Cool Link: Authonomy

Authonomy is a new website from Harper Collins with the goal of finding fresh, new writing talent.

From the website:

"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."

Users are asked to upload at least 10,000 words of their completed or in-progress novel. Authonomy is for serious writers, and the 10,000 word count is meant to weed out writers who will not finish their novels. Fellow writers/Authonomy users read and rate the novels, with the highest rated novels moving on to editors at Harper Collins for publication consideration!

Harper Collins does not promise to publish anyone who uploads their book. However, the prospect of getting their work seen by editors has intrigued the thousands of writers who have joined the site so far.

If Authonomy is any indication, the publishing community may be moving into a new, more creative area of submissions.

Nine General Rules to Follow When Submitting Your Book

To those of us who have been in the writing business for awhile, these rules are no brainers. But for those just starting out, this list is an important one to read and consult.

Nine General Rules to Follow When Submitting Your Book or Manuscript to an Agent or Editor

#5: Writers Send Submissions In Strange Formats and Colors, is a pet peeve of mine. I did some freelance reading for a subsidy publisher for awhile, and the range of formats, colors and fonts was astounding!

If it doesn't look professional, don't send it.