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Set Up KDP & IngramSpark Accounts
⏱ Start 12–9 months before release
What You'll Do
Create free accounts with both Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) and IngramSpark UK. These are the two main platforms indie authors use to distribute ebooks and print books worldwide.
Why You Need Both
💡 Pro Strategy
Use both platforms together. Publish your ebook on KDP for Amazon sales, and use IngramSpark for wider distribution to bookstores, libraries, and other retailers. You can also use KDP for print-on-demand paperbacks sold on Amazon, while IngramSpark handles bookstore orders.
Setting Up Amazon KDP
Step 1: Create Your KDP Account
- Go to kdp.amazon.com
- Click "Sign up" and use your existing Amazon account (or create a new one)
- Complete your author profile
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
Amazon requires identity verification for tax and payment purposes. You'll need:
- Government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's license)
- Proof of address (bank statement or utility bill)
Upload these documents through the KDP dashboard. Verification usually takes 1-3 business days.
Step 3: Add Banking Information
Navigate to Account Settings → Getting Paid
- Enter your bank account details (for UK authors: sort code and account number)
- Alternatively, choose payment by cheque (though bank transfer is faster)
Minimum payment threshold: £10 for direct deposit
Step 4: Complete Tax Interview
KDP requires tax information for royalty payments:
- UK residents: Fill out a W-8BEN form (certifies you're not a US taxpayer)
- This ensures you're not subject to US tax withholding
- The process is built into KDP and takes about 5 minutes
Setting Up IngramSpark
Step 1: Create Your IngramSpark Account
- Go to ingramspark.com
- Click "Get Started"
- Choose "UK & Europe" during registration
- Enter your publisher information (use your imprint name)
Step 2: Verify Your Publisher Information
IngramSpark requires more detailed publisher information than KDP:
- Imprint/publisher name
- Business address (can be your home address)
- Contact phone and email
- VAT number (if registered - not required for most indie authors)
Step 3: Add Payment & Tax Details
Navigate to Account → Payment Information
- Enter bank details for royalty payments
- Complete the W-8BEN tax form (same as KDP)
- Set up your payment threshold (minimum £10)
Step 4: Understand IngramSpark Fees
Unlike KDP (which is completely free), IngramSpark charges setup fees:
- £25 per title for ebook or print setup
- £25 per revision if you need to update files after publication
However, IngramSpark frequently offers promo codes that waive these fees. Check their website or sign up for their newsletter to get discount codes.
💰 Save Money on IngramSpark
Before setting up your titles on IngramSpark, search for current promo codes. They often offer free setup during specific months or for new publishers. Join the IngramSpark Facebook group where members share active codes.
Account Setup Checklist
For Both Platforms:
- ☐ Account created with your author/imprint details
- ☐ Identity verified (government ID uploaded)
- ☐ Bank account added for payments
- ☐ Tax forms completed (W-8BEN for UK residents)
- ☐ Email notifications enabled
- ☐ Two-factor authentication enabled (recommended for security)
What Happens Next?
Once your accounts are set up and verified, you won't upload your book yet. You'll wait until:
- Your manuscript is professionally edited (Phase 2)
- Your files are formatted (Phase 3)
- Your cover is designed with ISBN barcode (Phase 3)
- Your metadata is finalized (Phase 2)
Setting up accounts early means they'll be ready when you need them, and you'll have time to familiarize yourself with each platform's dashboard.