Kindle Singles are “compelling ideas expressed at their natural length.” In other words these are writings that do not fall into the conventional space for magazine or print – typically 5,000 to 30,000 words.
Essentially it is a short short story, article, post or opinion with prices ranging from 99¢ to $4.99.
The submission process is slightly different than simply self-publishing through Amazon’s KDP service. First, each submission is reviewed by an Amazon editor, which they state that they will “read and respond within two weeks.” At that time, if Amazon is interested in publishing your work, they will provide further instructions on how to formally submit your title via Kindle Direct Publishing.
The only problem with Kindle Singles is its unfamiliarity. Customers buy a low-priced book expecting a full-length novel. Authors can combat this by offering the most bang for the customers money.
Some helpful Tips when writing a Kindle Single
Consider the Sample Book
Think small or at least condensed. A traditional book includes a table of contents, title page, copyright information, acknowledgements, the dedication, preface, foreword, prologue and contact information. For a Kindle Single, you only want to have the following on the first page:
- Title of the article
- Author’s name
- Table of contents
- Copyright
Samples offer only the first 10% of your book. This sample preview is your opportunity to make your work shine so you don’t want to waste this important space with boatloads of book information. By condensing the information onto one page, you allow viewers to see more of your work and increase your chances of a sale.
Add a Resource list
As you compile information for your book, include resources you used. This will add validity to your work. Giving away free information adds value to your book.
Use of Images
Be very selective of the images you choose. You don’t have a lot of real estate so make every page count.
- Only use images if your article absolutely requires it.
- Avoid using images with text embedded, unless they are high quality and contrast. Text in images can be difficult to read. Consider a text caption instead.
- You want the best resolution and the fastest download time so the consensus use images of .jpg (.jpeg) for photos, .gif for art and graphics, that are 100 kb or less.
How to submit a Kindle Single
The their Kindle Singles, Amazon will consider ebooks recently published via Kindle Direct Publishing, manuscript submissions, or pitches.
- To nominate your self-published book, simply email Amazon at kindle-singles@amazon.com and include the title, ASIN, and a brief summary.
- If the work is not yet published, you can submit a manuscript or a detailed pitch for your Kindle Single. Send as much material as you have available to kindle-singles@amazon.com and include your name and a writing sample.
- Writers or publishers wishing to propose an idea for a Kindle Single can write to Amazon’s editors at kindle-singles@amazon.com.
Selection process
Each submission is carefully reviewed by Amazon editors. Once your submission is received, Amazon states they will read and respond within two weeks. If interested in your submission or pitch, they will provide you with further instructions on how to submit your title via Kindle Direct Publishing and any additional next steps.
Rights and Royalties
Accepted Kindle Singles are published using the Kindle Direct Publishing platform, which means that the author earns royalties on each sale. Kindle Singles must have list prices between $0.99 and $4.99, and authors can choose the 70% royalty option for their accepted titles, even when the list price is below $2.99. All other Terms and Conditions of Kindle Direct Publishing will also apply to content sold as a Kindle Single.
Writers retain all rights to their work when accepted and published in Kindle Singles. Amazon will consider Kindle Singles from authors, publishers, and agents, and you will need to confirm that you have the rights to publish the work you upload. If accepted, your Kindle Single must be made available in all territories where you have rights, so Kindle customers around the world have the option to purchase your title.
Like all Kindle books, Kindle Singles can be purchased and read across the entire Kindle family of devices, as well as on our Free Kindle Reading Apps (Kindle for iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, Mac, PC, BlackBerry, Android, etc.).
Kindle Singles Criteria
- Length: 5,000 to 30,000 words
- List price: $0.99 to $4.99
- Original work, not previously published in other formats or publications
- Self-contained work, not chapters excerpted from a longer work
- Not published on any public website in its entirety
- Amazon is currently not accepting how-to manuals, public domain works, reference books, travel guides, or children’s books.(Jan 1, 2012)
Resources:
- Kindle Singles: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000700491
- How to Publish and Sell your Article on the Kindle : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MDLKKK/
