FastPencil Launches First Self-Publishing Platform for Aspiring Authors to Write, Share and Publish
Published July 15th, 2009
FastPencil today announced the beta launch of the first self-publishing platform that allows authors to write, share, publish and sell their books. FastPencil (www.fastpencil.com) strips out the cost and complexity of the publishing process and allows anyone to write and publish a book regardless of the topic or their experience level.
Writers now have a single service to create and write a book, easily share their work with trusted friends and publish instantly as traditionally bound books or paperless e-books. Through a process called Guided Collaboration, FastPencilers can connect with like-minded people, pool resources, chat, gather feedback from reviewers and collaborate with other authors.
“FastPencil makes the book-writing process painless – from concept to a printed book, and our community makes it the easiest, fastest and most exciting way to write and collaborate,” said Steve Wilson, FastPencil Co-Founder and CEO. “Whether you are writing a Best Seller like Harry Potter, collaborating on a cookbook or printing a modified version of A Christmas Carol using your kid’s names, now anyone can publish a first-rate book.”
“Unless it’s simple and affordable my Mom would never use it,” said Michael “Mash” Ashley, FastPencil Co-Founder and CTO. “That’s the guiding principle we used in building FastPencil. Now anyone can fulfill a dream with a few clicks – we think that’s a game changer.”
For the first time, writers can use a single service to create, share and publish their original works, convert their blogs to books and modify one of the many FastPencil Classics to make it their own. After signing up for the service, FastPencilers can select a book template and begin writing, paste in text from previously saved work or upload their blog, which is automatically formatted into chapters. They can also add photos and illustrations to help make the content more engaging.
At any time during the creative process writers can invite their social network, fellow authors and FastPencil experts to review and provide comments on the book. Once the book is complete, the FastPencil self-publishing wizard steps the authors through the process of having their book delivered to their doorsteps, formatted for e-books or listed at leading online bookstores, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. This write-once and publish anywhere approach ensures the book can be read anywhere today and in the future.
FastPencil Features:
Hosted self-publishing platform: online writing and collaboration tools
Select from a variety of book templates
Enhance chapters and front and back covers with images
Blog to Book: easily import your blog into a book
Author services including consulting, design services and formatting
Integrated self-publishing wizard for step by step assistance
Publish to e-book formats
Online book distribution at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
FastPencil Classics: access to many royalty free titles including Tarzan of the Apes and Cinderella
Pricing & Availability
The FastPencil self-publishing platform beta is now available at http://www.FastPencil.com.
The FastPencil Basic service is free and includes book templates, writing platform and ability to connect with the community. Additional publishing packages include consulting, author and editorial services, custom formatting and distribution, which are available at Silver and Gold levels. For more information on publishing services visit www.fastpencil.com/company/packages.
About FastPencil
Silicon Valley-based FastPencil takes the pain out of the entire book-writing process from concept to finished product. The FastPencil self-publishing platform enables writers to create their books online, share their work with a trusted network of friends and professionals, and publish their books on demand either as bound books or e-books.
For regular FastPencil updates follow us at www.Twitter.com/FastPencil, become a Fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FastPencil and for more information, please visit www.FastPencil.com.
FastPencil is a registered trademark of FastPencil, Inc. All other registered or unregistered trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.
