After a nightmare of an experience, I no longer work with IngramSpark. Watch my latest video on them to see why: ruclips.net/video/RDRryxTX30M/видео.html Want to learn how to format your book so InDesign won't reject it? Check out my book formatting course here: bit.ly/formattingcourse
One of the most informative and useful self-publishing presentations I have seen. Ingram Spark publishing is quirky and Mandi's detailed experience allows her to explain the difficulties in detail.
Where were you 6 years ago! I'm an author, blue collar worker, parent, totally overwhelmed by the business of publishing. I'm still failing at publishing, thanks for this tutorial !
Tip: If you belong to the Alliance of Independent Authors you will get free codes for IngramSpark, including revisions. If you put the ALLi logo on your website you will get the money back for your annual fee. Win, win. If you upload your IngramSpark print book, the ISBN will work for Amazon. Not the other way round! So don't start with Amazon first. Start with IngramSpark. I do have issues with IngramSpark. My readers are complaining of small print, despite the size of font and book being correct, and also being the same as Amazon. (Have sent an email off to ALLi.) I also agree that eBooks should be done elsewhere.
Wow! This has been the most helpful video I've found on IngramSpark. My first book (which comes out next week!!) is published on IngramSpark and I didn't have much trouble like most people (thankfully) but I for sure learned a lot from you in this video. I even went and made some quick changes before the book comes out because now I understand the platform a bit better. This video couldn't have come out at a better time. Thanks for the in-depth explanation! (They really aren't user friendly lol)
Thank so much for this video. I recently began publishing on IS, after two books went live, others has been pending under processing for 2 weeks now. Please what can I do?
I've had a LOT of issues with IngramSpark, which is why I wanted to sit down and create this tutorial video for you all to make sure YOU don't make the same mistakes I have. Let me know in the comments below if there were any tips helpful to you, or if you have your own tips you want to add! I'd like to point out that perhaps the most important part of this video is how to do pre-orders for your print book. You can watch this part of the video at 25:09.
@@cralston800 me too! I uploaded my book but I am locked out of my account! I’ve tried to get in but the reset process takes me around in circles. At this point I want to just close my account.
Thanks for the colour profile tip. That was an easy fix. I was trying to figure out where I went wrong in photoshop, but you saved me some time there - many thanks.
Thank you Mandi, you were QUITE HELPFUL! What an eye-opener. As a graphic designer, I too am building clientele for digital book publishing. So glad to have found you, and I will be watching your other videos to help broaden my perspective on publishing. Much appreciation.
Thank you so much for making this video! It's so hard to find the info you covered here, and I literally just followed this video as I uploaded my book files. You're the best!
Thanks for a helpful video. I uploaded my first book to KWP w no issues, then went to repeat the process on IS and found it a bit confusing. I searched on RUclips and found your video.
Great video! My biggest problem with trying to publish my children’s book is that I can’t figure out how to upload my interior files and have type and artwork fit on page correctly. The guide they provide for the cover is helpful. Do they have a similar guide for how my interior pages should be setup in a 8.5x8.5 illustrated children’s book?
Everyone told me not to publish my book through IngramSpark but my curiosity got the better of me. Alas, my worst fears were not only confirmed but this company is far worse than the reviews would suggest. And RUclipsrs are outright lying about the benefits of IngramSpark. It is simply not worth your time dealing with idiots at work. Publishing a book through this company is almost next to impossible due to poor setup of features and idiotic criteria. And that is working from the comfort of a desktop PC with a 30-inch monitor rather than a cumbersome laptop or mobile device. In addition to these, the site logs you out as soon as you close a tab and you must log in again on. But, when you do, the system frequently blocks you out and locks your account. In fact, I got locked out multiple times over the course of just a couple of days while uploading my ebook at a turtle's pace due to the ridiculous features. Each time you get locked out, you must ask for a new password to be sent and then create a new password every time!! I ended up doing exactly that until I got fed up with such nonsense and simply chose not to pursue. If logging into your account becomes impossible, how can one even manage their account. Stay away from this company. Rather use Draft2Digital, which has just as big a global footprint but makes publishing your book and managing it a cakewalk.
Great video. I really appreciate it. You're right. Not very user friendly and I'm so careful (being a 1st timer) about avoiding costly mistakes. It's insane how much it costs to publish a book to begin with. It's like you HAVE to get Bowker's 10 ISBN deal and write 10 more books to balance the cost. Sheez.
Thank you so much! Quick question - for the ISBN it gives you the option to purchase one from Bowker, but doesn't seem to have an option to put in a previously purchased ISBN from a different source... if you already have one (and you want it to correspond if you're publishing across more than one platform) how do you do that?
