Do you have more questions about self-publishing with IngramSpark and how to use their platform? I've got you covered with my playlist of videos on the topic: ua-cam.com/video/UUxmhD0FGQs/v-deo.html
YOU'RE AN ANGEL!!! I've struggled with this for months and this is the first time that I submitted my cover and both sections were green... OMG... (and I actually need to get my books asap so this is beautiful timing) My only thing for my experience with Ingram Sparks is that I had to make sure I downloaded it without the ICC Color and made sure to save the final product with a default setting of: PDF/x-1a:2001 just in case someone needs that as well but THANK YOU A MILLON TIMES!!!! GOD BLESS YOU!
Thank you for this informative video! Was using InDesign CS3 to create my book's cover, which no longer is supported by Ingram Spark's INDD template generator. With the steps demonstrated above, I was able to successfully create a PDF template book cover file. Improvised with the demo you used in Photoshop and adapted it to In Design CS3 and it worked!
Great video! I've just been through this process myself! It's been a little frustrating to say the least. There's a couple of things I'd recommend doing when exporting from Photoshop, just as best practice: - Merge all layers/ flatten image (as any transparencies could effect final print) - Change colour profile to CMYK for truer colours - Ensure the image is 300DPI for optimum resolution If anyone needs any help I'd be more than happy to help :)
Ooooh, it's gotta be put on top of the template.. here I was thinking the template was merely used to ensure all of the important info was within the pink&blue boundaries. Okay! this makes way more sense now, thanks MK! 😄🙏🏽📕
I keep getting the same error COVER LAYOUT SUBMITTED IS NOT BUILT TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS We recommend using a cover template, the template contains all the correct guides and measurements for your specific cover. A template can be downloaded from the Resources section of the website. BIND TYPE/TRIM SIZE OF THE COVER FILE SUBMITTED DOES NOT MATCH THE METADATA Cover art was submitted at a bind type/trim size that does not match the metadata. Verify which bind type and trim size are correct. If the metadata is correct, we will need a new cover file submitted.
Oh no! Did you use the cover template generator? Did you create the cover or was it a designer? (If a designer you should be able to send them the template and ask that they drop it in) best of luck!
@@1MKWilliams yes I had a designer and he tried to adjust it. I sent him the template but I am not sure what keep happening. I sent him your link so maybe he can see how to do it ua-cam.com/video/kQJKjXKqHY4/v-deo.html
Okay, IngramSpark is very particular. He may want to reference their file creation guide as well. It is laid out in design-speak so he should know what to do: www.ingramspark.com/hubfs/downloads/file-creation-guide.pdf
You know why i am watching this? Because it was easier to write and proofreead my manuscript than to create a book cover with the right dimentions for kdp. And I am a webdesigner and graphic design is not a problem for me...
Most book designers create in an app like InDesign, rather than photo apps. Lots of clicking, but I'm still stymied about how to get from ID to the template
Whelp... I was wrong. It is in the file creation guide. TEMPLATE: Cover artwork should be placed within the crop marks on the correct template produced by the template generator. All templates should be ordered and files built with a mod2 spine calculation (page count divisible by 2). *For instructions on ordering a template, refer to pages 5 & 6. Please do not reposition any items on the template (except the barcode) - all items (trim size / crop marks / spine calculation) are required and placed for LS’s specific printing workflow. *Note: The only exceptions are the pink and blue areas have to be removed or covered up from EPS/PDF templates before submission. Final PDF should be created at the size it’s received. Artwork should not extend past the crop marks.
Thanks for the video! I had no idea I was to upload everything with the template. It was so confusing. I wondered why it kept getting rejected even though I used the dimensions they asked for.
I know this is an older video, but I was wondering if Ingramspark only uses files created in CMYK, or if they accept RGB… I use the free version of Canva for my cover art, because I don’t really have money to get premium, and it only offers RGB. The CMYK color format is locked behind the paywall, but if Ingram only accepts CMYK I guess I’ll just have to bite the bullet. Thanks in advance.
I got lost once you opened the photoshop program because I don't have it. What other programs can you use? Can you use Canva? Also do you have a detailed tutorial on how to calculate the sizes? I hired my designer but her dimensions don't seem to fit anyhow.
If you don't have all those computer skills, Photoshop, InDesign, or the ability with maths, does that mean that you can't publish your book using the template? Because my books are aimed at children, I have bright colours on my covers and I have had messages saying that it has rejected my colour profiles on every occasion. I have gone all the way to publishing my book on Ingram Spark but could not get past that last hurdle. Is there a way that my cover designer could take that final step? If not I cannot publish on Ingram Spark.
