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BookBaby vs Lightning Source
Last updated: July 09, 2023
BookBaby and Lightning Source are two prominent platforms in the publishing industry, but they have notable differences in their services, distribution networks, and target audience.
BookBaby is a self-publishing platform that provides a comprehensive range of services for authors, including editing, design, formatting, printing, and distribution. It offers both print-on-demand and e-book publishing options. BookBaby focuses on offering a complete package of publishing services, making it an attractive option for authors who want professional assistance throughout the publishing process. It provides access to a wide distribution network that includes major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books. BookBaby operates on a fee-based model, where authors pay upfront for the services they choose.
On the other hand, Lightning Source, also known as IngramSpark, is a print-on-demand and distribution service provided by Ingram Content Group. It primarily focuses on serving publishers and independent authors who want to distribute their books to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers worldwide. Lightning Source offers a vast distribution network and print-on-demand services, allowing books to be printed and shipped as orders come in. While Lightning Source provides a wide reach to the traditional retail and library market, it doesn't offer the same level of comprehensive publishing services as BookBaby.
Another key difference lies in their target audience. BookBaby is geared towards independent authors who want a complete publishing package and access to major online retailers. It appeals to authors who may need assistance with editing, design, and formatting. Lightning Source, on the other hand, primarily targets publishers and authors who are looking for a distribution partner with a strong presence in the book trade. It offers services that cater to the needs of the traditional publishing industry, including print-on-demand and global distribution to bookstores and libraries.
BookBaby is a self-publishing platform that provides a comprehensive range of services for authors, including editing, design, formatting, printing, and distribution. It offers both print-on-demand and e-book publishing options. BookBaby focuses on offering a complete package of publishing services, making it an attractive option for authors who want professional assistance throughout the publishing process. It provides access to a wide distribution network that includes major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books. BookBaby operates on a fee-based model, where authors pay upfront for the services they choose.
On the other hand, Lightning Source, also known as IngramSpark, is a print-on-demand and distribution service provided by Ingram Content Group. It primarily focuses on serving publishers and independent authors who want to distribute their books to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers worldwide. Lightning Source offers a vast distribution network and print-on-demand services, allowing books to be printed and shipped as orders come in. While Lightning Source provides a wide reach to the traditional retail and library market, it doesn't offer the same level of comprehensive publishing services as BookBaby.
Another key difference lies in their target audience. BookBaby is geared towards independent authors who want a complete publishing package and access to major online retailers. It appeals to authors who may need assistance with editing, design, and formatting. Lightning Source, on the other hand, primarily targets publishers and authors who are looking for a distribution partner with a strong presence in the book trade. It offers services that cater to the needs of the traditional publishing industry, including print-on-demand and global distribution to bookstores and libraries.
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BookBaby makes self-publishing easy: from cover design, book printing, eBook conversions, distribution, website creation, and more. BookBaby offers you the largest eBook distribution network, including Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Sony, and many other popular retailers in over 170 countries around the globe. It’s now possible for you to reach a worldwide audience, keep 100% of your book’s net earnings, retain the rights to your work, and maintain total creative control. BookBaby provides everything you need to professionally publish and distribute your book, without ever having to sell-out to ‘big publishing.’
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As a publisher, you are about to discover the fastest, most economical way to get your books into the hands of an eager buyer. The Lightning Source model is the most comprehensive and highly individualized approach for printing and delivering books in the publishing world today. Lightning Source offers international business solutions to publishers worldwide. The opportunity to easily access local markets around the world.
BookBaby vs Lightning Source in our news:
2016. BookBaby launched e-Book editing service
BookBaby has recently introduced a new editing service specifically designed for self-published authors. With this service, they offer copy editing for a 60,000-word eBook at a price below $1,200, which is a remarkable 50% lower compared to other premium options available in the market. For debut or first-time authors, finding a reliable e-book editor can be a challenging task. Many individuals often resort to searching online for affordable options, but may end up encountering companies like Author Solutions, who employ aggressive up-selling tactics. According to BookBaby President Steven Spatz, "Editing is an essential requirement for every book, and we understand this reality. Our aim was to deliver a cost-effective solution that meets the needs of self-publishing authors, without compromising on the quality they expect and deserve."
2014. BookBaby allows authors to sell books directly to users
BookBaby, a self-publishing provider, is introducing a new service called BookShop, enabling authors to sell their eBooks directly to readers through their own customized BookShop e-commerce pages. This initiative offers authors the opportunity to earn a higher percentage per sale and receive faster payment compared to other platforms. BookBaby authors can sell both ePub and .mobi versions of their eBooks directly to readers, earning 85% of the gross selling price. Additionally, authors can provide links to their eBooks on popular retail sites like iBooks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more. Unlike other distributors and retailers, BookBaby ensures prompt payment to authors within one week of each sale, eliminating lengthy waiting periods for their earnings. BookShop is available free of charge to all BookBaby authors, including those taking advantage of the company's new FREE eBook publishing package. Authors can easily upload ePub files directly to BookBaby for global distribution without any upfront costs.