This is really helpful. I had lots of problems with them too and the problems continue as it doesn't look like any copies have sold as it just says data not available which is really upsetting as its been there since Christmas. Its really upsetting as the book raises money for epilepsy charities and when it sold better when a kind publisher who sadly passed away from covid 18 Months ago sold it
Thanks for all the content. Great job and lots of interesting topics! Couple questions: 1. I publishing a biz book and I'm using the inspiration from Show Your Work - Austin Kleon. The thinking is there are lots of boring biz books and I'm trying to make this one a little more fun and hopefully informative. I am considering going with the square (6X6) cut size. Do you know of any distribution issues with this particular book size? The cost really isn't that different. 2. I'll probably only do the book in paperback and I would like to extend the cover to include a flap on the front (can be used to mark your place in the book) and a flap on the back cover as well. Does ingramspark do that kind of thing with covers and if so is it prohibitively expensive? Thanks again for all the information you provide! Best, Jim
I loved your video, Mandi! I watched it until the end and subscribed to your channel. May I ask you what software or system you use for screen recording? I loved how the tutorial was recorded.
Hi, love your channel-- your videos have helped me so much!! For the IngramSpark cover template feature it makes you enter your ISBN. But if I do this (enter my ISBN to use their cover template)-- does that mean I have to publish with them? In other words, if I do that then I can't use my ISBN to publish my book somewhere else? Or does that not apply, because I haven't published anything yet. Thank you!
So a bookstore can theoretically bankrupt an author by ordering a few thousand copies only to return them after some time? Is there no safeguard against this?
You say that you have to pay a fee to upload a newer version, but is that only AFTER your availability launch date? When we set the date to launch, and then after that date, is that when you have to be careful about uploading new material....or is it after the first time you launch?
How do you cap how many books a bookstore can order to avoid being put in debt by them returning the book? Do book stores reach out to the publisher/author to do an ad campaign or in store event to avoid having unsold inventory?
Question: So I set my paid ISBN to Forthcoming when I set it up prior. Then I uploaded the book to Ingram Spark and set the publication date to that same day usually. Do I then just to go Bowker to change the ISBN to active record?
Hi Mandi, thanks so much for this video. I'm really stuck right now. I've used the book builder tool and uploaded my book and cover but I cannot find the page/button/ area to go back and input the keywords and all of that information. It's so frustrating-there seems to be no tab or button to do that. I've read that keywords etc can be altered and updated so there must be a button for that somewhere?
@@nikkypage2728 Hi Nikky, I didn't get an answer but I figured it out. I had started with the wrong item/choice of program right at the start, but I'm sorry I can't remember now what that was it was so long ago haha.
This was very helpful! I do have a question though, and Ingram has been less than helpful in answering any of my questions, plus it takes a week for them to respond, so, I figured I’d see if you know. My children’s book has a publication/on sale date of 4/7/23. I actually was going to stop this and move the sale date because I had a fairly big revision to make on the interior and I also wanted to change the price of the book. I got an email saying 21 books were ordered! I have no idea who ordered them and if they’ve been shipped out. Will this cause a lot of problems if I move the sale date out another month and put another revision in? How do I go about cancelling these orders? Should I even bother? It’s just 20 🤷🏼♀️ Please help. Thank you!
Aren't IngramSpark's subjects based on BISAC? It may also be worth mentioning that IngramSpark excludes some countries from its list of options for contributors, most notably Russia. (This is important to know because if you begin typing the name of any country in that box it becomes impossible to leave it blank.)
how do you perfect your files with KDP and then convert them to a pdf to upload to Ingram as you suggested. Do you have instructions on this as a streamlined process somewhere else?
Thanks this was very helpful. Are you available to help with Ingramspark troubleshooting issues I am having? I had a book designer upload my children's book. It's all good and I have ordered copies for family and friends. But now I am trying to enable distribution and having a heck of time, numerous error messages. Ingramspark support is almost nonexistent. All I want is to be able to get my book to Amazon, brick and mortar stores are not as important. Any tips? I made a mistake in the pricing for Australia and now I can't even change it. Very frustrating.
Thanks so much for this! I was wondering what the difference was between my Amazon KDP account and Ingram. Apparently, you need to have an Ingram if you want to sell it in stories? It's weird...
A question I have regards where you speak of publishing on Ingram Spark and then it appearing on Amazon. What is the connection. My book is already on Amazon. What then?
Thank you for your help! I’ve published on Amazon, but this is my first year with my own publishing company. I actually ghostwrite books for clients and publish them. Im wondering who do you have edit your books?
Good video. Quick question, have you ever made any changes to your cover print finish (gloss vs matte) or any other simple edits to the print setup? I changed mine from Matte to Glossy and it said I had to re-upload the interior files and the cover files again just for the COVER PAPER FINISH or Binding type (Laminate hardcover, or Cloth with Dust Jacket) change. A minor change such as this should really not require having to wait several more days for another e-Proof when nothing with the interior has been changed. Any experience with this issue? Thanks in advance.
Great video! Thanks for sharing. I'll be uploading my first book on there in the next few weeks so this is great timing :) Do I need to put a barcode on my cover or does Ingramspark add this?
