How do community books work?

At Next Chapters, we believe in the power of collaborative storytelling. Our Community Books feature offers a unique and dynamic way for writers to come together and co-create stories. Whether you're a seasoned author or a budding writer, Community Books provide an exciting platform to showcase your creativity and engage with a community of like-minded individuals. This article explains how Community Books work and how you can get involved, regardless of your membership status.

Creating a Community Book

1. Open to All Members: Anyone with an account on Next Chapters, whether a paid or free member, can initiate the creation of a Community Book. This inclusive feature is designed to encourage a diverse range of voices and perspectives in the storytelling process.
2. Starting a New Community Book: To start a Community Book, navigate to the Community Books section on our platform and select the option to create a new book. You'll be prompted to provide a title, a brief description or synopsis, and set the initial tone or direction for the story.
3. Role of the Editor: As the creator of a Community Book, you will automatically be designated as the 'Editor'. This role allows you to oversee the book's development, although it's important to note that you cannot control who contributes to the book. Any member of Next Chapters can add chapters to your Community Book.

Contributing to a Community Book

1. Open Contributions: One of the unique aspects of Community Books is that any member with an account can contribute a chapter to any Community Book. This openness fosters a rich, unpredictable, and collaborative storytelling experience.
2. Adding Chapters: If you wish to contribute to a Community Book, simply choose a book that interests you and add your chapter. Your contribution will be queued for review by the Editor before it becomes part of the story.

Access to Additional Writing Tools

1. Enhanced Tools for Paid Members: While creating or contributing to a Community Book is available to all, paid members have the advantage of accessing additional writing tools, chapter review reports, and plot-building resources. These tools are designed to enhance the writing experience and help in crafting more compelling chapters.
2. Tools for Free Members: Free members can still fully participate in Community Books but with access to the standard set of writing tools available on the platform.

Editorial Control and Responsibilities

1. Reviewing Contributions: As the Editor, you are responsible for reviewing and approving chapters submitted by other members. This ensures the continuity and quality of the story.
2. Time-Sensitive Review Process: It's important to regularly check for pending chapters. If there's a chapter waiting for review and the designated Editor doesn't meet the deadline for review, Next Chapters reserves the right to either reassign the book to another member or take over the editorial responsibilities.

Community Books on Next Chapters offer a fascinating way to engage with a community of writers and readers. Whether you're starting a new book or contributing to an existing one, you're participating in a collective storytelling adventure. Remember, as an Editor, your role is crucial in guiding the book's direction, but the collaborative nature of the project means embracing contributions from a wide array of voices. Dive into the world of Community Books and experience the joy of collaborative creativity!