There is a new kid on Amazon’s block called Kindle Vella. I joined in early in the experimental stage and, so far, I can’t say that it has been the most rewarding experience, but I can’t say that it has been a total flop either. We’re still getting to know each other.
It’s not hard to set up an account, and basically, the author simply writes a series of stories in episodes. Amazon sells them one episode at a time. The first three are free, in order to catch the reader’s attention.
The reader can give the work a thumbs up and even “crown” a favorite story. In total, it has been computed that an average book divided up in this way costs almost the same as if the reader bought it outright. It simply gives the reader the chance to take the story in increments and stop at any time. I’m not sure what the difference between this and borrowing a book is, except that the reader only pays for the episodes read.
It does look like the author is paid a little more per book as the episodes add up. A bonus for creating a longer story with many episodes? I’m not sure.
If you are interested, here is a link to my story Homestead
See what you think and, if you’re interested, join in. There is always room for another great story.
Put Your Mind in a Better Place
Entertainment for Life
A. K. Frailey
As a teacher with a degree in Elementary Education who has taught in big cities and small towns, Ann Frailey homeschooled all of her children. She manages her rural homestead with her kids and their numerous critters, authors books, and writes a Friday blog alternating between short stories and her My Road Goes Ever On series. Put Your Mind in a Better Place—Entertainment for Life
I was wondering how this worked out for authors. As a reader, I find the interface clunky. I’d much rather read on my Kindle than through the Amazon website/app, and I don’t tend to read just a few pages at a time. So maybe it’s not for readers like me. Are authors permitted to offer the same book in the regular Kindle format?
Hi, Barb, thanks for your insight.
In regards to the Kindle Vella, I believe that the work is supposed to be original for Kindle Vella, though at some point, if my recent story, which I enjoy writing, doesn’t gain traction, I may take it off Vella and republish it as a KDP book. I’ll have to dig deeper for more information on that process.
Blessings.