I would think your cover designer should be able to take the template and put your cover in it so it fits. If not I recommend working with a service that knows Self-Publishing like 100Covers 100covers.com/?ref=49
I'm looking at keywords that I would use to find comparable books. I did a video on Amazon categories and keywords last year but they've since changed their policies. Here is my latest video on IngramSpark and the metadata upload ua-cam.com/video/w7Uz2kebnFc/v-deo.html
Hi there, I'm a little confused. So in order for my book to be accepted I can't just upload a print standard pdf in the dimensions I want my book to be in and instead I have to purchase indesign then add the book cover to this and then upload it? Because I downloaded indesign, dragged and dropped my file into the template and its mad pixelated and my biggest concern is how do I ensure I will have a barcode when the book is printed? Does ingramsparks automatically add the barcode without me having to manually add it?
Hi Jack, all great questions. I would say that you don't need InDesign. You could use Photoshop or another tool, but it does seem that the cover files get accepted much faster when they are in the template. If the cover file appears pixelated when you import it, I would check the resolution used when you downloaded it, that could cause that issue. As far as the barcode if you don't care about the price being on the barcode then leave that empty and IngramSpark will apply one at no cost. If you want the price on your barcode then you'll need to add that to the cover file. Best of luck!
i have my publishing logo that was sent to me by my designer, right now, its a photo. what format does it need to be in so you can insert it on your cover?
Is there any free or paid programs can I use to do this? My illustrator didn't use the cover template and she is not available to do this work for me for the next 2 weeks. I want to do it myself, please!!
In this video I'm using Photoshop ($9.99 per month subscription). I know some authors use Pixlr as well for free but it will look a little different than Photoshop
I was hoping you’d show your math for the bleed lines and your doc size. Don’t understand….and where you upload. In the cover editor section? Can’t upload the cover with the template. 🤷♀️
Yes, if you've already designed it and need help with the template you can probably find someone on Fiverr to help. They'll need all the original files to make edits
For the life of me I can't get this right. I am trying to figure out what size to put into canva for my book cover. Ingramspark just generates a cover but I don't see dimensions for the cover. I am trying to formulate a 8.5 x 11 book cover but how do I know the dimensions so I can put that into canva?
On the bottom of the IngramSpark template it should give you the front back spine and bleed dimensions in total so you can plug that in. I don't love using canva because it isn't as easy to manipulate. Best of luck!
Thank you for the valuable information. I have already uploaded the file about 4 times and they have not approved it, I am going to try it as you explained, but I have some doubts. The first, when I download the template with the measurements of the book, is it necessary to go to Photoshop and put the cover with the same dimensions? I design using Canva and what I do is transfer the template to Canva and place the cover to the same size as the template. The second question is when I upload the cover to Ingramspark it tells me that the file must have 2 pages but when you make the front cover and the back cover everything is on one page so what I have done is put the cover on one page and the back cover on another page but I see that you have everything only on one. What I can do? Thank you very much again if you can help me with these questions, greetings
It sounds like you downloaded a duplex cover where there will be something printed on the interior of the cover, if you don't want that then go back and make sure Duplex is not checked when downloading the template. If you download the new template you can open it up directly in Photoshop but if you have the wrong dimensions the cover may get a little wonky. I never advise using Canva for print covers because it is so difficult to manipulate
@@1MKWilliams Thank you very much again. I would like to ask if you can help me with the exact dimensions as Ingramspark has told me this several times: Reason: COVER: INSUFFICIENT OR NO BLEEDING IN THE COVER DESIGN. The cover needs to add the required bleed. If you use the template, the blue boxes in the template represent the bleed, extend the background color or image to fill this area. The artwork needs more bleed, an additional 0.125" of cover on all four sides. The cover is 8.5x11 inches so the template Ingramspark gives me is width: 8.5 + 0.147 (spine) + 8.5 and high: 11 inches but it says that you have to add 0.125 inches on each side. When I do all that it still doesn't approve. Can you please help me. 🙏🏼
9 times out of 10 my clients are able to use their Amazon cover on IS as long as the color profile is correct there won’t be errors. If they can’t. It’s off by a sliver and they get an error. Just seems like so much more work how you’re doing it. To each their own though :)
Once you have the template from IngramSpark for the landscape you should be able to add up the numbers on the bottom to get the guides to hit your blue margins.
