I know many writers are familiar with Reedsy, but I also know many are not, and so I just wanted to take some time to tell you about my experience working on this platform. It differs from other freelancing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork in that it’s exclusively for the creative industry; everyone who’s there, whether a client or a service provider, understands each other and the challenges of the industry.
When I joined Reedsy, I started out writing short stories for their weekly contests. Later, I was asked to be a judge in the contests (of course I didn’t enter those ones!). Eventually, once my editorial business was well underway, I was able to join the team of professional editors that offer services through Reedsy. And what a game-changer it was! I’ve since helped hundreds of clients with their manuscript edits, assessments, and query material reviews.
The platform is, in my experience, well-run and maintained. Staff are friendly, helpful, and prompt with their replies. They’re a mere message or email away, and they’re knowledgeable and have assisted with every question I’ve had. There are hundreds, if not thousands of trusted, vetted editors and other industry professionals that can help writers and other creators with taking their work to the next level. It took me a while to become vetted, and that’s because they have high standards for the people that offer work. And rightly so! Creators are paying good money, so they want to be able to trust who they’re working with. And from a freelancer perspective, Reedsy doesn’t withhold funds from service providers like Fiverr does, so this way, I can receive funds immediately when someone books (which is fantastic, as editors generally require a 50% booking fee or deposit paid up front to secure the booking). The booking system is also set up to allow for bookings several months out, whereas Fiverr does not have this capability.
I specialize in editing, so I offer a wide range of services from structural/developmental edits to line/copy edits to proofreading to query package reviews and manuscript assessments. I’ve met so many wonderful and talented clients through Reedsy! And I work with folks in all kinds of stages of their manuscripts. I like that both sides can come to a common platform, connect, and collaborate. The website is user-friendly; it’s easy to search for suitable editors/industry pros and put in requests, and equally as easy for me to respond to them. We discuss the client’s needs and expectations, what I can offer, and once they decide to work with me, the offer is accepted. If we’re not a good fit, that’s ok–we move on, no hard feelings. It’s important to ensure you jive together, and Reedsy is set up to allow for that before booking happens. On other platforms, people can book without even contacting you first.
I like that the payment system is set up through Reedsy; I think it adds a layer of protection both for the client and for the service provider. Some other platforms charge an arm and a leg to advertise and offer services, which is quite costly. Reedsy offers a better platform in so many ways–and charges less by splitting their fees between the client and the service provider, so that everyone who is benefitting from the platform is helping the keep it running. Projects are adjustable as long as the projected completion date hasn’t passed, and even if it does and a client needs more time to complete their revisions, for example, then it’s no problem–we can still connect and share files through the messaging system. There’s a rate and review system in place, so I’ve received some wonderful reviews and testimonials from some fabulous clients. It’s easy to work with a client again if you liked working together. And I do have repeat clients from Reedsy, which is wonderful!
Since joining and becoming a successful Reedsy editor, I was asked to participate in a one-day virtual Reedsy conference as a literary agent (yes, I’m one of those, too!), which was really cool to do. I sat on a panel to answer audience questions and I also taught a course on crafting queries. The platform is quite community-oriented with events and a blog with tons of helpful answers to questions (which I’ve also contributed to).
Overall, Reedsy is a convenient, secure platform that offers all kinds of services for all kinds of creators. It’s helped me grow my business in a big way as an editor, and it’s so exciting to see some of the projects I’ve been working on get published! I genuinely love working with my clients to help them elevate their stories and learn more about the craft, arming them with knowledge and insights that can help them not just with their current manuscripts, but subsequent ones, too.
So, if you’re a writer looking for an editor (or other industry pro), I highly recommend checking out Reedsy to connect with a service provider. (Check out my profile here!)
And if you’re a freelancer who already has at least five books under your belt that have been published (which is part of the vetting requirements), try Reedsy! It’s a great place to connect with hundreds of thousands of people looking for the creative services you offer! You can click this link to learn more and sign up. They have a freelancer referral program, so if you click and sign up, we both get $100 as soon as you start your first collaboration. And no, there’s no membership fee required!
