KDP vs IngramSpark for Print Covers

When you are ready to publish a book, there is a good chance you will be looking at two major platforms: Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark. Both offer global print-on-demand distribution, but they differ in important ways - especially when it comes to cover design. If you are an author preparing your first print edition, understanding these differences will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

Below, I will walk you through the key things to know about KDP vs IngramSpark, focusing specifically on what matters for your print cover: trim sizes, costs, spine tolerances, barcodes, and which option might fit your publishing goals best.

Trim Sizes and Paper

KDP has a more limited range of trim sizes compared to IngramSpark. Amazon offers the most popular industry standards (like 5×8, 5.5×8.5, 6×9), which is perfect if you are writing a novel, memoir, or business book. The paper options are also straightforward - cream or white, matte or glossy cover finish.

IngramSpark, on the other hand, gives you much more flexibility. If you want to publish in a less common trim size, produce a hardcover, or select specialty papers, IngramSpark opens those doors. This is often why professional publishers lean toward Ingram: the flexibility in trim sizes and materials can help your book feel more unique or aligned with bookstore expectations.

As a designer, I often remind authors: think about your audience and where your book will be sold. A 6×9 paperback works beautifully for KDP sales on Amazon, but if you want to impress bookstores or libraries, Ingram’s wider range is worth considering. You can see how I prepare different formats in my book cover design portfolio.

Costs and Turnaround

Here is where the two platforms diverge in personality.

• KDP has no upfront cost. You upload your files, hit publish, and your book is live on Amazon within 72 hours. You can order author copies at a low print cost plus shipping, usually arriving within a week (depending on your location).

• IngramSpark charges setup fees (unless you catch one of their free-upload promotions). The printing costs can be slightly higher than KDP, and shipping often takes longer.

The difference might sound small, but it impacts your launch plan. If you are aiming for speed and affordability, KDP is hard to beat. If you are planning a traditional-style rollout where you need advance review copies months ahead, IngramSpark’s professional distribution system will make more sense.

Spine Tolerances and Barcodes

This is the area where I see most new authors get tripped up.

• KDP print cover specs are a bit forgiving. Their template generator is easy to use, and they allow more tolerance for spine width shifts. But this also means that on some printed copies, the spine text might appear slightly off-center.

• IngramSpark cover templates are stricter. Their spine tolerances are tighter, and if your file is even a hair off, it will be rejected. The upside is consistency: when approved, Ingram books tend to look cleaner and more polished.

Barcodes are another point of difference. KDP automatically generates a barcode for you, and you cannot change its placement. IngramSpark gives you the choice: you can supply your own barcode or let them add one. This extra control matters if you want to design a back cover with specific branding or imagery.

If you would like to see how I prepare covers to meet these specifications, visit my cover design packages.

Amazon Vs. IngramSpark

Which Platform Fits Your Launch

So, which should you choose - KDP or IngramSpark? The answer depends on your publishing vision.

• If your main goal is Amazon visibility, low cost, and speed, KDP is the simplest route. Your book will be available to millions of readers quickly, and you can order proof copies with ease.

• If you are aiming for bookstore placement, libraries, or a more professional presentation, IngramSpark is worth the extra effort. Their distribution network is wider, and their cover specs push your book closer to traditional publishing standards.

For many indie authors, the ideal strategy is a combination of both: use KDP to access Amazon directly (with better royalties), and also publish through IngramSpark to reach bookstores and libraries. Yes, this means preparing two separate print cover files, but the payoff is a professional, flexible launch.

If you are unsure which option fits your goals, I describe my step-by-step approach on the Publishing Guidance page, which may help you decide what level of support you need.

Final Thoughts - KDP vs IngramSpark

Designing your print cover is about more than just aesthetics—it is about meeting each platform’s technical requirements so that your book prints beautifully, every time. Whether you choose KDP, IngramSpark, or both, knowing these differences will help you plan ahead and avoid last-minute surprises.

If you are preparing your book cover and want professional support to make sure it passes both platforms’ checks, I would be glad to help. Explore my cover design packages or browse my book cover portfolio to find the service that fits your publishing journey.