- Eliza Randall
- 0 min read
Scribe Media VS Lulu Publishing
Table of Contents
The self-publishing revolution has made it easier than ever for authors to independently release their work. However, choosing the right platform is crucial, as it can significantly impact your distribution, marketing, and overall success.
Two top platforms to consider are Scribe and Lulu Publishing. Scribe offers high-quality publishing services, while Lulu provides comprehensive print-on-demand services with global reach. Each has unique features and benefits, so understanding their differences is key.
In this article, we’ll compare Scribe and Lulu to help you determine which platform best fits your publishing needs and budget. Let’s dive in and see how they stack up against each other.
Key Differences
- Target Audience and Genre Focus: Scribe Media targets professionals and non-fiction authors who need a high-end, comprehensive publishing solution. Lulu Publishing caters to a broad range of independent authors in both fiction and non-fiction, offering flexible and self-service options.
- Cost and Pricing Structure: Scribe Media’s pricing starts at $4,000 per month, reflecting extensive support and high-quality services. Lulu Publishing is much more cost-effective with free book creation and print-on-demand; authors pay only for print copies or optional upgrades.
- Services Offered: Scribe Media offers extensive, personalized support, including ghostwriting, editing, design, and marketing. Lulu Publishing provides essential self-publishing tools with limited support; authors handle most aspects of publishing themselves.
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | 4.5 stars | 3.9 stars |
| 💸 Affordability | Packages starting from $1090 | Free to start – costs for additional services |
| 💯 Primary Focus | Comprehensive, All-in-One Publishing Services | Distribution |
| ⏳Production Speed | 8 weeks | Approximately 6-8 weeks, can vary based on services and distribution |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Ads for Authors Program | No Marketing Services |
| 🌎 Distribution | 60+ Channels (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, etc.) | Global distribution, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble |
| 🧑💻 Support | Personal Production Manager | Detailed guides, calculators, and customer support |
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.
Overview of Lulu Publishing
Lulu Publishing is a versatile self-publishing platform that caters to independent authors, small publishers, and creators looking for a range of product options. Founded in 2002, Lulu offers a free-to-use platform for book creation and distribution, allowing authors to publish without any upfront costs. One of its standout features is the high royalty rates, with authors retaining 80% of profits from print book sales and 90% from eBooks.
Additionally, Lulu has no minimum order requirement, enabling authors to print as few or as many copies as needed. The platform supports global distribution, making books available through major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as other online and physical stores. Lulu also provides comprehensive print-on-demand services, ensuring books are printed only when ordered, which helps manage costs and avoid excess inventory.
Lulu Publishing – Key Features
- Free to Use: No upfront costs for book creation and distribution.
- High Royalties: Authors retain a significant percentage of profits (80% for print, 90% for eBooks).
- No Minimum Orders: Flexibility to print as few or as many copies as desired.
- Global Distribution: Access to major retailers and online stores, along with print-on-demand options.
Does Not Offer
- Basic Production Tools: Limited tools for formatting, cover design, and proofreading, requiring authors to handle these aspects themselves.
- No Marketing Services: Authors are responsible for their own promotion, as Lulu does not provide extensive marketing support.
- Complex Platform: The platform can be challenging for new users to navigate, and there have been reports of inconsistent print quality.
Affordability Comparison: Scribe Media vs. Lulu Publishing
When it comes to affordability, Scribe Media and Lulu Publishing offer distinct pricing structures that cater to different author needs and budgets.
Scribe Media Pricing
Scribe Media is recognized for its premium pricing, starting at $18,000 for its base Scribe Publishing Package. This high-end cost reflects the extensive range of professional services included, such as cover design, interior layout, proofreading, and distribution to major platforms. Each package also features a dedicated publishing manager who provides personalized support throughout the publishing journey. While Scribe Media’s services are comprehensive and of top-tier quality, the significant investment required can be prohibitive for many authors, particularly those without substantial budgets.
Lulu Pricing
In contrast, Lulu Publishing operates with a different approach to pricing. The platform itself is free to use for basic book creation and distribution, which eliminates upfront costs for uploading and publishing. Authors can then opt for additional paid services, such as cover design and formatting, allowing them to tailor their investment based on specific needs. Lulu’s pricing structure is transparent, with cost calculators available to estimate expenses based on chosen services and book specifications. This flexibility enables authors to manage their budgets more effectively, making Lulu a more affordable option for those with varying financial constraints.
