The Amazon Shorts program has been around for at least a year. Frequently I meet published writers who do not know about it. Follow the link and get acquainted with this program (www.amazon.com Why? If you get a group of authors together to talk “shop” about their books, if they are honest, I can almost guarantee they will tell stories about a book where they poured their heart and soul, yet it never did much in the marketplace. In other words, this great book never sold or had minimal sales. In other entries, I’ve talked about how publishers are looking for authors who will partner with them on these sales efforts for books. It’s the same situation with the editors. If they honestly discuss their books, they will mention books which were excellent, yet their disappointment in the author’s willingness to market and promote their own books. I’ve listened to both sides of this discussion and I know everyone has challenges to reach readers and sell books.
Amazon Shorts could provide a means for you to connect with more readers. Can you write a short, original nonfiction (www.right-writing.com or fiction (www.right-writing.com piece which is related to your book? If so, you can get it into this system. If you explore the program, you will learn it includes a number of bestselling authors such as historian David McCullough or novelist Danielle Steel. Explore their Frequently Asked Questions to learn how to begin the process. (snipurl.com A minimum requirement is to have at least one product for sale on Amazon.
I believe there are many potential benefits for the author and the publisher. Here’s my story and you see how it will apply to your own writing life: Over a year ago, Book Proposals That Sell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success released. (tinyurl.com The book continues to receive five star reviews on Amazon and impact the people who want to catch the attention of traditional publishers and editors. Last summer I learned about Amazon Shorts, then purchased several of these books and studied them for their format, length and topic. It’s a step anyone could take related to their own subject.
I wanted to create a related product to Book Proposals That Sell through the Amazon Shorts venue. Over several days, I wrote an original nonfiction piece titled: Straight Talk from the Editor, 18 Keys to a Rejection-Proof Submission (snipurl.com It is a substantial length with numerous tips, stories and value for the reader. When I purchased several of these Shorts, I discovered some of them are “short” or less than 2,000 words. My Amazon Shorts submission is over 6,000 words. I sent it in late August then like any author, I waited for a response to my submission. When I didn’t hear anything within the four to six week period of their guidelines, I wrote the editor and gently asked if he received my submission and noted the time limitation of their guidelines. This editor wrote saying they had many submissions and asked for my patience (and affirmed they received my original submission). Yesterday, I received the Amazon contract and welcome packet. It will take a few more weeks (after I return my completed paperwork) for my submission to enter their program.
How will it work for me? The verdict is out and only time will tell. I’m eager to move ahead and explore it. Think about it for your own writing. Can Amazon Shorts become another method to attract more readers?
___________________________
W. Terry Whalin has written more than 60 nonfiction books and has also worked as an acquisitions editor for Cook Communications and Howard Books. Subscribe to his free newsletter, Right-Writing News and receive over $100 of free ebooks along with over 400 pages of how-to-write information only for subscribers. Learn more at: www.right-writing.com A popular speaker at conferences, Terry and his wife, Christine, live in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Amazon Shorts Connect With Readers - To learn more about this author, visit Terry Whalin's Website.
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The Writing Life - Terry has written more than 60 nonfiction books plus published in
more than 50 magazines. For five years, he's been an acquisitions editor at a book publisher, and now he is a literary agent at Whalin Literary Agency. Terry encourages writers of any level (from beginners to professionals) at Right-Writing.com. To help
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