- Eliza Randall
- 0 min read
Writers’ Branding vs. Scribe Media
Table of Contents
Choosing the right self-publishing partner is one of the most critical decisions an author can make. With countless options available, understanding the strengths and limitations of each company is essential to finding the best fit for your goals. In this article, we’ll compare two well-known self-publishing companies: Writers’ Branding and Scribe Media.
Writers’ Branding offers a comprehensive range of services for authors across genres, with a strong emphasis on branding and global book distribution. It’s designed to support both first-time and experienced authors. On the other hand, Scribe Media focuses exclusively on non-fiction, providing premium, end-to-end publishing services tailored to professionals and thought leaders. Whether you’re a novelist or a business leader, this guide will point you in the right direction.
Quick Comparison
- Target Audience & Genre Focus: Writers’ Branding caters to authors across all genres, including fiction and non-fiction, while Scribe Media exclusively focuses on non-fiction books for professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.
- Pricing: Writers’ Branding provides customized pricing based on individual project needs, making it more flexible, whereas Scribe Media offers premium packages starting at $18,000, with options exceeding $48,000, positioning it as a high-cost service.
- Royalties: Scribe Media allows authors to retain 100% of their royalties, offering full transparency on earnings, whereas Writers’ Branding does not publicly disclose its royalty structure, leaving potential earnings unclear.
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | 4.6 stars on Trustpilot | 4.0 stars on Trustpilot |
| 💸 Affordability | Flexible pricing, customizable | High-cost services start at $18,000 |
| 💰Royalties | Not disclosed publicly; authors must inquire | Authors retain 100% of royalties |
| ⏳Production Speed | Variable; no fixed timelines disclosed | 3–9 months depending on the service package |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Customized marketing plans emphasizing branding and visibility | Robust, premium marketing strategies, including social media |
| 🌎 Distribution | Global distribution | Wide-reaching distribution |
| 🧑💻 Support | Mixed feedback; strong support, but communication gaps | Dedicated publishing manager ensures consistent support |
| 📚Formats | Print, ebook, and POD formats | Print, ebook, audiobook, and POD options |
| 💎 Transparency | Limited; pricing, royalties, and timelines are not clearly disclosed | High; detailed package breakdowns and royalty structure available |
Overview of Writers’ Branding
Writers’ Branding is a self-publishing company that provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to guide authors through the publishing process. Known for its versatility, the company caters to a wide audience, including first-time authors, seasoned writers, and self-publishing veterans across all genres, from fiction to non-fiction.
One of Writers’ Branding’s standout features is its focus on author branding. Beyond traditional publishing services, they work with authors to build a strong personal brand, which can help boost book visibility and establish a lasting presence in the market. Their services range from manuscript refinement and professional editing to custom cover design and global distribution. Additionally, Writers’ Branding offers tailored marketing strategies, including social media campaigns and public relations, to help authors connect with their target audience effectively.
However, Writers’ Branding does have some drawbacks. The company lacks transparency in some critical areas, such as pricing, royalty structures, and publishing timelines, which can leave authors uncertain about potential costs and earnings. Customer feedback also indicates occasional gaps in communication and inconsistencies in delivering promised marketing outcomes.
Overall, Writers’ Branding is a versatile partner for authors seeking both publishing and branding solutions. While it may not be the best fit for those requiring upfront clarity on costs, it excels in providing flexible, personalized support for a wide range of publishing needs.
Key Features
Writers Branding offers a wide array of services tailored to support authors at every stage of the publishing journey. From manuscript preparation to global distribution and personalized marketing strategies, their key features are designed to help authors achieve professional-quality publications and build lasting visibility in the market.
Key Features of Writers’ Branding Include:
- Comprehensive Publishing Services
- Author Branding Support
- Customized Marketing Strategies
- Global Distribution Network
- Print-On-Demand (POD) Services
- Flexible Service Packages
- Multi-Format Publishing
- Editorial Services
- Custom Cover Design
- Focus on New and Experienced Authors
Does Not Include:
- Transparent Pricing
- Specific Royalty Information
- Publishing Timelines
- Audiobook Production
Overview of Scribe Media
Scribe Media is a premium self-publishing service, renowned for helping professionals, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs create polished, high-quality books that establish credibility and expand their influence. Co-founded in 2014 by best-selling author Tucker Max, the company specializes in non-fiction publishing, making it the go-to choice for authors looking to share their expertise, build their personal brand, or grow their business.
