- Eliza Randall
- 0 min read
Amazon KDP VS Reedsy
Table of Contents
Self-publishing has dramatically reshaped the literary world, allowing authors the freedom to publish their work independently, bypassing traditional publishing houses. This article explores two leading self-publishing services: Amazon KDP and Reedsy.
Amazon KDP offers a quick, budget-friendly platform for independent publishing, perfect for authors who want a straightforward process. In contrast, Reedsy provides a marketplace that connects authors with industry professionals, offering personalized support and a tailored publishing experience.
We aim to deliver a comprehensive comparison of Amazon KDP and Reedsy, helping you determine which platform best fits your publishing needs and budget. Let’s dive into the details and see how these two platforms compare.
Key Differences of KDP and Reedsy
- Service Model and Integration: Amazon KDP is a publishing platform where you can easily publish your book. Reedsy is a service marketplace connecting authors with freelance professionals for specific tasks.
- Pricing and Cost Structure: Amazon KDP has no upfront costs, it’s free to publish on their platform. Reedsy’s costs vary based on freelancer fees and your chosen services.
- Support and Guidance: Amazon KDP lacks support and has no available online support. With Reedsy authors manage hiring and coordination of freelancers themselves.
- Distribution and Marketing: Amazon KDP lets you directly publish on the Amazon platform, connecting you easily. Reedsy offers no direct distribution; marketing services must be purchased separately through freelancers.
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | User-friendly platform, but poor customer support | 4.8 stars on Trustpilot |
| 💸 Affordability | Free to Publish on Amazon | Prices depend on services and freelancers |
| ⏳Production Speed | Less than 24hrs | Depends on the services |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Marketing with Amazon’s Internal Tools | Marketing Experts |
| 🌎 Distribution | Distribution on Amazon | Extensive Distribution Blurb |
| 🧑💻 Support | No support, except on online forums | Personal Production Manager |
| 💻 Service Model | Publishing Platform | Online Marketplace that connects authors |
Overview of Amazon KDP
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a popular self-publishing platform that offers authors a straightforward and cost-effective way to publish their eBooks and print books. Integrated with Amazon’s vast marketplace, KDP provides access to a global audience, making it a preferred choice for many independent authors. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with fast production times and print-on-demand services, allowing authors to publish their books without any upfront costs. However, while KDP offers several advantages, it also has some limitations, particularly in terms of additional services and support.
Amazon KDP – Key Features
- Free Publishing: Authors can publish eBooks and print books without any upfront fees.
- Fast Production Times: eBooks can be available within 72 hours; print books typically within 5 to 10 business days.
- Amazon Integration: Direct access to a global audience through Amazon’s marketplace.
- Print-on-Demand Services: Books are printed only when ordered, eliminating inventory management.
Does Not Offer
- Limited Cover Design: Only basic tools are available, lacking professional customization options.
- No Editing or Proofreading Services: Authors need to find these services independently.
- No Marketing Services: Managed advertising and promotional services are not provided, aside from basic Amazon tools.
- Lack of Direct Customer Support: No real-time assistance, relying on community forums and online resources for help
Overview of Reedsy
Founded in 2014, Reedsy supports authors on their self-publishing journey by connecting them with industry professionals. Its on-demand marketplace offers access to vetted editors, designers, ghostwriters, marketers, and web designers, ensuring authors find high-quality assistance for their publishing needs.
Reedsy provides a wide array of services tailored to self-publishing, including manuscript editing, cover design, marketing strategies, and ghostwriting. The platform also features project management tools like automated contracts and secure payments, making collaboration easier for authors and freelancers.
Unlike traditional self-publishing platforms, Reedsy operates on a marketplace model, allowing authors to browse and hire freelancers for specific tasks. This approach offers flexibility and control over the publishing process, enabling authors to select services that fit their needs and budget. While hiring freelancers can be costly, Reedsy ensures quality and thoroughly vets all professionals on the platform.
With a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot, Reedsy is recognized for connecting authors with top-tier publishing professionals. It has become a valuable resource for those looking to self-publish with the help of experienced freelancers.
Reedsy – Key Features
Reedsy is an online marketplace that connects authors with vetted professionals in the publishing industry. Authors can easily hire experts for tasks such as editing, cover design, and marketing, offering flexibility and control over their publishing journey. This model allows authors to customize their experience based on their needs and budget, making Reedsy a valuable resource for high-quality, professional collaboration in self-publishing.
- Verified Professionals: Access to a vetted pool of editors, designers, ghostwriters, and marketers.
- Service Variety: A broad range of services, from manuscript editing to marketing and web design.
