Lulu vs IngramSpark
- IngramSpark feeds the Ingram catalog, which is how bookstores and libraries order.
- Lulu prints on demand and integrates with your own storefront through Lulu Direct.
- IngramSpark charges revision fees for interior or cover file updates; Lulu does not.
- Lulu offers more trim sizes and binding options, including hardcover and photo books.
- Discount and returns settings on IngramSpark determine whether stores will actually order.
IngramSpark puts your print book in the catalog bookstores and libraries order from, which is the only reason most authors use it. Lulu prints on demand, offers more formats, and connects to your own storefront for direct sales at higher margin. Use IngramSpark for trade distribution, Lulu for direct sales and unusual formats.
Chapter i·Why it matters
These are not competitors so much as two different sales channels. If you want a librarian to be able to order your book, you need Ingram. If you want to sell signed hardcovers off your own website at a margin no retailer touches, you want Lulu Direct. Choosing one and assuming it covers both leaves money or reach on the table.
Chapter ii·What to include
- Whether bookstore and library ordering matters for your genre and goals.
- Wholesale discount setting, usually 55 percent with returns for real store orderability.
- Per-unit print cost at your page count and trim, calculated for both.
- Revision fees you will incur if the interior changes after upload.
- Whether you will run a direct storefront and what that adds in margin.
- ISBN ownership, which should be yours in either case.
Chapter iii·Example
An author listed her novel on IngramSpark at a 55 percent discount with returns enabled and sold 40 copies through three regional stores, while selling 120 signed hardcovers through Lulu Direct at roughly triple the per-book profit.
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