Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark vs Lulu – Which One Is Best for You?

Not all platforms are equal. Compare Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Lulu to decide where your fictional, non-fictional, or children’s eBook will perform best. Includes pros, cons, and distribution insights for modern authors.

The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Authors Who Want Global Reach Without Guesswork.

Finishing your manuscript — whether it’s a fictional story, a non-fictional guide, or a children’s Ebook — is just the beginning. The next big question every author faces is: “Which publishing platform should I choose?”

With so many options available today, three names dominate the ebook publishing industry — Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Lulu. Each platform offers distinct advantages and caters to different author goals, budgets, and readerships. Let’s break down how they compare and which one might be your perfect match.

Amazon KDP – The Powerhouse of Self-Publishing

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is by far the most popular and beginner-friendly platform for independent authors. It gives you instant access to Amazon’s global marketplace, where more than 300 million active users shop every month (source: Statista).

Publishing with KDP is completely free. You can publish ebooks and paperbacks using a simple upload interface. Within 72 hours, your book goes live on Amazon Kindle, Amazon.com, and regional stores across the world.

One of its biggest benefits is the KDP Select Program, which gives your ebook access to Kindle Unlimited, letting readers borrow your book — and you earn money per page read. According to Written Word Media, KDP authors collectively earned over $520 million through KU in 2023.

KDP offers 70% royalties on ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99, making it one of the most profitable publishing platforms. Its free ISBN option, global reach , and Amazon SEO optimization tools make it perfect for first-time authors and seasoned professionals alike.

For deeper insight, check out: How to Choose the Right Book Title for Amazon SEO — your next step toward maximizing KDP visibility.

IngramSpark – The Professional Publisher’s Dream

If you’re looking to give your book bookstore credibility and wide distribution, IngramSpark is a serious contender. Unlike KDP, it’s part of the global Ingram Content Group, which supplies books to over 40,000 retailers and libraries including Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Waterstones.

Although IngramSpark charges a small setup fee (around $49) , they often release promotional codes for free uploads. The platform’s print quality and hardcover options are unmatched, making it ideal for non-fiction authors, educational publishers, and children’s book creators seeking premium presentation.

The dashboard allows simultaneous management of print and ebook editions, plus offers tools for book formatting and interior design (learn more).

IngramSpark also provides in-depth sales reports and analytics so you can measure your book’s performance across different markets. For authors wanting professional credibility and bookstore presence, this platform delivers on every front.

For more guidance, read:
🔗 The Importance of Book Formatting and Interior Design
🔗 Why Professional Editing Can Make or Break Your Book

Lulu – The Creative Author’s Playground

Lulu stands out for authors who value creativity and customization. It’s especially favored by creators of children’s stories, illustrated books, cookbooks , and art books.

With Lulu Studio, authors can design their own covers, choose from a variety of binding types, and preview their book before publishing. It uses a print-on-demand model — meaning you only pay when someone buys your book. This makes it an excellent low-risk option for independent authors experimenting with niche genres.

Lulu also connects with other major retailers through global distribution, including Amazon, Ingram, and the Lulu Bookstore. (source)

For indie ebook publishing enthusiasts, Lulu is the perfect blend of control, creativity, and affordability.

Choosing the Right Platform for You

Your best choice depends on what you value most:

For reach and convenience: Go with Amazon KDP.
For professional quality and retail access: Choose IngramSpark.
For creative freedom and visual books: Pick Lulu.

Many authors now take a hybrid approach — publishing ebooks on KDP to leverage Amazon SEO while using IngramSpark for bookstore distribution. This dual strategy boosts both visibility and sales potential.

Want to go global? Read: How to Distribute Your Book to 50+ Global Platforms

Final Thoughts

The platform you choose shapes your publishing journey — but remember, it’s not just about what you publish, Books that are professionally edited, beautifully formatted, and strategically marketed always outperform the rest.