- Project Management Tools: Tools for managing collaborations, including automated contracts and secure payments.
- Reedsy Book Editor: A free online tool for book editing and formatting.
- Educational Resources: Free courses and guides on self-publishing, marketing, and more.
- Flexibility and Control: Authors have the freedom to choose their collaborators and manage their projects independently.
Reedsy offers several supplementary services to support authors beyond the marketplace. The Reedsy Book Editor is a free online tool that helps with book editing and formatting. Additionally, Reedsy provides a wealth of educational resources, including free courses and guides on topics such as self-publishing, marketing, and book promotion.
Affordability
Amazon KDP and Reedsy offer different publishing models, and therefore they offer different pricing structures.
KDP Pricing
KDP is known for its cost-effective approach, as it does not charge any upfront fees for publishing eBooks or print books. While their basic services are free, authors may incur additional costs if they opt for professional services such as cover design, editing, or marketing, which must be sourced externally.
Reedsy Pricing
Reedsy offers a marketplace model. Pay-per-service basis with variable costs depending on the freelancer and service. Reedsy doesn’t offer comprehensive packages; instead, you must budget for each service individually. This approach can be costly but provides flexibility, allowing you to choose how much you want to spend on each aspect of the publishing process. Also, it is important to note that Reedsy charges a project fee (up to 10%) and a payment processing fee (2.9%) adds to costs.
Publishing Timeline
KDP offers quick turnaround times, with eBooks typically published within 72 hours of submission. Print books, including paperbacks and hardcovers, are generally available within 5 to 10 business days, depending on the specifics of the book and the printing process.
Publishing with Reedsy offers direct access to publishing professionals, with timelines dependent on the services and professionals chosen. Coordinating multiple experts for tasks like editing, cover design, and marketing can extend the process but allow for a tailored experience. Each service is managed separately, enabling authors to select the best professionals for their needs. Customer reviews indicate the process can take weeks to months, reflecting the care given to each stage.
Marketing Services
KDP offers limited marketing services, primarily using Amazon’s internal tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions through KDP Select. While these can increase visibility on Amazon, authors are mostly responsible for managing their own advertising, including Amazon Advertising campaigns.
Reedsy provides a variety of marketing services through its network of vetted freelancers. You can hire marketing experts to help you develop marketing strategies. Additionally, Reedsy offers publicists who can help authors gain media exposure and grow their audience. These services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each book, ensuring effective promotion based on what you need. While these marketing services can be highly effective, they are individually priced, and costs can add up depending on the scope and duration of the marketing efforts.
Distribution & POD Services
KDP utilizes Amazon’s extensive POD network, allowing books to be printed only when ordered, thus eliminating the need for inventory. This service is primarily tied to Amazon’s distribution channels, providing direct access to Amazon’s vast customer base. Additionally, KDP offers an optional expanded distribution feature, enabling authors to reach other online retailers, libraries, and academic institutions, though with lower royalty rates.
Reedsy does not directly handle book distribution. Instead, you should search for additional platforms for this purpose. However, Reedsy has partnered with Blurb to provide print-on-demand services and distribution solutions. This partnership allows you to reach a broad audience, but it requires additional coordination outside of Reedsy’s core services.
Support Services
There are several support services offered by KDP including email support, an extensive library of online resources, and active community forums. These forums provide a space for authors to seek advice and share experiences with peers, making them a valuable resource for troubleshooting and learning. However, the lack of direct, real-time support is a big drawback, especially for first-time publishers.
Reedsy does not offer centralized support. You must independently manage and coordinate with their hired professionals. While Reedsy ensures high-quality freelancers, the lack of a dedicated support system may be challenging for first-time authors requiring more guidance.
Amazon KDP vs Reedsy? Who Should You Choose?
When choosing between Amazon KDP and Reedsy, consider your goals and experience as an author. If you’re looking for a fast, budget-friendly way to publish your book with minimal fuss, Amazon KDP is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for authors who want to get their work out quickly and don’t mind handling tasks like editing and marketing on their own.
However, if you prefer a more hands-on, tailored approach with professional support, Reedsy might be the better option. Reedsy allows you to connect with industry experts for specific services like editing, cover design, and marketing, giving you more control over the quality of your book. This makes it ideal for authors who want to invest in professional assistance and are willing to manage the process themselves.
Ultimately, KDP suits those who value speed and affordability, while Reedsy is better for authors seeking high-quality, customizable support.
Learn More About Reedsy
If Reedsy sounds like the right fit for your publishing needs, check out their website to connect with professional publishing experts. Discover how Reedsy’s marketplace can help turn your book into a polished masterpiece with top-notch services from experienced professionals.