- Eliza Randall
- 0 min read
Amazon KDP vs Scribe
Table of Contents
Self-publishing has revolutionized the literary world, allowing authors to independently publish their work without relying on traditional publishing houses.
In this article, we will compare two prominent self-publishing services: Amazon KDP and Scribe. Amazon KDP, known for its free and quick publishing platform. and Scribe, recognized for its comprehensive service packages, extensive marketing and high budget quality.
Our goal is to provide a detailed comparison of Amazon KDP and Scribe to help you decide which service best suits your publishing needs and budget.
Let’s delve into the details and see how Amazon KDP and Scribe stack up against each other.
Key Differences
- Affordability: It is free to publish your book on Amazon KDP’s platform, At Scribe, their lowest package starts at $18,000.
- Book Genre: With Amazon KDP you can publish any and all books whereas Scribe exclusively publishes non-fiction books.
- Support: KDP offers no support, except their online forums. Scribe offers personal production managers to each author.
- Marketing: Scribe offers robust marketing packages, whereas Amazon KDP offers
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | User-friendly platform, but poor customer support | Highly Rated |
| 💸 Affordability | Free to Publish on Amazon | Packages starting at $18,000 |
| ⏳Production Speed | Less than 24hrs | 6-9 Months |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Marketing with Amazon’s Internal Tools | Comprehensive Services |
| 🌎 Distribution | Distribution on Amazon | Extensive Distribution Blurb |
| 🧑💻 Support | No support, except on online forums | Personal Production Manager |
Overview of Amazon KDP
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a popular self-publishing platform that offers authors a straightforward and cost-effective way to publish their eBooks and print books. Integrated with Amazon’s vast marketplace, KDP provides access to a global audience, making it a preferred choice for many independent authors. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with fast production times and print-on-demand services, allowing authors to publish their books without any upfront costs. However, while KDP offers several advantages, it also has some limitations, particularly in terms of additional services and support.
Amazon KDP – Key Features
- Free Publishing: Authors can publish eBooks and print books without any upfront fees.
- Fast Production Times: eBooks can be available within 72 hours; print books typically within 5 to 10 business days.
- Amazon Integration: Direct access to a global audience through Amazon’s marketplace.
- Print-on-Demand Services: Books are printed only when ordered, eliminating inventory management.
Does Not Offer
- Limited Cover Design: Only basic tools are available, lacking professional customization options.
- No Editing or Proofreading Services: Authors need to find these services independently.
- No Marketing Services: Managed advertising and promotional services are not provided, aside from basic Amazon tools.
- Lack of Direct Customer Support: No real-time assistance, relying on community forums and online resources for help
Overview of Scribe Media
Founded in 2014 by best-selling author Tucker Max, Scribe Media has quickly established itself as a premier professional book publishing service, particularly popular among entrepreneurs, consultants, executives, and other professionals. Scribe Media’s mission is to provide high-quality publishing services that ensure an author’s book achieves maximum reach and impact.
Scribe Media offers a comprehensive range of services, including writing, editing, design, publishing, and marketing. These services are tailored for authors with completed manuscripts who seek to publish their books professionally. Known for its commitment to quality and professionalism, Scribe Media is a preferred option if you have a high budget and are aiming for a polished and impactful book.
However, this level of service comes at a high cost, with packages starting at $18,000. Additionally, Scribe Media’s services are exclusively available for non-fiction books, catering primarily to professionals and thought leaders. The premium pricing of Scribe Media is largely attributed to the detailed attention and personalized support they provide.
Scribe – Key Features
Scribe Media focuses on providing end-to-end publishing services, ensuring every aspect of the publishing process is covered.
- Dedicated Support: Comprehensive support throughout the publishing process, with each package including a publishing manager.
- High Quality: Professional writing, editing, and design services from experienced industry experts.
- Comprehensive Publishing Services: Including ghostwriting, editing, cover design, marketing, and audiobook creation.
- 100% Royalties: Authors retain all royalties from their book sales.
Does Not Offer
- Fiction Publishing: Exclusively publishes non-fiction books
Affordability
KDP Pricing
KDP is known for its cost-effective approach, as it does not charge any upfront fees for publishing eBooks or print books. While their basic services are free, authors may incur additional costs if they opt for professional services such as cover design, editing, or marketing, which must be sourced externally.
Scribe Media Pricing
Scribe Media is known for its premium pricing, reflecting the high-quality, professional services it offers. Here are the main packages:
Scribe offers a range of high-end publishing packages, each designed for professionals rather than the average author.
