Anyone seen any books from this scheme?

unbound.co.uk/about

Apparently you pitch your project, and then if enough prospective buyers pledge enough money it gets published. [Yes, before the Bleeding Obvious Brigade get started, I do know where paper comes from, I know about the history of vanity publishing, I know about e-books and modern self-publishing, I know about Lulu et al, I know how other books are developed and I know there are many other schemes around, I'm just curious about this particular one, okay?]

Simon Napier-Bell is among those with titles up for consideration. See here:

unbound.co.uk/books/ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay

Now I know for a fact that he's had offers from traditional publishers, so I'm intrigued about him going down this route. In terms of editorial freedom and the potential revenue, yes, again, I know that, I'm more curious about the quality of the publishing process. Has anyone actually seen a copy or heard of someone who has been through this route?

An old and tried idea that never worked here in the US, and/or elsewhere.

Ben 7 wrote:
An old and tried idea that never worked here in the US, and/or elsewhere.

I knew I left something off that list! But actually that's incorrect - apparently it's working very well over here, which is why the likes of Napier-Bell are bypassing the big publishers and using it. I just wondered if anyone had seen a copy. But once again it's like asking for consumer advice in a Tourettes clinic in here. I really give up.

Looks a bit like Kickstarter to me Pru.

As far as I'm concerned, doing it entirely myself seems to work. Sales through Amazon quickly repay the investment (very limited quantity of actually printed books), then the e book starts making decent money.

I disagree Ben 7

indeed S Napier Bell told me he was doing this a few months ago because dealing with a publisher was a hassle (I invested)..I see he is now 21% financed and presumably the rewards would be far better than normal royalties.

very JK I would have thought.

www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jun/06/become-an-ebook-superstar

I spent some time helping Australian writer Matthew Reily promote his first self-published book...he has now sold millions (not because of me ).

The late Bryce Courtney told me how he self-published his first book and left photo-copied chapters on the Tube..also sold millions.

distribution is always the hassle but that can be overcome

I think the possibilities are very exciting.

JK2006 wrote:
Looks a bit like Kickstarter to me Pru.

As far as I'm concerned, doing it entirely myself seems to work. Sales through Amazon quickly repay the investment (very limited quantity of actually printed books), then the e book starts making decent money.

Yes, well your book did deservedly well. It's an interesting trend that I think is something different than a mere extension of old-fashioned vanity publishing. Maybe like in the music industry, the book industry's sheer risk-aversiveness is driving more and more creative talent to new ways of reaching an audience.

Looks interesting, Pru ... may try them for my family history book (after all, a riches-to-rags story that has links to people like Charlotte Bronte (who used my family name for her best seller, after visiting us) and Saint Sir Thomas More must have some interest somewhere !)

In The Know wrote:
Looks interesting, Pru ... may try them for my family history book (after all, a riches-to-rags story that has links to people like Charlotte Bronte (who used my family name for her best seller, after visiting us) and Saint Sir Thomas More must have some interest somewhere !)

will there be a chapter on me ?

hedda wrote:
In The Know wrote:
Looks interesting, Pru ... may try them for my family history book (after all, a riches-to-rags story that has links to people like Charlotte Bronte (who used my family name for her best seller, after visiting us) and Saint Sir Thomas More must have some interest somewhere !)

will there be a chapter on me ?

Well ... as you want to be part of the aristocracy (but cant actually supply ANY lineage !) I'll give you a mention (just for being on the right side !)