- Jane Murphy
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John Wiley & Sons vs. Scribe Media
Table of Contents
Choosing the right publisher is one of the most critical decisions for authors. With so many options available, finding a publishing partner that aligns with your goals, audience, and budget can be overwhelming. In this article, we compare two industry leaders: John Wiley & Sons and Scribe Media, each excelling in different areas of publishing.
John Wiley & Sons is a cornerstone of academic and professional publishing, known for its peer-reviewed journals, educational resources, and digital accessibility. With over two centuries of experience, Wiley is a go-to choice for researchers and educators.
On the other hand, Scribe Media focuses on helping professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders publish high-quality non-fiction books. Renowned for its comprehensive services and polished results, Scribe Media is ideal for authors looking to make an impact in their industry.
This comparison will explore their services, costs, royalties, publishing timelines, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Key Differences
- Target Audience: John Wiley & Sons specializes in academic and professional publishing, catering to researchers, educators, and professionals in fields like science, technology, and business. Scribe Media focuses exclusively on non-fiction, targeting professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.
- Pricing Structure: Wiley generally covers production costs for books, with authors earning royalties from sales, while open-access journal authors pay Article Publication Charges (APCs). Scribe Media requires significant upfront payments for its services, with packages starting at $26,000, but allows authors to retain 100% of their royalties.
- Publishing Focus: Wiley prioritizes academic content, offering peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and research materials. Scribe Media provides comprehensive end-to-end services, including ghostwriting and marketing, tailored specifically for non-fiction books with a professional or personal brand-building goal.
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | 2.1-star rating on Trustpilot | 4-star rating on Trustpilot |
| 💸 Affordability | Costs covered for Academic Book authors but APCs $1,500–$5,000 for open-access journals | Upfront costs start at $26,000 |
| 💰Royalties | 5%–15% of net sales for books; no royalties for open-access journals | 100% |
| ⏳Production Speed | 6–12 months for journals; 8–18 months for books | 3-9 months |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Minimal marketing; focused on academic visibility | Comprehensive marketing options |
| 🌎 Distribution | Global reach via Wiley Online Library, CPI Group, and IngramSpark | Global distribution through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark |
| 🧑💻 Support | Strong editorial support for academic authors, less direct assistance for self-publishers. | Dedicated publishing manager for each project |
| 📚Formats | Peer-reviewed journals, academic books, digital resources, and POD services | Print books, ebooks, audiobooks, and POD services |
| 💎 Transparency | Clear on journal APCs and royalty rates but less transparent about overall contracts | Transparent about pricing and royalties |
Overview of John Wiley & Sons
Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons is a global leader in academic and professional publishing. With a legacy spanning over two centuries, Wiley is known for its commitment to advancing knowledge through high-quality, reliable content. The company serves researchers, educators, and professionals across diverse fields, including science, technology, medicine, business, and social sciences.
Wiley’s vast catalog includes over 1,600 peer-reviewed journals, academic books, and reference materials. Their digital platform, the Wiley Online Library, provides global access to millions of articles and ebooks, making them a trusted resource for academic and professional communities worldwide. Their Print-on-Demand (POD) services and partnerships with global distributors like IngramSpark further enhance accessibility to their content.
While Wiley excels in academic publishing, it is less suited for authors outside these fields. The company’s focus on traditional publishing models means they lack services tailored to self-publishers or authors of fiction and creative works. Additionally, Wiley’s Article Publication Charges (APCs) for open-access journals can be expensive, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, and their royalty structures for books (5–15%) may not appeal to all authors.
In summary, Wiley is ideal for academic and professional authors seeking a reputable, globally recognized publisher, though its limitations in catering to self-publishing and fiction authors should be considered.
Key Features
John Wiley & Sons is a renowned publisher with a strong focus on academic and professional content. Here are the standout features that make Wiley a trusted partner for researchers, educators, and industry professionals:
Key Features of John Wiley & Sons Include:
- Peer-Reviewed Journals
- Academic and Professional Books
- Wiley Online Library
- Print-on-Demand (POD) Services
- Custom Publishing Solutions
- Editing and Peer Review Support
- Global Distribution Network
- Focused Academic Publishing
- Flexible Royalty Models
- Commitment to Quality
Does Not Offer:
- Self-Publishing Services
- Fiction Publishing
- Individualized Marketing Support
- Audiobook Production
Overview of Scribe Media
Founded in 2014, Scribe Media is a premier publishing service that specializes in helping professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders create high-quality, impactful non-fiction books. Co-founded by best-selling author Tucker Max, Scribe is renowned for its comprehensive publishing process, which includes everything from ghostwriting and editing to design, marketing, and distribution. The company’s commitment to excellence ensures that every book meets professional standards, making it a preferred choice for clients who aim to establish authority or expand their influence through publishing.
