- Eliza Randall
- 0 min read
BookBaby VS Reedsy
Table of Contents
In the dynamic world of self-publishing, selecting the right professional publishing service can make all the difference in an author’s success. BookBaby and Reedsy are distinguished in the self-publishing industry for offering valuable services, each tailored to different needs and preferences.
This article delves into a detailed comparison between BookBaby and Reedsy, guiding you in determining which platform best aligns with your publishing goals. Whether you’re seeking tailored professional support or flexible, customizable options, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.
Read on to discover which service is the perfect match for your self-publishing journey.
Key Differences
- Service Model: BookBaby offers publishing packages, while Reedsy operates as a marketplace connecting authors with individual freelance professionals.
- Cost: BookBaby’s packages start at $1090, reflecting their affordability. Reedsy allows authors to choose services à la carte, making it more flexible and authors can budget for the services they want.
- Production Speed: BookBaby’s production timeline is around around 8 weeks. With Reedsy the timeline depends on the service and publishing expert you choose.
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | 4.5 stars on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot |
| 💸 Affordability | Packages starting from $1,090 | Varies by services |
| 📚 Service Model | Comprehensive Publishing Packages | Marketplace Offering Publishing Services |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Ads for Authors Program | Freelance Marketing Services |
| 🌎 Distribution | 60+ channels | Does Not Offer – but has partnered with Blurb |
| 👍 Ideal For | Authors Looking for all-in-one publishing packages | Authors Looking for Flexibility and Control |
Overview of BookBaby
Founded in 2011, BookBaby has established itself as a leading self-publishing platform, dedicated to providing authors with the tools and support needed to publish and distribute their work independently. The mission of BookBaby is to empower writers by offering comprehensive, high-quality publishing services.
BookBaby offers various services, including manuscript preparation, professional editing, book design, formatting, in-house printing, and distribution and marketing options. They are designed to be a one-stop for authors, ensuring that every step of the publishing process is covered.
BookBaby is positioned on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, with costs starting at $1,090 for the basic Express package. While BookBaby is renowned for its extensive support, many authors find it expensive, particularly as additional services such as editing come at an extra cost.
BookBaby has garnered a high Trustpilot rating of 4.5 stars, reflecting the positive experiences and satisfaction of numerous authors who have used their self-publishing services.
BookBaby – Key Features
BookBaby focuses on providing a full suite of professional publishing services as well as in-house printing, and distribution. Marketing services are available in higher-tier packages, alongside metadata optimization.
- Editing Services
- In-House Printing
- Marketing Services
- 100% Royalties
- Design Services
- Dedicated Support
- Distribution to 60+ companies
Does Not Offer
- Audiobook Services
- Copyright Protection
- Editing Not Included in Basic Packages
Overview of Reedsy
Founded in 2014, Reedsy is a unique self-publishing service marketplace designed to connect authors with industry professionals. Reedsy’s mission is to support authors on their self-publishing journey by providing access to a wide range of vetted experts.
Reedsy is an on-demand marketplace where you can hire editors, designers, ghostwriters, marketers, and web designers. Unlike traditional publishing companies, Reedsy provides tools and resources that allow authors to manage their publishing process independently while leveraging professional expertise. The platform ensures that freelancers undergo a vetting process, aiming to offer a selection of qualified and experienced professionals.
Reedsy is highly rated on Trustpilot, with a 4.6-star rating, reflecting the positive experiences of numerous authors. The flexibility and variety of services available on Reedsy make it an attractive option if you’re looking to maintain control over your publishing process.
However, utilizing Reedsy’s services involves costs associated with hiring freelancers, which can add up quickly. Additionally, Reedsy does not offer a comprehensive, all-in-one publishing solution, requiring authors to manage certain aspects of the process independently.
Reedsy – Key Features
Reedsy offers a range of professional services through its marketplace, catering to various stages of the publishing process. Key features include:
- Access to Professional Editors, Designers, and Marketers: Connects authors with skilled professionals for book production and promotion.
- Verified Professionals: Freelancers undergo a vetting process to ensure quality and reliability.