The Scribe Publishing Package, starting at $26,000, focuses on polishing a completed manuscript with services like cover design, interior layout, proofreading, and distribution to major platforms.
Each package includes a publishing manager who guides the author through the entire process. While Scribe Media’s services are top-tier, the high costs can be prohibitive for many authors.
Comparing Pricing
When comparing pricing, Amazon KDP offers a cost-effective approach with no upfront fees, making it accessible for authors on a budget. However, additional services like editing and cover design need to be sourced externally. In contrast, Scribe Media caters to those seeking premium, all-inclusive publishing services, with packages starting at $26,000. Scribe’s pricing reflects the high-quality, professional support they provide, including a dedicated publishing manager, making it a significant investment for authors aiming for a polished, professional book.
Publishing Timeline
KDP offers quick turnaround times, with eBooks typically published within 72 hours of submission. Print books, including paperbacks and hardcovers, are generally available within 5 to 10 business days, depending on the specifics of the book and the printing process.
Scribe Media typically takes 6 to 9 months to publish a book, reflecting their meticulous and comprehensive approach to ensure high-quality results. This timeline stands out as much longer than that of other self-publishing companies.
Marketing Services
KDP offers limited marketing services, primarily using Amazon’s internal tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions through KDP Select. While these can increase visibility on Amazon, authors are mostly responsible for managing their own advertising, including Amazon Advertising campaigns.
Scribe Media provides robust marketing and promotional support as part of their comprehensive publishing packages. Services include strategic marketing plans, social media promotions, targeted advertising campaigns, and broad distribution to major online and physical bookstores. These high-end services ensure maximum reach and impact but come at a premium price, which might not be feasible for all authors.
Print-On-Demand (POD) & Distribution
KDP utilizes Amazon’s extensive POD network, allowing books to be printed only when ordered, thus eliminating the need for inventory. This service is primarily tied to Amazon’s distribution channels, providing direct access to Amazon’s vast customer base. Additionally, KDP offers an optional expanded distribution feature, enabling authors to reach other online retailers, libraries, and academic institutions, though with lower royalty rates.
Scribe Media offers extensive print-on-demand (POD) and distribution services. They handle both ebook and print book production, ensuring manuscripts are converted into various formats suitable for different platforms. Their distribution network includes major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books, facilitated through partnerships with IngramSpark, ensuring global availability.
Support Services
There are several support services offered by KDP including email support, an extensive library of online resources, and active community forums. These forums provide a space for authors to seek advice and share experiences with peers, making it a valuable resource for troubleshooting and learning. However, the lack of direct, real-time support is a big drawback, especially for first time publishers.
Scribe Media offers comprehensive support with dedicated publishing managers guiding authors through the entire process, from manuscript preparation to final publication. This hands-on approach provides personalized assistance from a professional team, including editors, designers, and marketers, justifying its premium pricing.
When it comes to support, Amazon KDP provides basic services such as email support, online resources, and community forums, which are helpful for troubleshooting but lack real-time, personalized assistance—especially challenging for first-time authors. In contrast, Scribe Media offers comprehensive, hands-on support, with dedicated publishing managers guiding you through every step of the process. This personalized approach includes professional help from editors, designers, and marketers, making it ideal for those who need more robust, tailored support throughout their publishing journey.
Amazon KDP or Scribe: Which is Right for You?
When choosing between Amazon KDP and Scribe, think about what you need as an author.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, quick, and independent publishing solution, Amazon KDP is likely your best bet. It’s perfect if you enjoy having full control over your publishing process and are working with a tight budget. With KDP, you can publish for free and access Amazon’s vast audience. But keep in mind, it’s ideal if you’re comfortable handling tasks like editing, cover design, and marketing on your own, as KDP doesn’t offer extensive support.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to invest in a premium experience and you want your book to shine with professional polish, Scribe is the way to go. Scribe is designed for authors who value quality and personalized attention, especially if you’re writing non-fiction. With Scribe, every aspect of your book is meticulously handled, from writing and editing to marketing and distribution. However, this level of service comes with a higher price tag, starting at $26,000.
So, ask yourself: Do you want speed and autonomy, or are you ready to invest in a top-tier publishing experience? Your answer will guide you to the right choice.
Learn More About Scribe
If Scribe sounds like a good option for your publishing needs, visit their website to explore their high-quality publishing services. Discover how Scribe can transform your book into a professionally published masterpiece, offering premium services for authors who value excellence.