Comparison
IngramSpark prints and ships your finished files to bookstores and libraries. AuthorOS takes your raw manuscript and does everything — editing, design, formatting, distribution, marketing, and monthly intelligence.
IngramSpark is a printing platform. You need a finished book before you can use it. Here is what a full publishing service looks like compared to a print-and-ship tool.
| Capability | IngramSpark | AuthorOS |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Print distribution platform — upload finished files, they print and ship ($49/title setup fee) | Full publishing service — raw manuscript to market, ongoing |
| Editing | Not offered — you must hire editors separately | Four editorial passes included — developmental, line, copy, proofread |
| Cover design | Not offered — you must supply a print-ready cover file | Custom cover design (up to unlimited revisions at Empire) |
| Interior formatting | Not offered — you must upload print-ready PDF interiors | Professional interior formatting included — 6"x9" and large print options |
| Distribution | Wide print distribution to 40,000+ retailers, libraries, and wholesalers | Global distribution — Amazon, Apple, Kobo, B&N, Google Play, Scribd, 240K+ libraries, plus print |
| Audiobook | Not offered | Professional narration included (Professional+); voice cloning at Empire |
| Author website | Not offered | Custom author website with lead capture, CRM, sequences, and maintenance |
| Marketing | Not offered — no editorial, advertising, or promotional support | Launch marketing, Amazon ads, social content, email sequences — all included |
| Pricing structure | $49 per title setup + printing costs per unit + you pay for all services separately | One package price ($2,997–$9,997) — everything included, no per-title fees |
| Post-launch support | No ongoing relationship — platform access only | AuthorOS intelligence monthly — performance, market data, ad optimization |
Common questions
IngramSpark is a print-on-demand distribution platform — you upload finished, formatted files, and they print and ship books to retailers and libraries. AuthorOS from Smart Press Media is a full publishing service. We take your raw manuscript and handle editing, cover design, formatting, distribution, marketing, and ongoing intelligence. IngramSpark assumes you already have a finished book. We start from scratch.
Yes. IngramSpark requires print-ready PDF interiors and cover files that meet their exact specifications. You need to hire an editor, cover designer, and formatter separately before you can even upload. With AuthorOS, you submit your raw manuscript and we handle every step — editorial, design, formatting, and distribution — in one package.
IngramSpark charges $49 per title for setup plus printing costs per unit. But that does not include the thousands you will spend hiring editors, cover designers, formatters, and marketers separately. AuthorOS packages everything into one price — $2,997 to $9,997 depending on tier — with no hidden fees, no per-title charges, and no surprise costs.
No. IngramSpark is strictly a printing and distribution platform. They do not offer editorial services, cover design, marketing, advertising, author websites, or any post-publication support. AuthorOS includes launch marketing, Amazon advertising, social content, email sequences, and monthly performance intelligence as part of the service.
One manuscript. Full publishing service. Ongoing intelligence. Every format, every channel — handled.
Begin with AuthorOS