Scribe Media excels in delivering comprehensive services, including ghostwriting, editing, cover design, and marketing. Their team of experts collaborates closely with authors to ensure every book meets the highest professional standards, offering a tailored experience that balances creative input with industry expertise. A notable feature of Scribe Media is its 100% royalty model, allowing authors to retain all profits from book sales. Additionally, their partnership with IngramSpark provides extensive global distribution, making books accessible in both digital and print formats worldwide.
However, Scribe Media’s services come with a high price tag, with packages starting at $18,000 and premium options exceeding $48,000. The company exclusively publishes non-fiction, limiting its appeal towards authors of fiction or niche genres. Scribe’s long production timelines—ranging from 3 to 9 months—can also be a drawback for those seeking quicker turnarounds. Despite these limitations, Scribe Media remains a top choice for professionals seeking a high-end publishing experience.
Key Features
Scribe Media provides a full suite of premium publishing services tailored for professionals and thought leaders. From manuscript development to global distribution, their offerings are designed to create polished, impactful non-fiction books that stand out in the market.
Key Features of Scribe Media Include:
- Comprehensive Publishing Services
- Custom Cover and Interior Design
- Audiobook Production
- Global Distribution Network
- 100% Royalties
- Dedicated Publishing Manager
- Marketing and Promotional Support
- Elite Ghostwriting Services
- Print-On-Demand (POD) Options
- Tailored for Non-Fiction
Does Not Include:
- Fiction Publishing
- Affordable Pricing
- Rapid Production Timelines
- Entry-Level Packages
- Royalty-Free Distribution Fees
Affordability
Affordability is a critical factor for self-publishers, as it directly impacts both the upfront investment and the potential return on a book project. Writers Branding and Scribe Media approach pricing very differently. Understanding these costs is essential for authors to align their publishing goals with their financial resources.
Writers’ Branding Pricing
Writers’ Branding takes a flexible, customized approach to pricing, tailoring its services to meet the specific needs of each author and project. Unlike companies with fixed packages, Writers’ Branding encourages authors to discuss their publishing goals and requirements directly with their team to receive a personalized quote. This adaptability allows authors to focus on selecting the services they need—whether it’s comprehensive publishing support, branding assistance, or targeted marketing strategies—while managing their budget effectively.
For writers seeking customized publishing options that can be adjusted to fit their specific goals and budgets, Writers’ Branding offers a practical and potentially cost-effective solution. However, authors should carefully inquire about all associated costs to ensure clarity before committing to their services.
Scribe Media’s Pricing
Scribe Media operates on a premium pricing model, offering high-end packages designed for professionals and thought leaders seeking exceptional quality and comprehensive support. Their services start at $18,000 for the Scribe Publishing package, which includes professional editing, custom cover design, formatting, and global distribution. The Guided Author package, priced at $36,000, adds coaching and editorial guidance for authors who need help developing their manuscripts. For those seeking the most comprehensive option, the Scribe Professional package, at $48,000, provides full ghostwriting, editing, and publishing services.
For authors requiring even greater assistance, the Elite Ghostwriting service starts at $135,000. This tier involves extensive collaboration with the Scribe team to craft a fully customized book, from ideation to publication. All packages include a dedicated publishing manager and the benefit of retaining 100% of royalties. While Scribe Media’s pricing reflects the high quality and depth of its services, it may be prohibitive for authors with limited budgets.
Evaluating the Pricing
Writers’ Branding and Scribe Media differ significantly in their pricing structures, catering to authors with varying budgets and publishing goals. Writers’ Branding adopts a flexible approach, offering customized pricing based on the specific needs of each project. While their rates aren’t disclosed publicly, this tailored model may appeal to authors looking for affordable options or services that match their budgets and goals.
