To add to the ongoing debate about whether to source our books from Amazon CS or IngramSpark…
I have ordered two proof copies of my new book, Happiness Matters, one from Amazon’s CreateSpace and the other from IngramSpark, the ‘publishers self publisher’ which is widely used for extended distribution.
How do the paper copies compare?
Amazon CreateSpace
Quick delivery if you opt for the priority or express delivery but expensive for a proof copy, and no reason that I can see to downgrade ‘standard’ delivery times to something like seven weeks: the proof copy itself may be inexpensive, but who wants to wait seven weeks to see it? Priority delivery can be within the week, so I think that Amazon could revisit their delivery strategy and charges for proof copies.
The price of delivery for paperbacks from the US to the UK is a major factor, considering that if you live in the UK and use CreateSpace to source all your paperbacks, this will be an on-going expense.
The other bugbear, apart from the hassle of ordering from abroad, is the currency conversion fees, which pop up on bank statements having snuck under the radar. It feels like a complete pain not only to have to stump up extra fees for priority delivery from overseas but then be met with these little costs. Not expensive, but annoying.
Quality is good.
IngramSpark
If you live in the UK, the paperbacks are printed here, so delivery charges are lower and delivery times are quicker and there are no hidden charges.
If you intend to sell books yourself, or have them available to sell in the UK, set up an account for extended distribution with Ingram Spark. Their website is smooth and easy to use, though being designed for use by mainstream publishers, takes a bit of getting used to. Most of the answers can be found with a bit of research without recourse to the Support line.
Book quality is marginally better than Amazon, especially the look of the cover.
I would welcome your comments about your experiences. Thanks for reading.
Please share:
June 1, 2017 @ 2:00 pm
I have used both CS and Ingram Spark, and in my case the quality of Ingram Spark was very clearly superior to what I got from CS. Also, can’t you find a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign conversion fees? I have two of them since I am always traveling around the world, and they save me a lot of money in unnecessary fees.
June 1, 2017 @ 2:34 pm
Lovely to hear from you, Ted! Thanks for popping by and commenting! 😀 So do you still use IngramSpark? I’ll look for an account that doesn’t charge fees, great idea! I’m getting a bit tired of it, in this day and age. Thanks for the suggestion.
June 5, 2017 @ 11:23 pm
All I want to know is how I can get a copy when it comes out! 🙂
June 6, 2017 @ 2:35 pm
Oh darling, that should be quite easy. It’s out on Amazon at the mo, or you can wait until the 19th and get a copy on wider distribution. Or I can send you a signed copy – these copies are – ssshhh! – great quality, better than those from Amazon. PM me your address, if you like. :-)))