- Jane Murphy
- 0 min read
Simon & Schuster vs. Spines
Table of Contents
The publishing industry offers a variety of pathways for authors, from the prestige of traditional publishing to the flexibility and control of self-publishing. Choosing the right publisher depends on factors like budget, timeline, creative control, and career goals. In this article, we compare two industry leaders—Simon & Schuster, one of the “Big Five” traditional publishers, and Spines, a cutting-edge self-publishing platform.
Simon & Schuster brings decades of experience, offering authors credibility, professional editing, and a global distribution network, but requires authors to navigate a competitive, agent-driven selection process. Spines, on the other hand, uses advanced technology to streamline publishing, giving authors full creative control, 100% royalties, and quick publishing timelines.
This detailed comparison will evaluate their services, costs, royalties, publishing timelines, marketing support, and customer reviews, helping you decide which company best suits your publishing needs.
Quick Comparison
- Publishing Model: Simon & Schuster operates under a traditional model, requiring literary agent submissions and offering no upfront costs but lower royalties, whereas Spines is a self-publishing platform with affordable packages, allowing authors full creative control and 100% royalties.
- Publishing Speed: Simon & Schuster has a lengthy timeline of 12–18 months for the book release, while Spines leverages the assistance of AI technology to publish books in under 30 days.
- Marketing Support: Simon & Schuster provides selective marketing for high-profile titles, whereas Spines offers comprehensive, customizable marketing tools for all authors, including ad creation and sales tracking.
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | 1.8-star rating (Trustpilot) | 4.6-star rating (Trustpilot) |
| 💸 Affordability | No upfront costs | Packages starting at $152/mo |
| 💰Royalties | 10-15% (print), 25% (eBooks) | 100% |
| ⏳Production Speed | 12-18 months | Under 30 days |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Limited to select titles | A comprehensive toolkit for all authors |
| 🌎 Distribution | Global, through imprints and partners | POD and global network (Amazon, Barnes & Noble) |
| 🧑💻 Support | Editorial teams for traditional authors | Dedicated Production Manager |
| 📚Formats | Print, digital, audiobooks | Print, eBooks, audiobooks |
| 💎 Transparency | The traditional model lacks author visibility | Full tracking via a transparent dashboard |
Overview of Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster, founded in 1924, is one of the world’s most prestigious publishing houses and a cornerstone of the traditional publishing industry. Known for its rich history and cultural influence, Simon & Schuster is a leader in producing high-quality books across various genres, including literary fiction, commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s literature. With an extensive catalog and a reputation for publishing celebrated authors, they cater primarily to established writers and emerging voices represented by literary agents.
Simon & Schuster excels in professional editorial services, sophisticated book design, and a global distribution network that spans over 100 countries. Their marketing efforts, while selective, can be substantial for high-profile titles, providing authors with visibility and credibility. They are especially well-suited for authors seeking the prestige and reach that comes with being published by a “Big Five” publisher.
However, their traditional model has limitations. The submission process is highly competitive, requiring literary agent representation. Authors often face slower production timelines (12–18 months), limited creative control, and lower royalty rates compared to self-publishing. Simon & Schuster also lacks the direct, hands-on transparency of self-publishing platforms, which might not appeal to authors seeking a more active role in their publishing journey.
Key Features
Simon & Schuster offers a comprehensive suite of traditional publishing services designed to support authors through every stage of the book creation process. Their expertise spans editorial development, professional design, marketing, and global distribution, making them a powerhouse in the publishing industry.
Key Features of Simon & Schuster Include:
- Editorial Excellence
- Book Design
- Marketing Support
- Global Distribution
- Diverse Imprints
- Audiobook Division
- Author Advances
- Rights & Licensing
- Self-Publishing Alternative
Does Not Offer:
- Direct Submissions
- Fast Publishing Timelines
- 100% Royalties
- Full Creative Control
Overview of Spines
Spines is a modern self-publishing platform that combines cutting-edge AI technology with professional guidance to simplify the publishing journey. Known for its accessibility and innovation, Spines offers a range of services that empower authors to retain creative control while streamlining processes like proofreading, formatting, cover design, and audiobook creation. Designed to cater to both first-time and experienced authors, Spines delivers high-quality results at an affordable price, with packages starting at just $152 per month.
What sets Spines apart is its focus on transparency and efficiency. Authors can track every stage of their book’s progress using a user-friendly dashboard, enabling real-time insights into production, marketing, and royalty earnings. With a global distribution network that includes major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, Spines ensures that authors reach a broad audience quickly—often within 30 days. Additionally, its comprehensive marketing toolkit and 100% royalty structure make it an appealing option for authors seeking flexibility and higher earnings.
While Spines excels in many areas, it is a relatively new player in the industry, and its platform may not be intuitive for all users yet. It currently supports only English and Spanish-language books, though professional translation services are available. Despite these limitations, Spines is an excellent choice for authors who value speed, control, and affordability.
