I thought it would be helpful to other authors to note some positive experiences.

First, if you have published through IngramSpark, they have a free Indie Author Program you should check out. Besides regional book contests, they curate your book for inclusion in packages they offer to libraries. Something at no additional cost that can generate additional royalties.

Many of us publish through the 800lb gorilla, Amazon, but an author can achieve wider distribution in also publishing with IngramSpark, and can avoid Amazon's hefty additional 'extended distribution' levy. This brought to mind a brick and mortar book shop (and other businesses) considering a book, and seeing it was distributed by Amazon. They would likely be thinking "Yeah right, I'm going to deal with the 800lb gorilla that is stomping all over my business, fat chance."

Personally, I also avoid what I see as indie publisher's conversion shortcomings by building my own epub, and doing my own print formatting.

Moving on, I have had a positive experience with WordRefiner's promotion service recently. Mark not only worked diligently on the seven day promotion, but his exceptionally sharp eye caught a handful of typos that three other editors had missed. All that, and the cost was well within my limited SS pension budget.

Additionally, to benefit readers, in conjunction with WordRefiner's promotion, a limited number of FREE e-book copies of Togwotee Passage by L. G. Cullens are available during the month of May on a first-come, first-served basis. See https://lgcullens.com/tpigiveaway for details.