Publishing Standard vs Premium Color Paperback on Amazon & Beyond

About this video

(Summary from the Arabic caption track.) In part two of a four-part proof-copy series, Dale compares standard versus premium colour paperbacks across KDP, IngramSpark, Lulu, Barnes & Noble Press and Blurb, using Susan Montgomery’s 8.5 x 11 inch, 60-page ‘Ukulele Expressions Lullaby.’ Standard colour suits longer, less image-heavy books and balances cost and quality; premium suits image-rich books like children’s books, cookbooks and photo books. KDP was cheapest and fastest (standard proof $3.44, premium $5.89, combined $17.75 total, 4 days) and he rates it 4/5, but standard requires at least 72 pages and proofs carry a watermark. IngramSpark (4/5) offers the widest reach and many trim sizes, with proofs at $4.83 standard and $6.91 premium and 9-day delivery. Lulu (4/5) costs more — $5.07 standard, $13.76 premium, $27.70 total, 10 days — but its premium on 80 lb coated paper looked stunning. Barnes & Noble Press (3/5, $19.80 total, 10 days) looked identical to IngramSpark but has limited US-only reach. Blurb (2/5) was priciest, with only three trim sizes and glossy covers only. Susan found KDP easiest, Barnes & Noble easiest for ordering proofs, and says she would likely choose Lulu if moving from KDP; she recommends testing proofs from at least two platforms.

Key takeaways

• Standard colour balances cost and quality for longer, less image-heavy books; premium colour suits image-rich books where sharpness matters.
• KDP was cheapest and fastest in the test — $17.75 combined total and 4 days — but standard colour requires a 72-page minimum.
• IngramSpark offers the widest distribution reach and the most trim sizes, rated 4/5 alongside KDP and Lulu.
• Lulu’s premium colour on 80 lb coated paper looked the best, but premium cost $13.76 versus KDP’s $5.89.
• Blurb rated lowest at 2/5: highest prices, only three trim sizes and glossy covers only, with no matte option.

Episode details: published May 21, 2023 · 22:35 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Business results and any income figures mentioned are Dale L. Roberts’s own claims, shared for education — they are not typical or guaranteed.

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