IngramSpark has a cover template generator. You put in your book's info and ISBN and download the template. On the template is the ISBN you need to use on your cover.
hi mandi lynn, thanks for your helpful videos! ..two questions: would a library require a book to be 'returnable' to increase the likelihood they'll purchase it? and could you also clarify - would they too require the 55% wholesale discount?
Dear Mandi, have you ever had a problem with Ingramsparks flagging ISBNs that you purchased from Bowker as "the print ISBN is already in use" despite the book you are setting up being that particular Title that same ISBN is assigned to?
Hi Mandi, great video! I'm so happy that I subscribed to you channel. Extremely helpful :) Question - I have published my children's book on KDP with my own ISBN. I didn't select expanded dist. When I upload to IngramSpark, do I need to inform KDP (to transfer files) or will Ingram inform them? Thanks
Mandi Lynn my first submit to Ingram Spark my words were cut off the page in the interior! Not sure how to fix this other than making the font smaller. I’m dying to know your advice! If you can text me I would message you separately and privately. I’m sure you know how it is working alone as a self-publisher
Hi, so I had this same issue pop up for me on Ingram Spark, the only thing is that when I do what you said..like going to "properties" then to "custom"...there's nothing to delete under "custom"...so why would I get that message from Ingram? Thanks
This was so helpful! If I wanted to publish a hardcover and a paperback version, would I just go through these steps twice, once selecting paperback and once selecting hardback? Also if I do that, will it give me two separate and free IBSN numbers, or am I only allowed one? 😊
I WISH I had seen this before I tried to use IS. I am trying to cancel, remove my book draft from IS and it's off my title page HOWEVER, KDP still shows it as listed there and won't allow be to click Expanded Distribution in KDP. I can't even find an email to reach out to IS. Can you help me?
Hi Mandi. Thanks for your help with this video. I already have a Bowker ISBN number for this book, Parenting Scholar Athletes which is registered per Bowker for this book. However, when I try to upload, it says the number is already used. I'm uploading both print & eBook to Ingramspark. This book and ISBN print number is already used on Amazon. Do I need to purchase another number? I have a new ebook ISBN # for the ePub. Thanks for any information you might have. I have sent in an email but all they do is send me articles.
I used a different ISBN for IngramSpark for print like the eBook version to solve my problem. After speaking to Bowker, in not so many words, they are aware that IS makes people nuts over using the ISBN number with Amazon KDP then with them. After my initial purchase with Bowker of one ISBN for KDP, I purchased the handful when needing a new one for my electronic version. Because Bowker can't come out and say anything about IS, he did say that "IS does business the way they want to do business." Got it! Thanks Bowker! And thanks Mandi. I would love to donate to you and your videos. So appreciate you help on uploading. By watching, I was ready to upload quickly and easily by being prepared like you mentioned. Thank you so much!
Thank you for this so helpful! Question, do I need to approve my files to enable pre orders for my paperback book? It won’t let me enable distribution but I’m planning to change the files so I don’t want to approve them
You have to approve the files to do a pre-order because they need something to print in case you don't update the files. Unfortunately this means you have to hit approve and then pay their fees again when you upload the new files (which you should upload ten business days before the release date)
Thank you, this was video was so helpful! I have a question about cover colors. I made sure my cover was in CMYK, but the physical copy has darker, more saturated colors that don't look like the PDF proof at all. Are there colour values that I have to change? What exactly does the cover need for CMYK? Thank you so much!
I do plan on using IngramSpark bc I want that hardcover with the dust jacket. Do you have to have the adobe software to upload your covers? Is there a way you can get by without using it? I tend to suck at that program lol 😂 I’m trying to do as much homework as I can with IngramSpark bc I know it can be a tricky platform to work with.
I only know how to remove the color profiles using Adobe Acrobat, but it's not a nessicary step. IngramSpark will still accept the files. All you need is PDF files to upload your cover, how you design it is up to you.
Mandi: thanks for the video. Question: The content files, does this include Title Page, Copyright page, Gratitude page, and manuscript? All should be downloaded together?
Hi! Soo, I heard that now IngramSpark is free to upload your book, does that apply to updates as well? Also thank you for the videos, they are very helpful!
IngramSpark has abolished fees for uploading titles. The immediate result of this is that support is now taking 6 days to respond to emails. Hopefully this will improve in the upcoming weeks.
I made a big mistake. Approved my eproof (it was all correctly aligned and no typos, page numbers good, etc) and then I enabled distribution. Then it hit me! My book is in black and white not color!! (When creating the title I hit black and white). Since I already enabled distribution I am under the impression I need to cancel distribution and upload a new title with a new ISBN? Is this correct? Obviously huge error on my part but I don't want stores buying my book with the illustrations in black and white. Please advise!
