Key Highlights
- IngramSpark provides access to an enormous global distribution network, getting your print books listed with thousands of retailers.
- Ex Why Zed is a premium UK-based printing service focused on delivering exceptional print quality for authors who want a superior physical product.
- Your choice depends on your primary goal: wide reach (IngramSpark) or high-quality custom printing for direct sales (Ex Why Zed).
- IngramSpark operates on a print-on-demand model, while Ex Why Zed is geared toward custom print runs.
- Both platforms offer distinct advantages in the self-publishing journey, from book cover design to final production.
The hardest part of self-publishing today isn’t writing your book; it’s choosing where to publish it. With so many options beyond Kindle Direct Publishing, picking the wrong platform could mean wasted time, lost royalties, and your story never reaching the readers it deserves
If you're focused on creating beautiful print books, two names you might encounter are IngramSpark and Ex Why Zed. While both help you create a physical book, they operate very differently.
In this guide, you’ll get a side-by-side comparison of IngramSpark and Ex Why Zed, covering print quality, cost, distribution, ease of use, and which is best for your goals as an indie author.
What’s the Difference Between IngramSpark and Ex Why Zed?
If you’re weighing up IngramSpark vs Ex Why Zed, it helps to understand what each does best. IngramSpark is a full print-on-demand POD services platform combining printing and distribution options to connect your new book with a global audience.
On the other hand, Ex Why Zed is more like your personal printer. They specialise in high-quality paperback books, hardcover books, and even children’s book projects. You’ll get a polished product, but managing sales and wider distribution is your responsibility.
To make things clearer, here's a side-by-side comparison of what each platform does best:
| Feature | IngramSpark | Ex Why Zed |
|---|---|---|
| Core Function | Print-on-demand (POD) + global distribution | Premium, customised book printing |
| Best For | Authors seeking wide distribution with minimal upfront cost | Authors wanting high-quality, customised books for direct sales |
| Print Options | Standard paperback & hardcover; trim sizes, page count, paper, finish adjustments | Offset & custom printing; embossing, special papers, unique sizes, perfect bound, hardcovers |
| Onboarding | Dashboard-based; requires ISBN number, file uploads meeting POD standards, and setup fees | Email-based; team guides you on book size, paper, binding, and setup |
| Ease of Use | More technical: dashboard control over ISBN, pricing, wholesale discount, and publication date | Very simple; send files/details via email, and the team manages next steps |
What Features Should Self-Publishing Authors Compare?
The choice between IngramSpark and Ex Why Zed often comes down to reach versus quality. We’ll see how they compare against each other in the table below.
| Service | IngramSpark | Ex Why Zed |
|---|---|---|
| Print Options | Print-on-demand in paperback and hardcover with a range of trim sizes and page counts. | Premium printing with bespoke sizes, cover treatments (e.g. embossing), and finishing details. |
| Distribution | Global distribution via Amazon, bookstores, and libraries. | Focused on physical quality rather than distribution reach. |
| Customisation | Limited; designed for standard POD formats. | Extensive; let's authors create distinctive, high-end editions. |
| Support | Self-service with resources; less personalised. | Hands-on guidance throughout printing, finishing, and setup. |
| Cost Transparency | Pay per service (setup + printing fees). | Upfront advice on printing and finishing costs. |
How Does the Setup and Onboarding Experience Differ?
The setup and onboarding process can feel overwhelming for solo authors, from account creation to file uploads; each platform handles these steps differently. In the next sections, we’ll walk through how these differences impact your publishing journey.
IngramSpark Onboarding
Here’s what the first steps with IngramSpark usually look like:
- You’ll need your own ISBN number, and you must carefully match your book size and page count to their specs. File uploads have to meet POD standards, or your proof copy may be rejected.
- The KDP Bookshelf feels simpler by comparison, but Ingram’s dashboard gives you wider control over things like list price, wholesale discount, and release date.
Ex Why Zed Onboarding
With Ex Why Zed, the next step is more personal:
- Instead of navigating a dashboard, you start by emailing their team with your project details. A quick email address exchange sets things in motion.
- They’ll help you decide on the number of books, book size, paper type, or whether perfect bound or hard cover works best. It’s a collaborative way to set up your title.
What Printing Quality and Options Do They Offer?
Both IngramSpark and Ex Why Zed deliver professional-quality printing, but their styles, distribution, and practical considerations like turnaround times and minimums differ in meaningful ways.
IngramSpark Print Options
With IngramSpark’s POD services, you’ll find:
- Standardised formats such as paperback and hardcover, covering most fiction, non-fiction, and children’s book layouts.
- Options to adjust page count, trim size, paper stock, and finish, balancing printing costs with creative needs.
- Fast turnaround times, since books are printed on demand once an order is placed.
- No large print run minimums, making it cost-effective for smaller launches or testing the market.
Ex Why Zed Print Options
Ex Why Zed leans toward offset printing and high-end customisation:
- You can request non-standard book size, embossing, foiling, special papers, or perfect-bound finishes to create a distinctive, premium product.
- Greater flexibility with design choices, ideal for authors who see their book as a long-term asset and want it to stand out.
- Print runs typically require a minimum order, but this ensures consistency across copies and better economies of scale as quantities increase.
- Turnaround times are longer than POD, though this extra time often translates into higher-quality finishing and a more polished final product.
How Do Their Pricing Structures Compare?
Budgeting for your publishing process means looking at both the cost of printing and additional costs.
IngramSpark Costs
Here’s how costs work with IngramSpark:
- You pay a small setup fee for each new book, plus revision fees if you update your cover file or manuscript. However, you only cover printing costs when a copy sells.
- This low upfront approach makes it ideal for authors aiming for wider distribution with minimal risk.
