Top Things to Do Before Publishing a Book on IngramSpark
While this guide focuses specifically on preparing for publication with IngramSpark, the core steps outlined here—professional polishing, ARC distribution for reviews, platform building, and pre-launch marketing—apply to nearly every self-publishing platform, including Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and others. Strong preparation before hitting “publish” is the foundation of success no matter where your book is distributed.
IngramSpark is excellent for wide distribution to bookstores, libraries, and non-Amazon retailers through print-on-demand. Success depends on strong preparation, especially professional quality, metadata, and pre-launch momentum for reviews and sales.
1. Polish the Book Professionally (Editing, Formatting, Design)
- Hire professional editors: Start with a developmental/content edit, followed by a thorough copyedit and proofread. Friends and family feedback alone usually isn’t enough—reviewers and readers quickly notice amateur errors.
- Format correctly and design a professional cover: Follow IngramSpark’s exact specifications for trim size, bleed, margins, and CMYK color for covers. Use templates or tools like Reedsy Studio. Always order and carefully review physical proofs before going live.
- Choose accurate BISAC categories and strong keywords: This improves discoverability for both reviewers and buyers.
Why this first? IngramSpark files need to be near-perfect. Revisions after upload cost time and money, and reviewers expect trade-quality work.
2. Prepare for Reviews: Create and Distribute ARCs
- Produce Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) or galleys — either print or digital — clearly labeled “Advance Uncorrected Proof – Not for Sale.”
- On the ARC (and all marketing materials) include: a strong book description, author bio, detailed marketing/promotion plan, and your contact information.
- Build your reviewer list early: Target genre-specific bloggers, book influencers, paid review services (BlueInk, Kirkus, Foreword, etc.), Goodreads readers, librarians, and industry outlets. Send ARCs 3–6 months (or more) before your publication date.
- Aim for both professional reviews (for credibility with booksellers and libraries) and reader reviews (Amazon, Goodreads) to help with rankings and sales.
Tip: Use early positive reviews as blurbs on your final cover and description to help attract more reviewers.
3. Build Your Author Platform and Marketing Foundations
- Create a professional author website with a book page, author bio, blog, and email signup (offer a lead magnet such as sample chapters).
- Establish social media presence on 1–2 platforms where your audience hangs out. Share teasers and behind-the-scenes content to grow followers before launch. Set up profiles on Amazon Author Central, Goodreads, and BookBub.
- Optimize metadata: Write a compelling title/subtitle, book description, keywords, and categories.
- Prepare a media kit: Include your bio, photo, book details, and any endorsements.
4. Set Up Pre-Orders, Distribution, and Pricing
- Upload your files early to IngramSpark to enable pre-orders. This builds buzz and early sales momentum.
- Many authors use a hybrid approach: IngramSpark for wide distribution + Amazon KDP for Amazon sales. Purchase your own ISBNs if you want full control.
- Set competitive pricing and appropriate wholesale discounts (typically around 55% for retailers). Use IngramSpark’s royalty calculator.
- Choose your official publication date and work backward for ARC distribution, cover reveals, etc.
5. Additional High-Impact Pre-Publication Steps
- Pitch endorsements/blurbs from other authors or influencers.
- Plan blog tours, speaking gigs, local events, library visits, and bookstore signings (start outreach 5–6 months ahead).
- Consider entering relevant book awards or contests.
- Explore early advertising, giveaways, or promotions.
Timeline Recommendation: Build your platform and audience while writing and editing. Ramp up ARC outreach and pitching 3–6 months before release. Launch with momentum from reviews and pre-orders already in place.
IngramSpark handles distribution but does not market for you — the responsibility for visibility, reviews, and sales is yours. Many successful authors combine IngramSpark with KDP for maximum coverage.