In this episode of the B&N Press Web Series, we dive into how Reedsy helps indie authors succeed from editing to marketing and beyond. Ricardo Fayet, co-founder of Reedsy, joins the conversation to break down how professional services, educational resources, and writing tools support authors at every stage of the self-publishing journey.
Key Takeaways
● Reedsy connects indie authors with vetted publishing professionals across editing, cover design, marketing, translation, and more.
● Professional editing and cover design are the two most critical investments for authors who want to publish successfully.
● Reedsy vets fewer than 5 percent of applicants to ensure high-quality freelancers on its marketplace.
● Different types of editing serve different purposes, from developmental editing to proofreading.
● Reedsy Studio offers a free, browser-based writing and formatting tool for ebooks and print.
● Authors should approach cover design from a reader’s perspective, not the author’s.
● AI is likely to support publishing professionals rather than replace them.
● Writing consistently and publishing quality books remains the most reliable path to success.
Transcription
Julie:
Hello everyone, and welcome. Today I am excited to welcome Ricardo Fayet, co-founder of Reedsy. Reedsy is one of our trusted third-party partners, connecting authors with top publishing professionals, from editors and cover designers to marketers and translators.
Ricardo is also the author of two books on marketing for authors and a regular speaker at major industry events like NINC, Author Nation, and The Self-Publishing Show Live. We are excited to talk about how Reedsy supports the indie author community and how our partnership works.
Ricardo:
Thank you so much for having me. I am really excited to be here.
Julie:
Let’s jump right in. Reedsy has grown a lot over the years. Can you explain what Reedsy does and how it supports authors?
Ricardo:
The core of what Reedsy does is our marketplace of publishing professionals. Authors can find editors, proofreaders, cover designers, illustrators, marketers, ghostwriters, translators, and website designers.
Beyond the marketplace, we also have Reedsy Learning, which includes live events, masterclasses, and courses. We host six major events per year and weekly masterclasses through a membership program.
We also have Reedsy Studio, our browser-based writing and formatting tool. It is used by over one hundred thousand writers each month. Authors can write, collaborate, format, and export their books for free.
Julie:
One thing authors really value is quality. How does Reedsy vet the professionals on your platform?
Ricardo:
Vetting is our core differentiator. We evaluate professionals based on their work experience. For editors, we look for at least five years of experience in traditional publishing or a strong portfolio with well-known indie authors.
We verify portfolios, check publishing history, and run background checks. On average, we accept fewer than five percent of applicants, which helps ensure quality across the marketplace.
Julie:
How does the matching process work for authors?
Ricardo:
Authors can filter professionals by genre, service type, and keywords. They can request quotes from up to five professionals per project. This keeps the process focused and manageable.
We also monitor searches to identify gaps in coverage and recruit professionals where demand is growing.
Julie:
Let’s talk about editing. What types of editing does Reedsy offer, and how should authors think about budgeting?
Ricardo:
We break editing into three stages: developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading.
Developmental editing focuses on story structure, characters, and narrative arc. Copy editing handles grammar, consistency, and style. Proofreading is the final pass to catch remaining errors.
For an eighty-thousand-word manuscript, developmental editing typically costs between two thousand and twenty-five hundred dollars. Copy editing is usually around fifteen hundred, and proofreading ranges from one thousand to fifteen hundred. Costs vary by genre and manuscript quality.
Julie:
When should authors reach out to an editor?
Ricardo:
For developmental editing, authors should have a finished manuscript that they have revised themselves. The more work an author does upfront, the more cost-effective the editing process will be.
Writing coaches are also available for authors who want ongoing guidance or accountability while writing.
Julie:
Cover design is another major investment. Why is it so important?
Ricardo:
Cover design is critical because it communicates genre and quality instantly. Many amateur covers fail not because of the image, but because of typography and layout.
Authors should think of the cover as a marketing tool for readers, not a literal representation of every story element. A professional cover designer understands genre expectations and knows how to balance familiarity with distinction.
Julie:
Can you talk about Reedsy Studio and how authors use it?
Ricardo:
Reedsy Studio is a free writing and formatting tool. Authors can write directly in it or import manuscripts for formatting. It automatically handles chapters, front matter, back matter, and exports to EPUB or print-ready PDF.
We keep formatting simple because readers care about readability, not decorative flourishes. For highly customized layouts, we recommend hiring a professional designer.
Julie:
What advice would you give first-time authors to avoid common mistakes?
Ricardo:
Focus on professional editing and cover design. Do not rush the process. Think about your book from a reader’s perspective, not just your own.
Consistency and quality matter more than trying to stand out visually at all costs.
Julie:
AI is a big topic in publishing right now. How do you see it impacting authors?
Ricardo:
AI will likely support professionals rather than replace them. Editors and marketers who use AI effectively will become more efficient and accessible.
There is no magic wand. Writing consistently and publishing quality books remains the most important factor in long-term success.
Julie:
Where can authors learn more about Reedsy and your partnership with Barnes & Noble Press?
Ricardo:
Authors can visit the Reedsy website or search for Reedsy Barnes & Noble Press to find our partner page. Barnes & Noble Press users receive credits they can apply toward services on the marketplace.
Julie:
Thank you so much, Ricardo, for joining us today.
Ricardo:
Thank you for having me, and thanks to everyone for watching.
Editor’s Note: This transcript has been edited for clarity, length, and readability while preserving the intent and substance of the original conversation.
