I noticed a Reddit post about editing services from Reddit vs Fiverr so wrote up a quick article – but real quick here’s the important stuff: there are different kinds of editing. Most authors are excited about their first draft but can’t fathom handling the edits, because it’s exhausting and overwhelming to begin turning it into a professional book… and I’m not just talking about the writing quality.

You can and should have a proofreader to fix typos, spelling mistakes and punctuation – but machine learning and AI really can tackle most of these, either through Grammarly or ProwritingAid, or something a little newer. This is pedantic, time-consuming stuff and I’ve edited manuscripts where I’ve fixed literally thousands of issues, without actually improving any of the story or style.

If you’re looking for a final clean or polish, the truth is most people could handle proofreading, but very few could tackle the bigger stuff that you don’t even know you need: common writing mistakes, amateur writing, weak and flat characters, no story development, no emotional resonance or satisfying conclusion. And even if you pay a little more for copy editing, that still won’t fix these problems.

Copy editing is about improving the style, word choice and sentence structure a little so it’s smoother and cleaner. What most authors really need, the actually important stuff (once your book is clean and smooth enough to actually read) is a compelling story… and handling suspense and intrigue well is a hard-learned skill. As someone who has developed writing materials that have helped thousands of authors publish, I’m pretty confident in my developmental abilities, but also aware many authors can’t afford to pay for developmental editing.

That’s why I’ve made almost all my resources free so that authors can learn to self-edit and fix all the big picture stuff themselves; because writing is a learnable skill if you choose to develop that ability as an asset. If you do have a budget, you might be able to find a service that offers some big-picture developmental tips and then go cheap on the proofreading or copy editing, but most editors like to handle both (that said, not everyone has both of these skills, nor do they absolutely need to – these are separate strengths).

Whenever you’re hiring an editor, you should check for reviews, sample edits, past clients or books they’ve worked on, and beware of anyone who is a little too eager and friendly (all authors want someone who “gets” their book and sings its praises… we don’t do that here; if your book is amazing, we’ll tell you, but if it’s bad, we’ll tell you that as well. We do try to be kind, but mostly we’re honest, and that’s what you really need).

Reedsy vs Fiverr for book editing

Choosing between Reedsy and Fiverr for book editing can be tricky, especially for self-publishing authors trying to balance budget and quality. While both platforms offer freelance editors, the experience, quality, and costs differ significantly. Let’s dive deeper into the editing process, common writing mistakes, and challenges faced during self-publishing, using insights from Reddit discussions and personal experiences.

Reedsy: A Curated Platform for Professionals

Reedsy stands out because of its focus on quality and professionalism. Unlike Fiverr, Reedsy vets all its freelancers. These editors often have backgrounds in traditional publishing and have worked on professionally published books. Reedsy’s editing services cover everything from developmental editing, where large-scale changes to structure and character arcs are made, to copyediting and proofreading for grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues.

According to many authors on Reddit, the biggest advantage of Reedsy is the trust factor. One Redditor shared, “I used a Reedsy editor for my debut novel and the experience was fantastic. My editor provided detailed feedback on character development, plot holes, and pacing.”

However, the cost of Reedsy can be a barrier for authors on a tight budget. Freelancers on Reedsy charge premium rates, often ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars depending on the type of editing required. But for those serious about quality, it’s often seen as a worthwhile investment.

Fiverr: Affordable, but Proceed with Caution

Fiverr is known for its flexibility and affordability. Authors can find editors offering services for as low as $5, but that doesn’t mean all of them are capable of delivering top-tier work. One user on Reddit pointed out, “Fiverr is hit or miss. Some editors are excellent, but you really need to vet them properly by checking reviews and requesting samples.”

The diversity on Fiverr can work both ways. While there are some highly qualified editors, the marketplace is filled with inexperienced freelancers as well. For someone looking for affordable copyediting or proofreading, Fiverr can be a good choice. For example, a budget-conscious author looking for basic grammar correction or someone just getting their feet wet in self-publishing may find Fiverr useful.

Common Writing Mistakes Editors Catch

Whether you go with Reedsy or Fiverr, editors will focus on several common writing mistakes that can make or break a book. Here are some examples of what editors typically fix:

• Inconsistent Characters: Characters that act in ways that don’t align with their established traits are a frequent issue.
• Plot Holes: Unexplained events or illogical sequences that confuse readers.
• Repetitive Language: Overuse of certain phrases or words that weaken the writing.
• Point of View Shifts: Sudden changes in POV that can jar the reader out of the story.
• Pacing Problems: Editors often suggest cutting scenes or expanding others to improve the book’s flow.

On Reddit, one user mentioned how an editor “helped identify where my pacing dragged and where I could tighten things up. It’s amazing what you miss when you’re so close to your own writing.”

Challenges in Self-Publishing

Self-publishing presents a unique set of challenges beyond just finding a good editor. From formatting to marketing, authors have to manage many moving parts. A frequent problem is underestimating the importance of editing. Poorly edited books can result in bad reviews, which can damage sales and reputation. Redditors emphasized the need to budget for professional editing: “A good editor is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.”

Another challenge is making sure the cover design and formatting match professional standards, which often falls to the author to coordinate if using Fiverr, whereas Reedsy editors sometimes work closely with designers for a more holistic service.

Quotes from Reddit: Key Takeaways

Here are some quotes from the Reddit discussion that encapsulate the general feeling about these two platforms:

• “If you’re serious about publishing a book and want to be taken seriously, go with Reedsy. It’s expensive, but you know you’re getting top-quality.”
• “Fiverr can be a good option if you’re careful. I’ve found great editors, but it’s a bit of a gamble.”
• “Reedsy’s editors gave me more than just grammar fixes. They helped with structure and narrative flow, which Fiverr’s cheaper options don’t often offer.”

Making the Right Choice

If you’re a first-time author, Fiverr might be an appealing option if you’re on a budget. However, make sure to vet editors carefully by looking at reviews, past work, and requesting samples. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a professional polish and are willing to invest, Reedsy offers a safer, more reliable option, especially for developmental editing or preparing your book for traditional publication.

Ultimately, choosing between Reedsy and Fiverr depends on your budget, needs, and how much time you can invest in vetting editors. As one Redditor wisely said, “In self-publishing, you get what you pay for. Don’t skimp on editing if you want to produce a professional book.”

Top Editors on Reedsy and Fiverr

For those interested in exploring editors on these platforms, here are a few reputable ones:

• Reedsy Editors: Check out Reedsy’s top-rated editors with experience working for major publishing houses.
• Fiverr Editors: You can browse some of the highest-rated editors on Fiverr here.

In conclusion, both platforms can work for different types of authors, but understanding your needs and the editing process will ensure you make the right decision for your manuscript.