I Tried 3 Self-Publishing Platforms So You Don't Have To

I finally uploaded my children's book — and I made a LOT of mistakes along the way. Here's my honest breakdown of Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Lulu so you know exactly what to expect before you hit publish. This is Step 5 of my Self Publish Your 1st Children's Book series, where I walk you through the REAL process of getting your book into the world — including the stuff nobody tells you. 🕐 CHAPTERS: 0:00 - The hardcover problem I didn't see coming 0:42 - Series overview & what we're covering today 1:33 - File prep: what to know before you upload 2:33 - Amazon KDP: the easiest platform 3:40 - Amazon's landscape hardcover limitation 5:10 - Royalties & author copies (the money talk) 6:47 - IngramSpark: distribution powerhouse 7:50 - The IngramSpark return risk nobody warns you about 8:44 - Lulu: the expensive, classy one 10:04 - Recap: Amazon vs IngramSpark vs Lulu In this video I cover: ✅ File prep before you upload anywhere (cover vs interior, InDesign tips) ✅ Amazon KDP — easiest platform, most reach, but with one BIG limitation for landscape hardcovers ✅ The royalty reality check ($3.67 on a $16.99 book — let's talk about it) ✅ IngramSpark — how to get into Barnes & Noble, libraries, and international bookstores ✅ The IngramSpark return risk that could cost you money ✅ Lulu — the most expensive but the ONLY one that gave me a landscape hardcover Quick disclaimer: This is my personal experience. Platforms change, results vary — always double check current requirements before uploading. 🔗 LINKS: Format your amazon paperback:https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/ Setting your amazon trim, size, bleed, and margins: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/top... Amazon paperback cover info: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/top... Amazon Print Cover Calculator: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/cover-ca... Ingramspark file creation guide: https://www.ingramspark.com/ Ingramspark file requirements for printed books: https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/file... Lulu pricing calculator: https://www.lulu.com/pricing Lulu book sizes: https://www.lulu.com/products 📥 Grab the FREE PDF — 9 questions to nail your story idea a 32-page thumbnail blueprint to plan your entire book: https://www.aristravelsphere.com/free... 📖 Buy "A World Within" → https://www.amazon.com/World-Within-A... 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/aristravels... Your Amazon KDP File is Probably Wrong:    • Your Amazon KDP File Is Probably Wrong (He...   Designing my first children's book cover:    • Designing My First Children’s Book Cover a...   💬 What platform are you planning to use — or are you going all three? Let me know below! #selfpublishing #amazonkdp #ingramspark #lulu #childrensbook #selfpublishingforbeginners #kindledirectpublishing #authorlife #childrensbookillustrator #selfpublishedauthor