Want to self-publish - but bewildered by the options available?  Need more practical tips about writing in the digital age? A new, free website, The Writing Platform,  aimed at giving poets and writers neutral information about what’s available out there – and backed by Arts Council England - is to be launched in February 2013. Nick McDowell, London director of literature at Arts Council England, said: “Digital technology is enabling writers, emerging and established, to publish their work in innovative ways and engage audiences like never before. We are pleased to support The Writing Platform as it addresses the pressing need for writers to be able to access current, authoritative and impartial digital knowledge.”

The Writing Platform’s website says: “The impact of technology on the publishing industry has seen agents become publishers, publishers become software developers and technology companies offer direct publishing platforms. The Writing Platform aims to help writers who may find themselves feeling either under-informed or faced with conflicting information.”

The Writing Platform will be edited by Canadian novelist Kate Pullinger, pictured, who said:  “My agent in North America is setting up as an ebook publisher for her client’s out-of-print backlist, while my agent here in the UK maintains that if agents become publishers there is a clear and simple conflict of interest. With regards to an important issue like, for instance, ebook royalties, the industry standard has become 25%, while if you publish straight to Kindle it is 70%. None of this is easy. The Writing Platform will state the facts.”