For decades, Ingram Content Group (Ingram) has been at the forefront of innovation in the book industry. Offering industry-leading services that help publishers reach their customers globally, Ingram is dedicated to meeting the changing needs of publishers, authors, retailers, and librarians. With an expansive worldwide book distribution network, including globally positioned sales and marketing offices, Ingram’s services include book distribution in all formats, print-on-demand, marketing and digital services, and data solutions.
Ingram’s global print-on-demand solution serves content creators everywhere from the largest publishers to the newest indie publishers through IngramSpark, Ingram’s publishing platform. Their industry-leading catalog includes millions of in-demand titles from thousands of publishers worldwide and reaches tens of thousands of retail and library accounts in over 150 countries. "We see ourselves as a global distributor with a category-leading print-on-demand infrastructure and network,” says Rob Clements, business leader for world language expansion at Ingram Content Group’s Lightning Source division.
Ingram's reach continues to expand globally through locations in the U.S., U.K., Australia, France, the U.A.E., and through their Global Connect Program. Global Connect links capable distribution points in eleven additional countries to in-market retail distribution channels. Publishers simply log in to Ingram's web-based publisher portal, authorize their catalog, and expand their distribution. "It can be very challenging for a publisher in any market to develop global distribution. Our solutions remove barriers and provide selling opportunities,” Clements says. Ingram's print-on-demand platform, Lightning Source, allows publishers, authors, and booksellers to conveniently and efficiently deliver books internationally while also avoiding rising shipping costs.
Lightning Source helps take the guesswork out of the printing and distribution process. Rather than relying on speculative inventory and complex logistics to bring titles to global markets, titles are manufactured based on retail customer orders. "For the vast majority of books being published nowadays, this is the ideal solution since the book is sold before it is printed—which has obvious cash flow advantages and greatly reduces the risk of unsold books and returns," Clements says. Publishers, indie authors, and retailers have the benefit of unlimited supply when reader demand spikes, no matter where in the world.
Along with embracing new technologies and book formats, Ingram is steadily growing its reach to support all world languages. Ingram’s global catalog of millions of titles includes a double-digit percentage of titles in languages other than English. "Most of this has happened organically as global publishers discover that they could reach non-English readers much easier through our platform than through traditional export arrangements," Clements says. Ingram is intentionally allocating more resources to secure these connections, address the unknowns, and facilitate book discoverability across borders.
"For example, Mexican publishers using our services now reach Spanish Language selectors at U.S. libraries using our Lightning Source print-on-demand network,” says Bryan Roman, International Sales Manager for Ingram. “Librarians are thrilled to have a robust Spanish language catalog for their patrons.”
Through Ingram’s comprehensive suite of services and global reach, establishing a relationship with Ingram can help your business grow. That means more books in readers' hands—and that's what it's all about.
