Reedsy vs Bookfairy: editing a non-fiction book
The same task on both sides: an 80,000-word non-fiction manuscript, edited and proofread. Reedsy prices are the averages Reedsy publishes for its marketplace.
Short answer
For 80,000 words Bookfairy charges $118.80, final proofread included, shown as soon as you upload the manuscript.
- $118.80 for 80,000 wordsProofread included, price shown after upload.
- Reedsy averages$2,160 for a copy edit plus $1,600 for a proofread; each editor's quote sets the final price.
- First 3,000 words freeEdited at no cost.
Book editing compared
Compared task: edit and proofread a non-fiction manuscript of 80,000 words.
| Feature |  | Reedsy Marketplace (freelance editor) |
|---|---|---|
| Price for 80,000 words | $118.80990 tokens (tier L, up to 100,000 words), final proofread included | $2,160 for a copy edit plus $1,600 for a proofread, on average1 |
| Final proofread | Included, a last pass after the edit | A separate service, $1,600 on average for 80,000 words1 |
| Price known | As soon as the manuscript is uploaded and counted | After you request quotes from up to five editors, based on your sample pages2 |
| Before you pay | First 3,000 words fully edited, every change explained | Editors look at your sample pages to give you a tailored quote2 |
| Print cover with spine | $12.00100 tokens: front, spine and back, with the barcode and publisher logo on the back as a print-ready PDF | $930 median for a professional cover design; spine and back for print can add to the quote1 |
As of 8 November 2026. Reedsy prices are the averages published by Reedsy, in US dollars.
Reedsy, ProWritingAid, 99designs, Atticus and Vellum are trademarks of their respective owners. Bookfairy is not affiliated with them.
Where the difference lies
- A tool: upload the manuscript, see the price for its word count, start
- Copy edit and final proofread run as one job
- Every change marked and explained
Reedsy
- A marketplace: you choose editors, request quotes and agree terms with each one2
What you pay for one book
- 80,000 words: $118.80990 tokens (up to 100,000 words), final proofread included
- Up to 30,000 words: $46.80390 tokens; up to 60,000: $82.80690 tokens
- All prices on the price list
Reedsy
- Average $2,160 for a copy edit plus $1,600 for a proofread of 80,000 words1
How the edit works
- Upload the manuscript; the words are counted and the price is shown.
- The first 3,000 words come back edited for free.
- If you go on, the editing checks spelling and grammar, style, sense and logic, facts and sources.
- A final proofread reads everything once more.
- You accept or reject each change and download the edited manuscript.
After the edit
- Print cover with front, spine and back, with the barcode and publisher logo on the back, $12.00100 tokens
- Translate the cover (same look, other language) $4.8040 tokens, new trim size $2.4020 tokens, audiobook cover $2.4020 tokens, swapping barcode and logo on the back $1.2010 tokens, changes in words $1.2010 tokens
- Typeset print PDF and EPUB, each paid per book
Frequently asked
Is Bookfairy cheaper than an editor on Reedsy?
For an 80,000-word non-fiction book, Bookfairy charges $118.80 with the final proofread included. Reedsy lists averages of $2,160 for a copy edit and $1,600 for a proofread (as of November 2026).
When do I know the Bookfairy price?
As soon as the manuscript is uploaded and counted. The tier depends only on the word count: up to 30,000, 60,000 or 100,000 words.
Is the proofread extra at Bookfairy?
No. A final proofread is part of every edit at Bookfairy.
Do I keep control over the changes with Bookfairy?
Yes. Every change is marked with a reason in the margin. You accept or reject each one, then download the manuscript.
Can I see a Bookfairy sample first?
Yes. The first 3,000 words are edited free, so you can judge the result on your own text before you pay.
Sources (6)
- Reedsy, How much does it cost to self-publish a book (average costs for an 80,000-word book, accessed 7 Nov 2026). reedsy.com/blog/cost-to-self-publish-a-book/
- Reedsy, Editing services and how it works (accessed 7 Nov 2026). reedsy.com/editing
- ProWritingAid, Pricing, US view in USD (archived copy of 5 Oct 2026, checked 8 Nov 2026). prowritingaid.com/pricing
- 99designs, Book cover design, US packages, prices exclude sales tax (page as of 27 Oct 2026, checked 8 Nov 2026). 99designs.com/book-cover-design
- Atticus, Home page (accessed 7 Nov 2026). atticus.io/
- Vellum, Home page, US prices in USD, excluding tax (checked 8 Nov 2026). vellum.pub/