Book Country is a new free online venture from the Penguin Group. Although currently in beta mode, it looks promising. According to the website, “Book Country is a place where readers and writers of genre fiction come together to read original fiction, post work or comments, and make a name for themselves. Our free community is a creative and supportive space where fiction writers and readers can give and receive constructive criticism, discover new and entertaining books, discuss and share tips and experiences, and learn about the publishing industry.”
The emphasis is on “genre fiction” which includes subgenres of romance, mystery, thriller, science fiction, and fantasy.
Book Country, LLC is a subsidiary of Penguin Group, a Pearson company. Though owned by Penguin Group it is a completely separate entity with its own full-time staff run by community manager Collen Linday and editorial coordinator Danielle Poiesz.
Sounds good, but don’t place much hope on catching an editor’s eye through the venture, according to the website, “although Penguin editors and other staff members may choose to occasionally participate in the community (just as staff members from any publishing house could participate if they want to), Book Country is not a channel for the submission of unsolicited manuscripts to Penguin editors”. Darn.
Click for Book Country FAQs
Website: www.bookcountry.com