Key Features
Spines is a self-publishing platform designed to empower authors with innovative tools and expert support. Combining AI-driven efficiency with personalized guidance, Spines streamlines the publishing process while ensuring high-quality outcomes.
Key Features of Spines Include:
- AI-Assisted Proofreading and Formatting
- Cover Design
- Global Distribution Network
- Quick Publishing Timeline
- 100% Royalties
- Transparent Dashboard
- Affordable Packages
- Marketing Toolkit
- Comprehensive Support
- Audiobook Creation
Does Not Offer:
- Traditional Publishing Benefits
- Broad Language Support
- Literary Agent Submissions
Affordability
When it comes to affordability, Simon & Schuster and Spines operate under vastly different models that cater to distinct types of authors. Simon & Schuster, as a traditional publisher, covers all production costs, including editing, design, and distribution, at no upfront expense to the author. However, this comes at the cost of lower royalty percentages (10–15% for print and 25% for eBooks) and limited creative control. Authors may also face the challenge of securing a literary agent to access Simon & Schuster’s services, which can add to the overall difficulty of breaking into traditional publishing.
Spines, in contrast, uses a paid package model, starting at $152 per month or a one-time payment of $1,478 for their Essential plan. While authors bear the upfront costs, they receive 100% of their royalties, giving them the potential to earn significantly more over time. Additionally, Spines offers flexible payment options and transparency in pricing, making it accessible even to emerging authors with limited budgets.
In summary, if authors seek a no-cost entry into publishing, Simon & Schuster stands out. However, Spines is more affordable for authors prioritizing higher earnings and full creative control, offering cost-effective services with long-term financial benefits.
Publishing Timelines
When comparing publishing timelines, Simon & Schuster and Spines represent two ends of the spectrum in terms of speed. Simon & Schuster operates on a traditional publishing timeline, typically taking 12–18 months from manuscript acceptance to book release. This lengthy process is due to multiple stages, including manuscript evaluation, contract negotiation, extensive editing, design, and marketing preparations. While this ensures a polished and thoroughly developed book, it may not appeal to authors seeking quick publication.
In contrast, Spines prioritizes efficiency, offering a timeline of less than 30 days from manuscript submission to publication. By integrating human oversight with the assistance of AI technology for proofreading, formatting, and audiobook production, Spines significantly reduces time-consuming manual processes. Authors can track every stage through a transparent dashboard, ensuring a seamless and expedited publishing experience.
For authors prioritizing speed, Spines stands out with its rapid publishing timeline. Simon & Schuster, while slower, focuses on delivering high-quality, market-ready books suited to traditional publishing standards. Authors should consider their goals—whether they value speed and control or a meticulous, traditional approach—when choosing between the two.
Royalties
The royalty structures of Simon & Schuster and Spines differ significantly, reflecting the contrast between traditional and self-publishing models. Simon & Schuster offers authors royalty percentages ranging from 10–15% for print books and 25% for eBooks. Authors typically receive an advance against royalties, providing upfront compensation, but royalties are paid only after the advance is earned out. Payments are made on a set schedule, usually quarterly or semi-annually, and may require navigating detailed sales reports provided by the publisher.
On the other hand, Spines allows authors to retain 100% of their royalties, a standout feature that maximizes earnings from book sales. Authors can track their royalties in real-time through a user-friendly dashboard, making the process transparent and accessible. Payouts are flexible, with options for weekly, monthly, or quarterly withdrawals once a $25 earnings threshold is met. This makes it easy for authors to access their earnings as soon as they become available.
Yes, Simon & Schuster’s royalty structure is standard for traditional publishers, but its lower percentages and delayed payouts may not appeal to all authors. Spines, with its 100% royalties and straightforward payment process, offers a more lucrative and user-friendly option for authors prioritizing earnings and control.
Marketing Services
Marketing is a critical aspect of publishing, and both Simon & Schuster and Spines offer unique approaches to supporting authors in this challenging area. Simon & Schuster provides selective marketing support, primarily for high-profile titles or authors with established platforms. This may include book tours, media appearances, and promotional campaigns. However, these services are often reserved for books deemed commercially promising, leaving mid-list and debut authors with limited marketing assistance. For many, additional marketing efforts are expected to be self-funded or managed independently.
In contrast, Spines integrates a comprehensive marketing toolkit into its publishing packages, making it easier for authors to promote their books effectively. This includes access to customizable ad creation tools for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads, as well as book marketing courses and a personal author platform. These tools are included in Spines’ paid plans, with authors able to adjust their marketing budgets to fit their needs. The transparency of Spines’ dashboard also allows authors to track sales and engagement in real time, simplifying the process of understanding their book’s market performance.
Spines excels in offering inclusive and accessible marketing tools, particularly for self-published authors who often need to manage promotion themselves. Simon & Schuster provides robust support for select titles but offers limited help for others, potentially making marketing a greater challenge for many traditional authors. For comprehensive, hands-on marketing support, Spines stands out as the more versatile option.
Print-On-Demand (POD) & Distribution
Both Simon & Schuster and Spines offer robust print-on-demand (POD) and distribution services, but their approaches reflect their distinct publishing models.
Simon & Schuster provides an extensive global distribution network, leveraging its long-standing partnerships with major retailers and wholesalers in over 100 countries. Authors benefit from placements in both physical and digital markets, including bookstores, libraries, and online retailers like Amazon. While their POD services are primarily available to independent publishers and through their self-publishing division, Archway Publishing, Simon & Schuster excels in traditional bulk printing and wide-scale distribution. These services are covered by the publisher for traditionally published authors, with no additional cost. However, independent publishers and self-published authors using Archway incur upfront costs for production and distribution services.
Spines focuses heavily on its POD services as a core part of its self-publishing model. Authors can print copies on demand, reducing the need for large inventory investments. Distribution is equally expansive, with Spines ensuring availability through global channels like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers. These services are included in Spines’ publishing packages, making them accessible without extra fees. Spines also provides a streamlined dashboard for authors to track book availability and order personal copies with ease.
Simon & Schuster shines in traditional distribution, with a strong network suited to high-volume sales and established markets. However, its POD services are more limited unless working through Archway. Spines, on the other hand, excels in offering flexible, cost-effective POD and distribution solutions tailored to self-published authors, making it a better choice for those seeking accessible global reach without additional costs.
Support Services
Support services play a critical role in guiding authors through the publishing process, and both Simon & Schuster and Spines offer distinct forms of assistance tailored to their publishing models.
Simon & Schuster provides support primarily through its editorial and production teams for traditionally published authors. These professionals work closely with authors on manuscript development, design, and marketing strategies, offering industry expertise at every stage. However, the level of support varies significantly, as priority is often given to high-profile or commercially promising titles. Mid-list and debut authors may receive less personalized attention, and the process can feel more hands-off. Authors using Simon & Schuster’s self-publishing division, Archway Publishing, can access additional paid support, but this comes at a premium.
Spines takes a more personalized approach, assigning every author a dedicated production manager as part of their publishing packages. This manager oversees the entire publishing process, from manuscript submission to distribution, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. Authors also have access to a transparent dashboard to track their book’s progress in real-time, alongside direct communication with their support team. This hands-on guidance helps even first-time authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing with confidence.
While Simon & Schuster provides strong editorial and production support, it may lack consistency for all authors. Spines excels in offering accessible, dedicated support services to every author, making it a more reliable option for those who value personalized assistance throughout the publishing journey.
Customer Experiences & Reviews
Customer experiences and reviews for Simon & Schuster and Spines highlight the strengths and weaknesses of their respective publishing models.
Simon & Schuster enjoys a strong reputation as a prestigious traditional publisher, but customer feedback is mixed. While many readers and authors appreciate the quality of their books and the company’s global reach, others have raised concerns about slow publishing timelines, lack of creative control, and selective marketing support. Additionally, accusations of political bias in their publishing choices have created occasional controversy. On platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Simon & Schuster has addressed customer complaints about book retail issues, indicating some responsiveness. However, their Trustpilot (15 reviews written leading to a 1.8-star rating) and Google reviews are minimal, as their primary audience is authors working through literary agents, not individual self-publishers.
Spines has garnered strong reviews on Trustpilot (4.6 stars) and Google (4.6 stars), with users praising its efficient, user-friendly platform and accessible support. Many authors highlight the transparency of Spines’ dashboard, the quick publishing timeline, and the helpfulness of their production managers. While some users note that the platform can feel complex for beginners, most appreciate the guidance provided throughout the process.
Simon & Schuster clearly benefits from its established reputation, but direct customer reviews are limited and occasionally critical. Spines, as a newer platform, receives consistently high ratings for its efficiency, transparency, and customer service, making it a standout for self-publishing authors seeking reliable support.
Simon & Schuster vs. Spines
Choosing between Simon & Schuster and Spines depends on your publishing goals, experience, and priorities.
Spines is ideal for first-time authors who want a transparent, user-friendly process, quick publishing timelines, and full creative control. With affordable packages, comprehensive support, and 100% royalties, Spines is perfect for those looking to self-publish with minimal barriers. They offers inclusive marketing tools for all authors, including ad creation, tracking dashboards, and customizable budgets, making it a better option for hands-on marketing support. Spines excels with a timeline of under 30 days, compared to the much longer timelines of most traditional publishers.
Simon & Schuster’s 12–18 month publishing timeline is typical for for traditional publishing but still limits their reach in many ways. Simon & Schuster is better suited for first-time authors represented by literary agents and those seeking the prestige of a traditional publishing deal. Their marketing efforts are selective and limited to high-profile titles, leaving many authors to manage their promotions independently. Simon & Schuster, as part of the “Big Five,” offers unmatched credibility for authors accepted into their traditional publishing program.
Ultimately, Simon & Schuster is a fit for authors seeking prestige and industry reach, while Spines is perfect for authors who value speed, control, and affordability.
For a closer look at Simon & Schuster and Spines, check out their reviews right here on Top10. For more details, visit their respective websites.