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?

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 top-rated book illustration company, we offer complete self-publishing packages that include illustration, layout, formatting, ISBN setup, and platform uploads. We also guide you through the entire process—whether you're publishing your first story or writing a new series.