Inkshares

Inkshares is a reader-powered publishing house that turns crowdfunding into a publishing deal. Authors pitch book concepts and collect pre-orders; reaching 750 pre-orders triggers Inkshares to handle the full publishing pipeline — editing, cover design, printing, global distribution, and marketing — at no upfront cost to the author. Readers literally decide what gets published instead of agents or editors.

• Best for: Authors who want traditional publishing support (editing, design, distribution) without traditional gatekeeping, and who have a strong pitch and community to drive pre-orders
• Key features: 750 pre-order threshold triggers full publishing deal; editorial, cover design, print, global distribution, and marketing included; author keeps copyright but grants Inkshares exclusive worldwide print + ebook rights for the term (10 years on a standard contract, 2 years for the Quill imprint), reverting to non-exclusive afterward; rights revert fully on contract termination, and only transfer at all if the campaign hits its threshold
• Pricing: Free to crowdfund — no platform/service fee on pre-orders (unlike Kickstarter or Indiegogo). Inkshares earns its return from book sales: authors receive 35% of net receivables on all sales, print and digital alike (net = list price minus production and distribution costs). Pre-order revenue up to the 750 threshold goes toward production; royalties accrue only beyond it. Inkshares.com direct orders pay out immediately; retailer sales pay 90 days after purchase (industry returnable period)
• Timeline: 9–12 month production pipeline after funding threshold is reached
• Limitations: 35%-of-net royalty is lower than pure self-publishing, and "net" deductions can shrink per-copy earnings substantially; slow production compared to DIY; requires significant upfront audience-building to reach the 750 threshold