Mandi, thanks for the incredibly informative video! I appreciate you providing a quick solution to the 'color profile" issue. I have a question. I've received the following error message when trying to publish my epub: "missing required element 'reference' RSC - 005.' I have no idea how to fix this. My epub was formatted on Fiverr. Would you recommend contacting the formatter? Or is there an easier fix? Thanks a million for any info you can provide, much appreciated!! Zoe
I can't create payment method paypal in ingramspark website. It asks to add debit card details but it shows error (FDC problem, transaction cannot be completed, violation of the law. D93)
As always, super helpful! Quick question. This is my first time using IngramSpark, so I was wondering if when I upload my cover, I should leave all the white space/measurements that come with the template and Ingram will know to delete them? Or should I only be uploading the actual cover part of the template? Thanks!
Can anyone help me? I’m trying to upload on ingramspark and it will not allow me to continue to the next step. There is no error issues or any errors coming in. I tried to re fresh the page and sign in and out . I’m in the process of uploading the book and it will not allow me to press the continue button. Please and thank you
Color Profile Question- What if you are trying to correct the color profile issues, but when you go to customs in Adobe there aren't any properties to delete? what do you do?
I am having an issue with the embedded fonts. I combined two images for the front and back. The fonts were embedded in both images. Once I combined the images the fonts are not embedded and it is referencing a different fonts. Please help!!!
Thank you Mandi for a brilliant video. I am trying to understand the whole Ingram Spark after a reviewer recommended that I should be on B&N, so that is why I'm looking at this. - I see that they have an office in the UK (I'm in ireland) so that is ok for me to use? The returns (if I choose that option) would presumably come back from the UK office? And in your example, (aside of location) there is a $20 charge for a return but does that include the print cost??
And question 2: my novel is already out on amazon (ebook + PPback) since end 2021, so what will happen if Ingram Spark distributes same book (with different ISBN as I got the free ISBN from amazon upon setting up) will I loose out on royalties? thank you kindly for your time in answering.
Mandi, thanks for this. I am seeking a simple/easy formatting program. I've tried a few and returned them including the latest...Atticus. They are user unfriendly and convoluted. I don't understand why there can't be a simple program like WIX uses for websites. Any suggestions?
If I have already published a hardcover on KDP and I want to publish a hardcover with jacket on IS, should I assign a different ISBN since technically the format is different?
Hi Mandi! Quick question because I’m confused. I’ve approved my Ingram proofs, but did not select to enable for distribution yet. When I click to “enable distribution” will that make my book available immediately or is that was kickstarts preorders? My publishing date is April 12th. Also, are preorders only through Amazon or through other retailers like B&N too?
After a nightmare of an experience, I no longer work with IngramSpark. Watch my latest video on them to see why: ruclips.net/video/RDRryxTX30M/видео.html
Want to learn how to format your book so InDesign won't reject it? Check out my book formatting course here: bit.ly/formattingcourse
Are we able to do a case matted/ Laminate hard cover with a glossy dust cover?
One of the most informative and useful self-publishing presentations I have seen. Ingram Spark publishing is quirky and Mandi's detailed experience allows her to explain the difficulties in detail.
Glad it was helpful!
Where were you 6 years ago! I'm an author, blue collar worker, parent, totally overwhelmed by the business of publishing.
I'm still failing at publishing, thanks for this tutorial !
Have you successfully published your book?
I love your down to earth step by step explanations.
Tip: If you belong to the Alliance of Independent Authors you will get free codes for IngramSpark, including revisions. If you put the ALLi logo on your website you will get the money back for your annual fee. Win, win.
If you upload your IngramSpark print book, the ISBN will work for Amazon. Not the other way round! So don't start with Amazon first. Start with IngramSpark.
I do have issues with IngramSpark. My readers are complaining of small print, despite the size of font and book being correct, and also being the same as Amazon. (Have sent an email off to ALLi.)
I also agree that eBooks should be done elsewhere.
Wow! This has been the most helpful video I've found on IngramSpark. My first book (which comes out next week!!) is published on IngramSpark and I didn't have much trouble like most people (thankfully) but I for sure learned a lot from you in this video. I even went and made some quick changes before the book comes out because now I understand the platform a bit better. This video couldn't have come out at a better time. Thanks for the in-depth explanation! (They really aren't user friendly lol)
Glad it was helpful!
Thank so much for this video. I recently began publishing on IS, after two books went live, others has been pending under processing for 2 weeks now. Please what can I do?
Excellent video. Very helpful! Thanks!
Loved this video!! Sooo amazing! I learned a lot! Soo useful! Thx for sharing!!!
Thank you so much for this - great, friendly, and thoughtful explanation.
I've had a LOT of issues with IngramSpark, which is why I wanted to sit down and create this tutorial video for you all to make sure YOU don't make the same mistakes I have. Let me know in the comments below if there were any tips helpful to you, or if you have your own tips you want to add! I'd like to point out that perhaps the most important part of this video is how to do pre-orders for your print book. You can watch this part of the video at 25:09.
