What Scribble does

Scribble is a mobile-first social platform, founded in 2021 by Torrey C. Butler and headquartered in the US, that connects three constituencies in the independent publishing ecosystem: authors and writers, readers, and publishing resource providers (editors, designers, ghostwriters, marketing services, self-publishing platforms). The core product is a free consumer application available on iOS and Android, centered on three features: Scribble Library (a book marketing and discovery surface where authors showcase titles to platform users), Scribble Notes (a productivity tool for organizing writing projects and deadlines), and Our Readers Circle (a newsletter distributed to thousands of avid readers). A community layer is delivered through the Scribble Book Club (a Facebook-hosted community), and the company has expanded its scope with ScribbleUp!, a 2024-launched student authorship and literacy program that guides young people from blank page to published book. The platform pivoted in January 2024 from an author-only network to a three-sided ecosystem, broadening both the value proposition and the addressable user base.

Underlying technology is a standard mobile-app stack distributed via Apple App Store and Google Play Store with no public API, SDK, or AI/ML capabilities disclosed. The platform's functional differentiators are community curation and partner aggregation rather than proprietary technology: Scribble has assembled an ecosystem of 13+ publishing partners including Kirkus Reviews, Draft2Digital, Elite Authors, Kevin Anderson Associates, Blackstone Publishing, and The Muse Writers Center to provide integrated services to authors on the platform. The Scribble Library is free to access and no subscription pricing is publicly disclosed, leaving the revenue model thin.

The company's monetization is principally through "platform services for publishing resources," whereby publishing service providers gain direct access to authors on the platform, reducing their client acquisition costs in exchange for fees or partnership arrangements. There is no disclosed pricing model, no subscription tiers, and no consumer-side monetization. Scribble is founder-owned and privately held, appears bootstrapped (no funding rounds or external institutional investors disclosed), and operates with a team of 5. Growth indicators are qualitative: a multi-product portfolio, a 13-partner alliance network, and a newsletter reaching thousands of readers, but no quantitative revenue, ARR, or user metrics are disclosed.

Name

Scribble

Legal name

Scribble

Website

https://thescribbleapp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Scribble is a mobile-first social platform for the independent publishing ecosystem, connecting authors, readers, and publishing resource providers through a free iOS/Android app featuring a book library, writer productivity tools, and a reader newsletter.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Publishing Platform

NAICS

Book Publishers (513130), Software Publishers (513210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731)

akta.pro primary industry

Early Literacy & Reading Intervention Programs (EDAGAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Literacy Foundations (Phonics, Reading Fluency, Comprehension) Platforms (EDAFAOAD), Foundational Literacy & Early Reading Apps (EDACANAA)

Keywords

• Social reading platform
• Author networking app
• Book marketing tools
• Literary community platform
• Publishing resource directory

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Platform services for publishing resources: Scribble provides publishing resources direct access to diverse authors and emerging voices on the platform, reducing their marketing costs while increasing monetization opportunities.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Scribble is a mobile-first social platform (iOS and Android) that connects authors, readers, and publishing resources in a single ecosystem. Its core offerings include the Scribble Mobile App, the Scribble Library (a free book marketing and discovery tool where authors showcase books to thousands of viewers), Scribble Notes (a writing productivity tool), the Our Readers Circle newsletter, and the Scribble Book Club community. The platform is offered free to authors and readers.

Product overview

Scribble is a mobile-first social platform for the literary community, connecting authors, readers, and publishing resources. The core product portfolio includes the Scribble Mobile App (iOS/Android) as the main platform, complemented by Scribble Notes (writing organization tool), Scribble Library (book marketing and discovery tool), Our Readers Circle newsletter, and the Scribble Book Club community feature. ScribbleUp! is a separate student authorship and literacy program targeting schools and organizations. The platform operates primarily as a social ecosystem rather than a technical integration hub, with no public API currently offered.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ScribbleUp!: A student authorship and literacy program that guides young people from blank page to published book, helping students develop ideas, write stories, edit work, design covers, and publish while strengthening literacy, creativity, and confidence.

