Unbound Publishing Review – Should You Use Them?

Choosing the right publishing path can be a challenge for any aspiring author. With a range of options available, it’s tough to know which service offers the right balance of support and creative control. In this review, we’ll dive into Unbound Publishing, examining their unique crowdfunding approach to see if it’s a good fit for your book journey. We’ll explore both its strengths and potential pitfalls to help you make an informed decision.

What is Unbound Publishing?

Unbound Publishing is a UK-based platform that combines traditional publishing elements with a crowdfunding model. Established to give authors an alternative way to get their books published, Unbound aims to bridge the gap between self-publishing and traditional methods. Their concept is simple: authors pitch their book ideas to potential backers, who then fund the project if they find it compelling. In essence, Unbound allows writers to test the market before fully committing to the publishing process. It’s a model that gives the author community some power over what books get published—but also comes with challenges, such as the difficulty of engaging enough readers to reach funding goals.

Unbound’s crowdfunding model empowers authors to present their ideas directly to readers and gauge interest before proceeding. This approach can reduce the risk associated with traditional publishing, but it also places a heavy burden on authors to effectively market themselves. Unlike traditional publishing houses that take on the responsibility of financing, Unbound requires authors to navigate the funding process, which can be daunting without an established audience or marketing experience.

What does Unbound Publishing offer?

Unbound provides a variety of services to help authors bring their ideas to life. Here’s a closer look at what they offer:

• Crowdfunding for Book Projects: Authors are expected to generate enough interest to fund their book idea. While this can serve as a useful validation tool, the reliance on crowd support may be a difficult hurdle for those lacking an existing platform. Authors must actively promote their projects, which can be time-consuming and may not be feasible for those without a strong personal network or prior marketing knowledge.
• Editorial Support: Unbound claims to provide professional editorial support, but the quality can vary depending on funding levels and backer contributions. The level of editing might not match what a traditional publisher offers without full backing. This can leave authors wondering if the final product will meet industry standards, especially if their project does not receive ample financial support.
• Publishing and Distribution: Once a project is funded, Unbound handles printing and distribution. However, the distribution reach may not be as extensive as with larger publishing houses, potentially limiting the book’s market presence. Authors may find themselves working harder to get their books into retail stores or other distribution channels, which could affect overall sales and visibility.
• Marketing Assistance: The platform also provides some marketing support, although it is often reliant on author engagement. For writers without marketing experience, this could mean additional work beyond just writing. The marketing support provided is typically not as comprehensive as that of a traditional publisher, making it challenging for authors to reach a broad audience without significant personal effort.

Pros and Cons of Unbound Publishing

Unbound Publishing offers an interesting blend of crowdfunding and publishing, but how does it really stack up when it comes to supporting an author’s journey from idea to bookshelf? Let’s take a closer look at the key strengths and weaknesses of their approach.

Pros of Unbound Publishing

1. Unique Crowdfunding Model: The crowdfunding model allows authors to test their ideas, but success largely depends on an author’s ability to market themselves, which can be daunting. While this model provides a level of market validation, it also places the responsibility of funding squarely on the author’s shoulders.
2. Community-Driven Support: Unbound promotes community engagement, but building a strong supporter base can be challenging for lesser-known authors. The sense of community can be motivating, but without an existing fanbase, gaining traction can be a slow process.
3. Editorial Guidance: Authors can access professional editing once they secure funding, but the quality and depth of editing depend on meeting funding thresholds. This can create inconsistency in the quality of the editorial process, potentially leaving some books under-edited compared to others.

Cons of Unbound Publishing

1. High Dependency on Crowdfunding: Authors must reach funding goals to proceed, which adds uncertainty to the publishing process. This dependency can create significant delays, especially for authors who struggle to reach their targets.
2. Limited Marketing Resources: Marketing relies heavily on the author’s own network, which may be insufficient without significant personal effort. Authors may find themselves needing to invest extra time and resources into promoting their books, often without professional guidance.
3. Inconsistent Editorial Support: The level of editorial assistance can vary, leaving some projects without the quality of editing they need. Authors who do not secure full funding may end up with limited editorial input, which can impact the overall quality of the book.
4. Distribution Limitations: Unbound’s distribution might not match the reach of larger publishers, affecting overall book sales. Limited distribution channels can hinder an author’s ability to get their book into major retail outlets or libraries, ultimately reducing exposure.
5. Lack of Comprehensive Services: Unbound’s focus on crowdfunding means it lacks some of the broader support systems authors need to succeed fully. Without a robust support structure for marketing, distribution, and post-publication, authors may struggle to navigate the complexities of the publishing industry.

