BackMyBook.com

Every undertaking begins with a declaration. Here is ours. These are exciting times…. The web is transforming all media, especially the written word. To date, this transformation has been felt most acutely in the realm of short-form content. Blogs and various social media services (e.g. Facebook and Twitter), are dramatically transforming traditional short-form writing outlets such as newspapers and periodicals. In the broad view these changes, while certainly disruptive, are almost all to the good. Technology empowers individuals over institutions, encourages broad participation, and brings efficiency to the marketplace of ideas. Collectively, these effects are often referred to as the ‘democratization of media’. But, to date the realm of long-form written content (viz. books) has been relatively immune to the democratizing effects of technology and the internet. In 2009 a mere handful of authors led by Dan Brown, Stephanie Meyer, and John Grisham represented the vast majority of all book sales. Aspiring authors are well-advised to have a blog and participate in social media, but the only sure path to a broad audience remains a book deal with a traditional publisher. This is all about to change. The primary catalyst for change will be the increasing improvements in the technology for consumption platforms of long-form written content. As eReaders, mobile devices, and even web-interfaces improve, doors will be opened to Authors just as they are being opened now for bloggers. eLiterati is dedicated to bringing this transformation to the creators of long-form writing. As such, BackMyBook is committed to the Creation, Promotion, and Distribution of long-form written content via the web. As we pursue this ambitious goal, we hold the following in mind to guide us… 1. Long-Form Content is Valuable. A book represents hundreds if not thousands of hours of craftsmanship, research, writing, editing, rewriting, etc. Writing well requires talent and is a skill that must be practiced. Authors should be justly compensated for the value they create. The ad-based revenue-sharing model of blogs and other short-form content does not cut it for books. 2. We value participation. Writing well requires talent and is a skill that must be practiced, yes, but at the same time nearly anyone can do it. Whether a blog comment, a book review, a forum post, etc. we value all writing. We believe that writing well is an art that can be mastered by anyone. In the spirit of democratization, we are open to anyone and everyone and we respect all voices. 3. Marketing is Hard. Promotion should not be controlled by a select few, but should be determined by the consumers. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to prove themselves. We will devote considerable resources to providing tools to Authors to most effectively market and promote themselves. 4. We are optimistic. We believe in progress, but progress is not a linear process. There will be setbacks. We will remain optimistic in the power of our vision and the long-term.