Today we’ll be taking a look at Bibliocrunch and Pubslush, two unique book publishing platforms, that help authors professionally publish their works. However, there’s definite differences between the two platforms, so we’ve got to grips with both and listed their pros and cons.
While Bibliocrunch originally began life as a digital publishing platform, the company has now pivoted to connect authors, publishers and freelancers. Bibliocrunch now offers an online marketplace, where authors and publishers can post details of their project and their budget, which can then be taken up by freelancers. Currently, Bibliocrunch helps authors and publishers source freelancers for the following tasks:
- Editing
- Conversion and Proofing
- Layout and Design
- Enhanced Features
- eBook Apps
- Fact Checking
- Marketing
- Distribution
The service even offers a way for authors to connect with agents. Currently in beta, Bibliocrunch is now open to professionals who wish to try out the service. Bibliocrunch’s CEO, Miral Sattar has made clear that the freelancers listed on the marketplace are vetted – and notes that the platform has managed to attract some serious talent already:
“Our participating freelancers include e-book professionals with backgrounds from Harper Collins, Bloomsbury, Random House, Time Magazine, New York Times and several university presses.”
Bibliocrunch still offers its original distribution package for ebook authors – either through the Bibliocrunch ebook store, or for a small fee, wider distribution through Amazon, Nook and Kobo – the focus is now very much on the new marketplace. Offering a unique connection point between authors and publishing professionals, Bibliocrunch allows self-published writers the chance to tap into the same resources as large publishing houses. This can only be a good thing for the reader, as even on a limited budget, the author can put together a professional reading experience. As The Digital Reader has pointed out, like it or not, aspects such as cover design are a big purchase point for would-be readers.
Moving onto Pubslush, this ‘Kickstarter-esque’ publishing platform crowdsources funding for books. Authors publish a short manuscript and it’s up to potential readers to back the project with their cash. Once a book has 1,000 pledgers, the book will be published by Pubslush, and they’ll donate a book to a child in need, as part of their partnership with charities such as Flying Kites. Pledgers are under no committal to buy until it’s been backed by at least 999 others and, once published, authors receive 35% of subsidiary rights.
However, there’s a few problems with Pubslush’s model. There’s the aggressive contract terms – expertly covered by Writer Beware – which have some concerning guidelines on out of print work. There’s also the question of crowdfunding books. When it comes down to the platform’s core focus, there’s little separating Pubslush and Kickstarter; while Pubslush is specifically for writers, Kickstarter has already funded a wide-range of book projects and arguably has less stringent terms.
So, while there’s more upfront cost involved with Bibliocrunch – and no guarantee of finding a solid readership – authors can rest assured that they’re relatively in control of their work. With Pubslush, however, there’s a fantastic crowdfunding feature, but some arguably pretty strict contract terms.
Admittedly, these services each seem to have a different ethos and focus, but both aim to connect authors to professionals and readers, which can’t be a bad thing.
Get Updates Direct to your Inbox
sending...