Alternatives to Unbound Publishing

Crowdfunding has its merits, but it often doesn’t provide enough support on its own for authors who want their book to thrive.

Here are some other options that writers might consider:

1. Kickstarter: This popular crowdfunding platform allows authors to fund their books, but as a general-purpose site, it lacks any tailored publishing guidance, leaving authors to navigate editing, production, and marketing on their own. While Kickstarter can be effective for raising funds, it offers no specific support for the publishing process, making it a challenging option for authors who need more comprehensive assistance.
2. Indiegogo: Another well-known crowdfunding platform, Indiegogo gives authors more flexibility in raising funds. However, like Kickstarter, it doesn’t offer much help beyond funding, which can be a challenge for those needing guidance in other aspects of publishing. Authors are left to figure out the publishing journey independently, which can be overwhelming without prior experience.
3. Patreon: For authors looking for ongoing support rather than one-time funding, Patreon is an interesting option. It allows writers to connect with their audience over time. However, this approach often results in a piecemeal and inconsistent form of funding, which may not be ideal for those with a specific book project in mind. The long-term commitment required to maintain supporter interest can also be demanding, detracting from the writing process itself.
4. Selfpublishing.com: Unlike crowdfunding platforms, selfpublishing.com offers a comprehensive range of services, from editorial assistance to marketing guidance, aimed specifically at supporting authors through every stage of their publishing journey. Authors can also choose to combine the resources of selfpublishing.com with another crowdfunding platform if they wish to raise funds separately. This combination provides both the financial backing and the full suite of publishing tools needed to achieve real success. Selfpublishing.com’s tailored approach ensures that authors receive consistent support, which can make a significant difference in the quality and success of their final product.

Why Authors Should Consider Selfpublishing.com Instead of Unbound Publishing

While Unbound Publishing provides a unique crowdfunding approach, many authors need a more holistic service to guide them through every stage of the publishing journey.

Selfpublishing.com offers such support, providing a well-rounded experience for aspiring authors.

1. Comprehensive Services: Unlike Unbound, selfpublishing.com provides all the essential services—from editing to marketing—needed to make a book successful. This ensures that authors receive consistent, high-quality support without worrying about meeting funding thresholds.
2. Reliable Editorial Support: Authors benefit from professional editorial services regardless of funding, ensuring consistent quality. This removes the uncertainty associated with variable funding levels, giving authors confidence in the final product.
3. Marketing Guidance: Selfpublishing.com offers structured marketing assistance, helping authors reach a wider audience without relying solely on personal networks. With professional marketing support, authors can focus on writing rather than spending all their time promoting their book.
4. Distribution Reach: The platform provides better distribution options, giving books a greater chance of success in the market. With established distribution channels, authors can be assured that their books will reach a broad audience, increasing visibility and sales potential.
5. Flexible Author Control: Selfpublishing.com empowers authors to retain creative control while benefiting from expert guidance, a balance that’s often hard to achieve with crowdfunding alone. Authors can make key decisions about their book while still receiving the professional support needed to ensure success.

Unbound Publishing Review – Final Thoughts

Unbound Publishing offers an intriguing blend of crowdfunding and publishing, making it an option for authors who want to engage directly with potential readers from the outset. However, its limitations in terms of marketing, editorial consistency, and overall support may make it less suitable for many writers. In contrast, selfpublishing.com provides a comprehensive and reliable pathway to publishing success, offering the tools, guidance, and flexibility that most authors need to bring their vision to life effectively. For those seeking a balance between creative control and professional support, selfpublishing.com stands out as a compelling choice that can help turn an idea into a successful published work.