Scribe Media offers several tailored packages, such as their Scribe Professional and Guided Author services, which cater to authors at different stages of the writing process. Their standout feature is a 100% royalty retention policy, allowing authors to keep all earnings from their books. Additionally, Scribe provides end-to-end support, with dedicated publishing managers guiding authors through the entire journey.
However, Scribe Media’s premium services come at a steep price, with packages starting at $26,000 and climbing to over $135,000 for elite ghostwriting. The company also exclusively focuses on non-fiction, making it unsuitable for fiction or niche genre authors. While Scribe’s high costs may be a barrier for some, the quality, professionalism, and personalized support they offer justify the investment for many professionals seeking polished, market-ready books.
Key Features
Scribe Media is a premium publishing service designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders seeking high-quality non-fiction books. From manuscript development to marketing, Scribe offers a comprehensive range of services to ensure your book achieves maximum impact.
Key Features of Scribe Media Include:
- Ghostwriting Services
- Editing Services
- Custom Book Design
- Audiobook Production
- Marketing and Promotion
- 100% Royalties Retention
- Global Distribution
- Dedicated Publishing Managers
- Print-on-Demand Services
- Flexible Packages
Does Not Offer:
- Fiction Publishing
- Low-Cost Publishing Options
- Traditional Publishing Model
- Academic or Research Publishing
Affordability
When it comes to affordability, John Wiley & Sons and Scribe Media operate on vastly different pricing models that reflect their distinct audiences and publishing approaches.
John Wiley & Sons is more affordable for traditional academic book publishing. Authors typically incur no upfront costs, as Wiley covers production expenses, and authors earn royalties (5–15% of net sales) on book sales. However, for open-access journal publishing, Wiley charges Article Publication Charges (APCs) ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, which can be a significant expense for researchers. These costs are relatively standard within the academic publishing industry but may be prohibitive for some scholars without institutional funding.
Scribe Media, on the other hand, operates exclusively on a paid service model. Their packages start at $26,000 and can go beyond $135,000 for elite ghostwriting services. While Scribe’s pricing reflects its premium, comprehensive approach—including ghostwriting, editing, design, and marketing—these costs are significantly higher than those associated with traditional publishers like Wiley. However, Scribe authors retain 100% of their royalties, which can offset the upfront investment over time if the book performs well in the market.
Overall, Wiley stands out as the more affordable option for academic authors due to its cost-free book production and moderate APCs. In contrast, Scribe Media’s high-end pricing makes it a premium choice suited for professionals with significant budgets seeking personalized publishing support.
Publishing Timelines
Publishing timelines differ significantly between John Wiley & Sons and Scribe Media, reflecting their unique publishing models and priorities.
John Wiley & Sons has longer publishing timelines due to its rigorous editorial and peer-review processes. For academic journals, the timeline from submission to publication typically ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the peer-review process and required revisions. For books, the process takes even longer, spanning 8 to 18 months from manuscript submission to final publication. These extended timelines are a result of Wiley’s emphasis on producing high-quality, meticulously reviewed content, particularly for academic and professional audiences.
Scribe Media offers shorter timelines but still emphasizes quality. Publishing with Scribe typically takes 3 to 9 months, depending on the service package and the level of complexity involved. Services like ghostwriting and extensive editing may extend the timeline, but their structured, step-by-step process ensures efficiency without compromising the final product’s quality. While Scribe’s timelines are faster than Wiley’s, they are not the quickest in the self-publishing industry, as the company prioritizes thoroughness and professionalism over speed.
In summary, Scribe Media offers relatively shorter timelines, making it a better choice for authors seeking a faster turnaround. However, Wiley’s longer timelines are justified by its focus on rigorous academic standards, making it ideal for authors who prioritize meticulous peer review and credibility.