However, the lack of upfront transparency about costs can be a drawback for authors who prefer to know their expenses upfront. This may leave authors uncertain about the overall financial commitment until they engage with the company. While this approach can offer flexibility and personalized solutions, it may not appeal to authors who prefer clear, fixed pricing details from the outset.
Scribe Media, on the other hand, operates with a premium pricing structure, with packages starting at $18,000 and climbing to $48,000 or more for comprehensive services. Their highest-tier option, Elite Ghostwriting, starts at a staggering $135,000. This makes Scribe Media one of the most expensive self-publishing providers on the market.
While their services reflect the high cost—delivering exceptional quality, extensive support, and 100% royalty retention—the pricing may exclude budget-conscious authors. Unlike companies offering flexible or entry-level packages, Scribe targets clients willing to make a substantial investment in their publishing journey. For those prioritizing premium quality and tailored support, Scribe Media’s pricing structure justifies its cost, but it is not ideal for authors on a strict budget.
In terms of affordability, Writers’ Branding stands out as the more accessible option due to its adaptable pricing model. Scribe Media’s premium packages are best suited for professionals willing to invest heavily in top-tier publishing services. For authors seeking budget-friendly solutions, Writers’ Branding is likely the better choice.
Publishing Timelines
The publishing timelines of Writers’ Branding and Scribe Media differ in both clarity and duration, reflecting their distinct approaches to the publishing process.
Writers’ Branding does not provide specific timelines publicly, leaving the duration of their projects largely dependent on the scope of work and the author’s responsiveness during revisions. While this flexibility allows for projects to be customized, it also creates uncertainty for authors who need clear expectations about when their book will be published. For authors with tight deadlines, the lack of defined timelines may be a drawback.
In contrast, Scribe Media offers a clear but lengthy timeline, with most projects taking 3 to 9 months to complete, depending on the package selected. This extended timeline reflects the company’s thorough, high-quality process, which includes detailed editing, custom design, and multiple rounds of revisions. While the timeline may be too long for authors seeking a faster publication, it ensures a polished and professional final product.
For comparison, Writers’ Branding offers potentially shorter timelines but lacks transparency, which could lead to unexpected delays. Scribe Media’s timelines are longer but clearly defined, offering reliability and precision at the cost of speed.
For authors prioritizing speed, Writers’ Branding may be more appealing. However, for those who value quality and a structured process, Scribe Media’s timeline is a reasonable trade-off.
Royalties
The royalty structures of Writers’ Branding and Scribe Media reveal a key distinction in transparency and author control.
Writers’ Branding does not publicly disclose its royalty rates or payment processes, leaving authors uncertain about how much they will earn from their book sales. This lack of clarity can be a concern for authors who want to fully understand their potential revenue before committing to the company. Authors are encouraged to reach out directly to Writers’ Branding to discuss royalty specifics, which may vary based on distribution agreements or other factors.
In contrast, Scribe Media offers full transparency by allowing authors to retain 100% of their royalties. This means that all earnings from book sales—whether through print, digital, or audiobook formats—are paid directly to the author. Scribe Media does not take a cut of the royalties, though authors should note that distribution platforms like Amazon may deduct standard listing fees. Payments are managed directly by the platforms where the books are sold, such as Amazon or IngramSpark, and typically follow the platform’s standard payout schedules, which are monthly or quarterly.
In summation, Writers’ Branding’s royalty terms are unclear, requiring direct inquiry for specifics. Scribe Media stands out by offering 100% royalty retention with a transparent and straightforward process.
For authors seeking maximum control and guaranteed royalties, Scribe Media provides a significant advantage. Writers’ Branding’s lack of disclosure may require more due diligence to ensure authors fully understand their earning potential.
Marketing Services
Marketing is a crucial yet challenging aspect of publishing, and both Writers’ Branding and Scribe Media offer solutions to help authors promote their books—but their approaches and comprehensiveness differ significantly.
