Books - coming to a computer near you. Photograph: David Levene
Another week, another arts-related social network site. Following the lead of the classically-inclined Dilettante and the recent spate of art mag sites, now it's time for the publishing world to get in on the act. Currently in beta testing, Authonomy is a new site being launched by HarperCollins.
You can currently only join by invitation, but membership will soon be available to anyone. While there is scope for avid readers to add to their own virtual "bookshelf", the site seems to be aimed particularly at budding authors - members are encouraged to "create a profile for your own book" and "start uploading your work". (And, if there's any doubt about their intentions, the right-hand column contains the links: "Get Read. Get Spotted. Get Online.")
Cynics will note that it's a canny way to spare the environment (and the office space) from the unremitting flood of unsolicited manuscripts delivered in hard copy. Those more optimistically inclined will suggest it's a way of getting your work read and discovered online. In truth, it's probably a bit of both. However, the fact you can now upload your work (the 10,000 word minimum shows they're serious), include a pitch and potentially start an online buzz means the power has shifted slightly into the unpublished writers' favour. (Agreed, HarperCollins have hardly altered their entire structure for signing new talent, but at the same time they'd be remiss to ignore anything that is an obvious hit amongst peers on the site.)
As always, I'd add a small "caveat blogger" here: while there's nothing glaringly obvious in the terms and conditions, you might want to consider the wider picture before essentially handing your work over to a publisher. But even so, if it means the chance of joining the home of Doris Lessing, Paul Coelho and Martin Amis; you could do worse than give it a punt.