Super helpful! Thanks so much for this tutorial! I am just trying to calculate the exact size of my page for the cover on InDesign/Photoshoot to match the Ingram Sparks template. Can't seem to figure it out. Any tips on exactly how one calculates the dimensions for an InDesign/Photoshop document? Would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Kiana, Happy to help. For the sizing, you have the actual dimensions of the book, let's say 6"x9". You'll need to add in the spine. As an example let's use .5". So the height of the book become 9.5" because you need .25" of buffer on each side and the width of the file becomes: 13.5" (the front width, the back width, the spine and .25 buffer on each end and on the spine as well.) Best of luck with this process. You're so close to the end! :) MK
This is so complicated 😴 What file is your book cover design in when you add it to a PDF template they gave you? For instance, when I add the book cover (already a pdf) to the template I downloaded form Igramstress, I mean, Ingramsparkes, it adds another page to the pdf and won't paste the pdf on top of the template. So do you convert your book cover design to .pgn or jpg first? then add it on to the pdf template? There are so many tiny little issues that I keep encountering and nowhere on the internet seems to explain this. It's one issue after the other. Any feedback you have would be awesome!
Yes, use a png or jpeg to add to the PDF. So sorry this is causing you stress. I would suggest sending the template from IngramSpark to your designer and having her add the design. She should be able to read the exact dimensions from the template and save you some stress. Best of luck!
How much would it cost for help getting my book approve through Ingramspark? My front cover/spine/back cover is not being approve. My illustrator has sent the correct dimensions for all three in one file.
Hi Rick, have you sent the error message from IngramSpark to the illustrator? Usually they say exactly what is wrong. Sometimes the easiest fix is putting it in their cover template
@@1MKWilliams I have not, but my illustrator did send me a file to upload based on how many pages, and type of paper I’m using. I think I’m just having trouble putting it on their cover template.
@@1MKWilliams I do have one big question, if I put zero discount for books sold in the USA, will people still get able to buy my book on Amazon? I really don’t care if my book is in Walmart, Target or other big box stores.
@@liamthetrex Okay, please send what you have my way and I can see if I can pop it not the template for you. Ideally the illustrator should be able to do that for you as well. (Also be sure to email me so I can send you the calendar invite for the members only live Q&A this weekend)
@@liamthetrex The minimum discount you can set for the US/Canada is 30% and other regions is 35%. If you do that then you may not be available in brick and mortar stores but you can still show up on the websites.
so you may need to actually TALK as you are doing things, that is the entire point of a video, to assume the person watching knows "anything" of what you are doing defeats the purpose. All I heard is a lot of silence
Very helpful. I have my pdf for my cover I designed in Canva, but now how do I upload it to Ingram? It keeps taking me to the cover builder but I don't want to use that. Thanks!
Hmm okay. Within IngramSpark they have a cover template generator. I highly recommend that you drop your Canva design into that template to ensure you have enough space and meet the IngramSpark requirements. Once you have the PDF saved you should be able to drag and drop your cover file in next to the interior file on the upload page.
hi mk, thank you for your videos! do you know if it's possible to move the location of your isbn barcode (with a 9000 price code) to the bottom right corner of the back cover? or does it have to be bottom centre?
Okay...so when we get our digital proof copy, will it still show us the entire template? Or should it show only the cover as it will appear on the book?
I used the cover template generator earlier today and it told me I'd be getting that template via email, but it's been a few hours and I still see no email (I checked my spam folder too). How long is this supposed to take?
@@1MKWilliams Yes, I forgot to update this post. After a few hours of not seeing anything, I tried again and I got the email within one minute. Not sure what happened the first time. Thanks!
My jacket cover was rejected this morning because it said the spine width was wrong, but I used the template exactly, and it's the template that decided what the width should be. Any ideas?
The jackets for hardcovers are always the hardest. I often find I need to make any spine text much smaller than their safe zone usually calls for. Best of luck!
I know that if you don’t add a barcode, IS will add one. But if you DO add a barcode (like so it has the price on it), will IS understand that or try to put their own barcode over yours?
Thank you for asking and answering this question [holding me up]. Trying to figure out if I should use I.S. barcode or buy my own. What would be the pro/ con if I do want to sell my book to buy a barcode vs using free one?
Hi! This is probably obvious but will the blue parts be on the cover of the book? I have weird formatting on my cover photo and am trying to get it flush with the edge of the book. I don’t know if I should go to the double green line edge, or the blue line edge. Please help!
Hi Talyn, so the blue area could end up on the cover that is the bleed and is your margin of error. So you don't want anything in the blue area that you would want cut from the cover or off of the cover. The machine doesn't cut the cover the same way every single time so the blue part is your margin. Best of luck!
