A shameless plug for Authonomy

[eggie1978.livejournal.com]

Hello everyone! First, I'd just like to say that I don't usually promote websites. I really don't unless it's my own or someone I've worked with on projects. But listen up. If you have a manuscript you're working on that you considered publishing, and it's at least 10,000 words, upload it to Authonomy.com. It doesn't matter if it's completed or you stopped writing it because you thought it sucked. Is it 10,000 words? Upload it anyway and get critique and support from fellow writers. Authonomy is a website for writers, editors, publishers, and readers, and it's created by the editors at HarperCollins publisher. They're looking for the best writers, and each month they review manuscripts from top ranking books. Some people have already been offered contracts for book deals. I signed up two days ago thanks to my LJ friend green9monster. He told me about the site because he has a book The Legend of Jimmy Gollihue, and he raved about the networking possibilities. I have to say...he was right. My book A Rose to the Fallen is already on people's bookshelves and watchlists. I've had people leave me messages and comments on my book as well. I sparked people's interest; both women and men which is surprising because my book is a romance. Normally I don't get a lot of male readers. I'm really shocked that people have responded so quickly. My book keeps going up in the ranks which is awesome! So, if you decide to join, I hope to see you around. As with any publishing site, always read the FAQ if you have concerns.

-cross posting-

Comments

[okmewriting.livejournal.com]

Some people have already been offered contracts for book deals.
The three people who have received book deals all queried in the normal fashion - via agents or submitting to the slush pile. The fact they happen to be members of the site is purely a coincidence that authonomy has not exactly been keen to point out. The initial notice was a touch misleading to say the least.

Authonomy is a good site if all you are interested in is networking. You have to spend a lot of time promoting your book to make sure it goes up the rankings. I think there was someone from the gaming community who was using youtube to encourage people to push his works up the rankings.

[eggie1978.livejournal.com]

This plug isn't to give the impression that if you upload your work, you'll get published. In Authonomy's FAQ, they explain how your book gets to the HarperCollins Editor's Desk and what can happen in regards to publishing. This plug is for networking and support for your manuscript. Very similar to LiveJournal except they have the ranking system and book shelving function similar to Shelfari. If ranking in Authonomy is a priority, then yes...you'll have to heavily promote your work and read other people's books as well. I've learned that some people only do the 'swap reads' thing. Regardless of the actual publishing possibilities, it's an effective networking site and a good place to get writing support.

[wilygriffin.livejournal.com]

Wow, thanks for the great info! I've been holding my ms close because I'm a first time writer and the work isn’t anywhere near completion. I’ve been a bit paranoid about putting it out there, but this looks like an excellent place to get helpful critiques. Do the authors retain all rights (until the work is under contract?)

[eggie1978.livejournal.com]

Hello! That's good you're joining. Hope to see you there. Here's what Authonomy says under their FAQ's (http://authonomy.com/FAQ.aspx) about authors' rights:

What rights do I give up by submitting to authonomy?

None. You will have to grant us a very specific licence to display the book on the authonomy site, but that’s it. We won’t ask for a ‘first option’ to publish or take away any of your rights of ownership, and you can continue to submit to publishers and agents by other methods.