Self-Publishing Platform Comparisons: KDP vs IngramSpark vs B&N

💡 Why Your Publishing Platform Matters

The platform you choose can affect your book’s print quality, pricing, discoverability, and even how many bookstores can stock your title. Many first-time authors ask us:

• How much does self-publishing a book cost?
• How long does it take to self-publish a book?
• Should I publish only on Amazon, or go wider?

💡 Why Your Publishing Platform Matters

The publishing platform you choose can greatly influence your book’s success. Many first-time authors explore options like amazon publishing or compare multiple self publishing companies amazon before deciding. Each platform differs in how it manages print quality, pricing, royalties, and distribution. For example, amazon publishing offers global reach but may limit certain bookstore access, while other self publishing services give authors more flexibility. Understanding these factors helps you select the most effective book publishing service for your goals.

Your platform choice also affects how your book with illustration appears in both print and eBook formats. A professional setup ensures your book with illustration retains color accuracy, layout consistency, and readability across formats. Whether you’re using an amazon self publishing company or another provider, it’s essential to review how they handle file conversions, print proofs, and metadata. Different self publishing companies amazon may also vary in how quickly they update listings or process revisions, which can impact discoverability.

Working with the right amazon publishing platform or trusted book publishing service ensures your creative work reaches readers efficiently. By comparing the features of each amazon self publishing company and exploring a variety of self publishing services, authors can make smarter choices for long-term visibility. Remember—your book with illustration deserves a platform that supports both artistic quality and professional presentation, something that only the best self publishing companies amazon consistently provide.

Let’s compare three of the biggest self-publishing platforms to help you decide.

📘 Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Best for: Publishing directly on Amazon and keeping things simple

KDP is Amazon’s free self-publishing service. It's where many authors begin—and for good reason. Publishing your book on Kindle and in paperback through KDP is fast, easy, and completely free.

✅ Pros:

• Publish your book on Amazon, the world’s largest bookstore
• Fast upload process (usually live within 72 hours)
• No setup fees, making it ideal for affordable self-publishing
• Offers both eBook and paperback options
• Option to enroll in expanded distribution

❌ Cons:

• Limited to Amazon unless you opt for expanded distribution
• Print quality is basic, especially for color-heavy or image-rich books
• Doesn’t offer hardcover unless using a beta feature

📌 Good for:

• First-time authors
• People wondering how to self-publish a book on Amazon
• Simple novels, how-to booklets, and budget-friendly projects
• Anyone looking to publish a book on Kindle quickly

If you're looking for a reliable Amazon self publishing company, KDP is your starting point—and we help you get everything formatted perfectly.

📗 IngramSpark

Best for: Authors who want wide bookstore and library distribution

IngramSpark is the go-to platform for getting your book into major retailers, libraries, and even indie bookstores. It’s a bit more complex to set up, but the benefits are worth it if you're aiming for broader reach.

✅ Pros:

• Excellent print quality, including hardcover and color interiors
• Global distribution through the Ingram Content Network
• Offers more control over book publishing prices, discounts, and returns
• Great for books with professional illustrations or high-quality finishes

❌ Cons:

• Upload and revision fees (though they’re often waived with promo codes)
• More complex setup process compared to KDP
• Slower publishing timelines

📌 Good for:

• Illustrated children's books with detailed art
• Authors who want bookstore placement
• Projects requiring hardcover or unique trim sizes
• Those exploring self publishing companies best suited for wide reach

We often recommend a dual strategy: publish on both KDP and IngramSpark to cover all bases.

🤔 So, Which One Should You Choose?

If you want to self-publish a book affordably and focus on Amazon, KDP is a great start. If your goal is bookstore shelves or library catalogs, IngramSpark is a better fit. And if Barnes & Noble is part of your marketing strategy, adding Barnes & Noble Press can be a nice bonus.

Many authors use multiple platforms to reach different audiences. At Blueberry Illustrations, we help you set up on all three—so you don’t miss out on any opportunity.

✍️ Need Help Getting Started?

We know that publishing a book—especially a children’s novel—comes with a long list of questions:

• How do I write the right book genre for my audience?
• What should the book cover of a children’s book look like?
• What are the essential parts of a book?
• How can I create something as memorable as The Beekeeper Book?

That’s where we come in. As a leading children's book illustration agency, we provide affordable children's book illustration services that cover every stage of the publishing process. Our team of illustrators for hire delivers professional artwork to bring your book with illustration to life. Each project includes complete self publishing services—illustration, layout, children's book formatting service, ISBN setup, and uploads for amazon publishing. We also help authors choose the right book publishing service or amazon self publishing company for long-term success. Along with artwork, we provide custom book cover design options and expert support to ensure your story reaches readers in the best possible form.