Since most authors now use KDP Print for POD and the dashboard is similar for ebook publishing, most of the fields covered in chapter 1.5 are still relevant, so I will just cover the extra information you need here.
Ingram Spark and the other services are similar in terms of the fields you need to populate.
Interior type
Choose black & white or full color; then choose Paper Color white or cream.
I use black & white for my interior, cream paper for fiction and white for non-fiction.
Trim size
Choose your book size. Personally, I use 5 x 8 for my paperback and hardback books and I use 6.14 x 9.21 for Large Print.
For hardbacks on Ingram Spark, you can choose case laminate where the cover itself is hard (my usual choice), but you can also use dust jackets if you prefer.
This is also the place where you can download a template for the interior once you've chosen a size.
Submit your book interior
Upload your print-ready file here in PDF, .doc, .docx or .rtf format. Again, you might get errors here that need fixing. It’s not a problem. Just re-upload the file.
Cover
You can choose a matte or glossy finish on your book.
I prefer matte, but you can always try both as a test and decide which you prefer. Some colors can be different depending on the cover you choose.
Submit cover
Upload the print-ready cover file or use the Cover Creator tool to build one yourself within KDP Print.
Distribution channels
On KDP Print, this is separated into two sections: Amazon and Expanded Distribution, which includes Libraries and Academic Institutions, Bookstores and Online Retailers.
If you choose to use both KDP Print and Ingram Spark, then only complete the top section of this page and use Ingram Spark for Expanded Distribution.
Pricing
Based on all the options you’ve chosen and the layout of your files, the calculated cost of printing will be displayed here.
Obviously, a 400 page, 6x9 full-color book will be more expensive than a 200 page, 5x8 black & white book.
You can then add the price you want to sell the book for, which gives you a calculated profit. I usually make $2 on a print book. If you want to make more money, then put the price up. It's your choice.
You can never lose money on KDP Print as they have no returns and all the costs are included here. If you use returns on Ingram Spark, you have the potential to owe money for printing at some point, so I don’t allow returns. However, some authors use returns and higher discounting to sell more effectively into bookstores.
Description
This is the sales description or back blurb that you have previously used on your ebooks.
You also need to choose the BISAC category which helps categorise your books. Ingram Spark also has Thema codes and Regional codes which can help categorise your books even more, so complete all the fields that are appropriate.
Contains adult content
Select if applicable.
Large Print
Select if applicable.
Many indie authors do Large Print versions of their books now as this is an underserved market and it’s easy to do a print-on-demand Large Print book. Vellum even has formatting options for it now.
Check out my recommendations for large print here: www.TheCreativePenn.com/large-print
Submit for publication
Once this is all done, submit your files for review.
The POD services will email you within 24 hours with any issues. You may get a notification of some errors in the process. If there are problems, you'll be told what they are e.g. image is outside the margin. Fix the file and re-upload as necessary.
If you need to make subsequent changes to your books once they’re live, remember that you can always upload new files.
Order a proof copy of your book or you can proof it online if you're confident enough to make it live in the stores.
If you're just starting out, then definitely order a proof copy. I'm established in my process now and trust my designer, so I just proof online and then order a copy once it's available for sale to put on my bookshelf at home so I can say, “I made this!”