Platinum Self-Publishing Package

Last edited by Xiaofang on 14th September 2026

What does the Platinum package include?

Key Features:

• Multi-platform distribution via Amazon and IngramSpark, so the book is available not just on Amazon, but also on Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and 15+ other prominent worldwide retailers (including libraries)
• Ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats
• Commercially-designed cover
• Amazon-focused advertisement campaign support for 3 months

Who is the Platinum client?

• Platinum clients are looking for the broadest possible distribution for their book across all major online book retailers, as well as availability to order in bricks-and-mortar stores, libraries, and non-book retail sites like Walmart.com.
• To support this broad distribution, the Platinum client commits to more intensive marketing support.
• The Platinum client is looking to actively get their book out to as many retail channels as possible — whether to share their life story, build their business, or become known as an expert in a particular category.

What does the Publishing Specialist do for a Platinum client?

• Coordinate with a cover designer to design a commercial cover for the client’s book
• Set up the client's Amazon KDP and IngramSpark accounts
• Send the book PDFs out for epub file conversion
• Write the descriptive copy that will appear on the book's retail product pages
• Choose the initial keywords and book categories
• Advise the client regarding their book's price
• Format cover files as needed before uploading to Amazon and/or IngramSpark
• Upload all book and cover files to Amazon and/or IngramSpark
• Answer any questions or concerns the client might have about the process

What is Amazon KDP?

KDP stands for Kindle Direct Publishing. It's Amazon's self-publishing portal and the most-used self-publishing platform in the world, with 1.42 million titles published and available on the site (Amazon, 2023). This is the platform we use to publish our clients' books to Amazon.

What is IngramSpark?

IngramSpark is the self-publishing platform for Ingram, a major US-based book distributor that distributes to 40,000+ retailers (including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Waterstones), libraries, schools, universities, and non-book retailers like Walmart. This platform also allows readers to go into a bricks-and-mortar store and order the book from the retailer, as long as that retailer orders their books from Ingram.

Note: IngramSpark does not automatically place books into bricks-and-mortar stores — that's up to the bookstore buyers, who typically have direct relationships with publishers.

What is an ISBN, and does the client need to buy one?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It's a unique 13-digit number that identifies a book in all book databases worldwide — think of it as a product code for books. Amazon KDP provides free ISBNs to clients who publish on its site, so the client doesn't have to purchase one for Amazon.

However, a free Amazon ISBN is exclusive to Amazon and cannot be used on any other book distribution platform, like IngramSpark. Since Platinum includes multi-platform distribution, the client will need to purchase their own ISBN(s) to publish beyond Amazon.

In the US, the client will need to go to Bowker to purchase ISBNS, and in the UK it’s Nielsen. For other countries, the self-publishing specialist will need to check that country’s specific ISBN purchasing requirements and send the information to the client.

Email template to clients about purchasing ISBNs:

US:

Hi XX,

As I mentioned in my other email, the first step of the self-publishing process is to get ISBNs for your book. Please click on the link below to purchase your book's ISBNs. You'll need 3:

https://www.myidentifiers.com/identify-protect-your-book/isbn/buy-isbn

one for the ebook

one for the paperback

one for the hardcover

My recommendation is to purchase the packet of 10 rather than 3 separate ISBNs. It's much more economical this way ($295 for 10 versus $125 for just one). And, in the event you decide to write another book, you'll already have ISBNs on hand, so you won't need to purchase any more. They don't expire.

Please let me know if you have any questions or run into any difficulties. You will need to register yourself (or, if you've set up an LLC or a foundation for publishing the book, you can use its name) on the site as the publisher. The process is pretty self-explanatory, but let me know if you need any help.

Once you've purchased the ISBNs, you should receive an email confirming your purchase with a listing of the ISBNs. Please select three ISBNs and email them to me. Thanks so much!

Best,

XXX

__________

UK – replace the purchasing website with:

https://www.nielsenisbnstore.com/Home/Isbn

My recommendation is to purchase the packet of 10 rather than 3 separate ISBNs. It's much more economical this way (£174 for 10 versus £91 for just one). And, in the event you decide to write another book, you'll already have ISBNs on hand so you won't need to purchase any more. They don't expire.

What does the Commercial Cover include?

This is our high-end cover option, included in the Platinum package. Market research is carried out to assess other books in the genre, and the designer proposes a design that fits this market and complements the content of the book. This involves bespoke placement of words and artwork with a view to creating a standout cover ready for marketing, and may include the addition of an ISBN or barcode, incorporation of company logo and branding, and additional text styling for reviews and endorsements on the front and back cover.

The Platinum Publishing Process

STEP 1: How do I prepare for the publishing process?

