Draft2Digital vs. Amazon KDP vs. IngramSpark: Which Self-Publishing Platform is Right for You? As an indie author, choosing the right self-publishing platform is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Platforms like Draft2Digital, Amazon KDP, and IngramSpark all offer unique features and cater to different aspects of the publishing process. While they all help you publish your book, each has its strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.
In this article, we’ll compare Draft2Digital, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), and IngramSpark across key factors like ease of use, distribution, royalties, print-on-demand options, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which platform best aligns with your publishing goals.
Overview of the Platforms
Here’s a quick snapshot of what each platform offers:
Ease of Use
Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital is widely regarded as the most user-friendly platform for indie authors. With a clean, intuitive interface, even first-time authors can navigate the publishing process with ease.
The platform also offers free formatting tools, making it simple to convert your manuscript into eBook or print-ready formats.
- No upfront fees for publishing.
- Automated tools like back matter creation and universal book links simplify your work.
- No advanced technical knowledge required.
Amazon KDP
Amazon KDP is relatively straightforward for eBooks, but its print-on-demand setup can be a bit more complicated, especially if you’re unfamiliar with formatting trim sizes, bleed, or margins.
- Offers tools like the Kindle Create app to assist with formatting eBooks.
- Print books require more attention to technical details.
- No upfront fees to publish.
IngramSpark
IngramSpark is geared toward professional publishers and authors, so the platform has a steeper learning curve.
Formatting your files for print, setting up metadata, and navigating their platform requires more attention to detail.
- Requires professionally formatted files (both interior and cover).
- Charges setup fees ($49 for print or $49 for eBook, or $49 for both as a bundle).
- Customer support is less responsive compared to the other two platforms.
Winner: Draft2Digital is the easiest platform to use, especially for first-time authors.
Distribution
Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital distributes your book to multiple retailers and libraries, making it a strong choice for wide distribution.
- Distributes to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Scribd, and Tolino.
- Includes library systems like OverDrive, Bibliotheca, and Hoopla.
- Optional distribution to Amazon, though many authors prefer to use KDP directly.
Draft2Digital allows you to opt out of specific retailers, giving you flexibility in your distribution strategy.
Amazon KDP
Amazon KDP is the undisputed king of eBook sales, especially in the U.S. and U.K. markets.
Publishing through KDP gives you access to Kindle Unlimited, a subscription-based service that allows readers to borrow your book.
- Exclusive to Amazon’s ecosystem if you enroll in KDP Select (90-day exclusivity).
- Limited to Amazon for print books.
While Amazon’s market share is massive, it doesn’t reach non-Amazon retailers like Apple Books or Kobo.
IngramSpark
IngramSpark excels in print book distribution, particularly to brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries.
- Print books are distributed through Ingram’s global distribution network, which includes independent bookstores and libraries.
- EBook distribution includes Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play Books, among others.
- You can choose to distribute exclusively through IngramSpark or combine it with other platforms like KDP.
Winner: Draft2Digital offers the widest eBook distribution, while IngramSpark is the best for print books in physical stores.
Amazon KDP dominates the Kindle ecosystem.
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Royalties
Draft2Digital
- Draft2Digital takes 10% of the retail price per sale.
- You keep 60%–70% of your royalties, depending on the retailer.
- Monthly payments via PayPal, direct deposit, or check.
Amazon KDP
- eBooks: 70% royalty rate for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99; 35% for books outside this price range.
- Print books: You keep 60% of the retail price minus printing costs.
- Payments are made 60 days after the end of the month in which the sale occurred.
IngramSpark
- Royalties for print books are 40% of the retail price minus printing costs, leaving you with 60% minus wholesale discounts.
- EBooks typically offer a 70% royalty rate.
- Payments are made monthly but take 90 days after the initial sale.
Winner: Amazon KDP offers the best royalty rates for eBooks, while Draft2Digital is competitive and offers flexibility.
IngramSpark royalties are lower for print books due to wholesale discounts.
Print-On-Demand (POD) Options
Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital offers print-on-demand services with limited customization options:
- Includes print distribution to IngramSpark’s network.
- Authors can order print copies at cost.
- Fewer trim sizes and customization options compared to IngramSpark.
Amazon KDP
Amazon KDP is a popular choice for print-on-demand books due to its ease of use and affordability:
- Offers paperback printing (no hardcover options yet).
- Print books are sold exclusively on Amazon.
- You can order author copies at a low cost.
IngramSpark
IngramSpark is the gold standard for high-quality print-on-demand:
- Offers paperbacks, hardcovers, and dust jackets.
- Wide range of trim sizes, paper types, and binding options.
- Better suited for authors looking to sell their print books in physical stores.
- Charges setup fees and revision fees.
Winner: IngramSpark is the best option for professional-quality print books.
Amazon KDP is ideal for Amazon-only print sales, while Draft2Digital offers a simpler but less customizable POD solution.
Exclusivity
Draft2Digital
No exclusivity requirements. You can distribute your book on any platform, including Amazon KDP, without restrictions.
Amazon KDP
You can publish non-exclusively, but if you enroll in KDP Select, you must agree to a 90-day exclusivity period for eBooks. This means you cannot sell your eBook on other platforms while enrolled in KDP Select.
IngramSpark
No exclusivity requirements, so you can combine it with other platforms like Draft2Digital or KDP.
Winner: Draft2Digital and IngramSpark provide more flexibility, while Amazon KDP requires exclusivity if you want to use Kindle Unlimited.
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Fees
Draft2Digital
- No upfront fees for publishing.
- Takes 10% of the retail price per sale.
Amazon KDP
- No upfront fees for publishing.
- Keeps a portion of royalties depending on the retail price.
IngramSpark
- Charges a $49 setup fee per book (print and eBook combined is also $49).
- Charges revision fees ($25 per update).
Winner: Draft2Digital and Amazon KDP are free to use, while IngramSpark involves higher upfront costs.
Final Verdict: Which Platform Should You Choose?
- Choose Draft2Digital if you want wide eBook distribution, ease of use, and basic print-on-demand options without upfront costs. It’s ideal for new authors who value simplicity and flexibility.
- Choose Amazon KDP if your focus is on Amazon’s massive market, Kindle Unlimited, or affordable POD paperbacks. It’s the best platform for maximizing sales on Amazon.
- Choose IngramSpark if you want high-quality print books, hardcover options, and distribution to bookstores and libraries. It’s the go-to platform for authors prioritizing professional print production.
Many authors use a combination of these platforms: publishing eBooks on Draft2Digital or KDP and print books through IngramSpark. This approach allows you to leverage the strengths of each platform to reach the widest possible audience.
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