Overall, while Scribe Media offers a high-end, all-inclusive publishing experience at a premium price, Lulu provides a cost-effective, customizable solution with the ability to control expenses through optional services. Each platform’s pricing strategy aligns with its target audience, offering different value propositions based on budget and service needs.
Publishing Timelines
Scribe Media generally takes 6 to 9 months to publish a book, reflecting their detailed and high-quality approach. Their extended timeline includes comprehensive editing, professional design, and targeted marketing efforts, ensuring a polished final product. This thorough process can be advantageous for authors seeking a premium, well-rounded service but results in a significantly longer wait compared to other options.
Lulu, on the other hand, has a much shorter publishing timeline. Authors can expect their book to be published and available for global distribution within about 6 to 8 weeks. This efficiency is due to Lulu’s streamlined setup and distribution processes, although coordination with distribution partners can slightly extend the timeline. Lulu’s quicker turnaround makes it a strong choice for those who prioritize speed and flexibility.
Marketing Services
Scribe Media and Lulu differ significantly in their marketing support. Scribe Media delivers a comprehensive marketing suite as part of its publishing packages. This includes strategic marketing plans, targeted advertising campaigns, social media promotions, and broad distribution to major online and physical bookstores. These high-end services ensure extensive reach and impact, but the premium pricing may not suit all budgets.
In contrast, Lulu offers more basic marketing options. Authors benefit from listing their books on the Lulu bookstore and can opt for global distribution. However, Lulu does not provide extensive promotional support. Authors are primarily responsible for managing their own marketing efforts, including social media and outreach to reviewers.
While Scribe Media provides an all-encompassing marketing strategy, Lulu’s services are more limited, focusing on fundamental distribution with minimal promotional aid. For authors seeking in-depth marketing support, Scribe Media is the more robust choice.
POD & Distribution
When it comes to print-on-demand (POD) and distribution, Scribe Media and Lulu offer distinct services. Scribe Media provides comprehensive POD solutions, handling both ebook and print book production with a focus on converting manuscripts into various formats. Their extensive distribution network covers major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books, facilitated through partnerships with IngramSpark for global availability.
Lulu, on the other hand, offers a cost-effective POD service with flexibility for authors to print as many or as few copies as needed. Lulu’s distribution network is broad, including major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and extends to physical bookstores through global partners. This expansive reach allows authors to access a wider audience beyond online platforms.
In summary, while both platforms offer solid POD services, Lulu stands out with its more extensive distribution options, making it a preferable choice for authors aiming to maximize their book’s exposure across multiple channels.
Support Services
Scribe Media offers extensive support with dedicated publishing managers who guide authors through every stage, from manuscript preparation to final publication. This hands-on approach includes personalized assistance from a team of professionals, such as editors, designers, and marketers, which reflects the premium pricing of their services.
In contrast, Lulu provides support through detailed guides, cost calculators, and a broad range of help articles addressing various publishing aspects. Additionally, Lulu offers customer support for more specific inquiries. This structure helps authors manage the complexities of the platform and resolve particular issues effectively.
Scribe Media or Lulu Publishing? Who Should You Choose?
When deciding between Scribe Media and Lulu Publishing, your choice largely depends on your specific needs and budget.
Scribe Media is ideal for authors who seek a premium, hands-on publishing experience. If you have a high budget and value comprehensive support, Scribe Media offers extensive services including personalized guidance from publishing managers, high-end marketing strategies, and robust print-on-demand and distribution options. This makes Scribe a strong choice for authors who want a professional, all-inclusive package and are willing to invest significantly in their book’s success.
On the other hand, Lulu Publishing caters to authors who prefer flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Lulu’s free-to-use platform allows you to publish with minimal upfront costs, offering flexible print-on-demand services and a broad distribution network. While Lulu’s marketing support is more basic, its cost transparency and extensive distribution options make it a solid choice for authors seeking affordability and a wider reach, especially if they are comfortable handling most of the marketing themselves.
Ultimately, choose Scribe Media if you want premium support and can invest in a high-end publishing package. Opt for Lulu if you are looking for flexibility, affordability, and a more hands-on approach to managing your book’s marketing and distribution.
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.