You uploaded your book to IngramSpark and approved the proofs. Now you’re wondering what to do next.
Keep reading to find out three steps you should take after approving your book for distribution and sale.
Order a Sample Copy
The first thing you need to do after approving your PDF proof from IngramSpark is to order a sample copy of your book.
Why get a sample?
Physical media looks different than digital media. So, while everything looks fine on your computer screen, something may be off in the real world.
The best way to confirm that your book looks good is to get a physical copy in your hands. If there’s a problem, fix it and upload the new PDF to your account.
When ordering your initial sample, only order one copy. That way, if something is wrong, you’re only out a few bucks. Order a lot upfront, and you may wind up with a box of books with mistakes.
Order More Copies
Once you see that your physical book looks just as great as you expected, order as many as you want. When ordering, keep a couple things in mind.
- Timing matters. If you have an event coming up, order your books as soon as possible. Don’t wait. Get them way before you need them. That way, you don’t have to pay for faster shipping or stress about your books showing up late.
- Order the right amount. You may want to order 500 books, but that might be too many. Know how many copies you need, and don’t order too many more than that. Of course, if you get more than you can sell right away, that’s okay. Selling books is a long game, and you have the rest of your life to get rid of any leftover books.
Spread the Word
The moment you approve your proofs, IngramSpark goes to work, pushing your book’s data out to thousands of online retailers and libraries. It can take a few days or weeks for your book to show up on Amazon and your other favorite online book retailers, but be patient.
Once you see your book’s listing, do a little happy dance, and then tell others. Let them know your book is available for preorder and remind people that real friends preorder a dozen copies. (It’s best to make these comments with your tongue placed firmly in your cheek.)
You can also plan a book launch or try out other book marketing tips. Work hard, and you’ll figure out the best approach to connect with your audience and move books.
Want IngramSpark Proofs to Approve?
If you long to have proofs to approve from IngramSpark but don’t know how to get started, take heart! Argyle Fox Publishing is here to serve. We love helping great people get their stories out to readers. Take a look around our site to see if we could be the publishing partner for you. Then take the next step toward your publishing dream and submit your book for consideration.