When it comes to publishing your book independently, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing the right print-on-demand (POD) platform. And you can really go down the rabbit hole here. There are many to choose from—KDP, IngramSpark, Lulu, BookBaby, Blurb—and each comes with its own benefits and trade-offs. The good news? You don’t have to know everything right away. The better news? Once you understand the basics, you can make a confident choice that fits your goals and budget.
Print-on-demand platforms make it possible for indie authors to publish without ordering hundreds of books upfront or storing boxes of unsold inventory. These platforms allow you to upload your files and only print books when someone places an order. It’s cost-effective, efficient, and lets you focus on what matters most: getting your story into readers’ hands.
KDP
Let’s start with KDP, Amazon’s self-publishing arm. KDP is the most widely used POD platform for a reason. It’s free to use, relatively easy to navigate, and books published through KDP are automatically available on Amazon. For indie authors trying to reach the biggest online bookstore in the world, that’s a major plus. KDP offers both paperback and ebook publishing, and while they don’t currently support hardcover, it’s a great option if you want the widest reach with the fewest steps. For me, I chose KDP for my paperback and ebook version of my memoir because it offered the easiest setup and widest access to readers.
IngramSpark
IngramSpark is another popular print-on-demand option among indie authors, especially those who want to get their books into libraries and brick-and-mortar bookstores. Unlike KDP, which primarily distributes through Amazon, IngramSpark connects you to the broader book distribution network, including retailers like Barnes & Noble and indie bookstores. That said, IngramSpark charges setup fees and can be a bit more technical when it comes to file uploads and requirements.
I personally chose to list my ebook with IngramSpark as well because it expanded my ebook’s reach outside of the Amazon ecosystem and made my title more widely available. If you’re looking to be taken seriously by the traditional book world or want to see your memoir on the shelves at your local indie bookstore, IngramSpark is worth considering.
I will say that I almost listed my paperback with IngramSpark, too, but, in my opinion, they have expensive and risky return fees. Because IngramSpark distributes much more widely, a bookstore could buy ten of your books. But if, after any number of months, those books do not sell, the bookstore can return them. They pay for the printing cost up front when they purchase, but when they return the unsold books to IngramSpark, Ingram will charge you, the author, for those books PLUS a fee for destroying them. And if you want them shipped to you instead, there is an even bigger fee for that.
This was the primary reason I did not list with IngramSpark. I read about them online and many authors owed Ingram a lot of money for returns. I didn’t want that risk.
Lulu
Then there’s Lulu, which is a bit more of a niche player. Lulu offers a lot of customization, which makes it ideal for photo books, workbooks, journals, or books with more complex layouts. Their pricing isn’t always as competitive as KDP or IngramSpark, but they do offer hardcover and spiral-bound options that other print-on-demand services don’t. If you’re creating a supplemental guide, workbook, or companion piece to your memoir, Lulu could be a good match.
BookBaby
BookBaby is a full-service self-publishing platform that combines POD with publishing services like editing, design, and marketing. It’s not the cheapest option, but for authors who want more support or a done-for-you experience, BookBaby might be worth the cost. It’s especially helpful if you don’t want to tackle things like formatting or distribution yourself. However, make sure you read the fine print—some full-service platforms take a percentage of your royalties or require bulk printing that isn’t technically print-on-demand.
Blurb
Blurb is often used by creatives for visually-driven books. It’s best suited for photography books, cookbooks, or any content where images take center stage. Like Lulu, Blurb allows for high-quality print options but isn’t necessarily the best fit for a standard memoir. Still, if your memoir is visually rich or includes family photographs and you want to create a beautiful gift edition, Blurb is worth exploring.
Draft2Digital
There’s also Draft2Digital, which doesn’t offer print books but is one of the best options for ebook distribution. If you’re publishing digitally and want to reach Apple Books, Kobo, and other major retailers beyond Amazon, Draft2Digital gives you a streamlined path. You can upload once and distribute widely without jumping through multiple hoops.
How To Decide Which One is Right For You
So how do you decide which print-on-demand platform is right for you? First, think about your goals. Do you want to keep it simple and focus on Amazon? Are you hoping to get your book into libraries or bookstores? Are you looking for extra services or just the basics? Your answers will guide your choice.
Second, consider your budget. KDP is free, IngramSpark charges per title unless you have a promo code, and other platforms may bundle services that you may or may not need. Weigh the costs against your comfort level with tech and your willingness to DIY parts of the process.
Third, look at the formats you want. If hardcover or spiral-bound editions are important, that might steer you toward print-on-demand platforms like Lulu or BookBaby. If ebooks are your main focus, KDP, IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital could be your best bets.
In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and you can use more than one platform if it makes sense for your goals. I personally used KDP for both my paperback and ebook because of its reach and simplicity, but I also listed my ebook with IngramSpark to broaden distribution.
Whichever print-on-demand platform you choose, remember that your story deserves to be told. The tool you use to share it should support your vision, not complicate it.
How I Can Help You
And if all of this still feels overwhelming, that’s where I come in. Through Mount Cooper Publishing, I help indie authors navigate the publishing maze—from formatting your book for print and ebook, to designing your cover, registering your ISBN, and choosing the right platforms. I’ve been in your shoes, and I know how hard it is to figure this all out on your own. If you’re ready to bring your book into the world but need a guide to walk alongside you, I’d be honored to help. Let’s publish your story, your way.