Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your IngramSpark Account

Before You Begin: Gather Your Information

You’ll need these items ready before you start:

• Valid email address
• Credit or debit card (kept on file for ordering copies and any revision fees)
• Bank account information OR PayPal (US publishers) for receiving royalty payments
• Tax ID number (your SSN works fine if you’re not operating as an LLC) or EIN if you have a business entity

Step 1: Create Your Account

Go to ingramspark.com and click “Create Account.” Enter your name, email address, and create a password. Be careful with the information you enter here since it can be difficult to change later.

Step 2: Accept Policy Agreements

You’ll need to review and accept various policy agreements covering Ingram’s relationships with retail partners and terms of use.

Step 3: Complete Your Account Setup

This is the critical step that trips up many publishers. You must complete ALL account setup tasks before you can upload your first title. Your dashboard will show you what’s still needed.

Enter your:

• Banking information (for receiving payments from book sales)
• Credit/debit card details (for charges like revision fees)
• Tax information (complete the required tax forms)
• Shipping and returns addresses

Step 4: Verify Everything Is Complete

Look at your dashboard. If the button says “Set up your account” instead of “Upload a Title,” you haven’t finished the setup process. Go back and complete any missing items.

ISBN Options for US Publishers

For authors and publishers based in the United States, there are three options for acquiring an ISBN: purchase an ISBN directly from your IngramSpark account when setting up your book at a discounted rate ($85). Receive a free ISBN, non-transferable, and owned by IngramSpark. IngramSpark, or purchase your own ISBNs directly from Bowker.

My strong recommendation: Buy your own ISBNs from Bowker so you remain the publisher of record.