IngramSpark is a powerful platform for self-publishing print and ebooks—but it also comes with some hidden traps that can seriously derail your launch if you’re not careful.

Whether you’re an author uploading your own book or a coach supporting others through the process, it’s easy to get caught off guard by issues that cost time, money, and momentum.

Here are 8 practical tips that will help you avoid the most common pitfalls—and get the smooth, professional release your book deserves.

If you’re a book coach or editor guiding authors through self-publishing, I’ve created a handy checklist gathers all the key information into one place, complete with hints. Complete the form if you’d like a copy to share with your clients.

1. Upload the paperback and ebook separately

Why: IngramSpark lumps the paperback and ebook together during setup. If there’s a problem with either file, neither will publish. You can’t delete just one! You have to delete BOTH, and start from the beginning. I personally can’t see a benefit from grouping them. Please let me know if there is one!

Pro Tip: Upload print first, make sure it’s accepted, then create a separate project for the ebook.

2. Don’t trust the automated file validator

Why: IngramSpark is very forgiving with file quality—even if the book has errors. The KDP instant review only catches the most basic errors. It will take a day or two before the real KDP reviewer responds. And then it’s too late to update your IngramSpark file.

Pro Tip:If you’re also publishing on KDP, use KDP’s stricter checks first. Fix any issues KDP catches, then upload that clean version to IngramSpark.  KDP doesn’t charge for file corrections and changes even after publishing!

3. You need different ISBNs for each format

Why:ISBNs are format-specific at IngramSpark. Ebooks and print books will need separate ISBNs.

Tip: Free ISBNs from KDP won’t work on IngramSpark!

To be able to use the same ISBN on multiple platforms, ALL the following need to stay the same: title, subtitle, author name, contributors, trim size, binding type, interior type (black & white or colour), paper type, edition number, publication date, language, format (e.g., paperback or hardcover), and publisher name.  PLUS the content must be substantially the same (you can fix typos).

4. Plan for slow turnarounds

Why: IngramSpark takes days (and days) to process uploads and updates, especially during busy periods. You should only start IngramSpark after you have both AI and human reviewer approvals from KDP.

Tip: Factor in a longer lead time for launches or updated files. IngramSpark don’t allow last-minute fixes like KDP.

5. Distribution choices are permanent (almost)

Why it matters: Once you’ve chosen global distribution, especially with Amazon, you can’t undo it easily. If you plan to use your own website, Shopify or Ingram Spark for distribution, don’t tick that “Extended Distribution” checkbox on KDP! Changing your distribution model later may require taking the book down and republishing, and even losing the ISBN.

Pro tip: Think long-term. Decide upfront whether you want IngramSpark to distribute to Amazon or let KDP handle that, especially to avoid conflicts or duplicate listings. If you don’t expect a lot of sales, it’s easy to put your book up on your own website, and buy copies of print only books from IngramSpark (who offer better print quality and more options than KDP)

IngramSpark uses the Ingram Book Distribution network, which is widely trusted by bookstores, libraries and academic institutions. Many retailers will not order from Amazon (KDP’s Extended Distribution), because they don’t want to support a competitor, they get worse wholesale discounts and they have return limitations.

6. Metadata mistakes can haunt you

Why it matters: Your book description, categories, and keywords feed into Ingram’s retailer network. Errors or weak metadata can damage discoverability. They may also cause an “ISBN in use” problem – see above.

Pro tip: Make sure your title, subtitle, contributor names, and description are clean, keyword-rich, and match your brand. Once it’s in the global catalogue, it’s hard to pull back.

Ask here for my easy checklist to stay on track.

7. You pay for every file change

Why it matters: IngramSpark charges for every file update 60 DAYS after the first upload, even for tiny fixes. That makes trial-and-error expensive.

Pro tip: Use a checklist and keep it up-to-date. Double- and triple-check everything—interior, cover, subtitle, ALL metadata, even pricing—before you click “Submit”. Use KDP for a free test run first.

8. Print price break points are sightly different

Why it matters: Print prices are high, and you want to maximize your budget. A slight change to the book size might help your profitability. Or will it?
Pro tip: Print price is per page, and it only has two pricing categories under paperbacks – regular and large. once you go over this size, it doesn’t matter if it’s a mm over, or 2 inches, the cost per book won’t change.

What’s the breakpoint?

• According to IngramSpark’s guidelines, trim sizes larger than 6.14 x 9.21 inches (156 x 234 mm) are subject to higher per page printing costs.
• An Amazon KDP  paperback is considered Large Trim Size if it exceeds 6.12 inches (155 mm) in width, or 9 inches (229 mm) in height.
• A 6.13″ x 9″ book would be considered large at KDP, but regular at IngramSpark.