I’ve read a press release for a new Memphis, TN based self-publishing service with a unique ‘crowd-driven’ pricing model, and read through all of the information on their website. I have not, as yet, used this service. It sounds interesting, and it is a sales model that could be beneficial to both authors AND readers.
For authors, this may be something to look into. You initially put your book up on Screwpulp as a free book. As your books gains traction (‘as you promote your book’ and you get ‘good reviews’ is what the site says) the value of your book increases. The more popular the book becomes, the more money you’ll make.
For readers, you’ll have to give a review before you can download free books, and you can only download one free book at a time (you’re free, of course, to purchase as many books as you want at any time).
According to the website, Authors will receive 75% of all their book sales through Screwpulp, and you retain the rights to your books. They seem to have a 90 day license that grants Screwpulp a ‘non-exclusive, sub-licensable, royalty-free, worldwide license to access, use, and display your content in connection with the site and services’ they provide.
You’ll definitely want to read their Terms of Service and any contracts or licensing agreements when you register on the site.
From the website:
“…Screwpulp is a self-publishing platform that makes it easier than ever for authors to publish, market, and profit from their work. Screwpulp uses a crowd driven pricing model that helps market and build demand for each book. By allowing readers to drive the pricing and content, they decide what they want – not what the publishing industry thinks they want. Screwpulp is starting a new chapter in publishing…”
“I want to change a broken industry,” says Richard Billings, Founder and Principal of Screwpulp, Inc. “Screwpulp is removing the obstacles that discourage so many authors, and empowers everyone to take control of publishing’s future.”
You can read the press release HERE.
You can visit the Screwpulp website HERE.