Publish Setup · IngramSpark Topic 6 of 8
File Review, Proofing, and Ordering a Proof Copy
What to do
Go through IngramSpark's own file review and proofing process, and order a physical proof copy before letting your title go live.
Why it matters
Just like KDP's previewer and proof-copy step, this is your last real check before the book is out in the world through a much wider distribution network, and once a print run is in bookstore and library systems, catching a formatting problem afterward is far more visible than catching it here.
Step-by-step
- After upload, IngramSpark runs its own file review (its own version of KDP's automatic checker) and will flag issues like a trim-size mismatch, missing bleed, or a font that wasn't embedded, read whatever specific message it gives you, the same troubleshooting approach as the KDP errors topic earlier in this stage.
- IngramSpark's review can take a day or two to come back (historically slower than KDP's more-instant automatic checker), so build that wait into your timeline rather than expecting an immediate result.
- Once your files pass review, order a physical proof copy through your IngramSpark account before approving the title for sale. This is the only way to check your actual printed colors, paper weight, and binding in person, a screen preview can't substitute for that, same principle as the KDP proof-copy topic.
- When your proof arrives, check the cover colors, flip through the interior for print quality and image sharpness, and open the spine to make sure text isn't crowded too close to the binding, the same checklist as reviewing a KDP proof.
- Important IngramSpark-specific timing note: several authors who use both platforms report that ordering an IngramSpark proof, or otherwise activating global distribution, before their KDP edition is fully live can cause confusing side effects (mismatched royalty/discount setup, odd shipping behavior). If you're publishing on both, many self-publishers finish and confirm the KDP edition is live first, then bring the same book onto IngramSpark.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the physical proof copy and going straight from IngramSpark's file review to approving the title for sale.
- Activating IngramSpark distribution before your KDP edition (if you're using both) is confirmed live, which several authors report has caused pricing and shipping mix-ups.
Completion checklist
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Troubleshooting
How is this different from the KDP previewer and proof-copy steps I already did?
Conceptually it's the same idea (automated file review, then a physical proof before going live), but it's IngramSpark's own separate system with its own timing (often a bit slower) and its own way of showing warnings. You still need to go through it here even if you already did the equivalent on KDP.