The best print-on-demand platform for paperback books in 2025

The self-publishing industry continually evolves, and choosing the right print on demand company for paperback books is crucial for indie authors navigating this competitive landscape. In a recent comparative review, five prominent self-publishing companies were put head-to-head: Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press, Lulu Publishing, and Draft2Digital. This analysis focused on key factors, ranging from costs and royalties to user-friendliness and distribution.

Cost to Print and Publish

For a 5.5" x 8.5" paperback with consistent print specifications, the cost to print varied significantly:

KDP was the most affordable, while Lulu ranked as the priciest.

Publishing fees are largely waived on platforms like KDP, Barnes & Noble Press, and Lulu unless ordering a personal copy.

IngramSpark now offers free publishing and revisions within the first 60 days but charges $25/revision thereafter. Draft2Digital allows free updates every 90 days, with a paid “token” option for faster changes.

Uploading Process

KDP’s process stands out for its Word document and cover templates, digital proofing, and straightforward file approval, though the “Not-For-Resale” proofs can frustrate authors seeking review or promotional copies.

IngramSpark’s process is notably finicky regarding file specs and requires full approval before proofing. Barnes & Noble Press offers downloadable cover templates during upload and a PDF preview, whereas Lulu and Draft2Digital feature digital flip-through previews for uploaded files.

Royalties

Royalties were calculated based on a £9.99 list price:

• KDP and IngramSpark (with a lower wholesale discount) offer the highest payouts per sale.
• Lulu’s broad distribution means authors need to raise list prices to break even, but direct sales via Shopify or Lulu’s bookstore offer more lucrative returns.
• Draft2Digital’s royalty structure still needs improvement and delivered the lowest per-sale earnings.

Print Quality

All five platforms produced nearly identical books, with minor differences in cover color accuracy and binding.

There’s an interesting overlap; Barnes & Noble Press, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital all utilize Lightning Source’s printing facilities, ensuring similar quality for standard orders.

Lulu’s interiors delivered the clearest, boldest print, but images in books from IngramSpark and Barnes & Noble Press displayed slight pixelation.

Print Options

KDP and IngramSpark allow custom trim sizes within specific ranges, while Barnes & Noble Press limits choices to 21 fixed sizes.

Ink and paper options vary, with IngramSpark providing the most flexibility for paper weights and finishes.

User-Friendliness

KDP leads in ease of use and tutorial support thanks to its popularity and robust online resources.

IngramSpark has improved its dashboard but still poses challenges for new users, especially when tracking royalties and compensation.

Draft2Digital is user-friendly for those well-versed with its platform; newcomers may face a learning curve.

Customer Service

KDP offers responsive support via email and phone, resolving most issues efficiently. However, automated account suspensions driven by software checks can be problematic.

IngramSpark’s support is mostly unhelpful, with slow email responses and paid phone support focused more on uploading guidance than issue resolution.

Barnes & Noble Press and Lulu rely on email support, while Draft2Digital provides both phone and email contacts, with questionable effectiveness.

Distribution

KDP dominates Amazon but offers limited "expanded distribution" with reduced royalties.

IngramSpark shines in worldwide reach, enabling orders from nearly any retailer or library.

Barnes & Noble Press makes books available online and in physical stores (upon request).

Lulu offers global distribution and direct integration with Shopify.

Draft2Digital matches IngramSpark’s breadth, listing books across Amazon and major bookstores.

Summary

Choosing the best print on demand company for paperback books depends on your priorities:

KDP is ideal for affordability, user-friendliness, and Amazon-centric distribution.

IngramSpark excels in global reach but may frustrate with technical requirements and support.

Barnes & Noble Press and Lulu offer their own niches — Lulu for print clarity and direct sales integration, Barnes & Noble for targeted store availability.

Draft2Digital is an emerging option, especially for authors already using the platform for ebooks.

A recommended strategy is to perfect your book on KDP first before considering extended distribution through IngramSpark or Draft2Digital. Pre-orders remain tricky, with mixed reviews regarding reliability.

Our Advice:

For most indie authors, starting with KDP makes sense for ease, cost, and return. But for broader distribution and bookstore/library access, consider adding IngramSpark after your initial launch.

Can we help you with writing, refining and/or publishing?

At Badman Publishing, we understand that navigating the world of independent publishing can be overwhelming — especially when it comes to budgeting for professional services. That’s why we’re committed to making your journey smoother, more affordable, and more empowering.

Whether you're looking for editorial support, design expertise, publishing guidance, or marketing tools, we offer a range of services, some of which are free, or low cost — tailored to independent authors like you. Our goal is to help you focus on what matters most: writing and sharing your story.

We’re here to support you. Reach out to us at Badman, or explore our resources and services pages to see how we can collaborate.

"Let’s bring your book to life — together."