- Variety of Services: Including ghostwriting, marketing, web design, and educational content.
- Free Tools: Offers tools like the Reedsy BookEditor and plot generator.
Does Not Offer
- Comprehensive Publishing Solution: Requires authors to manage certain aspects of publishing independently.
- Direct Distribution: Relies on partnerships for print and distribution services.
Comparing Affordability
As mentioned above, BookBaby and Reedsy are two publishing services that use different styles. BookBaby works by offering packages and Reedsy works by connecting you to industry experts via the online marketplace.
BookBaby Pricing
Pricing at BookBaby starts at $1,090 for the Express package.
BookBaby offers 3 publishing packages which start at $1,090 for their Express Package, which includes 25 softcover books, eBook conversion and distribution, print-on-demand services, and two ISBN barcodes.
However, it lacks essential services like book cover design, interior formatting, and editing, which come at additional costs. The Complete and Deluxe packages, priced at $2,190 and $2,890 respectively, add some of these features but still exclude editing and proofreading, potentially escalating the overall cost by around $900-$3000 for an average length book.
Reedsy Pricing
Reedsy operates on a marketplace model, where authors hire individual freelancers for specific services. The costs vary based on the freelancer’s rates and the services required.
Pictured below is your author dashboard where you can choose your publishing professionals and follow your journey with them.
Reedsy’s model allows authors to pick and choose services as needed, which can be more cost-effective for those on a budget. However, the total cost can still add up, especially for comprehensive projects.
Here is an overview of the typical pricing:
Editing Services: Developmental editing can range from $0.02 to $0.05 per word while copyediting and proofreading typically cost between $0.01 and $0.03 per word.
Design Services: Cover design costs can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the designer’s experience and the complexity of the design. Interior formatting generally costs between $500 and $1,000.
Marketing Services: Marketing strategies and campaigns can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the scope and duration of the campaign.
Marketing Services
BookBaby offers targeted marketing services through its “Ads for Authors Program,” which creates and manages ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Marketing is available in higher-tier packages. BookBaby’s comprehensive approach helps authors reach a wide audience, though the costs can quickly add up.
With Reedsy’s marketplace, you can choose a marketing professional to market your book. This is a great option if you’ve self-published your book and are looking for better marketing campaigns.
Publishing Timeline
BookBaby’s timeline is around 8 weeks, which is pretty fast in comparison to other publishing companies out there.
Reedsy’s timeline does depend on what services you choose but is generally between 3 to 6 months, however, it really does depend on your project and the freelancer you choose. Editing and design services, which vary based on freelancer availability and project complexity, typically a few weeks to a couple of months.
Overall, BookBaby offers much faster timelines, as their packages include most of your publishing needs, streamlining the entire process. In contrast, Reedsy may result in longer timelines since certain steps can only begin or be completed after others are finished, requiring coordination among various professionals.
Distribution
BookBaby provides extensive distribution channels with 60+ partners, such as major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble to ensure your book reaches a global audience. With these comprehensive distribution networks, your book can be available in both digital and print formats, catering to a wide range of readers worldwide.
While Reedsy does not offer direct distribution services, they have simplified the process by partnering with Blurb. Through this partnership, Reedsy provides access to Blurb’s print-on-demand services and extensive distribution options. Authors can take advantage of printing solutions and reach a wide audience through major online retailers and global distribution networks.
Support Services
BookBaby offers dedicated support to authors throughout the publishing process. If you publish with BookBaby you are assigned a publishing specialist to assist you along your journey.
However, 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.
BookBaby or Reedsy?
Both BookBaby and Reedsy are excellent publishing services, but they offer two distinct service models.
BookBaby provides a range of publishing packages designed to meet different needs. While their starting price is an accessible $1090, essential services like editing and cover design are not included, which can increase the overall cost of publishing.
On the other hand, Reedsy functions as a marketplace that connects you directly with publishing specialists. This can be more affordable, as you have the flexibility to set your budget and choose only the services you need. It’s an ideal option if you’re looking for just one or two specific services before publishing.
Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prefer a comprehensive publishing package with robust support or if you’re comfortable managing your publishing journey independently.
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.