@@1MKWilliams that is what I forgives. I don’t have anything in the blue that I want. If anything I want to blue part not to be there. I wish there was an exact line with no margin of error, so I could figure out where to put the bottom of the picture.
The error I got with the cover from IS is they told me to remove color presets, and I have no idea what the heck they are talking about. I Did change it CKMK or whatever that color is. If you drop RGB images into that CKMK, would it convert automatically?
Hi Dan, Hmm not sure in that regard. CMYK is the preferred color type for print. Did you design the cover yourself or work with a designer? I would suggest contacting a designer to see if they can troubleshoot the file for you. Best of luck!
What do I do if my dimensions aren’t 6 x 9? Is there a formula I can use for what my bleed area will be? I checked the Ingram Spark guide and it said to use 3mm bleed?
Hi Sharyn, Using Photoshop I can reposition the barcode along the bottom of the back cover. Usually it is on the bottom right but you can move it anywhere along the bottom.
I'm so damn confused. Ingram rejected my cover 3 times now, and heaven forbid that they get an actual human to respond to me instead of the same cookie-cutter responses. I even had my cover guy do it for me, and they still rejected it! So I am supposed to submit it with the white part still intact too? I've just been doing the cover part like how it is done on KDP.
Yep, I've totally been there before. Extra frustrating when a professional designer's work can't even get through. My recommendation is to use their template and keep all the white part included. It makes it easier for their system to process and I've never had a cover rejected when it was in their template. Best of luck!
@@1MKWilliams It took the 5th try for me to get it to go through, and then I didn't like it. So it took me 2 more tries to get it to go through again. I finally got it just right now. Thank you for your good advice.
Do you have more questions about self-publishing with IngramSpark and how to use their platform? I've got you covered with my playlist of videos on the topic: ua-cam.com/video/UUxmhD0FGQs/v-deo.html
I wish you would explain how your calculating the dimensions with the guide :(
YOU'RE AN ANGEL!!! I've struggled with this for months and this is the first time that I submitted my cover and both sections were green... OMG... (and I actually need to get my books asap so this is beautiful timing)
My only thing for my experience with Ingram Sparks is that I had to make sure I downloaded it without the ICC Color and made sure to save the final product with a default setting of:
PDF/x-1a:2001
just in case someone needs that as well but THANK YOU A MILLON TIMES!!!! GOD BLESS YOU!
Yay!! So glad it worked for you :) Way to go!
Thank you for this informative video! Was using InDesign CS3 to create my book's cover, which no longer is supported by Ingram Spark's INDD template generator. With the steps demonstrated above, I was able to successfully create a PDF template book cover file. Improvised with the demo you used in Photoshop and adapted it to In Design CS3 and it worked!
Hi Eric, That is so great to hear that you got it to work!! Congratulations on your book ☺️
Thankyou. I have been rejected 2 times now using their template in a PDF editor and needed this video.
So glad I could help!
Too much clicking and not enough explaining as you are doing it.
Great video! I've just been through this process myself! It's been a little frustrating to say the least. There's a couple of things I'd recommend doing when exporting from Photoshop, just as best practice:
- Merge all layers/ flatten image (as any transparencies could effect final print)
- Change colour profile to CMYK for truer colours
- Ensure the image is 300DPI for optimum resolution
If anyone needs any help I'd be more than happy to help :)
Hi Terry, Thank you for the great tips to make sure the IngramSpark cover file export looks great!
I need help you I’m stuck
I sooooooo need help!!!!
Ooooh, it's gotta be put on top of the template.. here I was thinking the template was merely used to ensure all of the important info was within the pink&blue boundaries. Okay! this makes way more sense now, thanks MK! 😄🙏🏽📕
You're welcome! Best of luck submitting the cover
How did you calculate 0.235 inches for the bleed?
Thank you! Me and my cover artist were confused and go our submission kicked back. This helps!
Happy to help!
Finally a useful video! Thanks so much. I was going crazy thinking the only software I could use was inDesign. When my cover is done I'm on it!.
Glad this video was able to help you out! Best of luck with your book launch!
@@1MKWilliams thanks!! I just Intagrammed you a question. Hope we can chat soon!
Hold shift while you scale to constrain dimensions. Option+shift scales from center.
Great tip!
Thank you!! I had the same issue! You just saved me from hours of wanting to throw my computer out the window lol
Yay! That's exactly why I make these videos, to spare the laptops from going out the window
Thank you so much. This was very helpful. Much appreciated!
