- Eliza Randall
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O’Reilly Media vs. Scribe Media
Table of Contents
Choosing the right publisher is a critical decision for authors, especially when balancing quality, royalties, services, and budget. In this article, we compare two well-known publishing companies—O’Reilly Media and Scribe Media—to help you decide which might best align with your goals.
O’Reilly Media is a leading name in technology and business publishing, known for its iconic “animal cover” books and comprehensive learning platform. Their services cater to tech-savvy professionals and educators seeking authoritative resources.
Scribe Media, on the other hand, specializes in premium self-publishing services for non-fiction authors, particularly entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Their high-quality, end-to-end solutions come with a hefty price tag but include comprehensive support and 100% royalty retention.
We’ll examine these two publishers across various factors, such as services, pricing, royalties, timelines, marketing support, and customer experiences, to provide an in-depth comparison for authors making this important decision.
Quick Comparison
- Target Audience and Genre: O’Reilly Media focuses on technology and business publishing, catering to tech professionals and educators, while Scribe Media exclusively serves non-fiction authors, particularly entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
- Pricing and Royalties: O’Reilly Media offers unspecified royalties but provides its learning platform at a subscription cost, whereas Scribe Media charges premium prices starting at $26,000 but allows authors to retain 100% of their royalties.
- Services and Publishing Model: O’Reilly integrates traditional publishing with digital learning tools, emphasizing global distribution through its platform. Scribe Media offers end-to-end services, including ghostwriting, editing, and marketing, tailored for authors willing to invest in a polished, market-ready book.
FEATURE | ||
⭐ Customer Experience | 2.5-star rating (Trustpilot) – limited reviews | 4.0-star rating (Trustpilot) – limited reviews |
💸 Affordability | Limited information | Packages start at $26,000 |
💰Royalties | Unspecified | 100% retained by the author |
⏳Production Speed | 6-12 months | 3-9 months |
🏢 Marketing Services | Limited individual book promotion | Comprehensive but included only in premium plans |
🌎 Distribution | Strong via learning platform and digital channels | Global via IngramSpark and major retailers |
🧑💻 Support | Limited | Dedicated support with a publishing manager |
📚Formats | Print, digital, and online learning resources | Print, digital, and audiobook |
💎 Transparency | Limited royalty and contract clarity | High transparency in pricing and royalties |
Overview of O’Reilly Media
O’Reilly Media is a highly respected name in the publishing world, particularly within the technology and business sectors. Established over 45 years ago, O’Reilly is renowned for its technical expertise, high-quality publications, and iconic “animal cover” books that have become staples for professionals in software development, data science, artificial intelligence, and more.
What sets O’Reilly apart is its dual focus on traditional publishing and digital learning. The O’Reilly Learning Platform offers subscribers access to an extensive library of ebooks, videos, live training, and interactive resources, providing a comprehensive educational experience for individuals and organizations. This makes it an ideal partner for professionals, educators, and corporations seeking authoritative and practical knowledge.
For authors, O’Reilly excels at maintaining high editorial and quality standards, offering robust global distribution and visibility within the tech community. However, its publishing process is slower than self-publishing alternatives, and royalties are often lower, which may be a drawback for authors focused on financial returns.
Additionally, O’Reilly does not provide extensive marketing services, relying instead on its platform and brand recognition to promote works. For tech-savvy authors seeking prestige and a niche audience, O’Reilly Media is a solid choice, albeit with some limitations in author control and promotional support.
Key Features
O’Reilly Media offers a range of features tailored for technology and business professionals seeking high-quality learning resources. From its iconic books to its comprehensive digital platform, O’Reilly combines traditional publishing with innovative learning tools to meet the needs of modern audiences.