Writers’ Branding provides tailored marketing services with a focus on building an author’s personal brand. Their strategies often include social media campaigns, public relations outreach, and promotional activities designed to increase visibility and connect with target audiences. This emphasis on branding helps authors establish a lasting presence in the market, which can be particularly beneficial for long-term book promotion. While the specifics of their marketing packages are not publicly detailed, these services are typically available as part of customized publishing solutions, with costs determined based on the author’s needs.
Scribe Media, on the other hand, incorporates robust marketing support as part of its premium packages. Their services include strategic marketing plans, social media promotion, and targeted advertising campaigns tailored to the book’s audience. Additionally, Scribe offers audiobook production, which can expand a book’s reach. However, given their high package prices (starting at $18,000), these marketing services come at a significant cost and are most accessible to authors with substantial budgets.
Comparison:
- Comprehensiveness: Scribe Media’s marketing is integrated into their premium packages, offering a high level of support but at a premium price. Writers’ Branding offers flexible marketing options tailored to the author’s specific needs, which may be more affordable.
- Ease for Authors: Both companies aim to simplify the marketing process, with Writers’ Branding focusing on branding development and Scribe providing end-to-end marketing support.
- Costs: Writers’ Branding’s marketing costs depend on the customization of services, while Scribe Media’s are bundled into their high-priced publishing packages.
For authors seeking affordability and flexibility, Writers’ Branding’s customizable marketing solutions may be a better fit. However, for professionals looking for comprehensive, high-impact marketing as part of a full-service publishing package, Scribe Media’s offerings stand out—albeit with a premium price tag.
Print-On-Demand (POD) & Distribution
Both Writers’ Branding and Scribe Media offer Print-On-Demand (POD) and distribution services as part of their publishing packages, ensuring authors can reach a global audience without the need for upfront inventory management. However, their offerings vary in scope and transparency.
Writers’ Branding POD & Distribution
Writers’ Branding provides global POD and distribution services, allowing authors to make their books available to readers worldwide. Partnering with major online retailers and bookstores, they facilitate the distribution of both print and digital formats. POD ensures that books are printed only when an order is placed, eliminating the risk of unsold inventory and reducing upfront costs. Distribution services are included as part of their customized publishing packages, though specifics—such as which retailers are included—are not publicly disclosed. Writers’ Branding excels in providing comprehensive publishing support with distribution as an integral component, making it a strong choice for authors who want a seamless, full-service publishing experience.
Scribe Media POD & Distribution
Scribe Media takes a similar approach, leveraging partnerships with industry leaders like IngramSpark to provide extensive global distribution. This network ensures books are accessible through major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books, as well as international markets. POD is a standard feature, offering flexibility and cost-efficiency by printing books only when purchased. Distribution services are included in Scribe’s high-priced packages, which emphasize quality and reach. Scribe Media excels in delivering premium publishing experiences, with distribution being a significant but integrated aspect of their service rather than a standalone focus.
Comparison:
- Distribution Reach: Both companies provide wide-reaching global distribution, though Scribe Media’s partnership with IngramSpark may offer an edge in terms of accessibility and international presence.
- Inclusion in Packages: POD and distribution are included in the publishing packages for both companies. With Writers’ Branding, costs are flexible based on the author’s needs, while Scribe bundles these services into its premium pricing structure.
- Specialization: Writers’ Branding excels in integrating POD and distribution into a full-service publishing model, whereas Scribe Media’s premium packages treat distribution as one of many high-quality features.
- POD Model: Both companies leverage POD technology to help authors avoid large upfront printing costs, making their books available on demand.
For authors seeking reliable global distribution as part of a full publishing service, both Writers’ Branding and Scribe Media deliver. Writers’ Branding offers more flexibility, while Scribe Media’s premium approach ensures a polished product with guaranteed accessibility across major retail platforms.
Support Services
Author support is a critical component of the self-publishing process, and both Writers’ Branding and Scribe Media provide dedicated services to guide authors through their publishing journey. However, the type and consistency of support vary between the two companies.