You're welcome!
Thank you MKW. Always excellent.
You're welcome!
AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUUUUCH!!!!!!!!!!
YOU'RE WELCOME!!!!
I keep getting the same error
COVER LAYOUT SUBMITTED IS NOT BUILT TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS We recommend using a cover template, the template contains all the correct guides and measurements for your specific cover. A template can be downloaded from the Resources section of the website. BIND TYPE/TRIM SIZE OF THE COVER FILE SUBMITTED DOES NOT MATCH THE METADATA Cover art was submitted at a bind type/trim size that does not match the metadata. Verify which bind type and trim size are correct. If the metadata is correct, we will need a new cover file submitted.
Oh no! Did you use the cover template generator? Did you create the cover or was it a designer? (If a designer you should be able to send them the template and ask that they drop it in) best of luck!
@@1MKWilliams yes I had a designer and he tried to adjust it. I sent him the template but I am not sure what keep happening. I sent him your link so maybe he can see how to do it
ua-cam.com/video/kQJKjXKqHY4/v-deo.html
Okay, IngramSpark is very particular. He may want to reference their file creation guide as well. It is laid out in design-speak so he should know what to do: www.ingramspark.com/hubfs/downloads/file-creation-guide.pdf
You know why i am watching this? Because it was easier to write and proofreead my manuscript than to create a book cover with the right dimentions for kdp. And I am a webdesigner and graphic design is not a problem for me...
Most book designers create in an app like InDesign, rather than photo apps. Lots of clicking, but I'm still stymied about how to get from ID to the template
IS didn't make it clear you are supposed to send them the cover with all that empty transparent space from the template. That was helpful, thanks.
Whelp... I was wrong. It is in the file creation guide.
TEMPLATE: Cover artwork should be placed within the crop marks on the correct template produced by the template
generator. All templates should be ordered and files built with a mod2 spine calculation (page count divisible by 2). *For
instructions on ordering a template, refer to pages 5 & 6.
Please do not reposition any items on the template (except the barcode) - all items (trim size / crop marks / spine
calculation) are required and placed for LS’s specific printing workflow.
*Note: The only exceptions are the pink and blue areas have to be removed or covered up from EPS/PDF templates before submission.
Final PDF should be created at the size it’s received. Artwork should not extend past the crop marks.
Yup
Thanks for the video! I had no idea I was to upload everything with the template. It was so confusing. I wondered why it kept getting rejected even though I used the dimensions they asked for.
Glad I could help!
I know this is an older video, but I was wondering if Ingramspark only uses files created in CMYK, or if they accept RGB… I use the free version of Canva for my cover art, because I don’t really have money to get premium, and it only offers RGB. The CMYK color format is locked behind the paywall, but if Ingram only accepts CMYK I guess I’ll just have to bite the bullet.
Thanks in advance.
RGB v CMYK for eBook and Print Book covers | What color type do I need for my paperback?
I got lost once you opened the photoshop program because I don't have it. What other programs can you use? Can you use Canva? Also do you have a detailed tutorial on how to calculate the sizes? I hired my designer but her dimensions don't seem to fit anyhow.
If you don't have all those computer skills, Photoshop, InDesign, or the ability with maths, does that mean that you can't publish your book using the template? Because my books are aimed at children, I have bright colours on my covers and I have had messages saying that it has rejected my colour profiles on every occasion. I have gone all the way to publishing my book on Ingram Spark but could not get past that last hurdle. Is there a way that my cover designer could take that final step? If not I cannot publish on Ingram Spark.
I would think your cover designer should be able to take the template and put your cover in it so it fits. If not I recommend working with a service that knows Self-Publishing like 100Covers 100covers.com/?ref=49
I did this exactly but was still rejected for incorrect spine width.
Thank you so much for your help 🙏
You're welcome :) Glad this video could help! - MK
as far as keywords for ingram spark and KDP, where did you get the keywords? did you do your own Internet searches?
I'm looking at keywords that I would use to find comparable books. I did a video on Amazon categories and keywords last year but they've since changed their policies. Here is my latest video on IngramSpark and the metadata upload ua-cam.com/video/w7Uz2kebnFc/v-deo.html
their fonts are very limiting. can we use our own Fonts?
Yes
Hi there, I'm a little confused. So in order for my book to be accepted I can't just upload a print standard pdf in the dimensions I want my book to be in and instead I have to purchase indesign then add the book cover to this and then upload it?
