How BookBub and Medium compare
BookBub Author Websites is made for writers who would rather be writing. Import an ebook from Amazon or BookBub and its cover, description, and retailer links fill in, and each book gets its own page that you update in one place. Templates are designed around genres, the Author Bio, Blog, and Contact pages are ready on day one, and a built-in newsletter pulls your book details into every email. Pro adds series pages, a press kit and events, and reader magnets that trade a free download for a signup, and the Free plan has no time limit.
Medium is where a good essay can find readers on its own. The editor is calm, publications curate, the algorithm and topics surface work to members, and the Partner Program pays writers from member reading time. You bring words; Medium brings the audience and the distribution.
Where they are different
BookBub
- BookBub's book pages send readers to Amazon, Apple Books, and other retailers, with no checkout on the site.
- BookBub's newsletter sends 1,000 emails a month on Free and 10,000 on Pro, from a no-reply address on your domain on Pro, and replies go to your personal email.
- BookBub's blog has an RSS feed but no comments, and its only automation is a welcome email.
- BookBub's Events page lists your appearances.
Medium
- Medium owns the reader relationship.
- Medium is one publication format.
- Medium claps and responses stay on Medium.
Choose BookBub when your books sell through retailers, you want a polished author site in an afternoon, and a simple monthly newsletter is all the email you need.
Choose Medium when you want readers and modest earnings without owning a site or a list.
Compare features
What's on BookBub and Medium
A check means that capability is available. BookBub and Medium are marked only when the offer is comparable, not the same product.
Site and brand
- Workspace siteBookBub: IncludedMedium: Not included
- Custom domainBookBub: IncludedMedium: Not included
- Theme and fontsBookBub: IncludedMedium: Not included
Public content
- BlogBookBub: IncludedMedium: Included
- Reader engagementBookBub: Not includedMedium: Included
Reach and quality
- SEOBookBub: IncludedMedium: Included
Audience and email
- AudienceBookBub: IncludedMedium: Not included
- Marketing emailsBookBub: IncludedMedium: Not included
* Note: This table does not capture every feature of BookBub or Medium, and is not intended as a comprehensive list. We keep this page current, but BookBub or Medium may add or remove features that are not shown here.
BookBub vs Medium pricing
Compare plans, prices, and what it costs to get started.
BookBub
Current plans and prices
See what BookBub charges on their pricing page.
Medium
Current plans and prices
See what Medium charges on their pricing page.
Cardel: An alternative to
BookBub and Medium
You don't pay until you publish.
Cardel provides a home for your craft. Share and sell your work, grow your audience, and bring your community together on a site of your own.
Common questions
Is Cardel an alternative to BookBub or Medium?
Cardel is a home for your craft: a site of your own with a blog, newsletter, shop, community, and one inbox. It can replace BookBub or Medium when you want your work, audience, and sales in one place. The feature list on this page shows where BookBub and Medium are marked.
Can I use Cardel with BookBub or Medium?
Yes. Cardel pages can link out to other products, so you can keep BookBub or Medium for what it does best and bring the rest of your work to Cardel.
How much does Cardel cost compared with BookBub and Medium?
You don't pay for Cardel until you publish. Choose Starter, Pro, or Studio when your site goes live. BookBub and Medium set their own prices, so check their pricing pages on this page for current plans.
How do I switch from BookBub or Medium to Cardel?
Start with Build Your Site, set up your home, and bring your work over at your own pace. You do not have to move everything on day one.