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BookBaby BookBaby vs IngramSpark
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BookBaby vs. IngramSpark

Which book publisher should you trust when you decide to self-publish?

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How do you decide which book self-publishing company is right for you?

Choosing a self-publishing company is a tough call to make, especially when you’re just starting out. We frequently get asked which company—BookBaby or IngramSpark—is best for independent authors. “They seem the same to me,” you might say. But that’s far from the truth. Let’s set the record straight about what you get with IngramSpark publishing.

Self-publishing experts

DIY doesn’t have to be lonely

How would you prefer to have your questions answered? A 35-page file preparation guide, or a friendly chat on the phone with a BookBaby publishing specialist? IngramSpark is 100% self-service. That means if you have a question about paper stock or ink density then you’ll have to find it yourself. Just because it’s called self-publishing doesn’t mean you have to do it all yourself.

BookBaby prides itself on its smart and friendly customer support. Our US-based publishing team is standing by to answer any and all of your questions by phone (1-877-961-6878), email, and live chat, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Self-publishing experts

Are you SURE you changed that typo?

IngramSpark uses a fully automated system that directly uploads your files to their printing press. Sounds cool, right? But what if there are errors that need to be addressed before going to print? That can lead to printed books with errors, forcing you to pay double what you expected when you have to re-run them.

All BookBaby book designers are experienced in prepress. They get it right the first time, personally inspecting each and every one of your files to make sure they meet the technical requirements for quality, error-free book printing.

More control. Higher payouts.

More control. Higher payouts.

IngramSpark pays 45-70% of the listing price for printed titles in their book distribution network and only 40% for eBooks.

BookBaby offers Bookshop™, a free online storefront for authors to sell both eBooks and printed books (via Print On Demand) direct to readers. With Bookshop™, you earn 85% of your eBook sales, and printed books can earn up to 3X more than competing retailers. Best of all, you have total control of your very own storefront to help you showcase and sell your work.

Payout comparison

BookBaby IngramSpark
eBook payout 85% 40%
Printed book payout Up to 3x more than competitors 45-70%
Independent authors

More book distributor than publisher

IngramSpark’s goal is to be the biggest book distributor in the world. They are more focused on adding your book to their catalog to help boast their numbers to retailers. Additional services aren’t offered—no editing, cover design, formatting, ISBN assignment or proofing—all essentials to successfully publishing your book.

BookBaby provides, well, all of the above—and at a professional level. No matter where you are in your self-publishing journey, we offer the resources to help you reach the finish line.

Don’t take it from us. Our customers gladly vouch for us.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

If you're not thrilled with our work—whether it's eBook conversion, cover design, or print quality—we'll work with you until you are. That's our publishing promise to you.

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