A book marketplace with the process built in
Both TUW and Reedsy are marketplaces where customers choose their writer. Reedsy's ghostwriting page says customers agree terms and timelines with the professional, while TUW's software runs the book process from writing through editing and final approval.
Last updated: November 2026
See how your book moves through TUW
The app starts each stage after the previous stage is approved. You follow the work in your order without passing files between people.
- 1WritingYour writer
Your writer works on the manuscript linked to your order.
- 2Draft reviewYou
You review the draft and approve it or request changes.
- 3Originality reportTUW app
The app scans for originality, and you review the report.
- 4EditingYour editor
Your editor copy edits and proofreads with Essential Editing, included in book-writing packages.
- 5Quality reviewQuality team
The quality team reviews the final content.
- 6Final approvalYou
You review the finished book and approve it to complete your order.
One book project
Your writing, outline, cover, formatting and description orders stay together in one dashboard project. You can check each order's progress.
Your Action Items
Your Action Items list shows approvals and freelancer extension requests. Notifications tell you when something needs your attention.
Dates and holds
Each freelancer has a due date. You can hold work twice, for 10 days total, and all due dates advance by the hold days.
Feedback on your order
Follow the live manuscript and comment beside the text. Your order chat keeps conversations with your writer, editor and quality editors together.
Why customers choose TUW for their book
Customers rate writers 4.87 out of 5 on book-writing orders, across 8,352 ratings.
Choose your writer
Review each writer's customer ratings, samples and completed orders before choosing. You can chat or video chat first, and our team can help.
A separate editor, included
Every book-writing package includes Essential Editing. A separate editor copy edits and proofreads your book.
Follow your book's progress
Follow your book in a live document, leave comments and chat with your writer. Review your manuscript's originality report before editing begins.
Keep ownership and copyrights
You own all delivered content and keep all copyrights. Every freelancer signs away their rights to the work.
Reedsy vs The Urban Writers
Compare how you choose your writer, set up the project and review the work. Check what each package or agreement includes before you commit.
What is Reedsy?
Reedsy describes itself on its website as a marketplace of freelance publishing professionals. Its pages explain that customers request quotes from up to five professionals, who set their own fees and send custom quotes after reviewing the brief.
What is The Urban Writers?
The Urban Writers is a marketplace for book services with the book process built in. Customers post projects, search freelancers and choose who they work with. Book-writing packages include a separate editor, revision rounds, a live document for collaboration, an originality report, a quality check and an approval window.
How to hire your writer on TUW
You choose who to hire, follow the work and give feedback directly to your writer or editor.
Post your project
Describe your book on the order form. Posting is free. Writers or editors can request your project, and you can invite a freelancer.
Choose your freelancer
Review profiles, ratings, samples and completed orders. Chat with applicants and choose your writer or editor before paying. Our team can help you choose.
Follow the work
Watch your writer or editor work in a live online document. Add comments and feedback directly to the manuscript. Each order also has a freelancer chat.
Review your manuscript
When your manuscript arrives, approve it or highlight text and leave comments for revisions. Revision allowances depend on the service and, for book writing, writer level.
Customer reviews of TUW writers
Read what customers say about working with TUW writers, then compare ratings and samples on individual profiles.
I have worked with Chloe before, and hope to again. Chloe is excellent in every way. Communication could not be better; I am never waiting for anything. Chloe keeps me up to date on what is happening now and what will happen next. The style and content of my book are of the highest standard, and that will be proven by the reviews I receive on Amazon ( as with my previous book). Thank you, Chloe!
Richard A.Religion & spirituality customerRaver, was amazing throughout the entire process. She fixed every detail immediately and kept me informed every step of the way, sharing the process from start to finish. Her support was invaluable, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Kyle F.Contemporary romance customerIt was absolutely wonderful and very patient with me as we went through the brainstorming process and several iterations. I can't tell you how much I appreciated having a pro like her on my side. Thank you for everything Eliza!
Timothy S.Self-help book customerEvie is professional, timely, always supportive and understanding. Her writing expertise is invaluable and I truly appreciate Evie's collaborative nature. Thank you again, Evie. I am very grateful to you.
Rebecca M.Children's story customerIt was amazing working with Jay. Not only does his expertise show in the quality of the book, but he also successfully understands and adopts your vision to transform it into a final masterpiece. Thank you very much.
Juan Esteban B.Self-help book customerExcellent writing, and communication throughout the process. He finished the project ahead of schedule.
Jordan S.Historical fiction customerI've worked with Rachel on several projects now, and it's always a pleasure. She has written some excellent books for me, and her communication and adherence to schedule have always been wonderful.
