Authors await overdue payments as publisher Unbound goes into administration

Authors have been left unsure whether their books will be published and when they will receive outstanding payments after crowdfunding publisher Unbound went into administration last week.

The unique selling point of the publisher, launched in 2011 by QI researchers John Mitchinson and Justin Pollard, and Crap Towns author Dan Kieran, was that it allowed writers to pitch ideas online directly to readers. If enough people pledged financial support, the author would write the book, with supporters receiving various perks, such as early access to the book or a special edition.

Unbound confirmed last week that the business had been acquired by the newly-formed Boundless Publishing Group. A statement on its website said “Boundless will be moving forward with the majority of the Unbound projects”, instructing readers who have made pledges to “check back at the end of March when our new website will be live and you will have access to your account and order status”.

Boundless will be led by Archna Sharma, who was appointed as Unbound’s new CEO in January, with Mitchinson as a director. “This is the beginning of a bold new era,” said Sharma in a statement. “Boundless looks forward to forging exciting new connections between authors and readers.”

To read the full article on theguardian.com, click here