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Writing a book is exciting—especially at the beginning.

But once the manuscript is finished, many authors run into the same problem: the back end of publishing is confusing, technical, and often overwhelming.

Last week, Jen Clark and I represented Illumify Media at the WayFM Business Leadership Conference in Nashville. While we were there, we spent a morning at the headquarters of the Ingram Content Group, the world’s largest book distributor and printer.

I like to say, “Ingram is so big that Amazon can’t push them around!”

Over the last eleven years, Illumify Media has helped more than 300 authors publish their books through IngramSpark, Ingram’s self-service publishing platform.

You read that right.

Through IngramSpark, books can be printed and distributed globally through the same wholesale network used by traditional publishers—reaching 45,000+ bookstores, libraries, and online retailers.

This means your book can reach the same distribution channels used by bestselling authors like Brandon Sanderson and Colleen Hoover.

And today, I'll show you how Illumify and IngramSpark together make publishing easier—and better—for authors. 

Let’s go!

Why Our Relationship with Ingram Matters

Here’s something many authors don’t realize.

Most IngramSpark users have no direct access to customer support. Their customer service is largely automated.

But over the past six months, Illumify has built a strong working relationship with the IngramSpark team.

Below is a photo of Jen and me with our IngramSpark Sales Representative, Leigh Pierce.

Jen, Leigh, and me!

Jen meets with Leigh at least once a month to troubleshoot issues, discuss joint publishing opportunities, and explore ways we can better serve our authors.

Because Illumify has placed 300+ authors on the platform over the last eleven years, we have something most authors don’t:

Leverage.

When issues arise—we have someone to call.

When a book gets stuck in processing—they fix it.

When a print order is wrong—they make it right.

Here’s a recent example:

One of our Colorado authors needed books for the London Book Fair. She ordered copies that she planned to bring with her on the trip. Unfortunately, the recent ice storm in La Vergne, Tennessee—where Ingram is located—caused delays because their printers were forced to shut down for a week. 

Leigh suggested a simple solution:

Print the books in London instead.

Problem solved.

New Opportunities Coming Your Way

During our visit, we also learned about several exciting developments coming soon to the IngramSpark platform.

Spiral Binding. For years, authors have asked if we could produce books with spiral binding so they can lay flat on a desk or table.

Until last week, my answer was, “No.”

But that will soon change.

Spiral binding will become available within the next three to six months.

Shopify Integration. Soon, you’ll be able to sell books directly through Shopify without needing to manage fulfillment.

IngramSpark will handle the printing, packing, and shipping.

This will make direct-to-reader sales much easier. You can set up your own bookstore in Shopify. You sell books and IngramSpark will do the rest!

Faster Printing. IngramSpark has entered into a partnership with 48 Hour Books, a company we’ve used for years when we needed rush print jobs.

Soon, you’ll be able to place these faster print orders directly from your IngramSpark dashboard.

More Design Options. While visiting Ingram’s headquarters, Leigh also showed us several sample books produced through their print-on-demand network.

Authors currently have access to 40 standard trim sizes. With the help of the Illumify team, you can now create custom trim sizes.

Leigh also showed us examples of books with colored page edges (called “sprayed edges”), a beautiful feature that is beginning to appear more frequently in the publishing marketplace.

Here's what I'm talking about:

Cool, huh?

The Illumify Advantage

All of this brings us back to something important:

The Illumify Advantage.

Unlike many publishers, we structure our publishing model around your long-term success.

You retain your rights. Most traditional publishers retain your rights until seventy years after you cross the Rainbow Bridge. Many indie and hybrid publishers hold your rights for up to four years. 

Illumify authors hold the rights to their books from day one.

You pay printing cost for your copies. Most publishers charge authors 50% of the retail price for author copies, effectively pocketing $3–$5 per book.

Illumify authors purchase print copies at cost from their IngramSpark account. That means they make $10 to $12 per print book they sell. 

You receive 100% of net proceeds on sales. Illumify authors receive 100% of net proceeds, paid directly into their bank accounts. That’s better than royalties, which is based on a percentage of the proceeds.

Most publishers keep a portion of the proceeds and pay the remaining amount to their authors as royalties.

You make more money per book sold. We’re in the process of organizing all of our titles under one IngramSpark umbrella. With our high volume of sales, Ingram will give our authors discounts on printing. 

That means they’ll make even more money!

You gain access to Ingram’s resources. Because of Illumify’s long-standing relationship with IngramSpark, our authors have access to opportunities and support most independent authors simply don’t have.

A Powerful Publishing Partnership

When you combine:

👉You

👉IngramSpark

👉Illumify Media

you create a powerful publishing partnership. A trifecta that opens the door to nearly unlimited publishing possibilities.

And that’s how we make publishing easier—and better—for our authors.

Interested in joining the Illumify family of authors? Click below to schedule a free consultation with me. 

Let's bring your book to life!