EditRED, a Web 2.0 network for aspiring authors

The Internet has made it simple for writers to publish, yet it's harder than ever to get a book contract or quality credits for your work.

If you're an aspiring writer, you should check out the EditRED writing community, which can help you break into traditional publishing. Basic membership is free, and allows you to upload writing samples, connect with other members for critique and feedback, and access the publishing directory and other features.

Founder Alan Emmins began the network in 2005 when he signed his first book deal and realized the value of peer feedback for new writers. "Although I had published lots of stories in publications like the The New York Post, Time Out and Penthouse in my seven years as a freelance journalist, I had never really had any feedback on my work," he says. "I would get the odd, 'This is really good', or if the publication was late paying me, 'This is the best thing you have ever done for us', but never anything I could use."

When he got his contract offer, Emmins turned to two writing friends to critique his story and expand it. "The fact that I had two talented writers on hand for debate and critiques proved invaluable to me as a writer.” The trio envisioned a Web 2.0 network for writers to offer the same kind of support for other budding writers.

The process is simple: upload your writing, workshop it with your trusted network of peers, then build your publishing credits.

A new feature called "My Bookshop" helps independent authors promote their books by providing access to shorter works. "As more of our members started getting book deals and entering into self-publishing, we realised that we need to help them sell their books," explains Sean Merrigan. "One of the things independent authors continually overlook when promoting a book is the short story, or short content like blogs and reviews. The bottom line is that people are more likely to read a free short story than buy a book, especially from somebody relatively unknown."

'My Bookshop' strategically places advertisements for a member's books every time that member uploads a new story, or blog, or review. And it allows authors to control how they sell their books. If they want to sell through an online retailer like Amazon, they can make the 'Buy Here' link lead directly to their book product page, including their own affiliate code. Or authors can sell both hard copy and eBook editions directly to readers, bypassing Amazon and its commission.

Using short pieces to help sell a book is an effective tool, Emmins says. "It is a tactic I have used over and over, and that always generates extra book sales. The point is, people generally don’t buy books the first time they see or hear about them, especially from unknown writers. So use short pieces to win readers over, show them you can write, and entice them to buy your book."

Emmins' book is Mop Men: California's Crime Scene Cleaners, released in the UK and Japan. The Independent said it was "A gruelling indictment of modern American culture". The Times called it a "Salty, sassy, non-stop running off at the mouth commentary!" and The Guardian said it held "...ghoulish fascination and educational value".