Is there any way I can privately message you! I’m having a crisis with Ingram Spark
@@cralston800 me too! I uploaded my book but I am locked out of my account! I’ve tried to get in but the reset process takes me around in circles. At this point I want to just close my account.
I’ve had so much concerns about this uploading on IngramSparks that I enlisted my friend’s help.
Thanks for your ingenious help and insight.
I’m going to Order your book to show support
Thank you! Hope you love it!
Thanks for a helpful video. I have not used Ingram Spark before.
Thanks for the colour profile tip. That was an easy fix. I was trying to figure out where I went wrong in photoshop, but you saved me some time there - many thanks.
Glad it helped!
Thank you Mandi, you were QUITE HELPFUL! What an eye-opener. As a graphic designer, I too am building clientele for digital book publishing. So glad to have found you, and I will be watching your other videos to help broaden my perspective on publishing. Much appreciation.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for making this video! It's so hard to find the info you covered here, and I literally just followed this video as I uploaded my book files. You're the best!
Glad it was helpful!
Question. Do people buying your books or pre ordering books in Ingram Spark need an account there? Is there guest login?
This was such an awesome tutorial!!! Thank you soooo much for making IS make sense!
Thanks for a helpful video. I uploaded my first book to KWP w no issues, then went to repeat the process on IS and found it a bit confusing. I searched on RUclips and found your video.
Amazing presentation and easy to understand.
Great video! My biggest problem with trying to publish my children’s book is that I can’t figure out how to upload my interior files and have type and artwork fit on page correctly. The guide they provide for the cover is helpful. Do they have a similar guide for how my interior pages should be setup in a 8.5x8.5 illustrated children’s book?
Pretty savvy information. Thanks for sharing!
Everyone told me not to publish my book through IngramSpark but my curiosity got the better of me. Alas, my worst fears were not only confirmed but this company is far worse than the reviews would suggest. And RUclipsrs are outright lying about the benefits of IngramSpark.
It is simply not worth your time dealing with idiots at work. Publishing a book through this company is almost next to impossible due to poor setup of features and idiotic criteria. And that is working from the comfort of a desktop PC with a 30-inch monitor rather than a cumbersome laptop or mobile device.
In addition to these, the site logs you out as soon as you close a tab and you must log in again on. But, when you do, the system frequently blocks you out and locks your account. In fact, I got locked out multiple times over the course of just a couple of days while uploading my ebook at a turtle's pace due to the ridiculous features. Each time you get locked out, you must ask for a new password to be sent and then create a new password every time!! I ended up doing exactly that until I got fed up with such nonsense and simply chose not to pursue.
If logging into your account becomes impossible, how can one even manage their account.
Stay away from this company.
Rather use Draft2Digital, which has just as big a global footprint but makes publishing your book and managing it a cakewalk.
Great video. I really appreciate it. You're right. Not very user friendly and I'm so careful (being a 1st timer) about avoiding costly mistakes. It's insane how much it costs to publish a book to begin with. It's like you HAVE to get Bowker's 10 ISBN deal and write 10 more books to balance the cost. Sheez.
Very informative!
Thanks Mandi. Very good!
Very helpful. Thank you so much.
I am tearing my hair out and this is already SO helpful, thank you so much for this.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much! Quick question - for the ISBN it gives you the option to purchase one from Bowker, but doesn't seem to have an option to put in a previously purchased ISBN from a different source... if you already have one (and you want it to correspond if you're publishing across more than one platform) how do you do that?
This is really helpful. I had lots of problems with them too and the problems continue as it doesn't look like any copies have sold as it just says data not available which is really upsetting as its been there since Christmas. Its really upsetting as the book raises money for epilepsy charities and when it sold better when a kind publisher who sadly passed away from covid 18 Months ago sold it
Thanks for all the content. Great job and lots of interesting topics!
Couple questions:
1. I publishing a biz book and I'm using the inspiration from Show Your Work - Austin Kleon. The thinking is there are lots of boring biz books and I'm trying to make this one a little more fun and hopefully informative. I am considering going with the square (6X6) cut size. Do you know of any distribution issues with this particular book size? The cost really isn't that different.
2. I'll probably only do the book in paperback and I would like to extend the cover to include a flap on the front (can be used to mark your place in the book) and a flap on the back cover as well. Does ingramspark do that kind of thing with covers and if so is it prohibitively expensive?
Thanks again for all the information you provide!
Best,
Jim
Mandi Lynn you are such an inspiration to me, I would love to connect with you and speak more.
I loved your video, Mandi! I watched it until the end and subscribed to your channel. May I ask you what software or system you use for screen recording? I loved how the tutorial was recorded.
I just use Free Cam
Hi, love your channel-- your videos have helped me so much!! For the IngramSpark cover template feature it makes you enter your ISBN. But if I do this (enter my ISBN to use their cover template)-- does that mean I have to publish with them? In other words, if I do that then I can't use my ISBN to publish my book somewhere else? Or does that not apply, because I haven't published anything yet. Thank you!
