Everything You Want to Know About Setup for Selling on Ingram Spark and KDP

Setting up a pre-order with IngramSpark primarily involves correctly inputting the dates and enabling distribution during the regular title setup process.

Here is a step-by-step guide for setting up a print book (paperback or hardcover) for pre-order on IngramSpark:

🚀 Pre-Order Setup Guide on IngramSpark

Phase 1: Preparation (Before Logging In)

Before you start the title setup, you should have the following finalized:

1. Your Own ISBN: You must use your own purchased ISBN (not a free one provided by a retailer like KDP) to properly control your metadata and distribution.
2. Print Specifications: Determine your final trim size, paper type, cover type (matte/gloss), and estimated total page count.
3. Final Files (Highly Recommended): While you can use placeholder files to set up the pre-order, it is strongly recommended to use your final, print-ready interior PDF and cover PDF before enabling distribution. If you use temporary files, Ingram could print and ship that version if an order comes in early.

Phase 2: Title Setup & Metadata

1. Log In and Start a New Title:
   • Log in to your IngramSpark account.
   • Click “Add a Title” and select “Print Book Only” or “Print Book and Ebook.”
   • Follow the prompts to confirm your files are ready.
2. Input Title Information:
   • Enter your Title, Author(s), and your ISBN.
   • Fill in all required metadata, including your imprint (publisher name), book description (blurb), categories (BISAC codes), and keywords. This information will be used by retailers to create your pre-order page.
3. Define Print Specs & Pricing:
   • Select your physical book specifications (trim size, interior ink, paper type, etc.). These specs are tied to the ISBN and cannot be easily changed.
   • Set your Retail Price and the Wholesale Discount (e.g., 55% is generally recommended to get your book into bookstores).
   • Set your Returnability Status (Returnable is recommended for bookstore orders, but be aware of the associated fees/risks).

Phase 3: Setting the Pre-Order Dates

This is the most critical step for enabling pre-orders.

• Publication Date:
  • Enter the date you want your book to officially release and be available for readers to receive. This date must be in the future.
• On-Sale Date:
  • Crucially, set the “On-Sale Date” to be the same exact future date as your Publication Date. The On-Sale Date is the earliest date retailers are allowed to sell the book. Setting them to the same future date is what signals to the distribution network that the book should be listed for pre-order until that date.

Phase 4: Files and Distribution

1. Upload Files:
   • Upload your final interior PDF and final full wrap cover PDF.
   • Wait for IngramSpark’s system to validate your files.
2. Review the eProof:
   • Once your files are processed, you will be prompted to view and approve a digital eProof.
3. Enable Distribution:
   • During the approval process, you will be given an option to approve the title for yourself (to order physical proofs) or to “Approve for Printing and Distribution.”
   • Click the option that enables distribution. This is the final step that sends your book’s metadata and future dates out to the retailers.

⏳ Timing and Follow-Up

• Retailer Lag: After you enable distribution, it can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks for your book’s pre-order page to populate on major retail sites, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others. The metadata often appears before the cover image.
• Final File Deadline: Since Ingram starts printing pre-orders roughly 30 business days before the On-Sale Date, you must have your final, final approved files uploaded and the eProof approved at least a month before your release date to ensure all pre-orders get the correct version.

How to coordinate your pre-order between IngramSpark and Amazon KDP for a smooth launch

Since Amazon KDP Print does not offer print book pre-orders, using IngramSpark is the standard method for getting your print book available for pre-order on Amazon and other major retailers/libraries.

The key is in the order of operations and managing distribution rights.

🤝 KDP and IngramSpark Pre-Order Coordination Strategy

The goal is to utilize IngramSpark’s distribution to list the pre-order on all platforms (including Amazon) and then have KDP take over fulfillment on Amazon after the release date for improved royalties.

Step-by-Step Coordination Timeline

Phase 1: 6+ Weeks Before Release Date

1. Buy Your ISBN(s): Purchase your own ISBNs (one for paperback, one for hardcover, one for the ebook, if desired). Never use a free KDP-assigned ISBN for the print book.
2. Set Up KDP Print (DRAFT):
   • Go to KDP and create your print book listing using your own ISBN.
   • Upload your final files.
   • DO NOT click “Publish.” Keep the status as a Draft.
   • Crucially: DO NOT select KDP’s “Expanded Distribution”—this is what conflicts with IngramSpark.
3. Set Up IngramSpark (PUBLISH for Pre-Order):
   • Follow the guide from the previous answer: set your Publication Date and On-Sale Date to the same future release date.
   • Use the SAME ISBN as the KDP Draft.
   • Upload your final files and approve the eProof.
   • Enable Distribution.

Result: IngramSpark sends the metadata (including the future release date) to its network, and retailers (including Amazon) will create a product page showing your print book is available for pre-order.

Phase 2: 1-4 Weeks Before Release Date

1. Monitor Retailers: Check Amazon and other major retail sites (Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org) to confirm your pre-order pages are live.
2. Marketing: If you wish, consider running a pre-order marketing campaign.

Phase 3: Release Day (Publication Date)

1. Publish KDP Print: On your official release day (or shortly after), log into your KDP Print account.
   • Go to your print book Draft listing.
   • Click “Publish Your Paperback Book.”
   • Amazon will recognize the matching ISBN and automatically link your newly published KDP version to the existing product page that was created by IngramSpark.
2. Sales Flow Switch: Once the KDP version goes live, Amazon will automatically prioritize its own KDP printing/fulfillment for direct Amazon sales, giving you the higher KDP royalty. IngramSpark will still handle any pre-orders placed before the launch date and will continue to handle all sales to non-Amazon retailers (bookstores, libraries, etc.).
3. Ebook Launch (KDP): If you set up an Ebook pre-order on KDP, the file will be delivered to customers, and the book will go live for new sales.

This method gives you the best of both worlds:

• Print Pre-orders and Global Distribution via IngramSpark.
• Higher Royalties on Amazon sales via KDP.