What if the hierarchical gaps between publishers, writers and readers were smaller? What if an entire community was engaged in the process of producing a book, just as much as the publisher or the author?
These are the questions Richard Nash, publishing entrepreneur and founder of Cursor and Red Lemonade, is asking. It’s no secret that the book market is becoming increasingly one-dimensional, and to become a best-seller it seems that you need the solid prerequisites of fame, fortune or connections. How many small-town genius writers are out there querying publishers with their manuscript, only to be rejected in lieu of the next Twlight or Fifty Shades of Grey series?
Richard Nash’s goal is to bring the publishing industry back into the hands of the people – democracy at last. Simply put, it’s a website where individuals post their manuscript up on a forum to receive critique and feedback from fellow writers and readers. The format is incredibly similar to Scribophile, but there’s a catch – Red Lemonade seeks to publish the best works written and voted for by the people.
A quick glance at Red Lemonade’s site will tell you that it still needs some work – the layout and color scheme is less than engaging, and the origins of the name dubious – but the idea behind this platform is wonderfully innovative, and I sincerely hope it takes off.
Interested in submitting your stuff? Check out Red Lemonade’s About page to learn more.
-Genevieve
Books on the Make 