The new dedicated website platform will feature a “carefully collated” database, enabling users to search for and contact freelancers who are currently open for work, covering essential services such as editing, publicity, design, marketing and more. To be included on the site, freelancers must meet defined criteria, including having a business that does the majority of its work for authors, publishers, agencies and other publishing-related clients.
Other features include search and filter functions, allowing users to choose options based on skill set and genre expertise, and direct contact, so they can reach out directly to freelancers through the platform.
Appleby said: “The book publishing industry is full of skilled, experienced freelancers providing services to publishers and authors. We recognised a significant gap in the market for a reliable, easy-to-use resource that specifically helps connect authors and publishers with freelancers. As someone who’s been running a publishing services business for many years, there are many times I’ve wished I had a database like this – so now we’ve made one.”
Solomons said: “Since I set up Byte the Book, we’ve helped hundreds of author members on their journey to publication. Creating BookBindr was a logical next step to help them find the professionals they will need along the way.”
The platform was launched at an event on 18th November at London’s Century Club, where Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller, interviewed Appleby and Solomons about the inspiration behind the project, and an audience of freelance publishing professionals and authors were introduced to the website.
For more information about BookBindr or to sign up, visit the website at bookbindr.com.
