Hey there, fellow writers! I’m Allison Spinner, author of The Lost Girl: An Everlane Story, The Things We Cannot Change (a story about the ghosts created by addiction), and two collections of flash fiction. If you follow me, you know I frequently share self-publishing tips and advice—and I always encourage you to ask your questions!
Recently, someone left a great question on one of my self-publishing videos, and I thought it was worth dedicating a post to the topic:
Can you publish through multiple sources, like a hard copy through IngramSpark and an ebook through Amazon?
The short answer? Yes, you absolutely can! In fact, there are good reasons why you might want to consider doing exactly that. Let’s break it down.
Why Publish Through Multiple Sources?
Publishing through multiple platforms can be a strategic move, depending on your goals. Here are a few key reasons you might consider it:
- Kindle Unlimited Requirements:
If you want your ebook to be part of Kindle Unlimited, Amazon requires exclusivity. This means you must publish your ebook exclusively on Amazon and can’t distribute it on other platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, or Google Play. So, if Kindle Unlimited is part of your marketing plan, publishing your ebook through Amazon is non-negotiable. - Reaching Bookstores:
If you want to make your paperback or hardcover available in bookstores or give bookstores the ability to order your book, you’ll need to go through IngramSpark. They specialize in making physical books available to independent bookstores, libraries, and other distributors that Amazon may not reach as effectively. - Hardcover Options:
While Amazon has started rolling out hardcover publishing, IngramSpark has had this option available for a while. Depending on what you prefer for your book format, this may influence your choice.
My Strategy: Both Amazon and IngramSpark
Personally, I use both platforms for physical books—Amazon for ease and speed, and IngramSpark for wider distribution. Here’s why:
- Printing & Shipping Speed: Amazon tends to print and ship author copies faster, which can be crucial during busy times like the holiday season.
- Affordability: Amazon is often a little less expensive when it comes to printing costs.
- Bookstore Availability: IngramSpark, on the other hand, allows your paperback or hardcover to be ordered by bookstores and libraries, which helps extend your reach.
That said, there’s a unique challenge I encountered when using both services, and it’s something to keep in mind.
A Note on Author Copies
When I first published a book through IngramSpark and then tried to order author copies from Amazon, I ran into an issue. Amazon detected that a listing for my book already existed on IngramSpark, and they restricted my ability to order author copies early.
Amazon gave me this message:
“It looks like you’ve created a listing on IngramSpark, so we cannot let you order author copies early.”
Effectively, this meant I had to wait until my book’s publication date to order directly from Amazon.
Luckily, I was able to order my author copies through IngramSpark in time for my launch party. So while it all worked out, this is a potential delay to be aware of if you’re planning an event or need physical copies quickly.
Kindle Unlimited Considerations
If you choose to enroll your ebook in Kindle Unlimited (KU), you’ll need to abide by Amazon’s exclusivity requirement. This means your ebook cannot be available on other digital platforms like Kobo, Apple Books, or Google Play.
For some authors, this tradeoff is worth it because Kindle Unlimited gives you access to a large audience of avid ebook readers. For others, the exclusivity rule feels too restrictive. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on your publishing and marketing strategy. Personally, I often choose to go with Kindle Unlimited, but it’s entirely up to you.
Simplifying Your Learning Process
If you’re overwhelmed by the various publishing platforms and options (I know it can be a lot!), I’m here to help. I’ve shared tons of tips and advice on this topic across my videos and posts, but I understand that tracking down specific advice can be a hassle.
To make things easier, I created a space where you can:
- Connect with other writers and ask questions
- Use the search bar in the top right to search for topics
- Sign up for a free trial of TribeScribe and use the AllyChat feature to pick “my brain” and get instant answers.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to publish through multiple sources, like IngramSpark for print books and Amazon for ebooks. If anything, it’s a smart way to cover all your bases and maximize your reach.
That said, there are nuances to consider, like author copy timing and Kindle Unlimited exclusivity, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons for your specific situation.
Got more self-publishing questions? Feel free to drop them in the comments!
Reference:
Watch the original video here.