• Cover Design & ISBNs: If it’s a Pro package, by the time the Publishing Specialist receives the project, the commercial cover should already be completed. If it’s a Classic package or the client upgraded to Platinum after their book entered printing, remind them the package includes a commercial cover design. Refer to the Design Handbook to connect the client with the designer, and confirm the client has obtained their ISBN(s).
• Cover Sizing for IngramSpark: Use IngramSpark's Cover Calculator to generate the cover template (this requires an ISBN). Trim size is typically 6×9 inches unless the client requests otherwise. Choose Black & White or Color interior with White 50 paper. Binding is Perfect Bound for paperback or Case Laminate for hardcover. File type is IDML. Enter the Specialist's email address so IngramSpark can send the template.

Link to IngramSpark’s cover calculator: https://myaccount.ingramspark.com/Portal/Tools/CoverTemplateGenerator

STEP 2: How do I prepare the ebook file?

Confirm the client's approved commercial cover and finalized inner pages are ready, then follow the same process used for Package #1 to prepare and submit the book file for ebook creation.

STEP 3: What happens in the introduction email and account setup call?

Send the client an introduction email (template below) that introduces you as their Publishing Specialist and walks through what to expect.

Intro Email Template:

Hi XX,

I hope you are doing well.

My name is XX, and I'm a self-publishing specialist here at StoryTerrace. I'm very excited to work with you on publishing your book!

Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect. The process typically takes about four to six weeks, and once complete, the book will be available for sale in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats on Amazon and IngramSpark, a multiple-channel book distributor that will publish your book to hundreds of book-selling websites worldwide.

Step One: Purchasing ISBNs and Commercial Cover Design

Before preparing your book for publishing, we’ll need ISBNs. I’ll send you a separate email shortly with instructions on how to purchase those from the official ISBN website.

We will also work with a designer to design a commercial cover for your book.

Step Two: File Conversion & Supporting Materials

I’ll send your book proof and cover for conversion into ebook and print-ready formats compatible with Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. I’ll also prepare a draft book description, suggested keywords, and pricing recommendations for your review.

Step Three: Account Setup

I’ll schedule a Zoom call with you to set up your Amazon KDP and IngramSpark accounts. More details on this step will be shared when we’re ready.

Step Four: Upload & Metadata Submission

Once your accounts are ready, I’ll upload the files and submit all necessary metadata to both platforms.

Step Five: Review & Publishing

After submission, both platforms typically take 3–7 business days to review the files. Once approved, your book will go live and be available for purchase.

Step Six: Marketing Support

After your book is published, I’ll connect you with our Amazon marketing specialist for Amazon Advertising support.

Let's start with Step One: Please purchase the ISBNs at your convenience, and I will reach out to you to discuss if you have any ideas for your cover.

Let me know if you have any questions—I’m here to help and very much looking forward to publishing your book!

Best,

XXX

STEP 4: How do I set up the client's accounts?

• Amazon: Follow the process outlined for Package #1 to set up the client's Amazon account.
• IngramSpark: Go to ingramspark.com and click “Create an account” to create an account for the client. The client will need to provide an email address and confirm the email address by clicking the verification link emailed to them by IngramSpark to be able to create an account. Then follow the steps to fill out the client’s name, contact details, bank information, and credit card information to complete account setup.

Email Template to client to gather information needed for account setup:

Hi XX,

I hope you are well!

I received all the necessary files for your book for publishing, and we are ready to move forward!

The next step is to schedule a Zoom meeting so we can set up your author account on Amazon KDP/IngramSpark together.

Here is the information we will need for the account setup:

Your Amazon username and password

Contact details: email address, phone number, and mailing address

Banking details: IBAN number, sort code, Swift/BIC number (UK clients)/Banck account number and routing number (US clients)

Tax identification number: UK National Insurance Number or Unique Taxpayer Reference number (UK clients)/Social Security Number or other Tax Identification Number (US clients)

Credit card information (only for IngramSpark)

These details are needed to link your account to your bank for royalty payments. We will use Zoom so I can share my screen, and you can see where the information is entered. All information will be kept confidential and used only for account setup.

I completely understand that this is private information, so if you would prefer not to share these details, that is absolutely fine. I have attached the instructions for setting up the accounts on your own to this email for your reference. The process is actually very simple and usually takes no more than 15 minutes to set up one account. After that, you can simply share the login information with me so I can go into your accounts to upload and submit the book to Amazon and IngramSpark.

Please let me know what you think. If you'd like to have the Zoom meeting with me, please let me know a few times that work for you.

I look forward to publishing your book soon!

Best,

XXX

STEP 5: How do I create the book metadata?

Follow the process outlined for Package #1 to create the book's descriptive copy and keywords, using the same copy and keywords for both Amazon and IngramSpark. Note that IngramSpark offers different book categories than Amazon, so select categories for IngramSpark based on the book's content.

Link to IngramSpark’s price calculator (please note that IngramSpark’s royalty will be lower than Amazon’s, because as a wholesaler, IngramSpark offers a 55% discount to book retailers)

https://myaccount.ingramspark.com/Portal/Tools/PubCompCalculator

STEP 6: How do I upload the client's files?

