WEbook: Collaboration in the writing and publishing industry

November 29th, 2008 in News, by Head Honcho

In a cutthroat industry like the world of publication, a writer doesn’t have it easy.

If you are an aspiring writer trying your luck in traditional publication, you have to go through several ordeals. You first have to write a really good manuscript (which means you have already proofread and copyread your work by yourself or by a well-meaning friend). Then, you have to find an agent, although it sits in a “slush pile” for about a year before the agent pays attention to it. If your agent sees potential in your work, he will send your novel to several editors until someone likes it, and buys it. It is only at that point when you can sign a contract with the publisher.

It all sounds daunting for a first-time writer. But there is another alternative for getting your book published; one that makes online collaboration work to the writers’ advantage. Enter
WEbook.com, an online platform that blends traditional writing workshops with Web 2.0 functionality.

Inspired by Web 2.0 pioneers, WEbook likewise uses crowdsourcing to its advantage. It is a place where writers, reviewers, and other collaborators join forces to create great works of literature. It cultivates lively writing groups, and it is a breeding ground to recognize untapped talent. What’s more, members themselves write, read, and decide which books get published.

WEbook offers several benefits for its members. By signing up, you can have a great platform for you to pen your thoughts in a dynamic web environment. You can work on a public project or start a private project with a group of your friends and benefit from their input. Also, the large pool of members can give you instant feedback on your writing. You’ll possibly enjoy the fame, pride, and that nice warm feeling you get inside when you do something you’ve always dreamed of. More importantly, posting your work at WEbook gives you a shot at being published. Members vote for the top 10, and the top vote-getters are carefully considered by WEbook for publication. If your work is chosen, you can receive 50% of all profits generated from the sale.

TechCrunch’s Don Reisinger notes that so far, it looks like WEbook’s efforts are working, as the visitor count is on the rise. The robust writing community of WEbook is an indication that the crowdsourcing can create a niche even in a traditional environment like the publishing industry.

Here is a pitch of Sue Heilbronner, WEbook president, explaining how the crowdsourcing, writing and publishing can go hand in hand.