Yes, IngramSpark does distribute to Amazon. But... When you publish through IngramSpark, your book is made available to Amazon along with a wide network of retailers, libraries, and bookstores. However, this process is not instant. Once your book is listed through IngramSpark, Amazon pulls the data and creates its own listing, which can sometimes take several days to appear.
Delays often happen due to how books are handled in warehouses. If someone orders your book from Amazon but it is distributed by Ingram, Amazon may mark the book as “out of stock” or “temporarily unavailable” because they need to request it from Ingram’s network. This back-and-forth between warehouses can lead to longer delivery times, sometimes up to 2–4 weeks.
To minimize these delays, some authors use Amazon KDP for direct distribution on Amazon while relying on IngramSpark for broader distribution to bookstores and libraries. This approach ensures your book is readily available on Amazon while still benefiting from Ingram’s extensive network.
When it comes to distribution, Ingram and Amazon each offer distinct advantages, but they cater to different markets and audiences. Ingram’s vast global network reaches independent bookstores, libraries, and various other retailers, making it an excellent option for authors seeking to get their books into physical stores and international markets. Their distribution channels also extend to online retailers, so your book can be available on multiple platforms beyond Amazon, which is crucial for authors aiming for wide, diversified exposure.
On the other hand, Amazon's distribution is primarily focused on its own ecosystem, offering a straightforward process for reaching millions of customers worldwide via the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. While Amazon provides a dominant online presence, it does not have the same reach in physical stores and libraries as Ingram, which may limit an author’s ability to diversify sales channels.
Therefore, understanding these differences is essential for authors to make informed choices about which distribution method aligns with their goals, whether that is maximizing online sales or expanding into physical and international markets.
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