Key Features of O’Reilly Media Include:
- Learning Platform
- Global Distribution
- Prestigious Brand
- Editorial Support
- Print-On-Demand
- Conference Opportunities
- Hybrid Publishing
- Personalized Learning Paths
- Collaborations
Does Not Offer:
- Extensive Marketing Support
- High/Transparent Royalty Rates
- Rapid Publishing Timelines
- Fiction or Niche Genres
Overview of Scribe Media
Scribe Media is a premier self-publishing service, known for its high-quality, end-to-end solutions tailored for professionals, entrepreneurs, consultants, and thought leaders. Co-founded in 2014 by best-selling author Tucker Max, Scribe Media specializes in helping non-fiction authors bring their ideas to life, whether they have a completed manuscript or need assistance with writing and editing. Their commitment to excellence and professionalism has made them a top choice for authors seeking to create impactful, polished books.
One of Scribe’s standout features is its emphasis on author ownership. Authors retain 100% of their royalties and maintain full rights to their work. Scribe provides dedicated support through a publishing manager and offers comprehensive services, including ghostwriting, developmental editing, custom design, marketing, and even audiobook creation.
However, Scribe’s premium services come with a steep price, with packages starting at $26,000 and reaching $135,000 for elite ghostwriting. Additionally, Scribe exclusively focuses on non-fiction, making it unsuitable for fiction authors or those in niche genres.
While Scribe Media’s timelines can be lengthy, taking 3–9 months, they prioritize quality and professionalism at every stage. For authors willing to invest in a high-caliber publishing experience, Scribe Media is an exceptional choice, but it may not be ideal for those on a tight budget or outside its non-fiction focus.
Key Features
Scribe Media provides a premium publishing experience tailored to non-fiction authors, offering a comprehensive suite of services from manuscript development to marketing. Known for its high standards and dedicated support, Scribe helps authors create polished, impactful books that stand out in the market.
Key Features of Scribe Media Include:
- Dedicated Publishing Manager
- 100% Royalties
- Comprehensive Editing
- Custom Design
- Ghostwriting Services
- Audiobook Production
- Robust Marketing Support
- Global Distribution
- Print-on-Demand
- Professional Team
Does Not Offer:
- Fiction Publishing
- Low-Cost Services
- Rapid Publishing Timelines.
- Subscription-Based Access
Affordability
When it comes to affordability, O’Reilly Media and Scribe Media are significantly different in their pricing models and accessibility.
O’Reilly Media does not charge authors upfront for publishing services, as it operates more like a traditional publisher. Authors can submit proposals and, if accepted, work with O’Reilly to publish their books. However, the trade-off comes in the form of lower royalties, as authors receive only a small fraction of net sales. For readers, O’Reilly’s learning platform is subscription-based, priced at $499 annually for individuals, with custom pricing for teams and enterprises. This subscription grants access to a vast library of resources but does not directly relate to author costs.
Scribe Media, on the other hand, offers premium, upfront paid packages starting at $26,000 and ranging up to $135,000 for Elite Ghostwriting services. While Scribe provides comprehensive and high-quality publishing services, including editing, design, marketing, and full royalty retention, the price point is prohibitively high for many authors.
In terms of affordability, O’Reilly Media stands out as the more accessible option for authors, as it does not require large upfront investments. Scribe Media, while offering unparalleled support and professionalism, caters to authors with substantial budgets seeking a premium publishing experience.
Publishing Timelines
The publishing timelines of O’Reilly Media and Scribe Media differ in duration and flexibility, with both companies prioritizing quality but varying in speed and processes.
O’Reilly Media’s publishing timeline typically ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity and scope of the project. This timeframe includes proposal submission, contract negotiation, multiple rounds of editing, and the final production process for both print and digital formats. While this timeline reflects O’Reilly’s commitment to high editorial and production standards, it may feel slow for authors seeking faster publication, especially in rapidly changing fields like technology where content can become outdated quickly.
Scribe Media offers a 3 to 9-month publishing timeline, which can vary based on the service package chosen. For example, the basic publishing process may take closer to 3 months, while more comprehensive services like ghostwriting and extensive editing can extend to 9 months. While Scribe’s timeline is shorter than O’Reilly’s, it is still longer compared to some self-publishing platforms due to the in-depth attention given to quality, design, and marketing preparation.