Hi Mandi! Great video. For some reason, there is no option for me to upload the cover for my hardbook book. Any idea what's going on?
Thanks for this video. I was going to us IS, but then I got accepted to D2D Print. So I’ll use them, but it is good to know more about IS.
Let me know what you think of Draft2Digital's print edition! I'm testing them out now!
@@MandiLynnWrites So far so good. Now I'm waiting for my author copy. (My first book is a test run.) If I like it, I will use it for my novel.
So a bookstore can theoretically bankrupt an author by ordering a few thousand copies only to return them after some time? Is there no safeguard against this?
Theoretically? Yes. But a bookstore would never buy more stock of a book than they think they could sell.
I need to change my sale date and Im frekaing out! it may be too late. I have gotten some preorders and I dont want to lose them
YOU are a professionall !
You say that you have to pay a fee to upload a newer version, but is that only AFTER your availability launch date? When we set the date to launch, and then after that date, is that when you have to be careful about uploading new material....or is it after the first time you launch?
Thank your good, thank you!
To determine your keywords, are you using any particular software to determine that?
How do you cap how many books a bookstore can order to avoid being put in debt by them returning the book? Do book stores reach out to the publisher/author to do an ad campaign or in store event to avoid having unsold inventory?
Question: So I set my paid ISBN to Forthcoming when I set it up prior. Then I uploaded the book to Ingram Spark and set the publication date to that same day usually. Do I then just to go Bowker to change the ISBN to active record?
Hi Mandi, thanks so much for this video. I'm really stuck right now. I've used the book builder tool and uploaded my book and cover but I cannot find the page/button/ area to go back and input the keywords and all of that information. It's so frustrating-there seems to be no tab or button to do that. I've read that keywords etc can be altered and updated so there must be a button for that somewhere?
Hi Julie, I dont see a reply to many of the questions here. Did you get your query answered? I am curious to know the answer too.
@@nikkypage2728 Hi Nikky, I didn't get an answer but I figured it out. I had started with the wrong item/choice of program right at the start, but I'm sorry I can't remember now what that was it was so long ago haha.
This was very helpful! I do have a question though, and Ingram has been less than helpful in answering any of my questions, plus it takes a week for them to respond, so, I figured I’d see if you know. My children’s book has a publication/on sale date of 4/7/23. I actually was going to stop this and move the sale date because I had a fairly big revision to make on the interior and I also wanted to change the price of the book. I got an email saying 21 books were ordered! I have no idea who ordered them and if they’ve been shipped out. Will this cause a lot of problems if I move the sale date out another month and put another revision in? How do I go about cancelling these orders? Should I even bother? It’s just 20 🤷🏼♀️ Please help. Thank you!
Aren't IngramSpark's subjects based on BISAC?
It may also be worth mentioning that IngramSpark excludes some countries from its list of options for contributors, most notably Russia. (This is important to know because if you begin typing the name of any country in that box it becomes impossible to leave it blank.)
how do you perfect your files with KDP and then convert them to a pdf to upload to Ingram as you suggested. Do you have instructions on this as a streamlined process somewhere else?
Very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks this was very helpful. Are you available to help with Ingramspark troubleshooting issues I am having? I had a book designer upload my children's book. It's all good and I have ordered copies for family and friends. But now I am trying to enable distribution and having a heck of time, numerous error messages. Ingramspark support is almost nonexistent. All I want is to be able to get my book to Amazon, brick and mortar stores are not as important. Any tips? I made a mistake in the pricing for Australia and now I can't even change it. Very frustrating.
I want to sell books on my website and then use ingranspark dashboard to print on demand, and manually fullfill the orders. Is that possible?? Thanks!
Thanks so much for this! I was wondering what the difference was between my Amazon KDP account and Ingram. Apparently, you need to have an Ingram if you want to sell it in stories? It's weird...
A question I have regards where you speak of publishing on Ingram Spark and then it appearing on Amazon. What is the connection. My book is already on Amazon. What then?
Thank you for your help! I’ve published on Amazon, but this is my first year with my own publishing company. I actually ghostwrite books for clients and publish them. Im wondering who do you have edit your books?
Hi! Can I do A4 landscape prints on IS? Is there a print option for that? Cheers
Hi,
You add you’re a cover designer. Where can I talk with you about that service? I’m shopping for cover. Thanks.
Good video. Quick question, have you ever made any changes to your cover print finish (gloss vs matte) or any other simple edits to the print setup? I changed mine from Matte to Glossy and it said I had to re-upload the interior files and the cover files again just for the COVER PAPER FINISH or Binding type (Laminate hardcover, or Cloth with Dust Jacket) change. A minor change such as this should really not require having to wait several more days for another e-Proof when nothing with the interior has been changed. Any experience with this issue? Thanks in advance.
My spine and my backside are already done and ready within the Cover file. What shoul I select here at IngramSpark?
