IngramSpark Setup Guide: Distributing with a Custom ISBN
Getting KDP and IngramSpark to coexist? Learn how to upload files, map metadata, and use custom ISBNs across both platforms.
Julian Thorne
Senior Managing Editor
"To make your print book available to bookstores, many authors use both Amazon KDP (for Amazon sales) and IngramSpark (for bookstore distribution). Using a custom ISBN across both platforms is essential to keep metadata consistent."
Core Key Takeaways
- Uploading Files to KDP and IngramSpark
- Mapping Consistent Metadata and Specifications
- Managing Print Files and Pricing Across Platforms
This article is part of our comprehensive guide to Amazon KDP publishing.
1. Uploading Files to KDP and IngramSpark
Use your custom ISBN on both KDP and IngramSpark. Disable expanded distribution on KDP to prevent catalog conflicts with IngramSpark.
- Use your custom ISBN on both platforms to link metadata.
- Disable expanded distribution on KDP to prevent conflicts.
- Ensure files uploaded to both platforms match exactly.
2. Mapping Consistent Metadata and Specifications
Ensure your title, description, keywords, categories, page counts, and trim sizes match exactly on both dashboards to prevent indexing issues.
Publish at Traditional Trade Quality on Your Own Terms
Retain 100% of your royalties, copyright, and creative control while accessing world-class cover designers, CMOS editors, and formatters.
3. Managing Print Files and Pricing Across Platforms
Set consistent retail pricing across both dashboards to avoid retailer warnings about pricing discrepancies.
The Takeaway
Coordinating dual distribution setups requires careful planning. Golden Ivory Publishing manages KDP and IngramSpark setups for premium authors.
Publish at Traditional Trade Quality on Your Own Terms
Retain 100% of your royalties, copyright, and creative control while accessing world-class cover designers, CMOS editors, and formatters.
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