Writing Desk vs Reedsy Studio
Reedsy Studio browser-based editor with clean formatting and a link to Reedsy's marketplace of editors and designers. Writing Desk is an app for Mac, iPhone and iPad with a free plan. Features include a distraction free writing environment, a Story Plotter, grammar and spelling proofreader, and tools for revising, analysing and typesetting your manuscript.
macOS 13 Ventura or later · No account required
Free to start, and your manuscript stays on your Mac
Three places where Writing Desk shortens the path from a blank page, or an existing draft, to a finished book.
Studio is a browser app, and your manuscript lives online.
Your manuscript is stored on your Mac. .docx and .md files open and save as they are.
The free plan has one planning board and 30 days of history. Unlimited boards and version history are paid add-ons.
The free plan includes the editor, Story Plotter and Proofreader.
Editorial feedback comes from hiring professionals through the marketplace.
AI editorial feedback and Prose Analysis are built into the editor, with every suggestion yours to accept or reject.
Converting a .docx or .md document to a .wddoc project makes a copy and leaves your original file as it is. How it works
At a glance
Writing Desk and Reedsy Studio side by side.
| Feature | Reedsy Studio | Writing Desk |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web only; no offline use | Mac (macOS 13 Ventura or later), plus iPhone and iPad |
| Price | Free 30 day trial and their typsetting tool remains free. Craft add-on plan costs £4.99 a month, Outlining add-on £7.99 a month | Free plan with a 30-day Premium trial; paid plans start from £8 per month for annual plans. |
| Planning | Free plan has one planning board; unlimited boards and notes on the Outlining add-on | Story Plotter with 11 templates; Story Board and Timeline on Premium |
| Formatting | Free EPUB and print PDF export, with no limit on exports | One free EPUB and print PDF export on the free plan. Unlimited exports included on paid plans. |
| Services | Marketplace of editors and designers | AI editorial reviews built in |
| Your manuscript | Online | Stored locally on your Mac |
| Collaboration | Real-time collaboration with tracked changes | Comments and suggested edits through Formatter |
Details about Reedsy Studio are accurate as of 6 October 2026, based on published reviews. Check reedsy.com for current prices and features.
See Writing Desk at work
Typeset your book in Formatter
Choose fonts, headings, drop caps and scene breaks, then export an EPUB and print PDF.
See the story on a timeline
Place scenes along a timeline and spot gaps in the plot.
Spelling and grammar as you write
Proofreading suggestions in a side panel, beside your draft.
What each does well
What does Reedsy Studio do well?
- A free editor with typeset-quality export.
- A route to hire editors and designers.
- Works from any browser.
- Real-time collaboration with tracked changes on the free plan.
What does Writing Desk add?
- Local storage with a native Mac feel.
- Editorial AI and local Prose Analysis for self-editing.
- Story Plotter templates, Timeline and Resource Hub to plan the book.
- Markdown file support for everyday writing.
Which one should you choose?
Choose Reedsy Studio if you:
- Write on Windows or a Chromebook.
- Want free formatting with no limit on exports.
- Plan to hire professionals through a marketplace.
Choose Writing Desk if you:
- Write on a Mac and want your manuscript on your own machine.
- Want planning and editorial tools in the same app.
- Like starting free and adding features as you need them.
macOS 13 Ventura or later · No account required
Can you use Reedsy Studio and Writing Desk together?
Yes. Export .docx from Writing Desk and import it into Reedsy Studio if you want its marketplace tools.
Common questions
Which is better for a first novel?
Both give you a free start. Writing Desk suits Mac writers who want planning and editing tools from day one.
Does Writing Desk export an EPUB for free?
The free plan includes one typeset EPUB and print PDF export.
Can I hire editors through Writing Desk?
No. Writing Desk gives AI editorial reviews; hiring editors happens elsewhere.
Try Writing Desk on your own manuscript.
Start a project free and see whether the planning tools suit your book.
macOS 13 Ventura or later · No account required