Great video! Thanks for sharing. I'll be uploading my first book on there in the next few weeks so this is great timing :) Do I need to put a barcode on my cover or does Ingramspark add this?
IngramSpark has a cover template generator. You put in your book's info and ISBN and download the template. On the template is the ISBN you need to use on your cover.
hi mandi lynn, thanks for your helpful videos! ..two questions: would a library require a book to be 'returnable' to increase the likelihood they'll purchase it? and could you also clarify - would they too require the 55% wholesale discount?
Do you have the opportunity to change the yes/no deliver/destroy after it is published?
Yes, it can just take some time to go into affect
Dear Mandi, have you ever had a problem with Ingramsparks flagging ISBNs that you purchased from Bowker as "the print ISBN is already in use" despite the book you are setting up being that particular Title that same ISBN is assigned to?
I've had issues with ISBNs not matching the publisher, which doesn't make sense because I made sure it matched.
Thank you!
Hi Mandi, great video! I'm so happy that I subscribed to you channel. Extremely helpful :) Question - I have published my children's book on KDP with my own ISBN. I didn't select expanded dist. When I upload to IngramSpark, do I need to inform KDP (to transfer files) or will Ingram inform them? Thanks
Mandi Lynn my first submit to Ingram Spark my words were cut off the page in the interior! Not sure how to fix this other than making the font smaller. I’m dying to know your advice! If you can text me I would message you separately and privately. I’m sure you know how it is working alone as a self-publisher
Hi, so I had this same issue pop up for me on Ingram Spark, the only thing is that when I do what you said..like going to "properties" then to "custom"...there's nothing to delete under "custom"...so why would I get that message from Ingram? Thanks
This was so helpful! If I wanted to publish a hardcover and a paperback version, would I just go through these steps twice, once selecting paperback and once selecting hardback? Also if I do that, will it give me two separate and free IBSN numbers, or am I only allowed one? 😊
@Mandi Lynn, I've heard you've can get those fees waived if you're a member of Alliance For Independent Authors.
Yes, but Alliance For Independent Authors is also something you have to pay for.
@@MandiLynnWrites I guess it depends upon how many titles you publish each year.
How fast are the top PODs from book upload to Market?
Hi Many lynn, I need help with converting my word doc to greyscale so Ingram will accept it. Can you help with this?
I WISH I had seen this before I tried to use IS. I am trying to cancel, remove my book draft from IS and it's off my title page HOWEVER, KDP still shows it as listed there and won't allow be to click Expanded Distribution in KDP. I can't even find an email to reach out to IS. Can you help me?
Hi Mandi. Thanks for your help with this video. I already have a Bowker ISBN number for this book, Parenting Scholar Athletes which is registered per Bowker for this book. However, when I try to upload, it says the number is already used. I'm uploading both print & eBook to Ingramspark. This book and ISBN print number is already used on Amazon. Do I need to purchase another number? I have a new ebook ISBN # for the ePub. Thanks for any information you might have. I have sent in an email but all they do is send me articles.
I used a different ISBN for IngramSpark for print like the eBook version to solve my problem. After speaking to Bowker, in not so many words, they are aware that IS makes people nuts over using the ISBN number with Amazon KDP then with them. After my initial purchase with Bowker of one ISBN for KDP, I purchased the handful when needing a new one for my electronic version. Because Bowker can't come out and say anything about IS, he did say that "IS does business the way they want to do business." Got it! Thanks Bowker! And thanks Mandi. I would love to donate to you and your videos. So appreciate you help on uploading. By watching, I was ready to upload quickly and easily by being prepared like you mentioned. Thank you so much!
Thank you for this so helpful! Question, do I need to approve my files to enable pre orders for my paperback book? It won’t let me enable distribution but I’m planning to change the files so I don’t want to approve them
You have to approve the files to do a pre-order because they need something to print in case you don't update the files. Unfortunately this means you have to hit approve and then pay their fees again when you upload the new files (which you should upload ten business days before the release date)
@@MandiLynnWrites okay thank you so much for responding! Your videos have been really helpful! New subscriber here and I watched all the ads ☺️
Does Ingram spark automatically list your book for sale on amazon, or did I miss how we list a Ingram spark book to Amazon
In what way do you work with authors?
Thank you, this was video was so helpful! I have a question about cover colors. I made sure my cover was in CMYK, but the physical copy has darker, more saturated colors that don't look like the PDF proof at all. Are there colour values that I have to change? What exactly does the cover need for CMYK? Thank you so much!
Sometimes things just print darker. I'd suggest lighten up your cover before sending it to print.
Just wondering, Am I supposed to add the book price myself or does Ingram add it?
I do plan on using IngramSpark bc I want that hardcover with the dust jacket. Do you have to have the adobe software to upload your covers? Is there a way you can get by without using it? I tend to suck at that program lol 😂 I’m trying to do as much homework as I can with IngramSpark bc I know it can be a tricky platform to work with.
