Self-Publish on Kindle Ebook Reader

Self-Publishing using the Amazon Kindle Ebook Reader

If you have tried self-publishing already you have probably discovered it's not as easy as it looks. But if you have a US social security number then Amazon has just very kindly created a new outlet for your works - the Kindle Ebook Reader. You can now self-publish your books for the Amazon Kindle Ebook Reader (Oprah's favorite gadget in case you hadn't heard and selling like hot cakes !).

It's free to publish via the Amazon Kindle and your title will be right up there with all the big names on Amazon. You share the proceeds of any sales with Amazon. Bear in mind that certain things are prohibited - these are the usual suspects such as pornography, offensive material, illegal material etc...

Compared to trying to find a traditional publisher the process is a piece of cake. It's all explained at dtp.amazon.com, where the have an example with explanations. Basically you enter the title, your name, you describe the book, including multiple keywords, upload the text, preferably in HTML, make any changes needed, enter a price between 99 cents and $200. Amazon can change the price if they feel it is unrealistic. You receive 35% of the list price. Click 'Publish' and around 12 hours later your work of art will appear on Amazon.

Electronic Ebook Readers are still in their infancy and are already revealing interesting opportunities for writers and publishers, so if you have a book you feel the world should read check out Amazon dtp.amazon.com.

Ebook Readers Big in Utah

Utah School Board Buys Kindles in Bulk

Two significant advantages of the Kindle Ebook Reader over books is that a) the Kindle can store many dozens of books but weighs the same as one book and b) the books downloaded onto an Ebook Reader work out cheaper - $10 instead of the typical $25 for a school book.

This was the logic that persuaded the Granite School District to buy 147 Kindle Ebook Readers for a total of $52,773.

Jim Henderson, Director of Instructional Technology for Granite, one of the largest districts in Utah, says he was skeptical at first too, until he bought 10 Kindles for employees .

"I put it in the hands of my oldest librarians, and they coveted it almost immediately. I'd compare it to the first iPods. I think this is just the beginning of a trend."

Granite would appear to be the only Utah school district so far to buy Ebook Readers in bulk.

While it may seem pricey, Kindle's biggest selling point for a school district is cost.

The Kindle's wireless capability means users can download books as long as they can make a phone call and the "electronic-paper" of the Kindle elminates the glare normally associated with back-lit computer screens.

If you are thinking of getting an Ebook Reader for Christmas see also Oprah Loves the Kindle Ebook Reader