Because I downloaded indesign, dragged and dropped my file into the template and its mad pixelated and my biggest concern is how do I ensure I will have a barcode when the book is printed? Does ingramsparks automatically add the barcode without me having to manually add it?
Hi Jack, all great questions. I would say that you don't need InDesign. You could use Photoshop or another tool, but it does seem that the cover files get accepted much faster when they are in the template. If the cover file appears pixelated when you import it, I would check the resolution used when you downloaded it, that could cause that issue. As far as the barcode if you don't care about the price being on the barcode then leave that empty and IngramSpark will apply one at no cost. If you want the price on your barcode then you'll need to add that to the cover file. Best of luck!
i have my publishing logo that was sent to me by my designer, right now, its a photo. what format does it need to be in so you can insert it on your cover?
It likely needs to be a jpeg or png for a designer to add it to the cover
Is there any free or paid programs can I use to do this? My illustrator didn't use the cover template and she is not available to do this work for me for the next 2 weeks. I want to do it myself, please!!
In this video I'm using Photoshop ($9.99 per month subscription). I know some authors use Pixlr as well for free but it will look a little different than Photoshop
So submit the front, back and spine as one file to scale with their template. Do it in photoshop and then convert it to PDF
Yes!
Thank you! My cover has gotten kicked back three times
Happy I can help
I was hoping you’d show your math for the bleed lines and your doc size. Don’t understand….and where you upload. In the cover editor section? Can’t upload the cover with the template. 🤷♀️
I don’t have photoshop experience. There’s no way to hire someone to fix this?
Yes, if you've already designed it and need help with the template you can probably find someone on Fiverr to help. They'll need all the original files to make edits
For the life of me I can't get this right. I am trying to figure out what size to put into canva for my book cover. Ingramspark just generates a cover but I don't see dimensions for the cover. I am trying to formulate a 8.5 x 11 book cover but how do I know the dimensions so I can put that into canva?
On the bottom of the IngramSpark template it should give you the front back spine and bleed dimensions in total so you can plug that in. I don't love using canva because it isn't as easy to manipulate. Best of luck!
Thank you for the valuable information. I have already uploaded the file about 4 times and they have not approved it, I am going to try it as you explained, but I have some doubts.
The first, when I download the template with the measurements of the book, is it necessary to go to Photoshop and put the cover with the same dimensions? I design using Canva and what I do is transfer the template to Canva and place the cover to the same size as the template.
The second question is when I upload the cover to Ingramspark it tells me that the file must have 2 pages but when you make the front cover and the back cover everything is on one page so what I have done is put the cover on one page and the back cover on another page but I see that you have everything only on one. What I can do?
Thank you very much again if you can help me with these questions, greetings
It sounds like you downloaded a duplex cover where there will be something printed on the interior of the cover, if you don't want that then go back and make sure Duplex is not checked when downloading the template. If you download the new template you can open it up directly in Photoshop but if you have the wrong dimensions the cover may get a little wonky. I never advise using Canva for print covers because it is so difficult to manipulate
@@1MKWilliams Do you recommend that I not use the duplex option?
@@gianfrancogazzaraavila7264 it is fine if you decide to use it but then you need to meet the exact requirements for the cover template.
@@1MKWilliams Thank you very much again. I would like to ask if you can help me with the exact dimensions as Ingramspark has told me this several times: Reason: COVER: INSUFFICIENT OR NO BLEEDING IN THE COVER DESIGN. The cover needs to add the required bleed. If you use the template, the blue boxes in the template represent the bleed, extend the background color or image to fill this area. The artwork needs more bleed, an additional 0.125" of cover on all four sides. The cover is 8.5x11 inches so the template Ingramspark gives me is width: 8.5 + 0.147 (spine) + 8.5 and high: 11 inches but it says that you have to add 0.125 inches on each side. When I do all that it still doesn't approve. Can you please help me. 🙏🏼
What if you don't have photoshop and only procreate?
Is there a reason why you didn't just open the PDF in photoshop and use it as the background to create all the guidelines?
Because I need to use the cover on both KDP and IngramSpark and they have different guidelines
9 times out of 10 my clients are able to use their Amazon cover on IS as long as the color profile is correct there won’t be errors. If they can’t. It’s off by a sliver and they get an error. Just seems like so much more work how you’re doing it. To each their own though :)
too complicated to make a ingram spark book cover, I could if published like 3 books wasting time trying to do this
i am trying to figure out the math on this. I have a 11 by 8.5 cover landscape and i am trying to figure out where to put the guides.
