It's basically a social network site for amateur writers, owned by HarperCollins, where authors-to-be upload their finished manuscripts. Readers rate and judge the different manuscripts, and then the editing staff at HarperCollins look at the best recommended and decide whether they're publishable.
Apparently it's the new way of getting through the piles of unsolicited material publishing companies get sent.
Don't believe it? Three authonomy authors have had their manuscripts snapped up by HarperCollins simply through this website.
From the site itself:
authonomyTM 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 Whether you’re unpublished, self-published or just getting started, all you need is a few chapters to start building your profile online, and start connecting with the authonomy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.
The publishing world is changing. One thing’s for sure: whether you’re a reader, writer, agent or publisher, this is an exciting time for books. In our corner of HarperCollins we’ve been given a chance to do something a little different.
We’d really love your help.
NOTE: I should point out this is only for writers over 18.
It doesn't cost anything.
It's not some sort of scam. This is real publishing. A new type of publishing. You don't have to be from the UK, you just have to write in English.
There's an FAQ on the site if you need more info/have more questions.
I just thought it was pretty cool. Will we seek FREAK on there soon?
Thanks for sharing, Jack!
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