Today I’m pleased to welcome Dana Kaye, Independent Book Publicist. I’ve worked with Dana in her role as a publicist for a while now. She’s passionate about her work and one of her biggest strengths: She “gets” readers. When she approached me about posting about Book Country, one of her most recent passions, I couldn’t say no!
The Power of the Community
I received my degree in fiction writing from Columbia College Chicago, so I spent my college years surrounded by writers. I sat in semi-circles critiquing stories, I went to readings at bars and coffee houses, and I attended panels and seminars about the world of writing and publishing.
After college, I continue to be a part of the local literary community. I never struggle to find someone to read my work, I frequently have opportunities to read at bars and coffee houses, and there are plenty of publishing professionals to talk shop with.
But I’m lucky, and I realize not everyone else is.
In April I started working with Book Country, a website dedicated to genre fiction. Users are able to upload their works in progress and obtain peer feedback. They also review other writers’ work in categories of plot, character, and overall story. Finally, writers around the world can have a critique group and writing community, regardless of their location.
The other unique feature that drew me to Book Country was the genre map. How many of you have heard the term “steampunk” but don’t know what it is? Or if you’re an author, have you told people what your book is about, thinking it was historical or romance, only to find out it was suspense? The genre map allows users to accurately categorize their work, and discover books similar to theirs.
As a reader, I don’t love all types of mysteries and there’s a very narrow margin of romance novels I enjoy. The detailed genre map allows users to place their book, not just in the romance category, but to gauge it by “funny or sexy”, “dark or light”.
But being a professional writer isn’t just about reading and writing; it’s about publishing. Book Country features an “Industry” tab where agents, editors, and other publishing professionals post articles and tips. The information I obtained in those college seminars is now available to everyone, all over the world , with one click of the button.
So if you’re an aspiring author or a reader who enjoys discovering new writers and helping them on their journey, I encourage you to check out Book Country. Being a part of a community is extremely important, and now, you don’t have to leave your house to find one.
Visit www.BookCountry.com
Check out all the bells and whistles of the site with this introductory video demonstration:
Dana Kaye is an independent book publicist and owner of Kaye Publicity.
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