How to Sell Your Books Directly to Readers with IngramSpark’s Share and Sell Program

Selling your books directly to readers from your website is a dream for many authors. It allows you to cut out the middleman, potentially earn more per sale, and maintain control over your brand. However, setting up direct sales—especially for print books—can be tricky.

Will you have to turn your garage into a storage unit? Will you become your own shipping department? Thankfully, there’s an easier way: IngramSpark’s Share and Sell Program.

This new feature lets authors sell their books directly through their website, social media, or other platforms while IngramSpark handles printing and distribution. It’s a game-changer for authors who want a simple, streamlined way to sell their books. Let’s dive into how it works, its costs, and whether it’s the right option for you.

Rather watch the video? Here you go!

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What is IngramSpark’s Share and Sell Program?

In late 2023, IngramSpark introduced the Share and Sell Program, a feature that enables authors to sell their books directly to readers. Here’s how it works:

1. Sell from Anywhere: Share your book on your website, social media, or even with a QR code.
2. Earn More: By selling directly, you cut out retailer fees and increase your profits.
3. Let IngramSpark Handle the Rest: They take care of printing and shipping, so you don’t have to.

This feature integrates seamlessly with your existing IngramSpark account, making setup a breeze.

How to Set Up Share and Sell on IngramSpark

Getting started is straightforward:

1. Log into Your IngramSpark Account:
   Once logged in, you’ll see a popup for the Share and Sell feature. If it’s not there, check the left-hand menu for the “eCommerce” tab.
2. Select Your Books:
   Choose which of your eligible books you want to sell.
3. Set Your Price:
   IngramSpark calculates the minimum price required to cover printing and shipping costs. You can adjust the price to suit your goals.
4. Create a Link:
   Generate a QR code, HTML code, or a shareable link to start selling immediately.

Example: If your book’s minimum cost is $9.01, you can set the price at $14.99, earning you a higher profit margin than traditional retail.

What Does It Cost to Use IngramSpark’s Share and Sell?

The pricing structure is refreshingly simple:

• Wholesale Print Costs (varies by book specifications).
• Service Fee: $3.50 per transaction.

No additional setup fees, no hidden costs.

Who Should Use IngramSpark’s Share and Sell?

This service is perfect for authors who want an easy, hands-off way to sell their books directly. If you:

• Want a credible and professional ordering experience for readers.
• Need a hassle-free solution for printing and shipping.
• Don’t want to manage inventory or hire a fulfillment service.

Then this program is an excellent choice.

Who Might Not Benefit from Share and Sell?

While Share and Sell is a fantastic tool, it does have limitations.

1. No Customer Data:
   IngramSpark doesn’t provide information about your buyers. If you’re running ads or building an email list, this lack of data may hinder your marketing efforts.
2. No Conversion Tracking:
   You can’t determine whether a Facebook ad, LinkedIn post, or website visit led to a sale.

For authors focused on gathering customer data to optimize their marketing, this program might not be the ideal fit.

Why I Use a Different Direct Sales Option:
For me, selling direct is about more than just making a few extra dollars—it’s about building relationships with readers. By collecting customer data, I can better understand my audience and make smarter marketing decisions.

Why This Program is Still a Big Deal

Despite its limitations, IngramSpark’s Share and Sell is a significant step forward for authors. It offers:

• A simple way to sell books directly without managing shipping or inventory.
• The ability to increase your profit margins by cutting out retailers.
• A professional and credible order form for readers, enhancing their trust in your brand.

Next Steps

If you’re looking for an effortless way to sell books from your website while letting someone else handle the logistics, IngramSpark’s Share and Sell Program is worth exploring. It’s currently in beta, so if you don’t see it in your account, reach out to IngramSpark to request access.

Final Thoughts

The Share and Sell Program is an excellent tool for authors who want a low-maintenance, professional solution to selling books directly. However, if data collection and conversion tracking are key to your strategy, you might need a more robust solution.

Either way, selling direct—whether through IngramSpark or another platform—puts more control in your hands as an author. Huge thanks to IngramSpark for providing another fantastic option for authors to sell more books and keep more of their hard-earned money!

Thank you for reading! If you’re ready to take the next step with your non-fiction book—whether it’s writing, editing, publishing, or promoting—we’re here to help. Explore our expert services and join a thriving community of over 60,000 subscribers at Booklaunchers.tv! Let’s work together to make your book a success.