[Publisher] Thinklings Books

[Feriku]

I couldn't find a post about this publisher, and since Thinklings Books has been active on Twitter with #MSWL tweets lately (often with very specific wishes), I thought I'd make one.

Website: https://www.thinklingsbooks.com

A few potential red flags stand out to me: the site seems very geared toward writers rather than readers, their only published books so far appear to be by their staff, and their FAQ has an entire paragraph about how they aren't an indie or small publisher but rather a "modern publisher."

 

[Helix]

They also ask for donations, because:

Thinklings is not supported like traditional publishers are. Instead of relying on superstar writers' platforms, we run our business differently. It all starts with our community!

 

[cool pop]

After reading Helix's comment I didn't even have to see the site. RUN!

Seriously, if you want an arrangement like this you might as well self-publish and call it a day. Why be with a company who is depending on the writers and donations to fund them? That shows they can't do anything for you. They have no money!

 

[frimble3]

Traditionally, publishers were supported by neither platforms or communities, but by selling books that people wanted to read.
Gathering money from your friends and family was what people did if they couldn't get a publisher. Or by subscription, if you already had a following.

You might as well be honest and go for self-publishing. At least if there's a delay or a hold-up, you'll know right away, and not have to wait to hear about it on BRBC.

 

[fenyo]

I don't know how long have they been open, but it seems to me like many publishing company start that way. first they publish the book that they wrote and get it going and learn from that process, and later start to publish books for others in the hope that they lorn and know how to do it.
I really don't understand to idea of the community supporting them, it should be the selling of the books that support them. but maybe this is just the beginning and later on they will become more traditional in their work.
I think we can wait and see how they grow and develop and maybe at some point in the future they will be a good publisher that will do a good job.