I ran out of energy (and patience) some time ago with peer review sites. You Write On was fun for a while, but eventually I felt reviewed out – both as reviewer and reviewee. Since then I have given Authonomy (horrid name!) no more than a passing glance, and although there are other worthy contenders, I haven’t felt tempted. The latest to cross my radar is Completely Novel. This isn’t just a peer review site, but like Lulu (and now, controversially You Write On) C.N. also offers a self-publishing (i.e. print on demand) service.
In its favour, Completely Novel – if all claims are true – does not claw back any commission. It also offers the ability to review ‘unpublished’ works for those who haven’t yet committed to the POD offer. Its community elements, although still under development, have a good feel, and I like the way that conventional books are reviewed alongside those of the site’s own authors. Worth keeping an eye on, I think.
Meanwhile in my never-ending quest for conventional publication, I’ve booked my place at Winchester and requested interviews with two agents (including one who blogs here) and an author who has adult and children’s books to his name as well as historical T.V. documentaries. Should be interesting.
Ali Bacon / Books and Other Things 