After my first visit to Authonomy, I am left with more questions than answers.
They define themselves as a social networking site for aspiring writers and book lovers.
Does the fact that Authonomy was launched by Harper Collins prevent them from achieving what they claim?
The statement that they are "on a mission to flush out the brightest, freshest new writing talent around" sounds like a toilet in action rather than about books.
Their introduction tells us that:
"authonomy is a brand new community site for writers, readers and publishers, conceived and developed by book editors at HarperCollins. We want to flush out the brightest,
freshest new literature around – we’re glad you stopped by.If you’re a writer, authonomy is the place to show your face – and show off your work on the web. Whether you’re unpublished, self-published or just getting started, all you need is a few chapters to start building your profile online, and start connecting with the authonomy community.
And if you’re a reader, blogger publisher or agent, authonomy is for you too. The book world is kept alive by those who search out, digest and spread the word about
the best new books – authonomy invites you to join our community, champion the best new writing and build a personal profile that really reflects your tastes, opinions and talent-spotting skills."
Is it just a cost efficient way to clear manuscripts from the desks of book editors.
This is what Jean Hannah Edelstein suggests in How to outsource the slush pile (Book Blog,The Guardian, May 2008).
An illustration of how Consumed to Thrifty applies in the Corporate Publishing World.
Many aspiring writers who have some talent might have a better chance to find/create an audience through a blog. They also get a chance that way to flex their writing muscles on a regular basis.
My 2 cents!
Recent Book Bit: Coloring Books for Grown Ups from Origami to Anatomy for Tokyo Thursdays