Nothing Binding: Making a Connection between Readers and Writers
June 13, 2007 by Lillie
Readers can find books from major publishers fairly easy. It may be hard to sort through all the available titles, but the books are carried in bookstores.
However, finding books published by the authors or small publishers is more of a challenge. You can’t walk into most bookstores and find independently published books. These books are often sold from the authors’ and publishers’ Web sites and perhaps in a few independent bookstores or specialty shops related to the book’s topic. Amazon.com may carry the books, but discovering a new author or a book you haven’t already heard about isn’t as simple as typing in the name of a bestseller or searching for books by a well-known author.
And if finding self-published and small press books is difficult for the readers, getting their books discovered is even harder for independently published authors.
Jerry Simmons spent 26 years in sales and management in the publishing industry, working with several of the major publishers. After he retired and became a writing consultant, teacher, and speaker, he discovered how much more difficult it is for small press and self-published authors to market their books.
Based on his experience with major publishers and extensive research into publishing outside the world of “New York” publishers, Jerry created Nothing Binding. This new Web site, which will launch this summer, is a community for writers and readers to connect. Instead of just listing basic information about their titles, authors can share their inspirations and tell more about themselves and their books. Readers can choose writers and books by genre, mood, or several other options, and they can communicate directly with authors. The building of relationships and community will over time introduce readers to new authors and increase sales for independently published authors.
Though the site has just recently started signing up writers, the last report from Jerry Simmons indicates there were more than 500 titles listed, and I know more have been added since then. However, the goal is to have 5,000 titles by the July 4th launch date and eventually to have at least 25,000 titles. At that point, I understand the site will become an online bookstore. In the meantime, writers can link each title to a point of sale – the writer’s or publisher’s Web site, Amazon.com, Fictionwise for e-books, or anywhere the book is available online.
If you’re a reader looking for books that are different, especially if you enjoy “meeting” the authors, I encourage you to start visiting Nothing Binding and watch it grow. If you’re an independently published writer, now is the time to list your titles and be on the ground floor. If you’re an unpublished writer with a completed manuscript, you’re welcome too.
And if you’re a blogger – as I know many of my readers are – you’re an independently published author, and Nothing Binding is open to you to promote your blog.
Jerry Simmons is upfront that it will take time to build the site to the point writers can expect to make significant sales. But I’m enthusiastic about the future, and I’ve joined and listed my novel Stroke of Luck and this blog. I’ve encouraged my clients to sign up as well.
[tags]Nothing Binding, books, independent publishing, Jerry Simmons[/tags]
Thanks, Lillie, for letting us know about the Nothing Binding site. I’ll list it in an upcoming issue of Doing It Write.
That would be great, Helen. It looks like it has the potential to be a great marketing tool for independently published writers as it grows.
I met Jerry at a Infinity Publishing conference in San Diego and realized his expertise in publishing. Not only does he have the experience to talk from, but the drive to make something happen. As a budding author that embraces self-publishing for a variety of reasons, I posted my stories with Nothing Binding. I think it is a public service to provide a place for people to be exposed to writing that is closer to the heart and a little further from formulized marketing. Enjoy.
John,
I’ve never met Jerry in person, so I’m glad to learn that someone who has met him has the same impression I do about him and the project.
This is a great overview of the Nothing Binding website which I joined. I also tell my writer friends about this site, too. It’s the only way we can create an internet bookstore to lure readers inside to discover new writers. Congratulations to Jerry for dreaming up this idea and getting it executed.
I have been lucky to hear Jerry talk about the publishing industry at a West Valley Authors Association.
Glad to hear you’ve joined and are spreading the word, Cherie Lee. It seems to that it’s to every writer’s advantage to participate.
I have had the good fortune of meeting Jerry, chatting with Jerrry formally and informally, receiving his valuable emails, posting my book on Nothing Binding, and getting a radio interview from it! Which I believe is just the beginning!
His work, drive, and this website are so important for the independent writer…it will bring us opportunities we would not have found without it!
I thank him time and time again!
Thanks, Lisa. I haven’t met Jerry so it’s encouraging to hear a positive report from someone who has.
Lillie -
Thank you for the concise description of NothingBinding and for giving the website such a positive boost. I plan to forward your comments to my author and reader friends. I, too, have known Jerry in person for some time and have found him to be one of the most ethical, committed publishing professionals I have encountered – truly a breath of fresh air. He encouraged me every step of the way as I published and began promoting my nonfiction book, Peeking Over the Edge…views from life’s middle. I am honored to be a part of NothingBinding and feel Jerry has given Independent Authors an incredible gift with the opportunity he has created for us.
Cathy,
I’m delighted to hear from someone who has known Jerry for some time – and especially delighted that you confirm my impressions of him. I anticipate great things for Nothing Binding.
Thank you for this wonderful overview of Nothing Binding. I have just joined and am anxious to explore and find out more about the website. I anticipate it will be great! I am excited to list my book Kentucky…The Mountains I Call Home on the site! I am eager to tell other young authors about Nothing Binding as well. Thanks again!
I’m glad you’ve joined and that you’re spreading the word. The more authors who participate, the more successful the site will be.
Thanks for spreading the good word about Nothing Binding. I am also an independently published author (Advice From The Blender: What to know before you blend so nobody gets creamed; published by Xulon Press), and have listed my book on NB as well as on my own site. It never hurts to get a little more exposure! As for Jerry – he’s top-notch!
Susan,
Thanks for the reinforcement and support of Nothing Binding.
Jerry is a unique expert spurting out information, facts, news and information to authors new and trying to get established. Just compare him to the normal bookseller selling personality books by the score in our High Streets.
Just what we need to know and discover.
Miller
http://www.millercaldwell.org
Miller,
Thanks for the comment and input about Jerry.
Responses to this post: