WRID Roadmap

1. Current Status

• WRID identifier format finalized (UUIDv7 → Crockford Base32)
• Initial resolver online at https://wrid.org/<wrid>
• Public JSON and XML endpoints in prototype
• Specification v0.1 published
• WriterID.org public site launched

These foundations allow publishers, libraries, developers, and writers to begin exploring WRID as a future identity standard.

2. Upcoming Technical Work

2.1 Resolver Enhancements

• Improve HTML rendering of records
• Implement full content negotiation
• Provide caching headers (ETag + long-lived)
• Add metadata versioning indicators
• Introduce error format for malformed or unknown WRIDs

2.2 JSON Schema v1

• Finalize field definitions for Person, Persona, Work, Series
• Introduce relationships field for cross-entity links
• Define minimal and optional metadata sets
• Add validation examples

2.3 XML Schema (ONIX Overlays)

• Finalize ONIX-compatible contributor identifiers
• Define WRID namespace extension for Person + Persona types
• Map work metadata to ONIX 3.0 composites

3. Tooling & Platform Features

3.1 Writer Dashboard (Prototype)

A secure interface for writers to:

• Manage Personas
• Add or edit Works
• View WRIDs and metadata
• Configure estate + legacy instructions

3.2 Publisher Tools

A set of utilities for publishers to adopt WRIDs at scale:

• Bulk import of author and work metadata
• Minting WRIDs for new publications
• Integration with ONIX feeds
• API for contributor resolution

3.3 Library & Archive Integrations

• Cross-walk mappings to VIAF, ISNI, Wikidata
• Persistent linking of authority records
• Support for catalogued works and editions

4. Specification Evolution

Future specification drafts (v0.2, v0.3, v1.0) will address:

• Formal JSON schema publication
• Formal XML schema publication
• Introduction of WRID metadata profiles
• Expanded entity relationships (e.g., universes, collaborations)
• More detailed estate instruction encoding
• Machine-verifiable licensing declarations

The goal of v1.0 is a stable standard ready for adoption by publishers, libraries, and platforms.

5. Foundation Planning

WRID is designed to become a non-profit, neutral, long-lived steward of writer identity metadata—similar in spirit to ORCID, Crossref, and other public-good standards bodies.

Planned steps:

• Define legal mission and bylaws
• Establish advisory and governance structure
• Create funding model oriented around sustainability, not commerce
• Form partnerships with industry and academic institutions
• Ensure long-term archival, technical, and financial continuity

6. Long-Term Vision

WRID aims to become the global standard for:

• Identifying writers across all platforms and eras
• Managing pen names and creative identities
• Preserving bibliographies beyond the lifespan of any publisher
• Documenting literary estates and posthumous rights
• Supporting open cultural access and research

Writer identity deserves stability, longevity, and neutrality. WRID exists to provide that infrastructure for generations of writers and readers.

7. Feedback & Participation

The roadmap evolves as the ecosystem grows. Feedback, discussion, and participation are welcome from writers, publishers, developers, librarians, and archivists.

For contact and updates, visit: writerid.org