- Paige Ross
- 0 min read
Writers’ Branding vs. Reedsy
Table of Contents
When it comes to self-publishing, choosing the right partner can make all the difference in bringing your book to life. Two platforms that stand out in the industry are Writers’ Branding and Reedsy. Each offers a unique approach to supporting authors through the publishing process, but they cater to different needs and levels of author involvement. Writers’ Branding provides a full suite of personalized services, including manuscript editing, cover design, and marketing strategies, with a focus on helping authors build their brand and visibility. In contrast, Reedsy operates as a marketplace, offering a diverse selection of freelance professionals for services like editing, design, and marketing, giving authors full control over their projects. In this article, we’ll compare the features, pricing, services, and customer experiences of both platforms, so you can decide which one best aligns with your self-publishing goals.
Quick Comparison
- Service Model: Writers’ Branding offers a comprehensive, all-in-one publishing solution with a focus on personalized author branding, marketing strategies, and global distribution. In contrast, Reedsy functions as a marketplace, connecting authors with independent freelancers for specific services like editing, design, and marketing, allowing authors to manage their projects more independently.
- Level of Support: Writers’ Branding provides hands-on, tailored support throughout the entire publishing journey, from manuscript refinement to brand development. Reedsy, while offering high-quality professionals, lacks a centralized support system, leaving authors to coordinate and manage freelancers on their own.
- Pricing Structure: Writers’ Branding offers customized pricing based on the author’s needs and specific project requirements, making it more flexible but less transparent. Reedsy operates on a pay-as-you-go model where authors hire freelancers individually, with additional platform fees, which can accumulate quickly depending on the services selected.
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | 4.6-star rating | 4.9-star rating |
| 💸 Affordability | Higher upfront costs, but offers tailored packages for different needs | Pay-as-you-go model, but costs can accumulate quickly with fees |
| 💰Royalties | Authors retain 100% of their royalties | Authors retain 100% of their royalties |
| ⏳Production Speed | Varies by project; generally faster due to comprehensive services and structured timelines. | Speed depends on the freelancers’ availability and efficiency, so timelines may vary |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Extensive marketing and branding services | No integrated marketing packages or guarantees |
| 🌎 Distribution | Offers global distribution | No direct distribution services, but partners with Blurb for print-on-demand |
| 🧑💻 Support | Offers one-on-one support throughout the publishing process | Limited support; authors manage freelancers independently |
| 📚Formats | Print, eBooks, and audiobooks | eBooks and print formats, with limited support for other media formats |
| 💎 Transparency | Clear pricing structure and upfront costs | Transparent in its fee structure but can be less predictable |
Overview of Writers’ Branding
Writers’ Branding is a full-service platform designed to assist self-publishing authors in building their brand and launching their books to a wide audience. Founded with the aim of providing a comprehensive suite of services, Writers’ Branding is particularly known for its personalized approach to author branding and marketing. The company excels in offering tailored services that support authors throughout the entire publishing journey—from concept to promotion. Their offerings include everything from professional book cover design and formatting to marketing strategies, press kits, and website development.
What sets Writers’ Branding apart is its focus on helping authors build long-term careers, not just individual book launches. The company offers a high-touch, hands-on experience, ensuring that authors receive strategic guidance and ongoing support throughout the publishing process. Writers’ Branding also provides custom packages, allowing authors to select services that align with their needs and budget.
However, Writers’ Branding does not offer direct distribution services, which means authors will need to manage distribution through other platforms. Additionally, while their services are highly personalized, this can make Writers’ Branding more expensive than other options, making it a better fit for authors with a larger budget or those seeking a premium, all-in-one solution for their publishing and branding needs.
Key Features
Writers’ Branding offers a range of personalized services to help authors build their brand and successfully self-publish their books. Their platform is designed to cater to authors who seek a more hands-on, strategic approach to their publishing journey.
Key Features of Writers’ Branding Include:
- Custom Branding Services
- Book Cover Design
- Interior Book Formatting
- Author Website Design
- Press Kits and Media Kits
- Marketing Strategy Development
- Amazon Optimization
- Custom Publishing Packages
- Book Launch Assistance
- Ongoing Author Support
Does Not Offer:
- Direct Print-on-Demand Services
- Traditional Publishing Services
- In-House Book Editing
- Ebook Distribution
- Comprehensive Self-Publishing Tool
Overview of Reedsy
Reedsy is a comprehensive marketplace that connects authors with top-tier freelance professionals in the publishing industry. Founded in 2014, it is best known for providing a vetted network of experienced editors, designers, marketers, ghostwriters, and more, offering high-quality services at every stage of the self-publishing journey. Reedsy excels at giving authors access to a wide range of expert professionals, making it particularly appealing to those who want to maintain creative control while benefiting from industry expertise. Its platform caters primarily to self-published authors and independent publishers who need specialized support for book production, marketing, and branding.
