Amazon or IngramSpark for Self Publishing?

This is hard for me to admit, but I have come around to the conclusion that Amazon is the smarter vehicle for many small self publishers. Yes, I prefer to see my book in physical bookstores. I would also like any bookstore, or library, or person anywhere to order my book directly from a printer/distributor other than Amazon. Nevertheless, after using IngramSpark (IS) to print and distribute my first novel, I gave Amazon the right to print and distribute my second novel, at least initially. Here is why:

When I published my first novel, Dancing Blind, in 2016, IS seemed like the professional choice to ensure that buyers and bookstores had the greatest access to my book, and from a familiar and reputable source. I took pains to subscribe to Adobe InDesign and produce a complete book, both cover art and content, that was acceptable to IS. It was a lot of work, but I had great control over the design of my book. Later I uploaded my manuscript to Amazon for an eBook, since IS did not offer that option at the time, and later still I uploaded my book for print distribution on Amazon as well. I found the Amazon interface much more user-friendly, but I was happy that my book was also available at IS for bookstores to order.

Fast forward to 2025 and the publishing world was changing. I looked at IS, and initially was happy to see that they now offered both print and eBook options. However, I was quickly lost in the weeds of the various IS requirements and procedures, despite their new bookbuilding tools. Even uploading an eBook looked very labor-intensive. The IS contract was also discouragingly exhaustive and prescriptive, including a requirement that IS be given exclusive eBook distribution rights. Unless this has changed, that clause alone seemed excessively restrictive. I considered formatting and uploading my book using InDesign, but I was not looking forward to paying for InDesign licensing, much less wading into their app, which has become much more complex over the years.

So I looked at Amazon. They offer simpler, more user-friendly templates and instructions. Some of the procedures are a little clunky, but with a little effort I successfully uploaded eBook, Hardcover, and Softcover versions of my new novel Gallery of the Forgotten. I accomplished this without the trouble and expense of subscribing to, and reacquainting myself with, the InDesign app that IS prefers unless you use an IS book-building template. The biggest drawback I found with Amazon is a dearth of templates that can readily incorporate my own cover art, and the cover elements are frustrating to edit and manipulate. Still, I was fairly satisfied with the result. Yes, Amazon takes 60% of my print book royalties, but any bookstore is going to expect at least 55%, and that is if they have even heard of me, much less want to order my book from IS without a specific customer request.

Fast forward again to 2026. I waded back into to the InDesign app and produced a much better book, Gallery of the Forgotten, (Revised). InDesign is still awkwardly organized and cumbersome for occasional use, but I was able to create a cover design and interior layout that is far superior to what I could accomplish with Amazon book templates.

I know other authors are also quite happy with Google Docs, so please spend a little time experimenting. A lot will come down to time constraints, what you are comfortable with in book design and editing tools, and your desire to support standard book sellers.