Once you have the template from IngramSpark for the landscape you should be able to add up the numbers on the bottom to get the guides to hit your blue margins.
Super helpful! Thanks so much for this tutorial! I am just trying to calculate the exact size of my page for the cover on InDesign/Photoshoot to match the Ingram Sparks template. Can't seem to figure it out. Any tips on exactly how one calculates the dimensions for an InDesign/Photoshop document? Would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Kiana, Happy to help. For the sizing, you have the actual dimensions of the book, let's say 6"x9". You'll need to add in the spine. As an example let's use .5". So the height of the book become 9.5" because you need .25" of buffer on each side and the width of the file becomes: 13.5" (the front width, the back width, the spine and .25 buffer on each end and on the spine as well.) Best of luck with this process. You're so close to the end! :) MK
@@1MKWilliams Awesome. This makes it a lot easier - thanks! :)
wait, so you are supposed to keep all the white area? I thought they only wanted the cover and no extra stuff?
When you are using the IS template you are covered the pink and blue area.
This is so complicated 😴 What file is your book cover design in when you add it to a PDF template they gave you? For instance, when I add the book cover (already a pdf) to the template I downloaded form Igramstress, I mean, Ingramsparkes, it adds another page to the pdf and won't paste the pdf on top of the template. So do you convert your book cover design to .pgn or jpg first? then add it on to the pdf template? There are so many tiny little issues that I keep encountering and nowhere on the internet seems to explain this. It's one issue after the other. Any feedback you have would be awesome!
Yes, use a png or jpeg to add to the PDF. So sorry this is causing you stress. I would suggest sending the template from IngramSpark to your designer and having her add the design. She should be able to read the exact dimensions from the template and save you some stress. Best of luck!
@@1MKWilliams Thanks. I'm glad authors like you have gone before us and can give us these educational videos.
so there's no way just to break the pdf?
also do you have to drop the barcode on it when you do the cover template or is that something Ingram does already?
Nope, unless you have a barcode already you don't have to add one. If you don't have one IngramSpark will apply one so leave room on the back for it.
How much would it cost for help getting my book approve through Ingramspark? My front cover/spine/back cover is not being approve. My illustrator has sent the correct dimensions for all three in one file.
Hi Rick, have you sent the error message from IngramSpark to the illustrator? Usually they say exactly what is wrong. Sometimes the easiest fix is putting it in their cover template
@@1MKWilliams I have not, but my illustrator did send me a file to upload based on how many pages, and type of paper I’m using. I think I’m just having trouble putting it on their cover template.
@@1MKWilliams I do have one big question, if I put zero discount for books sold in the USA, will people still get able to buy my book on Amazon? I really don’t care if my book is in Walmart, Target or other big box stores.
@@liamthetrex Okay, please send what you have my way and I can see if I can pop it not the template for you. Ideally the illustrator should be able to do that for you as well. (Also be sure to email me so I can send you the calendar invite for the members only live Q&A this weekend)
@@liamthetrex The minimum discount you can set for the US/Canada is 30% and other regions is 35%. If you do that then you may not be available in brick and mortar stores but you can still show up on the websites.
Will the blue part be cut off in printing? is that why all text need to be in the pink area?
Yes, exactly! Expect than anything in the blue may get cut off
so you may need to actually TALK as you are doing things, that is the entire point of a video, to assume the person watching knows "anything" of what you are doing defeats the purpose. All I heard is a lot of silence
You were not paying attention. The silence was mostly waiting on the computer to process, but you wouldn't know that because you like being a ****
Very helpful. I have my pdf for my cover I designed in Canva, but now how do I upload it to Ingram? It keeps taking me to the cover builder but I don't want to use that. Thanks!
Hi Rebecca, Great question. Is this for a print book or an eBook with IngramSpark?
@@1MKWilliams for a paperback
Hmm okay. Within IngramSpark they have a cover template generator. I highly recommend that you drop your Canva design into that template to ensure you have enough space and meet the IngramSpark requirements. Once you have the PDF saved you should be able to drag and drop your cover file in next to the interior file on the upload page.
@@1MKWilliams I did all that but now I cannot access an upload page. It's the strangest thing....
I think I figured it out.
Quick question: why didn't you just pull the template into photoshop?
hi mk, thank you for your videos! do you know if it's possible to move the location of your isbn barcode (with a 9000 price code) to the bottom right corner of the back cover? or does it have to be bottom centre?
Yeah you can move it to the bottom right corner
@@1MKWilliams thank you! :D
Can you do this for me please? I tried to do it myself but it did not work. My book was rejected four times 🥺🥺
Let me know if the manual override ends up working :) Crossing my fingers for you!
