Self-publishing has opened up a world of options for authors, and platforms like Lulu, Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and BookBaby all bring something different to the table. So, what sets each one apart? Which self-publishing platform gives you the control, reach, or quality you’re looking for?

In this guide, we’ll break down what you can really expect from each platform with just the essentials to help you figure out which one’s the best fit for you.

Lulu

Lulu gives you a full self-publishing package, covering both printing and distribution. It’s a print-on-demand (POD) platform, so you only pay when you order or sell a copy, no upfront print runs required. Some users mention a bit of a learning curve, especially if it’s their first time self-publishing.

Print Quality: Lulu is known for good print quality. You can choose from paperback, hardcover, and even coil-bound formats in color or black-and-white,

Pricing: Lulu’s pay-as-you-go pricing is great for those on a budget since there are no upfront costs. Keep in mind, that per-copy prices are a bit higher than some other platforms.

Distribution and Reach: Lulu’s global distribution network lets you reach online retailers, bookstores, and international markets, without locking you into any exclusivity. You can sell wherever you want

Marketing and Support: Lulu doesn’t have a ton of built-in marketing tools, so you’ll be handling most of the promotion yourself. On the plus side, customer support is generally reliable if you need a hand.

Helpful Tools: Lulu has a Pricing Calculator for quick quotes, a Help Center with guides on self-publishing, and a blog packed with extra tips and resources.

Lulu has a 3.9-star rating from 5,398 reviews on Trustpilot

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My readers love the speedy shipping from Lulu. I’ve already had emails from readers saying how excited they were to receive the book so quickly. And of course, I love the streamlined process and how easy Lulu makes it to self-publish.

⭐

Easy enough to use, but distribution takes weeks. Frustrating after using Amazon KDP.
UPDATED. After several weeks and having paid a fee for distribution on two books, I found they had been rejected for distribution. I was given no clear reason for rejection, just a list of possible reasons. They took my money then didn’t the service. It should be noted both titles went through Amazon without issue. I used the same manuscript on both sites.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon KDP is a print-on-demand and distribution platform that’s centered around Amazon marketplace. It’s built to make self-publishing as straight forward as possible.

Ease of Use: The setup process is guided, with templates and options that make things easier, especially for beginners.

Print Quality: KDP offers paperback and some hardcover options, but there aren’t as many customization choices. A lot of users have mentioned that the print quality can be inconsistent. You might want to order a proof copy first to make sure it meets your expectations.

Pricing : One of the perks of KDP is its flexible royalty system. There are no upfront costs, and you can set your own pricing for ebooks and paperbacks. You’ll earn royalties based on your book’s sale pric

Distribution and Reach: KDP Select requires exclusivity, meaning you won’t be able to distribute on other platforms if you opt into their promotional programs. However, it is amazon, so you do get to reach their millions of users.

Marketing and Support: KDP Select provides marketing tools, like Kindle Countdown Deals, exclusive to Amazon. As for customer support, it’s a bit hit-or-miss. Getting a quick response (or speaking to an actual person) can sometimes be challenging, so be prepared for potential delays.

Helpful Tools: Amazon offers a Help Center with FAQs, setup guides, and forums, along with a blog for publishing advice.

Amazon KDP has limited reviews everywhere. It has a 1.4 rating from 344 reviews on Trustpilot.

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I’ve been with KDP for over ten years, have published several fantasy novels with them, and have never had anything less than stellar service. My paperbacks are always beautifully printed and bound. The ease of using the website makes producing high quality books a fun and pleasurable experience. Changing manuscripts to remove typos or catch a mistake such as inverted wording is always easy. Customer service has been excellent, prompt and professional. After reading several negative reviews here, I had to respond with my experience and recommend that anyone interested in publishing their work with KDP, take those negative reviews with a large spoonful of salt. KDP and Amazon are the best publishing platform available.

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I published my book through Amazon KDP. Will not do it again. A few books were damaged during shipping. I sent them back and they shipped replacements. I inspected the books but it never occurred to me that I should fan through each book to ensure it was printed in color. After the 30 days passed, I grabbed a book in stock to show a customer a photo. Imagine the disbelief when I found it was printed in black & white. KDP admitted that I cannot change the print but yet said they can’t tell me how it happened and they refused to replace the 14 books they printed. You may want to find another publishing company that will stand behind their work.

Ingram Spark

IngramSpark is a professional-grade POD and distribution platform that gives you access to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers globally.

Ease of Use: IngramSpark comes with a learning curve and more technical requirements for file setup. If you’re experienced with professional publishing or don’t mind a bit of a challenge, IngramSpark offers a good level of control. Beginners, though, may find it a bit more complex than other platforms.

