Book Country has launched, and is currently in its public beta incarnation. The site calls itself a “creative, supportive online community where readers and writers of genre fiction can come together read works in progress, post original fiction, comment on the work of their peers, participate in online discussions and increase their name recognition.” The site focuses on romance, fantasy, science fiction, thrillers, and mystery.
They note that “discoverability is a key component of the Book Country experience,” and include among their search and browse tools “the groundbreaking Genre Map,” which is an interesting categorization and search tool.
They write that the site is “focused on building a community that is—and will remain—a free, creative, and supportive venue where 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.” President Molly Barton says “We created Book Country because while writing and publishing sites have proliferated in recent years, none were designed by publishing experts to create a more valuable pathway forward for new writer. Book Country is egalitarian and merit-based, while fostering an atmosphere of encouragement and creativity.”
Members can upload works in progress, provide feedback for each other, participate in discussions about the business and craft of writing, and follow the industry blog.
Book Country is a subsidiary of Penguin Group, but they go to great lengths to say it’s “a separate entity, both legally and practically, with full-time Book Country staff members.”
Barton has been an editor at Penguin since 2004. Community Manager Colleen Lindsay has worked in the book industry since 1984, first at bookstores and as a reviewer, then later as a publicist and agent. Editorial Coordinator Danielle Poiesz started in publishing in the publicity department at St. Martin’s, and then moved to the editorial side at Pocket and Gallery.