Amazon has this week unveiled sales figures for its Kindle Singles, which are smaller online publications that are around the size of a few chapters of a typical book.
Amazon launched its Kindle Singles around 14 months ago in January 2011 and during that time has racked up around 2 million sales its revealed in its figures released this week.
Revenue Sharing and Pricing
Seventy percent of each Kindle Single sale goes to the author or publisher, and Amazon keeps the other 30 percent. Kindle Singles range in price from $0.99 up to $1.99, which is set by the author or publisher. This pricing model has made it an attractive option for both established and emerging writers who are looking to publish shorter works without the overhead of traditional publishing.
Amazon wouldn’t divulge its earnings from the Kindle Single sales, but a quick calculation creates a rough estimate of Amazon’s 30-percent cut is around $1.12 million. This figure highlights the significant revenue potential for Amazon, even from these smaller, lower-priced publications. For authors, the 70 percent cut can be quite lucrative, especially if their work gains popularity and sells in large numbers.
The Appeal of Kindle Singles
Kindle Singles have found a unique niche in the digital publishing world. They offer readers the opportunity to enjoy high-quality, shorter reads that can be consumed in one sitting or over a few days. This format is perfect for busy individuals who may not have the time to commit to a full-length book but still want to enjoy engaging content.
Authors have also embraced Kindle Singles as a way to experiment with new ideas, genres, or writing styles without the pressure of producing a full-length novel. For instance, an author might use a Kindle Single to publish a novella, a collection of essays, or even a detailed investigative report. This flexibility has led to a diverse range of content available in the Kindle Singles store, catering to a wide array of reader interests.
Moreover, Kindle Singles have been a platform for notable authors and journalists to publish exclusive content. For example, renowned journalist and author Jon Krakauer used the Kindle Singles platform to publish “Three Cups of Deceit,” a critical exposé on Greg Mortenson and his charity work. This kind of high-profile publication has helped to elevate the status of Kindle Singles and attract more readers to the platform.
Amazon’s marketing and recommendation algorithms also play a crucial role in the success of Kindle Singles. By leveraging its vast customer data, Amazon can effectively promote Kindle Singles to readers who are likely to be interested in them, thereby increasing sales and visibility for authors.
You can read more about the figures released by Amazon over at the Paid Content website.
Source: Paid Content
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