I only know how to remove the color profiles using Adobe Acrobat, but it's not a nessicary step. IngramSpark will still accept the files. All you need is PDF files to upload your cover, how you design it is up to you.
Mandi: thanks for the video. Question: The content files, does this include Title Page, Copyright page, Gratitude page, and manuscript? All should be downloaded together?
Hi! Soo, I heard that now IngramSpark is free to upload your book, does that apply to updates as well? Also thank you for the videos, they are very helpful!
Updates are only free for the first 60 days. I got into detail about it here: ruclips.net/video/ZYqLAoQeJlE/видео.html
IngramSpark has abolished fees for uploading titles. The immediate result of this is that support is now taking 6 days to respond to emails. Hopefully this will improve in the upcoming weeks.
Thanks!
You're welcome!
I keep getting an error saying my imprint is already taken, but I've had no issues using it with KDP or MyIdentifiers? What am I doing wrong?
Is the print interior file size limit the same for color/photography books?
I made a big mistake. Approved my eproof (it was all correctly aligned and no typos, page numbers good, etc) and then I enabled distribution. Then it hit me! My book is in black and white not color!! (When creating the title I hit black and white). Since I already enabled distribution I am under the impression I need to cancel distribution and upload a new title with a new ISBN? Is this correct? Obviously huge error on my part but I don't want stores buying my book with the illustrations in black and white.
Please advise!
How do you ensure that your illustrations do not get too dark in print, but as close to the screen version as possible?
you have to do a test print.
Help! I accidentally clicked right to left content for my title and now I can’t fix this. What do I do?
Wow! Awesome info. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Mandi, thanks for the incredibly informative video! I appreciate you providing a quick solution to the 'color profile" issue. I have a question. I've received the following error message when trying to publish my epub: "missing required element 'reference' RSC - 005.' I have no idea how to fix this. My epub was formatted on Fiverr. Would you recommend contacting the formatter? Or is there an easier fix? Thanks a million for any info you can provide, much appreciated!! Zoe
I'd read out to the person who formatted the book
I can't create payment method paypal in ingramspark website. It asks to add debit card details but it shows error (FDC problem, transaction cannot be completed, violation of the law. D93)
As always, super helpful! Quick question. This is my first time using IngramSpark, so I was wondering if when I upload my cover, I should leave all the white space/measurements that come with the template and Ingram will know to delete them? Or should I only be uploading the actual cover part of the template? Thanks!
You leave all that white space. They require it 🙂
@@MandiLynnWrites Literally makes no sense lol but thank you!!!
thank you..
Hi! Do you have suggestions on other print on demand companies?
KDP is my favorite. You can see a tutorial video here: ruclips.net/video/_Z4UCeblBpg/видео.html
Do i need to hit publish to get an author copy?
You don't have to hit publish, but you do have to approval the digital proof.
Can anyone help me? I’m trying to upload on ingramspark and it will not allow me to continue to the next step. There is no error issues or any errors coming in. I tried to re fresh the page and sign in and out . I’m in the process of uploading the book and it will not allow me to press the continue button. Please and thank you
Color Profile Question- What if you are trying to correct the color profile issues, but when you go to customs in Adobe there aren't any properties to delete? what do you do?
I am having an issue with the embedded fonts. I combined two images for the front and back. The fonts were embedded in both images. Once I combined the images the fonts are not embedded and it is referencing a different fonts. Please help!!!
Hi did you figure it out? I'm literally having the same issue, there's nothing to delete under properties..
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Thank you Mandi for a brilliant video. I am trying to understand the whole Ingram Spark after a reviewer recommended that I should be on B&N, so that is why I'm looking at this.
- I see that they have an office in the UK (I'm in ireland) so that is ok for me to use? The returns (if I choose that option) would presumably come back from the UK office? And in your example, (aside of location) there is a $20 charge for a return but does that include the print cost??
And question 2: my novel is already out on amazon (ebook + PPback) since end 2021, so what will happen if Ingram Spark distributes same book (with different ISBN as I got the free ISBN from amazon upon setting up) will I loose out on royalties? thank you kindly for your time in answering.
Mandi, thanks for this. I am seeking a simple/easy formatting program. I've tried a few and returned them including the latest...Atticus. They are user unfriendly and convoluted. I don't understand why there can't be a simple program like WIX uses for websites. Any suggestions?
I personally use Adobe InDesign, but that's a professional, more complicated software.
@@MandiLynnWrites Thank you
what about books meant for 3-7 year olds?
If I have already published a hardcover on KDP and I want to publish a hardcover with jacket on IS, should I assign a different ISBN since technically the format is different?
probably but idk for sure
Hi Mandi! Quick question because I’m confused. I’ve approved my Ingram proofs, but did not select to enable for distribution yet. When I click to “enable distribution” will that make my book available immediately or is that was kickstarts preorders? My publishing date is April 12th. Also, are preorders only through Amazon or through other retailers like B&N too?
When you enable distribution it will take about 10 business days for it to show up to retailers and start taking sales.