Where to, for real pages?
Talk to ten writers about the future of books in the digital age, and you’re bound to get ten different answers, although they will likely all involve thoughts on eBooks and self-publishing. The evolution of technology has put the traditional publishing model in an interesting position: authors can publish and promote themselves from their couch, and it’s becoming a nice creative project in itself.
Enter publishing platform Tablo, who have partnered with Momentum (the digital arm of major Australian publishing house Pan Macmillan) to uncover the next generation of bestselling authors. In what could be the start of an entirely new publishing model, Tablo will make a first ever attempt to spot future bestselling authors while they’re still writing their books.
A Draft of Democratic Denotation
Tablo, an online platform where authors can publish their books progressively, will be handing the five most promising books on its platform to Momentum for review at the end of November. Often likened to ‘YouTube for authors’, Tablo allows authors to publish their books and connect with readers. Readers can discover emerging books and authors can build up a loyal fanbase, allowing potential bestsellers to be spotted before the author has even published their final work.
Ash Davies, author and 21 year-old CEO of Tablo thinks his company gives budding writers a great opportunity to get their work out there. “This is a huge opportunity for emerging authors. Every author has a level playing field and the passion of readers will decide which books have the chance to be published,” said Davies. “It’s the closest we’ve come to a democratised publishing model. Online platforms like Tablo make it incredibly easy for writers to publish their work and for readers to discover their next favourite book. Incredible musicians have been uncovered on platforms like YouTube and, this month, we’ll be uncovering the next generation of talented writers on Tablo.”
Get Your Words on the Web
The concept is fascinating. Writers from all over the world can put their works-in-progress online, and get feedback and encouragement from their readers. In this sense, the publishing process is truly democratic, although there are potential risks involved too. For one, popular sentiment is far from a fool-proof barometer of real quality, unless you define quality simply by number of sales (think Dan Brown). For another, you’ve got to read off a computer screen, which might discourage longer-term investment in a novel. But these are trifling concerns when one considers the possibilities.
Right, enough freelancing. I’m off to Tablo to be famous. Watch this space.
