The digital era has seen a paradigm shift in various industries, and the world of publishing is no exception. Traditional publishing houses are facing increasing challenges in adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the digital age. In the midst of this disruption, a new website, Unbound.com, has emerged as a game-changing platform that is revolutionizing the way books are published and crowdfunded.
Unbound.com, dubbed the “Kickstarter for books,” is a crowdfunding platform that allows authors to connect directly with readers and bypass the traditional publishing gatekeepers. Launched in 2011 by three industry veterans, John Mitchinson, Justin Pollard, and Dan Kieran, Unbound.com provides a space where authors can pitch their book ideas to a community of readers who can choose to financially support and champion the projects they believe in.
The concept behind Unbound.com is simple yet groundbreaking. Authors submit their book proposals, along with sample chapters, to Unbound.com’s editorial team. Once approved, the projects are launched on the website, and readers can pledge their support by pre-ordering the book or opting for higher-tier rewards, such as signed copies or exclusive merchandise. Only when the funding goal is reached, does the author receive the necessary financial backing to bring their book to life.
What sets Unbound.com apart from traditional publishing models is its emphasis on fostering a direct relationship between authors and readers. Throughout the crowdfunding campaign, authors are encouraged to engage with their supporters through regular updates, exclusive content, and even personal events. This sense of community and collaboration creates a unique bond between author and reader, offering an exciting and interactive experience that goes beyond the pages of a book.
Unbound.com has already seen remarkable success stories. One notable example is the award-winning novel, “The Wake” by Paul Kingsnorth, which was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2014. Thanks to Unbound.com, this unconventional historical novel, written in a pitch-perfect approximation of Old English, found a supportive audience that enabled its publication against the odds. This success story illustrates the power of Unbound.com in championing unique and innovative voices that may have otherwise been overlooked by mainstream publishers.
In addition to transforming the publishing landscape, Unbound.com offers a much-needed lifeline to niche genres and non-fiction topics that typically struggle to find representation in traditional publishing. By tapping into the power of crowdfunding, the platform enables authors to bypass the profit-driven decisions of publishers and allows readers to actively shape the books they want to see in the world.
Unbound.com is more than just a publishing platform. It is a movement that empowers authors and readers alike, offering an alternative vision for the future of books. Through the platform’s highly engaged community, Unbound.com fosters a sense of inclusivity, enabling readers from all walks of life to discover and support exciting new voices.
As we navigate an ever-evolving digital landscape, Unbound.com stands as a bold and innovative solution to the challenges facing publishing today. By democratizing the publishing process and putting the power in the hands of authors and readers, Unbound.com is reshaping the way books are brought to life, ensuring that compelling stories find their rightful place in the world.
Link to the website: unbound.com
