Complete Setup Instructions for "Naked and Alone with 80,000 People"
Professional Publishing • Global Distribution • Maximum Credibility
While Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is popular for self-publishers, IngramSpark provides professional-grade publishing that positions Nick's book for maximum impact and credibility.
IngramSpark positions Nick as a professional author and speaker, not just another self-published athlete.
When conference planners, corporate HR directors, and speaking bureaus research Nick, seeing "Published by IngramSpark" with distribution to Barnes & Noble and independent bookstores signals credibility and seriousness.
| Format | Retail Price | Your Cost (Wholesale) | Profit Per Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperback | $24.95 | $8-10 | $6-8 |
| Hardcover | $34.95 | $12-14 | $8-10 |
| Ebook | $9.99 | $0 | $6.99 (70% royalty) |
| Audiobook | $19.95 | Variable | ~$10-14 |
Total Launch Investment: $8,000-$12,000
Profit per paperback: $6-8
Breakeven point: 1,500 copies sold (achievable in 2-3 weeks with proper marketing)
Target for first 60 days: 5,000 copies = $30,000-40,000 profit + speaking opportunities
$24.95 for 300+ pages: This is standard pricing for professional memoirs and business books. It positions the book as substantial and valuable, not a cheap impulse buy.
$34.95 hardcover: Premium edition for collectors, corporate gifts, and signed copies. Higher perceived value.
$9.99 ebook: The "impulse buy threshold" - low enough to purchase without thinking, high enough to maintain 70% royalty rate.
Timeline: Complete this process in Week 1 of pre-launch (by November 22, 2025)
Go to IngramSpark.com and create a publisher account.
Publisher Name: Consider using "Lowery Press" or "Arena Publishing" for professional appearance
Publisher Location: Your business address
Cost: $49 one-time setup feeVisit MyIdentifiers.com (official Bowker ISBN agency)
Recommended: Purchase the 10-pack for $295 (vs. $125 for single ISBN)
Why 10 ISBNs? You need separate ISBNs for:
Go to Copyright.gov and register the book
Select: "Literary Work" category
Author: Nick Lowery
Copyright Holder: Nick Lowery (or your LLC if applicable)
Upload: Complete manuscript PDF
Processing time: 3-6 months (but you can publish while pending)
Cost: $65Interior File (Manuscript):
Cover File:
Log into your IngramSpark dashboard and create new title
Title Information:
Print Specifications:
Distribution Channels:
Wholesale Discount: Set at 55% (industry standard)
Returns: Enable returns (required for bookstore placement)
List Price:
IngramSpark will generate a digital proof for your review
Check carefully:
Recommended: Order physical proof copy to review in person
Cost: $30-40 for physical proof + shippingOnce you're satisfied with the proof, approve the title for distribution
Timeline: Books appear in retail systems within 24-48 hours
Availability: Listed on Amazon, B&N, and other retailers immediately
Print-on-Demand: Books printed as orders come in (no inventory risk)
Purchase 100 copies at wholesale cost for:
Author copies print cost: $8-10 per paperback, $12-14 per hardcover
Cost: $800-1,000 for 100 paperback copies + shipping| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| IngramSpark Setup Fee | $49 |
| Format Fees (Paperback, Hardcover, Ebook) | $75 |
| ISBNs (10-pack from Bowker) | $295 |
| Copyright Registration | $65 |
| Physical Proof Copy | $40 |
| 100 Author Copies (Paperback) | $800-1,000 |
| Professional Cover Design (Optional) | $500-1,500 |
One-time cost to professionally publish Nick's book through IngramSpark
Breakeven: 220-470 books sold (achievable in first 2 weeks)
Professional Credibility: IngramSpark signals to speaking bureaus, conference planners, and corporate clients that Nick is a serious author, not just another athlete with a vanity project.
Global Distribution: The book will be available in 39,000+ retail locations worldwide, maximizing visibility and sales potential.
Speaking Opportunities: A professionally published book with wide distribution opens doors to $15K-$25K speaking engagements. One speaking gig pays for the entire publishing investment.
Long-term Asset: The book becomes a permanent marketing tool for Nick's speaking business, generating income for years to come.
IngramSpark: www.ingramspark.com
Bowker (ISBNs): www.myidentifiers.com
Copyright Registration: www.copyright.gov
IngramSpark Support: www.ingramspark.com/support
IngramSpark Customer Service: 1-844-749-4800 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm ET)
Bowker ISBN Help: 1-877-310-7333
Cover Design Resources: Fiverr, 99designs, Reedsy
Manuscript Formatting: Vellum (Mac), Atticus, Reedsy Book Editor
IngramSpark gives Nick the professional platform his story deserves.
This isn't just about selling books—it's about establishing credibility as a world-class speaker and thought leader. IngramSpark is how serious authors publish. Let's do this right.
Target Launch Date: December 15, 2025 🎯
