How Professional Book Publishers Can Use Crowdsourcing to Discover New Talent

How Professional Book Publishers Can Use Crowdsourcing to Discover New Talent

The world of book publishing is evolving. With the explosion of self-publishing platforms and the rise of digital tools, professional book publishers now face the challenge of staying relevant and competitive in an increasingly saturated market. To stand out, publishers need to find innovative ways to discover fresh talent and bring exciting new voices into the literary world. One powerful tool that’s gaining momentum in the publishing industry is crowdsourcing.


Crowdsourcing is the practice of obtaining input, ideas, or services by soliciting contributions from a large group of people, typically via the internet. In the case of book publishing, it’s about opening up the discovery process to a wider audience, allowing readers and other creators to play a role in identifying and supporting new talent. This not only helps professional book publishers find hidden gems but also builds a loyal community around the books and authors they support.


In this blog, we will explore how professional book publishers can effectively leverage crowdsourcing to discover new talent and why this method is becoming a game-changer in the industry.


The Changing Landscape of Book Publishing

For years, the publishing industry has relied on traditional methods to discover new authors—through literary agents, book submissions, and established networks. While these methods still play an important role, the process is often slow, selective, and limited by traditional gatekeepers.


Today, things are different. Authors no longer need to wait for an agent or a publisher to take a chance on their work. Self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Wattpad, and other online writing communities have democratized the process of book publishing. Now, writers can publish their books independently and share them with the world instantly. The downside? With millions of books published every year, finding standout talent can be overwhelming for professional book publishers.


This is where crowdsourcing comes in. By tapping into the power of the crowd, publishers can find undiscovered authors and books that might otherwise be overlooked by traditional submission processes. Crowdsourcing helps professional book publishers connect with readers and writers in a more direct, interactive way.


What Is Crowdsourcing and How Does It Work for Publishers?

Crowdsourcing in the context of book publishing involves using public platforms to gather opinions, feedback, or contributions that can help identify new authors and manuscripts worth publishing. This can be done in various ways, including reader-driven voting, collaborative writing platforms, and contests.


Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways professional book publishers can use crowdsourcing to find new talent:


1. Reader Voting Platforms

One of the most common forms of crowdsourcing in publishing is reader voting platforms, where potential readers vote for the books they would like to see published. These platforms allow aspiring authors to upload their manuscripts, and readers can vote or comment on their favorites.


Sites like Wattpad and Inkitt are great examples of reader-driven platforms where users can submit their works and gain feedback from the community. Professional book publishers can partner with these platforms or monitor them to spot trends, identify promising manuscripts, and discover up-and-coming authors.


For example, in 2014, the popular Wattpad novel "After" by Anna Todd gained millions of reads before being noticed by a traditional publisher. The book was eventually picked up by Simon & Schuster and went on to become a bestseller. For professional book publishers, Wattpad and similar platforms offer a treasure trove of untapped talent waiting to be discovered.

By paying attention to which books are gaining the most traction, professional book publishers can tap into a pool of new talent without waiting for submissions. This approach is efficient and allows publishers to respond quickly to market trends, giving them a competitive edge in identifying future bestsellers.


2. Crowdsourced Writing Contests

Another effective method for professional book publishers to use crowdsourcing is through writing contests. These contests can be hosted on social media platforms, publisher websites, or in collaboration with online writing communities. Writing contests attract a large number of submissions from aspiring authors, giving publishers the chance to discover unique voices and innovative ideas.


For example, Harlequin has long run writing contests where aspiring romance authors can submit their manuscripts. Many successful authors, such as Nina Bruhns and Julie Miller, were discovered through these contests.


What makes crowdsourced writing contests particularly valuable is that they allow professional book publishers to assess not only the quality of writing but also the marketability of a potential book. A well-executed contest can help a publisher gauge public interest and excitement about a particular book or author, which is invaluable when making acquisition decisions.

Additionally, writing contests can help professional book publishers engage with readers and build a community of fans who feel invested in the success of the authors they’ve discovered. This community-building aspect can be a powerful marketing tool when the book is eventually published.


3. Collaborative Platforms for Co-Creation

There’s another type of crowdsourcing that has emerged in recent years—co-creation. In the world of publishing, co-creation refers to collaborative writing, where multiple authors or readers contribute to a single project. Platforms like Storybird and Reeds allow writers and readers to collaborate on creating books.


This model works well for professional book publishers looking to discover new talent while also engaging their audience in the process. A publisher could run a co-creation campaign, inviting aspiring authors to write a chapter of a book or submit story ideas. Readers could vote on which storylines or characters they prefer, ultimately influencing the direction of the book.


While this may sound unconventional, co-creation offers a unique opportunity to involve the community in the creative process. It fosters a sense of ownership and investment, which can lead to stronger word-of-mouth promotion and increased book sales once the work is published. Moreover, it helps publishers discover emerging talent who might not have otherwise been noticed.


4. Crowdsourcing Feedback for Manuscripts

Crowdsourcing doesn’t only involve submitting entire books for feedback—it can also be used to gather valuable insights during the editing and revision stages. Professional book publishers can crowdsource feedback from readers on sample chapters, character development, or even book covers. Platforms like BetaBooks allow publishers to share early drafts with beta readers who can provide feedback on plot, pacing, and character depth.


By using crowdsourced feedback, publishers can refine manuscripts before they go to print, increasing the chances of success when the book is released. This also allows for a more direct relationship with readers, who feel that their opinions are valued in the publishing process.


This type of crowdsourcing helps professional book publishers make informed decisions based on reader preferences, which can lead to higher-quality books and greater success in the market.


5. Crowdfunding for Author Discoveries

Another form of crowdsourcing is crowdfunding, where authors and publishers raise money for a book’s production costs through platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Crowdfunding campaigns not only help fund the creation of a book but also act as a marketing tool to gauge public interest.


For professional book publishers, crowdfunding is a valuable way to discover new talent that already has a proven audience. Authors who successfully raise money for their books through crowdfunding often have a dedicated fanbase that is invested in their success.


This makes it easier for publishers to take the plunge and publish books that already have a built-in audience.

The success of a crowdfunding campaign also provides valuable data on how much interest exists for a particular book or author. This insight can help professional book publishers decide which books to pursue and which projects have the potential for commercial success.


Benefits of Crowdsourcing for Professional Book Publishers


Conclusion

Crowdsourcing is a valuable tool for professional book publishers to discover new talent and build a deeper connection with their audience. Whether through reader voting platforms, writing contests, co-creation projects, or crowdfunding, crowdsourcing offers innovative ways for publishers to find fresh voices and create buzz around new books.

By embracing crowdsourcing, professional book publishers can tap into the power of community, gain access to diverse talent, and make smarter, more informed decisions that benefit both authors and readers. As the publishing industry continues to evolve, those who adapt to new, crowd-driven approaches will be the ones who thrive in this exciting new era of literature.