Why KDP Wins Over IngramSpark and Lulu for Indie Poetry

 

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In June of this year, I self-published my debut poetry chapbook, Shadow's Reprieve, only as an ebook while I decided which platform to use to sell my print copy. While not my first rodeo with book publishing- my previous works include 3 children's books, a Halloween coloring book, and a couple of journals- the problem is I've only ever sold a handful of copies to family and friends. At 54, I want to finally produce a book that will get seen and sell beyond a few sympathetic gestures from those closest to me.

At middle age, I want to claim my place in the world as a writer whose primary genre is poetry. Lyrical art has lived within me for decades. In my 50s, I am finally ready to share the verses that align with my writing catchphrase, "Writing to uplift humanity."

Originally, I swore I'd never use KDP. I swore I'd never publish on Amazon again. I  swore I was done and over it.

Lulu experience

I opted for Lulu, liking the appeal of a boutique-like storefront. So, I uploaded my manuscript, and voila, my book was available on Lulu. I had to wait for my author's copy to arrive so I could preview it for potential errors before approving it for further distribution.

Less than two weeks later, my book arrived. I approved it and waited for Lulu's own approval process so my book could be distributed globally.

Tick, tick, tick, went the clock. A couple of weeks passed. Nothing. No notice. No approval.

I decided to take another look and realized that my book cover wasn't exactly right. My author's name was white when I originally made it black while designing my cover with Canva Pro. Oops! I went back to Canva and fixed my oversight. After uploading to Lulu, I was prompted to purchase another author's copy- yes, another! 

Between the wait time for an author's copy plus the additional cost of purchasing another book after making an edit, and the long review time, I decided that Lulu just isn't the right home for my Jungian-themed chapbook.

IngramSpark

IngramSpark is a publish-on-demand platform and another option that caught my curiosity. Global reach and high-quality printing were attractive features, but then the issue of the ISBN arose.

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique 13-digit commercial tracking number. Basically, it's a universal bar code for an author's book.

IngramSpark provides a free ISBN option, but utilizing this comes with limits.

A free barcode means that essentially IngramSpark owns it, and an author can't transfer the ISBN to another platform if they choose to leave. Also, "free" means that IngramSpark attaches "Indy Pub" as the publisher instead of a personal brand or name.

What does it cost to purchase an ISBN? 

$85

Reportedly, this is cheaper than the $125 standard.
And, yes, this is the cost per barcode, unless one wants to purchase a 10-pack bundle.

As a 50-something Indie author working on a tight budget, I decided this was a hard pass. 

I've also read that IngramSpark has other issues (cons) including:

• Costly edits
• Additional fees
• Difficult interface requiring a steep learning curve
• Slow customer support

Amazon

Alas, I've returned to Amazon. Yesterday, I uploaded my manuscript and book cover to KDP, and my debut poetry chapbook based on Carl Jung's depth psychology is now live!

I've been writing online for six years now, and the world of book publishing, specifically self-publishing, is very different from my comfort zone. Simply writing a book and sending it out into the universe just won't work if one is focused on wide reader reach and sales. The process entails a lot of hard work, strategy, and continued forward movement with marketing and self-promotion.

I don't claim to have all the answers; I am still learning. 

As a middle-aged poet, my art is my calling. Sometimes, I get frustrated. Sometimes, I wonder if all of my hard work will lead right back to the vibe of yesterday, when as a forty something writer, my published works sat in silence with merely a handful of sales. The person I am today, however, has learned a thing or two along the way, and no matter what, the show must go on.

A few books under my belt has confirmed this is the right journey for me. Afterall, success as a writer is not one as an overnight sensation. It's a longend game, requiring dedication, motivation, and the courage to keep moving ahead, even when the chips are down.

Where might my chips lay?

I don't know yet, but I am determined to see this through.

For now, I continue promoting my chapbook, while working on the full-length book, Archetype of the Unlived, slated for a December 2026 release.

I share my journey, openly and honestly, so other Indie writers might feel less alone in their book writing adventures.

Shadow work

Interested in exploring personal shadow work?

Curious by Jung's depth psychology?

Enjoy lyrical expression?

Check out my poetry chapbook, a 15-poem collection displayed across 40 pages, exploring the primary Jungian archetypes, Persona, Shadow, and Self.

Author's Screenshot

 🖤 Buy your copy now for $6.99