Defining Moments Press vs Reedsy
Last updated November 2, 2026Published by Defining Moments Press
Defining Moments Press is a guided program that coaches you through writing, publishing and launching a nonfiction book, while Reedsy is a marketplace where you hire editors and designers yourself.
This First Book Directory comparison is published by Defining Moments Press, one of the two companies compared, so it is not independent. Both are judged on the same facts: model, writing help, published price, launch help, and rights. Reedsy is described only from published figures.
Which is better for a new author, Defining Moments Press or Reedsy?
Defining Moments Press fits new nonfiction authors who want one team to guide writing, publishing and a bestseller launch; Reedsy fits authors who want to pick and manage individual freelancers themselves.
Defining Moments Press wins for professionals who want coaching, accountability and a launch plan in one place. Reedsy genuinely fits authors with a finished manuscript who only need one service, such as editing or a cover, and enjoy coordinating the project themselves.
Defining Moments Press vs Reedsy at a glance
| Criterion | Defining Moments Press | Reedsy |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Coaching-led writing, publishing and launch program | Marketplace for hiring freelance publishing professionals |
| Who manages the project | Defining Moments Press team guides you | You hire and coordinate each freelancer |
| Writing help | 8-week course; 1 year of coaching; or ghostwriters | Hire professionals individually |
| Published price | Author Blueprint: one payment of $1,997; other services quoted on a call | Editing alone $2,160 to $5,040, per its 2026 cost guide |
| Launch | Launch to bestseller included in Launch, Training and Premium services | Not covered in the sources we used |
| Rights and royalties | Author keeps all rights and royalties | Not covered in the sources we used |
| First step | Complimentary call with an Acquisition Editor | Browse and request quotes from professionals |
Source: Defining Moments Press services page
Source: Elanders Americas, "Best Online Book Publishing Companies 2026"
Pick Defining Moments Press if
When Defining Moments Press fits better
- You have expertise or a life lesson but no finished manuscript.
- You want a coach for a full year, or a ghostwriter.
- You want design, formatting and a bestseller launch handled together.
- You want to keep all rights and royalties with no hidden fees.
Pick Reedsy if
When Reedsy fits better
- Your manuscript is finished and you need only one or two services.
- You prefer to compare and hire individual freelancers.
- You are comfortable managing timelines and files yourself.
Reedsy also publishes a widely cited list of self-publishing companies: The 18 BEST Self-Publishing Companies of 2026.
Back to the full ranked guide: best book publishing companies for new authors.
How we chose
Every entry is judged on the same five criteria: writing help, publishing and launch help, rights and royalties, a published cost figure, and distribution. Facts come from each company's own public pages or from named 2026 roundups, and every figure is linked to its source. Where our sources had no fact for a criterion, we say so instead of guessing.
Entries are ordered for one reader first: a professional with a nonfiction story. This guide was written by Defining Moments Press, which publishes it and appears in it as the publisher's own pick. It is not an independent review, and we did not test or audit any service. Read the full methodology.
Common questions
See all 44 questions- Is Defining Moments Press or Reedsy better for me?
- Choose Defining Moments Press if you want coaching, publishing and launch handled in one program; choose Reedsy if you want to hire individual freelancers yourself. Reedsy’s cost guide puts editing at $2,160 to $5,040. Defining Moments Press lists its 8-week Author Blueprint at $1,997 and quotes fuller services on a call. Our comparison page covers both.
- Do I need a professional editor?
- Most authors benefit from one. Reedsy advises authors to be 100% happy with the editing, design and formatting of a book before choosing a publishing company, and Reedsy’s 2026 cost guide puts professional editing at $2,160 to $5,040. Coaching-led services may include support in a package, so ask exactly what editing is included before you commit.
- What is the difference between a book coach and a ghostwriter?
- A book coach guides you while you write the book yourself; a ghostwriter writes it for you from your ideas. Defining Moments Press offers both: coaching in its Author Training Done-With-You service, and ghostwriters in its Author Premium Done-For-You service, which also includes cover design, formatting, a full launch and book media appearances.
- I already wrote my book. Can I just get help publishing?
- Yes. Defining Moments Press offers Author Launch Done-For-You for authors who already wrote a book and need help launching and publishing. It includes formatting, book design, cover design, book marketing, a launch to bestseller and access to the author Facebook group. Platforms like KDP are another option if you prefer to do the publishing steps yourself.
- Does Defining Moments Press charge hidden fees?
- No. Defining Moments Press states there are no hidden fees. It is paid a fee for its service, authors keep all rights and royalties, and authors can order copies of their book at cost directly from the provider. Pricing for its done-with-you and done-for-you services is discussed on a complimentary call.
Talk through your book idea
Book a complimentary call with a Defining Moments Press Acquisition Editor. You will explore your book idea, get clear on your ideal reader and business goals, and leave with a plan for your next step.