Royalties
The royalty structures of John Wiley & Sons and Scribe Media reflect their contrasting publishing models, catering to different types of authors and goals.
John Wiley & Sons operates on a traditional publishing model for books, offering authors royalties ranging from 5% to 15% of net sales, depending on factors such as book format and sales volume. Wiley may also offer advances for high-demand titles or established authors, which are recouped from future royalties. Royalties are typically paid on a quarterly basis and are calculated after deducting production and distribution costs. While the process is straightforward, the royalty percentages are relatively low compared to some other publishing options. For authors publishing open-access journal articles, royalties do not apply, as these works operate on a pay-to-publish model where authors pay Article Publication Charges (APCs) to make their research freely available.
Scribe Media takes a different approach, allowing authors to retain 100% of their royalties from all book sales. This means Scribe does not take a percentage of earnings; instead, authors receive their royalties directly from sales channels like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark. Payout schedules and options depend on the distributor’s policies, with most offering monthly or quarterly payments. While authors benefit from keeping all earnings, Scribe’s high upfront costs for publishing services, starting at $26,000, can be a significant financial commitment, especially without guaranteed sales.
In comparison, Scribe Media’s royalty structure is more advantageous for authors who expect their book to perform well in the market, as they retain full ownership of earnings. However, Wiley’s model is more accessible for academic authors who do not face upfront publishing fees and prefer to share the financial risk with the publisher. Authors with significant budgets and a focus on maximizing profit may prefer Scribe, while those prioritizing institutional publishing and support may lean toward Wiley.
Marketing Services
Marketing is a crucial aspect of publishing, and John Wiley & Sons and Scribe Media take very different approaches to helping authors promote their work.
John Wiley & Sons offers limited marketing services, primarily geared toward increasing the visibility of academic works within professional and research communities. Wiley focuses on distributing its publications through its extensive network, including academic libraries, online platforms like Wiley Online Library, and major distributors. These efforts help authors reach a scholarly audience but do not include individualized marketing strategies or promotional campaigns. Marketing costs are generally included in Wiley’s publishing process for traditional books but are minimal in scope compared to what other publishing companies might offer. Authors seeking widespread, personalized promotion must look elsewhere or invest independently in additional marketing resources.
Scribe Media, on the other hand, offers more robust and personalized marketing support tailored to professionals and thought leaders. Their higher-end publishing packages include strategic marketing plans, social media campaigns, targeted advertisements, and tools to help authors build their brand. Scribe also assists with distribution on platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble to maximize book visibility. These marketing services are integrated into Scribe’s publishing packages, starting at $26,000, and provide authors with significant support to promote their work effectively.
In comparison, Scribe Media stands out for its comprehensive marketing services, making it much easier for authors to handle the often-challenging task of promoting their books. While Wiley’s marketing efforts help authors in academic and professional fields reach niche audiences, they lack the broader, personalized promotional tools that many authors, especially those in non-fiction, might need to ensure their book’s success. Authors looking for end-to-end marketing support would find Scribe Media’s offerings more advantageous, though at a higher cost.
Print-On-Demand (POD) & Distribution
Both John Wiley & Sons and Scribe Media provide Print-on-Demand (POD) and distribution services, but their approaches and target audiences differ significantly.
John Wiley & Sons offers extensive distribution services as part of its established reputation in academic and professional publishing. Their books and journals are distributed globally through partnerships with major platforms like IngramSpark and CPI Group, as well as Wiley’s own European Distribution Centre. Wiley’s publications reach academic libraries, online research platforms like the Wiley Online Library, and physical retailers. POD is a key service for Wiley, allowing books to be printed and shipped as orders are placed. This eliminates the need for large print runs, reduces inventory costs, and ensures global availability. Distribution and POD services are generally included in Wiley’s publishing process, making them seamless for authors. However, as Wiley excels in content dissemination, their strength lies in distribution rather than direct publishing support for individual authors.
Scribe Media also offers POD and global distribution, focusing on major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books. Partnering with IngramSpark, Scribe ensures that both ebooks and print books are available internationally. Their POD model is designed to minimize upfront inventory costs, printing books only when orders are placed. This service is included in Scribe’s premium publishing packages. While distribution is not Scribe’s primary focus, their POD service is well-integrated into their process, ensuring authors can reach a broad audience efficiently.