Ex Why Zed Costs
Ex Why Zed uses upfront pricing:
- You’ll get a quote for the number of books, format, and finishes, and then pay everything before production.
- While the initial cost of printing is higher, bulk orders offer lower per-unit pricing, making it the best choice if you want larger runs.
How Do They Differ in Distribution Reach?
Getting your new book into readers’ hands matters, but reach can mean different things depending on the platform.
IngramSpark Distribution
With IngramSpark, your children’s book, novel, or memoir can reach a wide network:
- Automatic listing with Amazon, bookstores, and libraries puts your title into global catalogues.
- However, while the reach is broad, it’s also largely automated and competitive, meaning your book may sit alongside thousands of others without much visibility unless you invest further in marketing.
Ex Why Zed Distribution
Ex Why Zed takes a more direct approach, putting distribution in the author’s control:
- You choose how to sell, be it through your website, events, social media, or independent bookstores.
- This requires more involvement, but it also means you keep full profits, build direct reader relationships, and create a clear path for your hardcover or children’s book to stand out.
How Do Royalties and Profits Work?
Let’s break down how you actually earn money with each model.
IngramSpark Royalties
On IngramSpark, payments work like this:
- Your profit is based on the list price, minus printing costs and wholesale discount. Payments come about 90 days after the sale, so budget your next step carefully.
- For authors already on Kindle Unlimited or KDP Select, this feels familiar, but the profit margin is slimmer.
Ex Why Zed Profits
With Ex Why Zed, things are straightforward:
- Since you’ve already paid for your number of books, every sale (after payment processing) is yours.
- You avoid royalty delays and see immediate returns, though unsold stock is the risk.
What Customer Support Can You Expect?
Both platforms offer support, but the experience is very different.
IngramSpark Support
IngramSpark offers:
- Support is mainly via online forms and email addresses, with occasional live chat. Responses can take time, especially if your release date is close.
- Useful for experienced authors but sometimes tricky for a new book launch.
Ex Why Zed Support
Ex Why Zed takes a more direct route:
- You’ll work with a dedicated person who guides you through book size, paper, page count, and binding choices.
- It feels less like troubleshooting and more like having a partner for your publishing process.
Which Service Is Easier to Use?
Ease of use depends on whether you prefer dashboards or direct support.
IngramSpark Usability
Using IngramSpark:
- Kindle Direct Publishing’s Bookshelf is easier to use, but IngramSpark’s dashboard lets you control details like your International Standard Book Number (ISBN), page count, list price, and publication date.
- The self-publishing process gives you a lot of control, but it can take more time to learn and get comfortable with.
Ex Why Zed Usability
With Ex Why Zed:
- You skip dashboards entirely, just send your cover file and details via email, and their team handles the next step.
- Simpler for authors who don’t want to juggle technical details.
Conclusion
Choosing between IngramSpark and Ex Why Zed ultimately depends on your specific needs as an author. Each platform has its unique strengths, from pricing structures and distribution channels to customer support experiences.
Remember, the right choice can significantly impact your book's reach and success. If you're still unsure which platform is ideal for your project, don’t hesitate to reach out for a personalised consultation to help guide you through this important decision!
Frequently Asked Questions
IngramSpark vs Ex Why Zed – which should authors choose?
IngramSpark vs Ex Why Zed comes down to priorities. IngramSpark offers global reach via major retailers, while Ex Why Zed provides high-quality bespoke printing with excellent customer support. Authors often combine both for distribution power and premium editions.
What should UK authors know about IngramSpark UK?
IngramSpark UK gives authors access to local and global distribution, including Waterstones and Amazon. It offers print-on-demand services but has setup fees and strict file requirements. Many British authors value its reach but find customer service slower than expected.
What do most IngramSpark reviews highlight?
IngramSpark reviews are mixed. Authors often praise its wide distribution and affordability, but many raise concerns about formatting issues, rejected files, and poor customer support. Print quality is generally solid, though consistency across batches can sometimes be a challenge.
What are good alternatives to IngramSpark?
Alternatives to IngramSpark include Amazon KDP for self-publishing ebooks and paperbacks, Ex Why Zed for premium UK printing, and Lulu for flexible formats. Each has different strengths, so authors often use a combination depending on audience, budget, and goals.
Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark – which is better?
Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark is a common dilemma. KDP offers free setup, excellent Amazon visibility, and lower upfront costs, while IngramSpark provides wider bookstore distribution. Many UK authors publish on both to maximise reach and balance accessibility with professionalism.
How does IngramSpark work for self-publishers?
How does IngramSpark work? Authors upload print-ready files, pay a setup fee, and select trim sizes and paper options. The platform prints books on demand and distributes them worldwide through bookstores, libraries, and online retailers, handling orders automatically.
What are the main differences between IngramSpark and Ex Why Zed for self-publishers?
The main differences are their core functions. IngramSpark is a publishing platform offering a vast distribution network and print-on-demand services. Ex Why Zed is a specialist printer focused on premium print quality for authors who manage their own book sales and distribution.
Which is better for distribution: IngramSpark or Ex Why Zed?
IngramSpark excels at wide distribution through retailers, while Ex Why Zed focuses on high-quality short runs. Choose IngramSpark for reach and Ex Why Zed for customisation, design flexibility, and personal service suited to indie authors.
What do customer reviews say about Ex Why Zed versus IngramSpark?
UK authors often praise Ex Why Zed’s friendly support, clear communication, and print quality. In contrast, IngramSpark reviews frequently mention technical challenges, slower customer service, and occasional print errors, despite the advantage of broader distribution opportunities.
What common problems do authors face with IngramSpark or Ex Why Zed?
Authors using IngramSpark often struggle with setup fees, file rejections, and slow support. With Ex Why Zed, issues are rarer but can include higher costs for small print runs and slightly longer lead times during busy seasons.