If you’ve visited this blog recently, you might have read that I recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the release of my novel, The Disappeared, with a publisher called Unbound.
You can find out more or a buy a copy here.
Since I’ve been running my campaign, one thing has come up again and again.
Who are Unbound and what’s this crowdfunding thing all about?
Unbound was started in 2011 by three men who believed that the traditional publishing industry was making it hard for writers to get their work to readers. They wanted to give writers the tools, support and freedom to bring their ideas to life.
How does it work?
Unlike more traditional publishers, writers don’t have to have an agent to submit to Unbound, although many do. Once Unbound have read the manuscript and offered the writer a publishing contract, a crowdfunding campaign is launched.
Each project will need to raise a different amount, depending on the type and format of the book. For instance, you’ll need to raise more money to release a hardback than a paperback.
Supporting the book is a bit like buying an advance copy. The reader makes a pledge and their name is listed in the back of the finished book as a supporter. Once it’s published, they’ll receive their copy in the post, or to download if it’s an e-book.
Isn’t it just self-publishing?
Nope. Unbound are a publishing house with a team of editors just like other publishers. Their crowdfunding model gives readers the chance to choose the kinds of book they would like to read.
Who publishes with Unbound?
Unbound have published a wide range of books, from fiction to memoir to poetry. Some of their authors – like me – are brand new, while others have published a number of books in the past. One of their most recognised books is The Good Immigrant, which was edited by Nikesh Shukla and was voted as the British public’s favourite book of 2016 at the Books Are My Bag Readers Awards. Another book, The Wake by Paul Kingsnorth, was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
But rather than talk again about my book, I thought I’d introduce you to some of the other authors who are currently crowdfunding with Unbound.
I was fascinated to hear each of their stories about why they chose Unbound.
Apple Island Wife, by Fiona Stocker
What’s it about?
Escaping to Tasmania for adventures in food and living, with a husband who wants to be an alpaca whisperer, and a feral cockerel for company.
Why publish with Unbound?
I heard about Unbound on Radio 4’s Books and Authors programme, where Mariella Frostrup always has me at hello. It seemed like an eminently sensible idea, in a world where mainstream publishers hold onto writers by the short and curlies without offering them any advantage. I believe what the three writers who set up Unbound believe – that mainstream publishing leaves vast numbers of books and writers unpublished when they are in fact worthy of a readership.
My book got representation by Australia’s biggest literary agent and went to eight publishers who all loved it, and still nobody offered a contract. Unbound have been helpful and positive so far, and also prompt, something the mainstream crowd definitely are not. And I like all of that.
Dear Mr. Pop Star, by Derek and Dave Philpott
What’s it about?
Deliberately deranged and hilarious letters to famous music stars of all genres from punk to pop to ‘prog’, with equally witty genuine responses from the artists, published with full consent. In almost every case contact was made with the artist avoiding official channels via our network of fans on Facebook
Why publish with Unbound?
We have had many approaches over the years to compile these letters into a book. Having investigated all possibilities, we eventually decided that by far the best method of doing so was to do it ourselves, via the crowdfunding route under the invaluable wing of Unbound. Some publishers in the distant past have insisted that some letters be ‘toned down’, leaving us with a tome twisted beyond all recognition and certainly not one that we would have wanted to put our names to. With Unbound not only do we retain full creative control; the nightmare of paying for and overseeing proofreaders, editorial, printing, postage admin is a burden taken from us and we also benefit from distribution channels and advantages virtually closed to the self-published author. Just as crucially, this wonderful organic process, nurtured to fruition by family, friends and fans from social media sites, together continues in an organic form.
Night Driver, by Marcelle Perks
What’s it about?
In Night Driver a nervous driver is pitted against a truck-driving serial killer. Germany’s most notorious serial killer Fritz Haarmann is brought back from the dead by a man who thinks he is the murderer reincarnated.
Why publish with Unbound?
For six years I’ve tried to get Night Driver published. I am represented by the US’s biggest literary agency, Trident Media, it nearly got picked up by two of the big six US publishers but the marketing department felt that the German setting (without Nazis) would be hard to sell to Americans. Since 2012, I’ve been contacting Indie publishers myself. Three times I received a contract, but always something happened so that the book was not published: one publisher went bust, one we turned down, one got tired by the slowness of my agency.
For the last few years I’ve been pondering self-publishing and I have paid for a structural and line edit and a cover, but was nervous about getting distribution. When Unbound was interested I happened to be in London and went to meet them. When I mentioned all my ideas for publicity they didn’t mind me pitching in (something a big publisher would never allow) and so I feel I have the best of both worlds: some degree of control and freedom and the safety of working with a company with lots of staff and a large distributor. That is if the crowdfunding goes as planned!
Deep Down There, by Oli Jacobs
What’s it about?
One morning the residents of Anton Court find a mysterious hole in their garden. As it sits there, resisting all attempts to cover or fill it, the residents begin to unleash their darkest obsessions.
Why publish with Unbound?
I chose Unbound on the recommendation of my friend and fellow author, Stuart Ashen. As an upcoming UK publisher with a growing pedigree, at first I found myself struggling for the right tale to submit. However, an open pitch on Twitter found me submitting Deep Down There, and now the book is available via the site. As someone who has self-published for the past five years, this is an exciting step in my writing career, and I look forward to working with Unbound in the future.
A Murder to Die For, by Stevyn Colgan
What’s it about?
Someone is murdered at a murder mystery festival where everyone – the victim, suspects and witnesses – are all dressed as the same fictional detective. And they all want to solve the crime before the police do…
Why publish with Unbound?
I’ve been published by traditional publishers (Faber, Pan Macmillan etc.) and I have an agent. However, the industry has become terribly risk-averse in recent years and, it seems, it’s only ‘dead certs’ like celeb books or TV tie-ins that interest them these days. Unbound allows me to write the kinds of books I want to write and lets the readers decide what they want to read. They put their faith and their money in projects they like the look of. Consequently, I’ve now done four books with Unbound and am soon launching a campaign for my fifth.
Domini Mortum, by Paul Holbrook
What’s it about?
A Victorian supernatural murder mystery. In 1883, Samuel Weaver is an illustrator and journalist for the Illustrated Police News who investigates a series of grisly murders begin in the Paddington area of London. Imagine if Hammer Films from the 60s and 70s wrote a novel, this would be it.
Why publish with Unbound?
I chose Unbound because of others’ experience with them mainly. A friend of mine, EO Higgins, had recently had his novel published through them and, after attending the launch party and meeting some of the Unbound staff, I decided that they were the people to be with. Small enough to be personable and human, but with enough knowledge and understanding of the publishing business to help me to get my book out there.
If you’re interested in any of the books featured in this post, please do go and check them out. The authors all need the support of lovely readers like you.