Overall, Scribe Media provides a faster timeline than O’Reilly Media, making it appealing for authors looking for high-quality publishing with fewer delays. However, both companies emphasize thoroughness, ensuring their timelines accommodate rigorous editing and design standards.
Royalties
The royalty structures of O’Reilly Media and Scribe Media differ significantly in both percentages and payout models, reflecting their unique approaches to publishing.
O’Reilly Media, like many traditional publishers, offers low royalty rates to authors. The exact percentage is not publicly disclosed, but authors typically receive a small fraction of the net sales. O’Reilly retains a larger share of earnings in exchange for providing editorial support, global distribution, and access to their established brand. Royalties are paid based on sales performance and distributed according to the publisher’s schedule, which can vary. While this model minimizes upfront costs for authors, it offers limited earning potential, particularly for high-selling books.
In contrast, Scribe Media allows authors to retain 100% of their royalties, a key advantage of its self-publishing model. Authors receive royalties directly from the sales platforms they use, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IngramSpark, with payouts following the schedules of those platforms (typically monthly or quarterly). Scribe Media’s model ensures authors maximize their earnings, but it comes at the cost of high upfront fees for their services, starting at $26,000.
For authors prioritizing earning potential and financial transparency, Scribe Media’s royalty structure is more appealing. However, O’Reilly Media’s approach suits those seeking traditional publishing benefits without upfront costs.
Marketing Services
When comparing the marketing services of O’Reilly Media and Scribe Media, the two companies diverge significantly in terms of scope and support, reflecting their respective publishing models and target audiences.
O’Reilly Media offers limited marketing support, relying largely on its established brand and distribution network to promote books. Authors benefit from the visibility provided by O’Reilly’s learning platform and conferences, which are frequented by tech and business professionals. However, the company does not provide individualized marketing strategies, leaving most promotional efforts in the hands of the author. Marketing costs are generally included as part of the publishing process, but the lack of robust marketing assistance may make it challenging for authors unfamiliar with self-promotion to reach wider audiences.
In contrast, Scribe Media provides comprehensive marketing services as part of its premium publishing packages, which start at $26,000. These services include strategic marketing plans, social media campaigns, and targeted advertising to increase book visibility. Scribe’s marketing support is tailored to the individual author, ensuring their book reaches the right audience. While these services significantly ease the burden of promotion, their high cost may be prohibitive for some authors.
For authors who value dedicated marketing assistance and can afford the premium fees, Scribe Media offers a superior solution. O’Reilly Media, while renowned for its brand reputation, provides less direct marketing help, making it better suited for authors confident in self-promotion.
Print-On-Demand (POD) & Distribution
O’Reilly Media and Scribe Media both offer distribution and print-on-demand (POD) services, but their approaches and focuses differ based on their target markets and publishing models.
O’Reilly Media integrates distribution into its core offerings, leveraging its global reach to distribute books via its digital learning platform, as well as through print and ebook formats. Their POD services ensure that physical copies of books are available without the need for large inventory investments. This flexibility allows for quick updates to technical content, aligning with the fast-paced nature of the tech industry. Distribution costs are included in the publishing process, and O’Reilly’s extensive digital platform provides significant exposure to professional audiences. However, the company does not focus on retail distribution for individual books, which may limit reach outside of its niche.
Scribe Media excels in wide-reaching distribution through partnerships with major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books, as well as IngramSpark for global access. Both POD and ebook distribution are included in Scribe’s publishing packages, ensuring books are readily available in print and digital formats without excessive upfront costs. Authors benefit from the flexibility and efficiency of POD, with no need to manage inventory. Scribe’s emphasis on retail and global markets makes its distribution more robust for general audiences compared to O’Reilly.
While both companies provide reliable POD services, Scribe Media stands out for its retail-oriented distribution strategy, ideal for authors seeking global reach in mainstream and niche markets. O’Reilly Media, by contrast, excels in targeted digital distribution within the tech and business sectors, leveraging its platform as a primary distribution channel.
