Difference between IngramSpark and Lightning Source

What’s the Difference Between IngramSpark and Lightning Source? One of the most common questions we receive at Ingram is “What’s the difference between IngramSpark and Lightning Source?” IngramSpark and Lightning Source are both companies at Ingram Content Group that provide print-on-demand services for publishers.

• IngramSpark is for independent publishers or self-published authors looking for the high-quality, professional products, and services that Ingram provides.
• Lightning Source is for mid to large-size publishers seeking a more comprehensive, hands-on publishing service from Ingram.

In this article, we’ll explain how the two options are similar and differ, to help you understand whether IngramSpark or Lightning Source best suits your publishing needs.

Let’s start by discussing what you’ll receive from both companies.

IngramSpark and Lightning Source provide customers with the same:

• Print-on-demand book manufacturing
• Book trim sizes, cover options, interior papers, and interior print options
• A global distribution network of more than 40,000+ retailers, bookstores, and libraries
• File requirements for print interior and cover files
• Access to a customer support team 7 days a week

Now, let’s discuss how they differ.

IngramSpark

• Account Setup: You can activate your account online. Your account may be available the same day or it could take a few days for internal review.
• Ebook Services: Offers ebook conversion and distribution.
• Credit Terms: Accepts credit cards only, and clients must be able to provide digital signatures on contracts and agreements.
• Wholesale Discount Terms: Allows publishers to offer between a 40% and 55% wholesale discount, although a 53% to 55% discount in the US (includes Canada) market and 48% to 55% in the UK, Europe, and Australia markets, is suggested so retailers and bookstores receive their normal trade discount.
• Fees
  • FREE Setup for Paperback or Hardback and/or Ebook!
  • FREE revisions for the first 60 days after approving the proof (when the book goes into production)
  • Print or ebook revisions after a book has been in production for 60+ days - $25 fee per file and you must upload the entire file.
  • Ebook Conversion Services - $0.60/page
  • Global Distribution - 1% of the list price 
    • Depending on the country you are located in there may be additional VAT or GST charged on top of the Global Distribution Fee for print books. 

 Lightning Source

• Account Setup: With Lightning Source, it may take several days or weeks before an account is activated, depending on how quickly banks provide references and information.
• Ebook Services: No ebook setup is available through Lightning Source but, is available through Ingram-owned CoreSource for publishers with extensive digital asset management needs. Publishers can also set up an IngramSpark account for ebook services.
• Credit Terms: Lightning Source offers accepts payments from credit cards or credit terms, depending on their business eligibility.
• Wholesale Discount Terms: Allows publishers to offer between a 40% and 55% wholesale discount, although a 53% to 55% discount in the US (includes Canada) market and 48% to 55% in the UK, Europe, and Australia markets, is suggested so retailers and bookstores receive their normal trade discount.
• Scanning: Lightning Source can scan an already existing book ($75 for the cover and $0.25 per page for BW interior) and create the digital files needed for printing.
• BOLT Pricing: Similar to a loyalty program, opt-in Book Long-Term (BOLT) Pricing is designed to help publishers get the most out of print on demand by providing incrementally increasing printing discounts over the long term.
• Fees
  • Paperback or hardback - $80 setup fee
  • Global distribution - $12 yearly Market Access Fee, per title
  • Revisions - $45 per file once in production

• Those who would benefit most from Lightning Source typically have an established list of published titles and do frequent business or will be establishing consistent business over time.

We recommend that you review your true business needs and both Ingram options before making your decision:

www.ingramspark.com

www.lightningsource.com