Does Chiify replace IngramSpark entirely?

For digital (ebook + audiobook), yes. For print (paperback + hardcover), we use IngramSpark as a delivery channel — meaning your print book reaches the same indie bookstores and academic libraries it would if you uploaded direct, plus Chiify handles the upload + revision fees. If you only do print, going direct to IngramSpark might still be slightly cheaper per-title at very low volumes; at any meaningful catalog, Chiify Lifetime wins.

Can I use Chiify for digital and IngramSpark direct for print?

Yes, common setup. Use different ISBNs (one for ebook on Chiify, separate for paperback on IngramSpark) and keep metadata in sync. This gives you Chiify's free digital distribution and IngramSpark's direct bookstore relationships.

Is the IngramSpark distribution discount really 40%?

IngramSpark requires you set a wholesale discount that retailers (bookstores, libraries) can buy at. The minimum for inclusion in their catalog is 30%; many authors set 40-55% to be competitive. That discount is on top of any aggregator commission. Through Chiify, this discount setup is the same (it's how Ingram works) but our aggregator commission is 0% (Lifetime) instead of additional cuts.

Chiify vs IngramSpark

Chiify or IngramSpark? The honest comparison.

IngramSpark is Ingram's self-publishing arm, owned by the world's largest book distributor. They reach indie bookstores and academic libraries that pure-digital aggregators can't. Chiify distributes to IngramSpark + everywhere else.

Switch to Chiify free See Chiify pricing

IngramSpark is the self-publishing arm of Ingram Content Group — the world’s largest book distributor, which supplies most indie bookstores, academic libraries, and international book wholesalers. If your book needs to reach a brick-and- mortar indie bookstore, IngramSpark is the path.

Chiify is different in scope: we’re an aggregator that delivers to IngramSpark as one of our channels, plus Amazon directly, Apple, Kobo, Google Play, OverDrive, and the Cantook hub. So this isn’t really “Chiify vs. IngramSpark” — it’s “Use Chiify (which includes IngramSpark) vs. Use IngramSpark directly.”

At a glance

Feature	Chiify	IngramSpark
Upload cost per title	$0	$49 (Print + Ebook); $25 ebook-only
Per-revision fee	$0 unlimited revisions	$25 per revision after first
Commission on sales	0% (Lifetime/Pro), 10% (Free)	40% wholesale discount + Ingram cut
Free EPUB conversion
Free ISBN
Amazon Kindle	Direct	Possible but discouraged
Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play
Indie bookstore distribution	Via IngramSpark channel
Academic library distribution	Via IngramSpark + Cantook
Print-on-demand (paperback)	Via IngramSpark channel
Hardcover print-on-demand	Via IngramSpark channel
Audiobook distribution
Library lending platforms	OverDrive, Hoopla, cloudLibrary direct	Indirect via wholesale
WCAG 2.2 accessibility	Auto on every plan	Author's responsibility
Best for	Authors wanting one platform for everything	Authors only doing paperback for bookstores

What you actually pay

Upload cost math

IngramSpark direct (1 book, print + ebook)

Initial upload: $49
First revision (almost always needed): $25
Title change later: $25
Total typical first-year cost: $74 + per-revision

Chiify (1 book, print + ebook, includes IngramSpark delivery)

Initial upload: $0
Revisions: $0 each, unlimited
EPUB conversion: $0
ISBN: $0
Total first-year cost: $0 (Free plan) or $300 (Lifetime)

The Lifetime plan pays for itself after roughly 4 IngramSpark-direct uploads with revisions.

What IngramSpark genuinely does better

Don't switch if you only do paperback

If your business is paperback-only, for indie bookstores, you might want to stay with IngramSpark direct. Reasons:

Direct ordering relationships — indie bookstores have direct accounts with Ingram. They can order your title with no aggregator middleman.
Returns processing — bookstores order print books with return rights. IngramSpark handles returns natively; aggregators in the middle complicate that.
Hardcover quality control— direct relationship with Ingram’s print plants gives you more control over print quality, color profiles, paper weight, binding style.

For digital (ebook + audiobook + libraries), Chiify gives you everything IngramSpark does andeverything they don’t (direct Amazon, direct Apple, direct Kobo, direct library lending).

Hybrid setup

Many authors use both

A common pattern: use Chiify for ebook + audiobook + library distribution, and use IngramSpark direct for paperback + hardcover print-on-demand. You get Chiify’s 0% commission on digital and IngramSpark’s indie-bookstore reach on print.

If you do this, use different ISBNs per format (which both platforms allocate) and make sure metadata stays in sync between the two systems.

Frequently asked

Does Chiify replace IngramSpark entirely?: For digital (ebook + audiobook), yes. For print (paperback + hardcover), we use IngramSpark as a delivery channel — meaning your print book reaches the same indie bookstores and academic libraries it would if you uploaded direct, plus Chiify handles the upload + revision fees. If you only do print, going direct to IngramSpark might still be slightly cheaper per-title at very low volumes; at any meaningful catalog, Chiify Lifetime wins.
Can I use Chiify for digital and IngramSpark direct for print?: Yes, common setup. Use different ISBNs (one for ebook on Chiify, separate for paperback on IngramSpark) and keep metadata in sync. This gives you Chiify's free digital distribution and IngramSpark's direct bookstore relationships.
Is the IngramSpark distribution discount really 40%?: IngramSpark requires you set a wholesale discount that retailers (bookstores, libraries) can buy at. The minimum for inclusion in their catalog is 30%; many authors set 40-55% to be competitive. That discount is on top of any aggregator commission. Through Chiify, this discount setup is the same (it's how Ingram works) but our aggregator commission is 0% (Lifetime) instead of additional cuts.

Switch from IngramSpark in 5 minutes.

Free to start. Free EPUB conversion. Free ISBN. Human review in 24 hours. No exclusivity.

Start free Talk to our team