helping Authors Print Their Books

I’m Michael Pietrobon, founder of Foglio Custom Book Specialists, and I’ve spent over ten years helping authors design, format, and publish their books. One of the most common questions I get is:

“What’s the best way to print my book?”

For most authors, the choice comes down to two major print-on-demand services:

Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.

I’ve helped dozens of authors publish their books on both platforms—and sometimes, both at the same time. This guide will help you understand which one is right for you based on your goals, budget, and distribution needs.

Quick Comparison: Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences between the two top POD printing platforms:

• Cost to Upload
  Amazon KDP: Free
  IngramSpark: Usually $49 per title (but often offers free promo codes)

• Print Quality
  Amazon KDP: Good but limited options (paper, trim sizes, no dust jackets)
  IngramSpark: Higher quality with more options, including hardcovers and colour interiors

• Where Your Book Is Sold
  Amazon KDP: Only on Amazon (plus “expanded distribution” which few bookstores use)
  IngramSpark: Amazon + bookstores, libraries, and retailers worldwide

• Royalties
  Amazon KDP: 60% of list price, minus print costs
  IngramSpark: Around 40–45%, minus print and wholesale discount costs

• Bookstore Access
  Amazon KDP: Not welcomed by most indie bookstores
  IngramSpark: Accepted by bookstores and libraries through Ingram’s network

• Best For
  Amazon KDP: Fast, simple setup for Amazon-only distribution
  IngramSpark: Wider reach and better quality for bookstore visibility

Amazon KDP: Easy and Free for Amazon Sales

If your goal is to get your book on Amazon quickly, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is the easiest place to start. It’s free to use and lets you print both paperbacks and hardcovers.

Pros:

• No upfront fees

• Books appear on Amazon within 72 hours

• Royalties are clear: 60% of your list price (minus print costs)

• Simple dashboard and tools

Cons:

• Limited trim sizes and print options

• Not accepted by most independent bookstores

• “Expanded distribution” rarely results in sales outside of Amazon

Learn more about Print-on-Demand with KDP.

IngramSpark: The Best for Bookstore and Library Distribution

If you want your book available beyond Amazon, IngramSpark is a smart choice. It connects to over 40,000 bookstores and libraries through Ingram’s global network.

Pros:

• Better print quality and more options (including dust jackets and colour)

• Books can be ordered by indie bookstores, libraries, and schools

• Lets you set returnability and wholesale discounts

Cons:

• Uploading costs $49 (unless you use a free code)

• Royalties are lower than KDP due to distribution cuts

• Slightly steeper learning curve

We often recommend using both platforms—KDP for Amazon, IngramSpark for everything else. Our Publishing Packages include support for both.

What Independent Bookstores Think

This is important: most indie bookstores won’t carry books printed through Amazon KDP. Even if your book is available through KDP’s “expanded distribution,” stores generally don’t order from it.

But they will stock books printed through IngramSpark. That’s because Ingram is the same distributor they already use to order books from traditional publishers.

If bookstore sales or library placements are part of your goal, IngramSpark is the better fit.

Looking for Short-Run or Premium Printing?

If you’re not planning to sell your book publicly—say, you’re writing a memoir, family history, or personal project—print-on-demand may not be your best option.

You might want:

• A small number of books (25–100 copies)

• High-end finishes like spot UV, foil stamping, or linen covers

• Custom trim sizes or colour inserts

• Smyth-sewn binding for durability

In that case, your best option is custom book printing through Foglio.

We work with trusted printers to deliver premium, short-run books with the kind of care and quality most POD platforms can’t match.

Learn more about Custom Book Printing

Conclusion: Use the Right Tool for the Job

There’s no single best POD printing service—it all depends on what you need.

• Want fast, simple Amazon sales? → Use Amazon KDP

• Want your book in stores and libraries? → Add IngramSpark

• Want a short run of beautiful, gift-quality books? → Choose Custom Printing

If you’re unsure what’s right for your project, let’s talk.

Schedule a free consultation and get expert advice based on your book, your timeline, and your goals.

Book your consultation now

Whether you’re publishing for the world—or just your loved ones—Foglio can help you make it real.