In comparison, John Wiley & Sons excels in global academic and professional distribution, leveraging its network to place content in key institutions and platforms. This is ideal for authors targeting scholarly or research-based audiences. Meanwhile, Scribe Media provides a more comprehensive POD and distribution solution for self-published authors seeking visibility in mainstream online and retail markets. Both publishers include POD and distribution services in their initial payments, but Wiley’s strength lies in reaching niche academic audiences, whereas Scribe focuses on maximizing market reach for non-fiction professionals.
Support Services
Support services play a vital role in ensuring a smooth publishing process, and John Wiley & Sons and Scribe Media offer distinct approaches to assisting their authors.
John Wiley & Sons provides structured support focused on academic and professional publishing. Authors benefit from editorial guidance, including peer-review coordination, copyediting, and formatting services. Wiley’s team ensures that manuscripts meet the high standards required for academic publications, but the process is often formal and less personalized. Authors generally work with assigned editors but do not have access to dedicated publishing managers who guide them through every step. This can make Wiley’s process feel less hands-on, especially for first-time authors unfamiliar with academic publishing protocols.
Scribe Media, on the other hand, offers highly personalized support tailored to the needs of non-fiction authors. Each author is assigned a dedicated publishing manager who acts as a single point of contact throughout the publishing journey. This manager coordinates all aspects of the process, from manuscript preparation to marketing. Scribe’s packages also include access to a team of professionals for writing, editing, design, and promotion, ensuring authors receive end-to-end assistance. This level of support is especially valuable for busy professionals or those new to publishing, as it reduces the stress of navigating complex production workflows.
In summary, John Wiley & Sons excels in providing editorial and technical support for authors in academic fields, but the lack of personalized guidance can leave some feeling on their own. Scribe Media offers more comprehensive and hands-on support, with dedicated managers and a full-service team ensuring authors feel supported at every stage. For authors seeking a highly collaborative experience, Scribe Media stands out, though it comes with a premium price tag.
Customer Experiences & Reviews
Customer experiences with John Wiley & Sons and Scribe Media vary, reflecting their distinct publishing models and target audiences.
John Wiley & Sons is a longstanding academic publisher, generally receiving positive feedback for its extensive resources and reputable publications. Employee reviews on Indeed.com rate the company at 3.7 out of 5 stars, highlighting a good work-life balance and a collaborative environment.
However, some customers have reported challenges with customer service and account management, particularly regarding payment applications and digital fulfillment. Overall, Wiley maintains a solid reputation in the academic community, though some users have noted areas for improvement in service efficiency.
Scribe Media, prior to its abrupt shutdown in May 2023, was recognized for its comprehensive support for self-publishing authors, especially professionals and thought leaders. Clients appreciated the personalized assistance and high-quality output, with reviews often praising the ease of the publishing process and the expertise of Scribe’s team.
However, the sudden closure left many authors and staff in uncertainty, impacting its reputation and leading to concerns about the company’s stability.
In summary, John Wiley & Sons is esteemed in academic circles but may have occasional customer service issues, while Scribe Media was valued for its personalized publishing services before its unexpected shutdown, which has since raised questions about its reliability.
John Wiley & Sons vs. Scribe Media
Choosing between John Wiley & Sons and Scribe Media depends on your publishing goals, audience, and budget, as each caters to distinct needs.
John Wiley & Sons is ideal for authors in academia or professional fields seeking to publish peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, or research-based content. With its global distribution network and strong reputation, Wiley is a trusted choice for advancing academic careers or sharing specialized knowledge. However, its limited marketing services and focus on traditional publishing make it less suitable for first-time authors or those seeking personalized support.
Scribe Media is the better choice for professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders looking to publish non-fiction books with a polished, high-quality finish. Scribe offers comprehensive, end-to-end support, including robust marketing services, making it an excellent option for authors who want to establish authority or reach broader audiences. While its premium pricing may not fit every budget, Scribe’s dedicated support ensures a smoother process for first-time authors.
If you prioritize strong marketing services and personal guidance, Scribe Media is the better choice. For academic credibility and niche expertise, John Wiley & Sons excels.
For more in-depth looks at John Wiley & Sons and Scribe Media check out our reviews for each of them right here on Top10! For more specific details, visit their respective websites to explore services and pricing tailored to your needs.