Confirm all book files are ready and the client has approved the metadata, then:

• Amazon: follow the process outlined for Package #1 to upload the book files.
• IngramSpark: choose “Add Titles” → “Print and Ebook” to upload one print format and the ebook together, then “Print Book Only” for any additional print format. Enter title, print, and ebook information and upload the files for IngramSpark's review (3-5 business days). Once approved, log in and click “Enable to distribution” to publish — clients can often complete this last step themselves.

For the full field-by-field IngramSpark entry guide (trim size, wholesale discount, pricing fields, etc.), see the Self-Publishing Handbook.

Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gGTiAtz0iJ6TRTnjt2paLI3wkAUz_dHh/edit?rtpof=true&tab=t.0

STEP 7: How do I wrap up the process?

Walk the client through Amazon and IngramSpark's Reports and Orders sections (note that IngramSpark’s Promote My Book services carry additional cost if the client chooses to use them). Then introduce the client to the Amazon Marketing Specialist by email so Amazon-focused marketing can begin.

Royalties

How are Amazon KDP royalties calculated?

• Paperbacks & Hardcovers: 60% of list price minus printing cost — Royalty = (List Price − Printing Cost) × 60%. Printing cost depends on page count, interior color, and trim size. The 60% rate applies to sales through Amazon's own marketplaces; expanded distribution (bookstores, libraries, academic institutions) pays around 40% instead. This rate does not require exclusivity to Amazon.
• eBooks — 70% option: list price must be $2.99–$9.99 (or equivalent) and at least 20% below the print list price; the ebook must be available in all 70%-eligible territories; if enrolled in KDP Select, it must be exclusive to the Kindle Store; a delivery cost of $0.15/MB is deducted from royalties; and content can't be freely available elsewhere or in the public domain.
• eBooks — 35% option: no price restrictions, no delivery cost deduction, and no territorial requirements. Public-domain content is only eligible for the 35% rate.

How are IngramSpark royalties calculated?

• Print books: publisher compensation = List Price − (Wholesale Discount + Print Cost). The recommended wholesale discount is 55%. Example: a $20 list price with a 55% wholesale discount ($11) and a $4 print cost leaves $5 in publisher compensation.
• eBooks: a flat 40% of list price across IngramSpark's distribution network, regardless of the list price.
• Fees: IngramSpark charges setup fees for uploads and file changes, though these can sometimes be offset by promotions or discounts.

What should the client know about pricing their book?

It's ultimately the storyteller's decision, but the Specialist should guide them. Ebooks are generally priced at the lower end; paperbacks typically range from £9.99 to £12.99/$11.99-$14.99, and hardcovers typically start at £18.99/$24.99 and go higher. Prices must cover the manufacturing and printing costs Amazon charges per unit, so it's worth having the client research comparably categorised books to price competitively.

Why does metadata matter, and what do I need from the client?

Metadata is the information that helps a book get found, categorised, and sold correctly: title and subtitle, author name(s), descriptive copy, keywords, categories/BISAC codes, ISBN, publishing rights, language, edition number, and publisher information. Accurate metadata drives discoverability, SEO, sales, and professionalism, and is required by both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark — though the two platforms' categories and specific requirements differ slightly.

Marketing Support

What marketing support does Platinum include?

After the client’s book is published, the Self Publishing Specialist will introduce the client to our Amazon Advertising Specialist. Currently, it is Kris Barnes in the UK (kris.barnes@storyterrace.com). Kris will work with the client to launch a 3-month Amazon Advertising Campaign. After that, the client may extend support month-to-month directly with the marketer — StoryTerrace is not involved in that arrangement.

Template email to introduce client to Kris:

Hi Kris,

I hope you are doing well!

My client XXX has just published her book on Amazon and will need help with Amazon advertising.

Please click here (insert Amazon link) to view the book on Amazon. I've attached all the other information as a Word document to this email.

Here is Alycia's contact information (I also cc'd her on this email) - please note Alycia is in the U.S., so there is a 5-hour time difference.

Email:

Phone:

Project ID: XXX

Please let me know if you have any questions or need any other information. Thanks so much!

Best,

XXX

Also attach the book descriptive copy, keywords, and the answers to the following questions to Kris:

* Live Amazon link to the book:

* ASIN (or ASINs if multiple formats: Kindle, paperback, hardback)

* Category/genre

* Target audience (who is the book for?)

* Whether they have reviews, awards, endorsements, blurbs etc:

* Whether pricing is flexible for promotional tests:

* What’s the daily budget (typical minimum: £10–£20/day)?

*What’s the target CPA or ACOS, if you know?

* Are there launch dates, PR moments, or reviews coming up?

What is an Amazon Advertising campaign’s daily budget?

We typically recommend setting a daily budget of around £10–£20 or $15–$25 for a book’s Amazon Advertising campaign.

Please note that the advertising budget is an additional cost and is not included in the Platinum package. The daily budget is simply a spending cap, not the amount that will necessarily be spent each day.

Amazon Ads generally operate on a pay-per-click basis, which means the client is only charged when someone clicks on their book’s ad. In many cases, clients spend only a few dollars or pounds per day, or sometimes less.

Ultimately, the daily budget is entirely up to the client and can be adjusted at any time.