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Distributing to Ingram Lightning Source (LSI) with PublishDrive

PublishDrive partners with Ingram Lightning Source Inc. (LSI), a global leader in print-on-demand distribution. Through LSI, your print titles can reach bookstores, libraries, and retailers across North America, Europe, and Oceania.

Ingram Content Group

 


 

📝 Formats

 

LSI supports Print-on-Demand (POD) books. Ebook distribution is not available through this channel.

 


 

⏱ Publishing Time

 

Books distributed to LSI typically go live within up to 2 weeks after submission.

 


 

💸 Distribution Model

 

LSI operates under a wholesale model, meaning retailers and distributors may adjust the final sale price based on your listed price.

 


 

📈 Royalty Rate

Print-on-Demand: 45% royalty

(Calculated from the list price, minus print and distribution costs)

 


 

📌 Territory Focus

 

LSI distributes to the following key regions:

United States

Canada

Europe

Australia & New Zealand

 


 

🌍 Accepted Languages

 

LSI accepts books in any language, provided they meet industry-standard formatting and metadata requirements.

 


 

🔖 ISBN Requirement

 

An ISBN is required for all print titles. Please ensure you have a valid ISBN before submitting your book for distribution.

 


 

✅ Content Policy

 

✔️ Adult content is accepted,

Explicit sexual content is not permitted

Public domain titles are not accepted

 

All books must comply with LSI’s content and quality standards.

 


 

🆓 Special Offer — No Market Access Fee Until 2026!

 

New titles uploaded to LSI via PublishDrive will not be charged a Market Access Fee (MAF) for the first year.

 

📅 This offer is valid until December 31, 2026.

 


 

🔄 Catalog Transfer from LSI to PublishDrive

 

Already publishing through LSI? You can transfer your existing catalog to PublishDrive.

 

➡️ To request a transfer, please contact our support team. We’ll walk you through the process.

 


 

🔍 IngramSpark vs. Lightning Source (LSI) — What’s the Difference?

 

Feature

IngramSpark

Lightning Source (LSI)

Target Users

Independent authors, small publishers

Established publishers, high-volume

Access

Self-managed platform

Managed through PublishDrive

Fees

MAF applies per title

No MAF for 1 year (via PD, until Dec 31, 2026)

Catalog Transfer

Not supported

✅ Available from LSI to PD

Control

Direct publisher access

Distributor-managed (via PD)

⚠️ Note: PublishDrive partners directly with LSI, not IngramSpark. While both services are part of the Ingram ecosystem, LSI is designed for professional publishers and enables greater backend flexibility and scalability.