While Reedsy is excellent for authors seeking professional services and expertise, it is not an all-in-one self-publishing platform. Authors are required to manage the publishing process themselves, including distribution and sales, which may not be ideal for those looking for a more hands-off experience. Additionally, while the platform offers flexibility and quality, the cost of hiring freelancers can add up quickly, making it less suitable for authors with tight budgets. Lastly, first-time authors may find the lack of comprehensive support and guidance challenging, as Reedsy doesn’t offer full-service publishing or a support team dedicated to walking them through the process.
Key Features
Reedsy provides authors with a platform to connect with industry-leading freelance professionals across a variety of publishing services. From editing to marketing, Reedsy offers a wide range of expert services that help authors at every stage of their self-publishing journey.
Key Features of Reedsy Include:
- Marketplace of Vetted Professionals
- Comprehensive Editing Services
- Book Design Services
- Marketing & Publicity
- Ghostwriting
- Web Design
- Reedsy Discovery
- Reedsy Book Editor
- Educational Resources
- Project Management Tools
Does Not Offer:
- Direct Distribution
- Full Customer Support for First-Time Authors:
- Pre-set Publishing Package
- Fixed Prices
- In-House Editing
Affordability
When it comes to pricing, Writers’ Branding and Reedsy adopt different models, and the costs associated with their services can vary significantly based on what you need and your budget.
Writers’ Branding Pricing
Writers’ Branding operates with a premium pricing structure that caters to authors looking for an all-in-one brand-focused service. Their packages are relatively expensive compared to many other self-publishing services. Writers’ Branding offers several packages, with prices starting from $2,000 to $5,000+, depending on the level of service chosen. These packages typically include a combination of services such as book cover design, website design, brand development, and marketing strategy. Importantly, Writers’ Branding is transparent about pricing—each package is clearly outlined, and additional services (like social media management or email marketing) can be added for an extra cost.
Reedsy Pricing
Reedsy operates on a pay-as-you-go model, which can be more affordable in the short term but still requires significant investment depending on the services you choose. Access to the platform and browsing freelancers is free, but hiring professionals (editors, designers, marketers, etc.) incurs fees. The cost of services on Reedsy varies widely because it depends on the specific freelancer you choose and the type of work required.
For example, the cost of editing services can range from $20 to $100+ per hour, with the total cost depending on the manuscript’s length and the depth of editing needed. Similarly, the cover design might cost between $200 to $3,000 depending on the designer’s experience. Additionally, Reedsy charges a platform fee of up to 10% on project costs, plus a 2.9% payment processing fee. As such, while Reedsy’s pay-as-you-go model offers flexibility, it can be expensive for authors who require multiple services (e.g., editing, design, and marketing), as each service is priced separately.
Evaluating the Pricing
When comparing pricing structures, Reedsy generally offers more flexibility and a potentially more affordable model for authors, especially those who only need a few specific services, such as editing or cover design. The pay-as-you-go model lets authors choose services as they go, which can help manage costs better. For authors who don’t need a full-service package, Reedsy can be less expensive overall, particularly for authors who are starting with a limited budget and want to prioritize individual tasks.
On the other hand, Writers’ Branding is much more expensive upfront because it bundles multiple services into comprehensive packages that may be ideal for authors who are looking to establish a strong author brand and can afford a higher investment. However, this might not be the most cost-effective solution for authors who just need one or two specific services, like editing or cover design, without a full branding overhaul.
Ultimately, if budget is a significant consideration, Reedsy stands out as the more affordable option for authors looking to tailor their investment to specific publishing needs.
Publishing Timeline
Writers’ Branding follows a structured, package-based timeline designed to take authors through multiple stages of brand development, book creation, and marketing. The timeline for each project largely depends on the package chosen and the services involved. On average, the process can take 3 to 6 months from start to finish. Their publishing timeline is generally longer, with projects requiring several months for completion, especially when combining multiple services such as branding, editing, design, and marketing.
