WRID Roadmap
WriterID (WRID) is in active development. This roadmap outlines the near-term technical milestones, specification work, and long-term vision for the WRID ecosystem and the future WRID Foundation.
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
relationshipsfield 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