Origin Books vs. IngramSpark
Short-run printing versus print-on-demand distribution — many authors use both.
| Feature | Origin Books | IngramSpark |
|---|---|---|
| Business model | Short-run printer | Print-on-demand + distribution |
| Order quantity | 25--5,000 copies | No minimum (1 copy per order) |
| Binding | Softcover, hardcover, spiral | Softcover, hardcover |
| Paper options | Multiple stocks (60lb--80lb, coated/uncoated, cream/white), Rainforest Alliance certified | Standard white or cream |
| Premium features | 3D Spot UV, foil stamping, metallic printing, rounded corners, custom endsheets | Standard finishes only |
| Cover finishes | Gloss, matte, soft-touch, spot UV, foil | Gloss, matte |
| Design services | Cover ($89+) and interior ($399+) | Not offered |
| Distribution | Direct sales support | 40,000+ retailers and libraries worldwide |
| Pricing model | Per-book price, no setup fees | Per-book printing cost + retailer discount; ~$49 setup fee per title |
| Production time | Softcover: 5--10 business days; hardcover: 5--6 weeks | Per-order (varies by location) |
| Support | Dedicated representative | Online support and knowledge base |
Origin Books and IngramSpark serve different roles in book publishing. Origin Books is a short-run printer that produces physical inventory in quantities of 25 to 5,000 copies. IngramSpark is a print-on-demand platform with built-in retail and library distribution through Ingram’s global network. Many authors use both.
Business Models
Short-run printing (Origin Books). You order a specific quantity of books printed in a single production run. You own the inventory and sell through your own channels at whatever price you set. All production happens in-house at Origin Books’ facility in Seattle, Washington.
Print-on-demand (IngramSpark). Your book prints one copy at a time when a customer orders through a retailer. No upfront inventory. IngramSpark handles printing, fulfillment, and distribution through Ingram’s network of 40,000+ retailers and libraries worldwide. You set a list price and earn royalties after printing costs and retailer discounts.
When to Use Origin Books
- You want physical inventory for direct sales at events, signings, or through your own online store
- Your book requires premium features (foil, Spot UV, metallic printing, spiral binding, specialty paper)
- You want to choose a specific paper stock, weight, or finish
- You sell primarily through your own channels and keep 100% of revenue
- You want a dedicated representative overseeing your project
When to Use IngramSpark
- You want your book listed in bookstores, libraries, and online retailers worldwide through Ingram’s catalog
- You prefer no upfront inventory cost
- Your book uses standard specifications (softcover or hardcover, standard paper, gloss or matte cover)
- You want orders to print and ship without your involvement
- You want library and bookstore discoverability through Ingram’s distribution network
Using Both
Many authors use Origin Books and IngramSpark together:
- Origin Books for a print run of direct-sales inventory --- events, signings, and author website
- IngramSpark for retail and library distribution worldwide
This approach combines physical inventory at a lower per-unit cost with passive distribution through retail and library channels. Each format of your book requires its own ISBN. Trim size and cover specifications should match across both platforms for product consistency.
For guidance on ISBNs, see the ISBN and Barcode guide. For distribution strategy, see the Distribution Guide.
Pricing Models Compared
Origin Books: You purchase inventory at a per-book price. For a 6 x 9, 150-page, black-and-white softcover at 250 copies, the cost is $6.07 per book. You sell at whatever price you choose and keep 100% of the revenue. No setup fees. The pricing calculator shows exact per-book cost for any specification.
IngramSpark: You set a list price. When a retailer orders, IngramSpark deducts the printing cost and the retailer discount (typically 40—55%) from the list price. The remainder is your royalty. A $16.99 list price with a 55% retailer discount and a $4.50 print cost yields approximately $3.15 per copy. Setup fee is approximately $49 per title.
The per-copy margin from direct sales through Origin Books inventory is higher. The per-copy margin through IngramSpark is lower but requires no upfront investment and reaches a broader market.
Last updated: January 2026