Distribution Information

One of the major benefits of using Lightning Source is access to one of the industry’s largest global distribution networks. Facilities and partners around the globe, plus connectivity to one of the largest networks of bookstores, libraries, and online retailers make for a perfect combination of title availability and speed to market.

 

How Distribution works:

When a retailer wants to order a book, it is typically purchased through a distributor instead of the printer or publisher directly. With Ingram’s Print on Demand service, a retailer can order a title through Ingram Book Company (or one of Ingram’s other distribution partners), and the order prints, ships, and arrives to the customer or store within a few days. The order is added to your monthly compensation report, and you receive the compensation (royalties) 90 days later.

 

Distribution Partners and Channels:

Listed below are some of Lightning Source’s distribution partners and channels that allow your titles to be distributed around the world.

US Distribution

Ingram Book Company - a major distributor in the United States, distributing to almost 40,000 retailers, libraries, schools, and universities

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.amazon.com

International Distribution

In addition to our expansive network of US distribution, Lightning Source also has a wide global reach. A full list of our global distribution partners in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand is available here.

Canada
Your book can be sold through two online retailers located in Canada- if they choose to pick up the title. The companies are www.chapters.indigo.ca  and  www.amazon.ca. If they receive an order for your book, they purchase it from Ingram, a US distribution channel partner. This means any sales through those websites will appear in the US market and you will be paid the same amount of publisher compensation as you are earning for US sales.

Global Connect Program
The Global Connect program will allow your books to be printed by our printer partners in Germany, India, Italy, Poland, Russia, China, Spain, and South Korea. The printers will print the books that are sold by bookstores located in those countries. This saves you and the booksellers the overseas shipping charges they would have to pay if they ordered your book from the US. You will receive publisher compensation payments as you normally would, based on the pricing you have provided us for your book in the US market. For more information on Global Connect, click here

Espresso Books Machine
This is a network of POD machines located in the US, UK, Canada, Europe, and Australia that are often located within bookstores and libraries. From the digital files you provide us, these machines can print and bind black and white interior paperback books with color covers on-site within a few minutes. If your book is printed and sold through the EBM network, you will be paid as if it were sold in the US with the US price and discount that you’ve provided. Please visit www.OnDemandBooks.com for more information or to view a list of the locations for these machines in the US, UK, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

For more information about distribution for print books, please see Distribution FAQs.

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