Crowdfunding Platform Bridges Gap Between Authors and Publishers in Publishing's Digital Age

The Unlikely Heroes of Publishing: How Crowdfunding is Revolutionizing the Book Industry In a crowded wine bar in SoHo, New York City, four women from different walks of life gathered to celebrate the launch of their book, "SOS: A Navigation Guide for Women at Work." Marijn Wiersma, a corporate anthropologist, and her co-authors Chantal Korteweg, Lidewij Wiersma, and Tessel van Willigen had written a comprehensive guide to help women navigate their careers with greater ease. But what made this book launch remarkable was the unconventional path they took to publication – through Publishizer, a crowdfunding platform that connects authors with publishers. As we sipped our wine and listened to the authors' stories, it became clear that this was more than just a book launch. It was a testament to the power of disruption in the publishing industry. For decades, traditional publishing models have dominated the market, leaving many authors struggling to get their work noticed. But with the rise of digital platforms and crowdfunding, new opportunities are emerging for writers to take control of their careers. The Disruption Publishing has long been a traditional industry, with major players dominating the market. But in recent years, disruption has swept through the sector, driven by technological advancements and changing reader habits. E-books have become increasingly popular, while self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) have made it easier for authors to publish their work directly. However, traditional publishing models still favor established authors with strong connections and marketing muscle. This has led to a lack of diversity in published works, with many voices and perspectives left unheard. Enter Publishizer, a platform that aims to level the playing field by connecting authors with publishers who are willing to take risks on new talent. The Platform Publishizer is not just another crowdfunding platform; it's a sophisticated tool designed specifically for book publishing. Founded in 2013 by a team of industry experts, the platform has already helped hundreds of authors secure traditional publishing deals. Here's how it works: authors create a campaign to promote their book, setting a funding goal and offering rewards to backers. If they reach their target, Publishizer introduces them to interested publishers who can offer a traditional publishing deal. The success of "SOS" is a prime example of Publishizer's effectiveness. With over 600 preorders sold through the platform, the authors were able to secure a publishing deal with Morgan James Publishing. This not only provided them with a traditional publishing contract but also gave them access to marketing and distribution channels they wouldn't have had otherwise. The Authors' Story As we spoke with Marijn Wiersma and her co-authors, it became clear that their journey was not just about publishing a book; it was about creating a movement. "We wanted to write a book that would resonate with women from all walks of life," said Wiersma. "But we knew that traditional publishing models wouldn't give us the flexibility we needed to reach our audience." Through Publishizer, the authors were able to connect directly with their target market and build a community around their work. The platform's crowdfunding model allowed them to gauge interest in their book and generate buzz before publication. The Future of Publishing As the publishing industry continues to evolve, platforms like Publishizer are poised to play a significant role. With its innovative approach to connecting authors with publishers, Publishizer is helping to democratize the publishing process and give new voices a chance to be heard. For authors like Marijn Wiersma and her co-authors, Publishizer has provided a lifeline in an industry that often favors established players. By taking control of their careers and using crowdfunding platforms like Publishizer, they've been able to achieve success on their own terms. As we left the wine bar, it was clear that "SOS" was more than just a book – it was a symbol of hope for a new generation of authors who are determined to make their mark in the publishing industry. With disruption sweeping through the sector, one thing is certain: the future of publishing will be shaped by innovative platforms like Publishizer and the talented authors who use them to bring their stories to life. *Based on reporting by Forbes.*