Products and services

• Scribble Mobile App

Quantifiable outcome

• Authors can present their books to thousands of viewers on the app
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Elite AuthorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerElite Authors is a partner that celebrates storytelling and assists independent authors on their publishing journey. They have helped more than 10,000 authors publish, ranging from first-time authors to New York Times bestsellers. Authors keep 100% of royalties and creative control.
• The Muse Writers CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Muse Writers Center is a nonprofit literary center based in Norfolk, Virginia, grown into one of the top-10 writers centers nationally. They offer creative writing classes and seminars for beginning, experienced, and professional writers.
• Kevin Anderson AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKevin Anderson Associates is the industry leader for professional book ghostwriting, editing, and publishing consultation. Their seasoned staff includes New York Times bestselling authors, ghostwriters, and publishing insiders with nearly 15 years of experience in more than 50 countries.
• Kirkus ReviewscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1933, Kirkus has been an authoritative voice in book discovery for 90 years. They review more than 10,000 books per year and distribute reviews through Kirkus Reviews magazine, online through KirkusReviews.com, and weekly email newsletters.
• Mayfly Book DesignminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMayfly specializes in professional book design and publishing services with nearly two decades of expertise. Their US-based team excels in crafting custom book covers, interiors, formatting, and publishing services.
• Draft2DigitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDraft2Digital is a self-publishing platform with no upfront fees, offering layout, publishing, distribution, and print-on-demand paperbacks. They make money when books sell.
• Booktok BookclubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBooktok Bookclub is a group of Aussie booktokers in one place, focused on community building among book lovers.
• P. English LiteratureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2020, P English Literature is a literary organization dedicated to promoting English Literature regardless of genre through book reviews, author interviews, and literary criticism.
• Project GutenbergminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject Gutenberg is the oldest digital library, founded in 1971, offering over 70,000 free eBooks in the public domain.
• Silent Books PublishingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSilent Books Publishing is a full-service self-publishing company offering manuscript development, editing, book design, printing, marketing, and community-based programs.
• Power Of Purpose Publishing (P.O.P. Publishing)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerP.O.P. Publishing is a full-service publishing company offering editing, formatting, book cover design, distribution, ghost writing, and comprehensive publishing options.
• Gemspread PublishingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGemspread Publishing is dedicated to delivering high-quality African stories to readers worldwide, promoting exceptional African talents and great stories.
• Blackstone PublishingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlackstone Publishing, founded in 1987, is one of America's fastest-growing independent publishers, known for New York Times bestsellers and Grammy Award-winning audio productions.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Smashwords: Ebook self-publishing and distribution platform. Comparable to Scribble's publishing resources segment and its mission of helping indie authors publish and distribute.
• BookBub: Book discovery and marketing platform helping authors reach targeted reader audiences. Comparable to Scribble Library's book marketing and Our Readers Circle newsletter functionality.
• Reedsy: Marketplace connecting authors with publishing professionals (editors, designers, marketers). Directly comparable to Scribble's publishing-resources segment and author-services value proposition.
• Goodreads: Amazon-owned book discovery and reader community platform. Directly comparable to Scribble's reader-author connection model, though Goodreads is far larger and more established in book reviews and recommendations.
• Wattpad: Social reading and writing platform owned by Naver. Comparable as a community-driven platform connecting writers and readers, with strong mobile-first DNA similar to Scribble.
• Draft2Digital: Self-publishing platform offering layout, distribution, and print-on-demand. Both a Scribble partner and a direct peer serving the same indie author customer with overlapping services.
• Lulu: Self-publishing and print-on-demand platform serving indie authors. Comparable in providing publishing services and resources to the same author persona Scribble serves.

Emerging players

• StoryGraph: Reader-focused book tracking and discovery platform with strong community features. Comparable as an indie-friendly alternative to Goodreads serving the same reader segment Scribble targets.
• Substack: Creator platform enabling writers to build audiences and monetize via newsletters. Comparable as a community-and-monetization platform for independent writers and storytellers.

Broad incumbents

• Medium: Large-scale writing and reading platform with built-in audience. Comparable as a broad platform serving both writers and readers, though Medium is a much larger and more general-purpose incumbent.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/thescribbleappp
• Facebookfacebook.com/thescribbleapp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thescribbleapp
• Instagraminstagram.com/thescribbleapp

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Scribble