Writers Branding offers personalized support tailored to each author’s needs, ensuring a collaborative approach to publishing. While details on specific roles like publishing managers are not publicly disclosed, customer feedback suggests that their team is accessible and responsive during the publishing process. Authors receive guidance on key aspects such as manuscript preparation, branding, and marketing. However, some reviews indicate inconsistencies in communication and delivery of promised services, which may leave some authors feeling unsupported at critical stages of production.
Scribe Media, by contrast, includes a dedicated publishing manager with all its packages. This professional serves as a single point of contact, overseeing the entire publishing process and ensuring that authors are supported from manuscript development to book launch. The team at Scribe consists of experienced editors, designers, and marketers who work closely with the author to deliver a polished final product. This hands-on, structured support system is highly praised by clients for its reliability and professionalism.
Writers’ Branding offers flexible, personalized assistance, yet has received mixed reviews regarding communication. Scribe Media provides structured, consistent support through a dedicated publishing manager and is often commended for being thorough and professional. Both companies guide authors through the publishing process, but Scribe Media’s team-driven approach provides a more hands-on experience.
For authors who value a reliable and professional support system, Scribe Media stands out with its dedicated publishing manager and experienced team. Writers’ Branding’s personalized support can be advantageous for authors seeking flexibility, but it may require more proactive communication to ensure smooth collaboration.
Customer Experiences and Reviews
Customer experiences with Writers’ Branding and Scribe Media present contrasting narratives, reflecting their distinct service models and operational histories.
Writers’ Branding has garnered mixed feedback from its clientele. On the positive side, some authors commend the company for its comprehensive self-publishing services and supportive staff. For instance, a customer review on their website states, “Writers’ Branding services have gone beyond what is to be expected from a self-publishing company. Everybody I’ve been in touch with have been extremely helpful.” This is backed up by a high 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot.
However, external evaluations raise concerns. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) lists Writers’ Branding with an ‘F’ rating, citing an average of 1.86 out of 5 stars based on seven customer reviews, alongside seven complaints closed in the last three years. Additionally, Scam Detector’s analysis suggests caution, highlighting potential issues with unsolicited contact and marketing practices.
Scribe Media, prior to its operational halt in May 2023, was recognized for its high-quality publishing services. Employee reviews on platforms like Indeed reflected a positive work environment, with one review noting, “Scribe Media is a dynamic and growth-minded organization with great opportunities for personal and professional development.”
However, the sudden cessation of operations led to uncertainty among clients and employees. As of November 2024, Scribe Media remains inactive, with no official communication regarding a resumption of services. This is most likely why they hold a 4.0-star rating on Trustpilot.
In summary, while Writers’ Branding offers a range of services with varied customer feedback, Scribe Media’s previous reputation for excellence is overshadowed by its current inactivity. Prospective authors should carefully assess these factors when considering either company for their publishing needs.
Writers’ Branding vs. Scribe Media
Choosing between Writers’ Branding and Scribe Media ultimately depends on your publishing goals, budget, and level of experience. Both companies offer comprehensive publishing solutions but cater to different author needs and expectations.
Some of the main differences are found in the fact that Writers’ Branding supports a wide range of genres, including fiction and non-fiction, with flexible, customizable services. In contrast, Scribe Media specializes in non-fiction and provides a premium, structured publishing experience tailored for professionals and thought leaders. Pricing is another key differentiator—Writers’ Branding offers variable costs, while Scribe’s packages are high-end, starting at $18,000.
If you’re a first-time author or new to self-publishing and looking for an affordable, adaptable partner, Writers’ Branding is the better choice. Its flexibility allows you to select only the services you need, making it more accessible for those navigating the publishing world for the first time.
For authors prioritizing high-impact marketing, Scribe Media stands out. Its premium packages include robust promotional strategies, from targeted advertising to audiobook production, making it ideal for professionals with the budget to invest in top-tier marketing. All that to be said, their current halt in production may make it difficult to pursue doing business with them. We hope to see them back in action as a viable option in the near future!
Both companies have their strengths, so it’s essential to assess your budget and publishing priorities. For more information on these two companies, you can read our in-depth reviews of them right here on Top10. For further details, visit their respective websites to explore their offerings.