Support Services
Support services for authors differ greatly between O’Reilly Media and Scribe Media, reflecting their respective publishing approaches and priorities.
O’Reilly Media offers moderate author support, focusing on editorial assistance and collaboration during the manuscript development process. Authors work with professional editors who help refine the content to meet O’Reilly’s high-quality standards. However, beyond the editorial phase, authors may find themselves managing other aspects of the process independently, including marketing and personal promotion. O’Reilly does not assign dedicated publishing managers, which can leave authors without a consistent point of contact throughout the journey.
Scribe Media, in contrast, provides comprehensive support services designed to guide authors through every step of the publishing process. Each author is assigned a publishing manager, a dedicated point of contact who coordinates the project and ensures a seamless experience from manuscript preparation to distribution. Scribe’s team also includes professionals in editing, design, marketing, and production, offering hands-on guidance at every stage. This high level of support ensures authors feel supported and informed throughout the process.
For authors seeking extensive, hands-on assistance, Scribe Media excels in delivering tailored, professional support. While O’Reilly Media offers strong editorial expertise, it lacks the personalized, end-to-end guidance that Scribe provides, making the latter more suitable for authors who value dedicated and consistent support.
Customer Experiences & Reviews
Both O’Reilly Media and Scribe Media have garnered feedback from users and authors, reflecting their distinct services and market positions.
O’Reilly Media is renowned for its comprehensive learning platform, offering a vast array of technical and business resources. Users appreciate the quality and breadth of content, including live online training and interactive features. On G2, O’Reilly has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with users highlighting the platform’s extensive technical topics and effective learning delivery methods. Employee reviews on Glassdoor rate the company at 4.0 out of 5 stars, with 73% recommending it as a workplace.
Scribe Media specializes in assisting authors, particularly professionals and thought leaders, in publishing non-fiction works. Clients commend Scribe for its dedicated support and high-quality output. According to a review on Kindlepreneur, Scribe Media is recognized for its comprehensive services, including ghostwriting, editing, and publishing, tailored for busy professionals. However, in May 2023, Scribe Media faced significant operational challenges, including layoffs and a temporary halt in operations, which affected client projects and led to concerns about reliability.
O’Reilly Media maintains a strong reputation for delivering high-quality educational content, with positive feedback from both users and employees. In contrast, while Scribe Media has been praised for its personalized publishing services, recent operational disruptions have raised questions about its stability and dependability. Authors considering Scribe should be aware of these issues and assess the potential impact on their publishing timelines.
O’Reilly Media vs. Scribe Media
Choosing between O’Reilly Media and Scribe Media depends on your publishing goals, budget, and target audience. Each company has distinct strengths and is suited for different types of authors.
O’Reilly Media is suited for experienced authors more comfortable navigating the publishing process with limited assistance. They are the more accessible choice for affordability, as authors do not pay upfront fees, though royalties are lower. O’Reilly offers limited marketing support, relying mainly on its brand reputation and digital platform for exposure. O’Reilly Media specializes in the fields of Tech and Business, offering unparalleled credibility and reach within its niche.
Scribe Media is the better choice if you need comprehensive, hands-on support throughout the entire publishing process. With a dedicated publishing manager and robust guidance at every step, Scribe minimizes the learning curve for new authors. Scribe Media excels with its tailored marketing plans, social media strategies, and targeted campaigns. If visibility and audience outreach are priorities, Scribe is the better option. Their high-quality services come at a premium, starting at $26,000, making it a significant investment. Scribe Media is more versatile within non-fiction but does not focus on technology-specific genres.
In summary, Scribe Media is ideal for authors seeking a high-touch, premium publishing experience, while O’Reilly Media is best for tech and business professionals looking for niche exposure without upfront costs.
For an even more in-depth look at O’Reilly Media and Scribe Media, click their names to explore detailed reviews right here on Top10publishers. Discover comprehensive insights and access valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
For further details, visit their official websites.