The first step is to develop a personalized author brand and marketing plan, which can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks. Book Design & Branding services like cover design, interior formatting, and website design can then take 2 to 4 weeks for each. The next step would be setting up Marketing and Promotion. Building your marketing strategy, email list, and social media profiles could take another 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of your marketing campaign. After the initial work is done, Writers’ Branding offers continuous marketing support, but these services are usually rolled out over a longer period (several months) to help sustain your book’s visibility.
Reedsy follows a more flexible, project-based timeline. The platform connects authors with individual freelancers, which means that the timeline for each project can vary widely. The total time for publishing through Reedsy can range from a few weeks to several months based on the complexity of the work. Reedsy’s publishing process is more flexible and adaptable, with timelines ranging from a few weeks for basic services to several months for comprehensive projects.
Authors can browse the marketplace and select their preferred professionals. The time taken for this stage depends on the author’s familiarity with the platform and the freelancers they choose, but it typically takes a few days to a week. The time for editing will depend on the length and depth of the manuscript. Developmental editing could take 4 to 8 weeks, while proofreading might take only 1 to 2 weeks. Similar to editing, the design process will depend on the complexity of the project. Cover design typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, while interior formatting can take 2 to 4 weeks. Marketing services are then handled by freelancers, and the timeline for these efforts varies (usually 4 to 6 weeks).
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your desired speed and whether you’re willing to invest the time needed for a comprehensive branding and marketing strategy (Writers’ Branding) or if you prefer a quicker, more service-specific approach (Reedsy).
Royalties
Writers’ Branding provides authors with 100% of their royalties. The platform does not take a percentage of the book’s sales, which is one of its key advantages. However, Writers’ Branding operates primarily as a service provider, meaning that authors need to separately handle the sales and distribution of their books through third-party platforms like Amazon, IngramSpark, or other retail channels.
Royalty payments come directly from the distribution platform where the book is sold (e.g., Amazon, IngramSpark). Authors receive payouts based on the specific terms of those platforms (typically monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly, depending on the platform). This means that Writers’ Branding does not handle the royalty payouts themselves. Authors can directly access royalties via their distribution platforms. This process is relatively simple and direct but depends entirely on the third-party distributor’s system.
Reedsy’s royalty structure is quite different. Reedsy does not take a cut of book sales; instead, the platform connects authors with professional freelancers who charge fees for their services. The royalties from book sales are entirely kept by the author, but Reedsy does charge service fees for its marketplace, including project fees and payment processing fees.
Similar to Writers’ Branding, Reedsy does not handle the royalty payouts. Instead, authors receive payouts from the distribution platforms where they publish their books. These platforms typically offer payouts on a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly basis. As with Writers’ Branding, the process of receiving royalties is handled by the chosen distribution platform. The payout process is straightforward, but the speed of payments depends on the terms of the distribution platform used.
Marketing Services
Writers’ Branding offers a full suite of services, including author branding, book launch strategies, social media management, email marketing, media outreach, and website development. Their services are priced individually, with packages ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the scope. Writers’ Branding handles most aspects of marketing, allowing authors to focus on writing.
Reedsy connects authors with freelance professionals for tailored services like book marketing, advertising, social media management, and book reviews. Prices vary based on freelancers’ experience, with marketing campaigns ranging from $500 to $5,000. Reedsy charges a project fee (up to 10%) and a processing fee. Authors choose and manage individual services, offering flexibility but requiring more involvement.
Writers’ Branding offers more all-in-one solutions but can be more expensive due to its full-service approach. Reedsy provides individual services and allows authors to select freelancers and manage services themselves. For a hands-off, comprehensive marketing approach, Writers’ Branding is ideal. If you prefer flexibility and specific services, Reedsy offers a more affordable option but requires more management from the author.
Print-On-Demand (POD) & Distribution
Writers’ Branding partners with major print-on-demand platforms like IngramSpark and Amazon KDP for book printing and distribution. This gives authors access to global distribution channels, including online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and global bookstores. They offer both eBook and print distribution with access to worldwide retailers, including international markets. The distribution service is often included as part of higher-tier publishing packages, but authors can also opt for individual services for additional costs. Writers’ Branding handles the POD process through IngramSpark and other platforms, ensuring authors can print physical copies of their books without upfront costs. Authors are responsible for print and shipping costs when books are sold.