Print Quality: IngramSpark is known for its high-quality, bookstore-ready print options, offering hardcover, paperback, and spiral-bound formats.

Pricing: IngramSpark has some upfront fees, including setup and revision costs, which can make it a pricier option. But for those focused on wider distribution, it can be worth it. They offer different pricing calcultors for printing, shipping and estimating how much you’ll earn for each sale.

Distribution and Reach: IngramSpark’s distribution network is extensive, reaching major bookstores, libraries, and online retailers globally.

Marketing and Support: IngramSpark offers some tools for bookstore placement, which can be appealing for authors looking for that extra reach. Customer support is helpful but can have slower response times. They do not offer phone support, they can only be reached via email.

Helpful Tools: IngramSpark has a help center and blog resources for setup and marketing.

Ingram spark has a 3.1 rating from 1,447 reviews on Trustpilot

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As an author, publishing through IngramSpark has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. The platform offers incredible reach, allowing my books to be available globally, both in print and as e-books. The publishing process is straightforward and user-friendly, giving me complete control over every aspect of my work. IngramSpark is a reliable partner that helps me effectively manage my literary career. Highly recommended!

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I used them for a while because of their “retailers all over the world” and because they did a pretty decent job of printing. But that has changed. Now, every time I order a book, either the cover is upside down (you read that right) or it’s the correct cover, but the interior is somebody else’s book! I got one yesterday that has two different books in one. And this is even happening when customers buy my book at Barnes & Noble. Messed up covers and interiors. Unacceptable. Furthermore, they have zero customer support. They use AI and literally one minute they will say I have an error with my proof and then WITHOUT even changing a thing, I’ll upload again with no errors. That is insane. I hate this company.

BookBaby: Best Self-Publishing Platform for Support

BookBaby provides full-service self-publishing, handling everything from editing to printing and distribution. It’s more of a one-stop shop for authors looking to invest in hands-on support, so it’s ideal for those who want a comprehensive service package rather than managing each part themselves

Best for: Self-publishers who want hands-on help throughout the entire process.

Ease of Use: BookBaby is all about full-service support, which can be a big plus if you’re new to self-publishing. They provide dedicated publishing specialists who guide you through each step, from design to distribution. While this level of support makes it accessible, keep in mind that the full-service model does come with a higher price tag.

Print Quality: BookBaby offers quality printing with both paperback and hardcover options, plus full control over the formatting and design of your book. The fact that they handle printing in-house helps ensure consistent quality.

Pricing: BookBaby operates with upfront publishing packages, starting around $1,090. These packages include services like editing and formatting, which can be useful for authors who want a comprehensive experience. You keep 100% of your ebook royalties, but BookBaby takes a cut of print sales made through their distribution network.

Distribution and Reach: BookBaby’s distribution network covers major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books, which means you’ll have access to a wide audience without the need to juggle multiple platforms yourself.

Marketing and Support: BookBaby’s marketing support stands out, they offer everything from social media ad campaigns to metadata optimization, which can be a big help if you want assistance with promotion. Customer support is known for being proactive.

Helpful Tools: BookBaby offers a Pricing Page, an online blog with advice for authors, and a proactive customer support team.

BookBaby has a 4.5 rating from 5,090 reviews on Trustpilot

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This review is for the process of getting a book published. I have not yet experienced the distribution side, but when it comes to finalizing my book and preparing it for printing, my experience has been exceptional! From start to finish, I’ve received timely support, kindness, and true professionalism. I work with one dedicated contact, which makes everything so much easier. Having someone I can reach out to directly has provided a continuity of care and ensures nothing falls through the cracks. I feel supported every step of the way, and I couldn’t be happier with the process so far!

⭐

Beyond frustrating,, so many mistakes made by BB throughout my book project process. From leaving out entire illustration files, to not following my specific directions for image placement- many times- which added months to my project , printed book was too dark so have to redo w/lightened images & was told conflicting info by three different people as to why. Terrible communication & most of all, with a couple exceptions, absolute apathy & rather rude treatment. no one seems to care that I am a client . A customer- and that you are providing both a service and a product (the finished book) , so on many levels this matters!!! My final book is so far from what I wanted (and paid for .). I’ve had to redo the whole thing at my expense. I would never recommend Book baby .

Book baby is the only company to respond to reviews and upon further evaluation it looks like they proactively try to resolve customer issues.

Finishing Touches

Self-publishing is about finding the right balance for your goals, whether it’s Amazon’s reach, IngramSpark’s quality, or BookBaby’s full-service support. Each platform has strengths, but finding a reliable print partner can make your book truly stand out.

At PrintingCenterUSA, we’re here to make your book look great with premium printing options to suit your needs. Check out our website to see how we can help bring your book to life in print—because your work deserves to look its best!

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