Denise B.Book writing customerShe was so communicative during the whole project. SHe is so smart and creative. Love how she was able to write my book how i wanted :) will be using her again. :)
Xiomara M.Romance novel customerThis is my second time working with Mood. And certainly wont be the last. If you want to work with a true professional, someone who delivers on time, and a pleasure to work with, Mood is the one!
Ronnie B.Self-help book customerWhat a joy to work with! Frances was very responsive and understanding of what I needed. Thank you!
Linda D.Contemporary romance customerVanca Hope is very professional, communicates well, and did an excellent job on my project. I couldn't be happier with the results I will use Vanca again in the future.
Nancy J.Children's story customerThank you so much for another brilliant project, Kalima. Always happy to work with you :)
Alberto B.Book writing customerKnow your book's price before you start
TUW examples use set package rates. Reedsy examples use its published average plus the 10% customer fee in its fees FAQ.
Ghostwriting an 80,000-word book
TUW: Rising to Finance & Tech: $3,304 to $5,280, including Essential Editing.
Reedsy: Reedsy's ghostwriting page and fees FAQ: $36,000 average in 2025 + $3,600 client fee = $39,600.
Editing an 80,000-word book
TUW: Essential Editing $1,840. Line Editing $2,160. Developmental Editing $2,480.
Reedsy: Reedsy's editing page and fees FAQ: copyediting plus proofreading $4,136, developmental $3,168, including 10% client fees.
TUW price list and Reedsy's ghostwriting page, 2025 average, and editing page, 2026 averages, read November 2, 2026. Reedsy's fees FAQ updated June 10, 2024. Totals calculated for 80,000 words.
Choose how you want to work
The Urban Writers and Reedsy are both marketplaces where customers choose their freelancer. Reedsy's website explains that customers agree on terms and a timeline with their chosen professional. TUW is for customers who want the book process set up for them, with editing, revision rounds and quality checks built in.
Common questions
How does TUW manage my book project compared with Reedsy?
TUW runs writing, draft review, originality review, editing, quality review and final approval in its app. Each stage starts after the previous stage is approved, and Action Items show what needs you. Reedsy's ghostwriting page says customers agree terms and timelines with their chosen professional. Confirm how editing handoffs, reminders and pauses would work for your Reedsy project.
What is a good alternative to Reedsy for a ghostwriter?
The Urban Writers is a strong Reedsy alternative where you choose your ghostwriter using customer ratings, samples and completed orders. Writers average 4.87 out of 5 on book-writing orders. Every book-writing package includes Essential Editing by a separate editor. You own all delivered content and keep all copyrights.
How do TUW and Reedsy ghostwriting prices compare?
TUW's set packages cost $41.30 to $66 per 1,000 words, shown before paying, with Essential Editing by a separate editor included. Reedsy's ghostwriting page reports a 2025 average of $450 per 1,000 words. Its fees FAQ lists a 10% customer fee. That average is a reference point, and your writer provides a custom quote for your brief.
Does Reedsy charge fees?
Reedsy's fees FAQ says it takes a 20% commission on each collaboration, split between the professional and customer. The professional pays 10%, and the customer pays 10%. On a $36,000 quote, that customer fee would add $3,600.
Can I choose my writer on TUW?
You choose your writer after reviewing profiles, ratings, samples and completed orders. Post a project for free and review requests from freelancers, or invite a writer yourself. You can chat or video chat before choosing, and the TUW team can help.
Is editing included with TUW ghostwriting?
Every TUW book-writing package includes Essential Editing at no extra cost: a human copy edit and proofread. Line Editing is an upgrade at $0.95 per 100 words. Standalone Developmental Editing provides manuscript comments and a written assessment.
Who owns the book I order from TUW?
You own all delivered content and keep all copyrights. Every TUW freelancer signs away their rights to that content.
How do TUW and Reedsy handle problems or refunds?
TUW allows refund requests within 90 days of purchase, with a possible full refund before work starts and a progress-based partial refund afterward. Fulfilled orders are not refundable. Reedsy's project protection page says it mediates disputes and may issue partial or full refunds based on its findings. Reedsy also says it is not a party to the contract.
Plan your book and budget
Ghostwriting services
See how TUW helps you work with a writer on your book.
Ghostwriting cost
Compare writer levels, standard prices and what's included.
Book editing cost
Compare Essential Editing, Line Editing and Developmental Editing prices.
Reedsy alternatives for your book
Compare six places to hire a ghostwriter or book editor, including prices and customer fees.
Find a writer for your book
Post a Project for free, compare writer profiles and talk through your book before choosing.