Reedsy partners with Blurb for print-on-demand services. Authors can use Blurb to produce physical copies of their books, including options for hardcover, paperback, and custom books. Reedsy’s primary focus is on connecting authors with service providers, so they don’t directly offer a robust distribution network. Authors need to use other platforms (like Amazon or IngramSpark) for comprehensive distribution. Distribution services are not included in Reedsy’s basic offerings. Authors need to select and manage their distribution channels independently or hire freelancers for assistance.
Writers’ Branding provides a full distribution service, helping authors reach both digital and print markets globally. Both companies offer POD, but Writers’ Branding gives more integrated distribution services, offering a more seamless experience. Writers’ Branding’s distribution service is typically included in its higher-tier publishing packages. Reedsy, however, has a more limited POD focus via Blurb and requires authors to manage their distribution separately. Reedsy’s POD service is primarily for printing physical books, but authors must handle the sales and distribution process. Writers’ Branding is the better choice for authors looking for turnkey distribution solutions, while Reedsy is more suitable for those who prefer to manage their own distribution independently.
Support Services
Through Writers’ Branding authors are assigned a Publishing Production Manager who oversees the entire process, offering personalized guidance from start to finish. They provide continuous assistance with editing, design, marketing, and distribution, providing tailored advice to ensure a smooth publishing experience. The personalized support makes it a good fit for those new to self-publishing who need more guidance.
When using Reedsy authors hire independent professionals (editors, designers, marketers) from a vetted pool. There’s no central manager guiding the project. Authors are responsible for managing timelines and coordinating freelancers, which can be challenging for beginners. They do offer educational resources but lack the hands-on, personalized assistance that first-time authors may need.
Writers’ Branding is better for authors seeking personalized assistance, while Reedsy is more suited for experienced authors who prefer a more self-directed approach.
Customer Experience & Reviews
Writers’ Branding receives generally positive feedback for its personalized, hands-on approach to self-publishing. Authors appreciate the dedicated Publishing Production Manager who provides tailored support throughout the entire publishing journey. This level of service helps reduce the stress and complexity of the publishing process, especially for first-time authors. They maintain solid ratings online, with Trustpilot scores averaging around 4.6 stars. Many customers highlight the quality of services and attention to detail. A few users mention that the process can be slow, but the overall satisfaction with results tends to be high.
Reedsy is praised for offering access to high-quality, vetted professionals and its user-friendly platform. However, some authors express concerns about the lack of comprehensive support, especially for first-timers. Authors who prefer complete control over their publishing projects tend to have a positive experience, but those expecting more guidance may find the process overwhelming. Reedsy has a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot, with many users noting the high caliber of freelancers available through the platform. Negative reviews generally focus on the costs of services and lack of support, particularly for beginners.
Writers’ Branding excels in offering personalized, hands-on support, with customers often praising the team’s involvement in the entire publishing process. Reedsy, on the other hand, is highly valued for its professional network but may not be the best fit for those seeking in-depth assistance or those with a tight budget. Altogether, Writers’ Branding has a more nurturing environment for new authors, while Reedsy is better for more experienced authors who can navigate the self-publishing process independently.
Writers’ Branding vs. Reedsy
When choosing between Writers’ Branding and Reedsy, the right option depends on your specific needs as an author. Writers’ Branding is an excellent choice if you’re new to self-publishing. The company provides personalized support throughout the process, including a dedicated Publishing Production Manager to guide you step-by-step. This hands-on approach ensures you’re not navigating the complexities of publishing alone. Reedsy, while offering high-quality professionals, lacks the comprehensive support many first-time authors need, making it a better fit for those with more experience.
If marketing is a priority, Reedsy has a wider range of freelancers specializing in book marketing and publicity, including marketing strategy, advertising, and email campaigns. However, these services are separate from publishing packages and can add up. Writers’ Branding offers marketing support too, but it’s more integrated with the publishing process, making it easier for authors to manage everything in one place.
For budget-conscious authors, Writers’ Branding offers more transparent, bundled packages that include all services at one cost. In contrast, Reedsy’s pay-per-service model can be more expensive, especially as authors may need to hire multiple professionals for various stages of the process.
Ultimately, Writers’ Branding is ideal for first-time authors or those who prefer a more hands-on approach with a clear and guided path. Reedsy is better for experienced authors who want to pick and choose their professionals and need a more independent approach to publishing.
Want to learn more about Writers’ Branding and Reedsy? Check out our in-depth reviews of them here on Top10.
For more detailed information, you can visit their respective websites.