Okay...so when we get our digital proof copy, will it still show us the entire template? Or should it show only the cover as it will appear on the book?
Both! You'll see the full cover as well as the front and back cover in place.
@@1MKWilliams Ah interesting. So all the lines on the template should still show?
Yes!
Can you just submit a PDF? Do you have to have background template images?
Hi, Yes you can upload without using the template, but I've found that the system kicks back fewer errors when you use their template.
I used the cover template generator earlier today and it told me I'd be getting that template via email, but it's been a few hours and I still see no email (I checked my spam folder too). How long is this supposed to take?
Hi, I hope the templates have arrived by now. Usually it takes 10 minutes tops. If not, I would suggest sending them again. Best of luck!
@@1MKWilliams Yes, I forgot to update this post. After a few hours of not seeing anything, I tried again and I got the email within one minute. Not sure what happened the first time. Thanks!
My jacket cover was rejected this morning because it said the spine width was wrong, but I used the template exactly, and it's the template that decided what the width should be. Any ideas?
The jackets for hardcovers are always the hardest. I often find I need to make any spine text much smaller than their safe zone usually calls for. Best of luck!
Is it possible to do this in Adobe DC pro?
Hi Andrew, I've never used that Adobe program so I'm not sure. You could give it a try.
I know that if you don’t add a barcode, IS will add one. But if you DO add a barcode (like so it has the price on it), will IS understand that or try to put their own barcode over yours?
If you provide your own barcode they will not put another one over it, your barcode will be the one that is displayed.
Thank you for asking and answering this question [holding me up]. Trying to figure out if I should use I.S. barcode or buy my own. What would be the pro/ con if I do want to sell my book to buy a barcode vs using free one?
Hi! This is probably obvious but will the blue parts be on the cover of the book? I have weird formatting on my cover photo and am trying to get it flush with the edge of the book. I don’t know if I should go to the double green line edge, or the blue line edge. Please help!
Hi Talyn, so the blue area could end up on the cover that is the bleed and is your margin of error. So you don't want anything in the blue area that you would want cut from the cover or off of the cover. The machine doesn't cut the cover the same way every single time so the blue part is your margin. Best of luck!
@@1MKWilliams that is what I forgives. I don’t have anything in the blue that I want. If anything I want to blue part not to be there. I wish there was an exact line with no margin of error, so I could figure out where to put the bottom of the picture.
The error I got with the cover from IS is they told me to remove color presets, and I have no idea what the heck they are talking about. I Did change it CKMK or whatever that color is. If you drop RGB images into that CKMK, would it convert automatically?
Hi Dan, Hmm not sure in that regard. CMYK is the preferred color type for print. Did you design the cover yourself or work with a designer? I would suggest contacting a designer to see if they can troubleshoot the file for you. Best of luck!
I did it my self and it is all RGB images did go up and changed it in Photoshop to CKMK. and will export it to the IS templet.
What do I do if my dimensions aren’t 6 x 9? Is there a formula I can use for what my bleed area will be? I checked the Ingram Spark guide and it said to use 3mm bleed?
Yes, you would use the same process to calculate and then add on the bleed to the dimensions.
How can you reposition the barcode?
Hi Sharyn, Using Photoshop I can reposition the barcode along the bottom of the back cover. Usually it is on the bottom right but you can move it anywhere along the bottom.
Great vid- the clicking of the mouse is noise pollution- I would recommend a click free mouse for such content.
Can you recommend someone that I could pay to drop in my cover? this is very confusing to me.
Hi Suzanne, I would recommend reaching out to 100Covers to see if they can help, tell them MK sent you: 100covers.com/?ref=49
I'm so damn confused. Ingram rejected my cover 3 times now, and heaven forbid that they get an actual human to respond to me instead of the same cookie-cutter responses. I even had my cover guy do it for me, and they still rejected it! So I am supposed to submit it with the white part still intact too? I've just been doing the cover part like how it is done on KDP.
Yep, I've totally been there before. Extra frustrating when a professional designer's work can't even get through. My recommendation is to use their template and keep all the white part included. It makes it easier for their system to process and I've never had a cover rejected when it was in their template. Best of luck!
@@1MKWilliams It took the 5th try for me to get it to go through, and then I didn't like it. So it took me 2 more tries to get it to go through again. I finally got it just right now. Thank you for your good advice.
Glad you finally got it just right! Way to go :)
Not the correct way. You should make your cover inside the tamplete