by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Amazon Author Insights is a new author-facing Tumblr site to help both new and established writers find writing-related resources and Amazon services for writers in one spot.
I was asked by Amazon to be a beta-tester for the site and to contribute some of its content (here are a couple of my posts on building an author platform and Kindle Instant Preview).
There are tabs for writers looking for information on writing, publishing, and marketing.
Amazon Tools and Services Page
One of the most helpful things about the site are the links to Amazon’s tools and services. I’ve always felt as if it was tricky to find everything Amazon offers all in one place (out of sight, out of mind for me.)
Although I’d heard about Amazon’s free screenwriting tool online, for instance, I’d never run across it, despite the time I spend on Amazon. I think that’s because when I’m on Amazon, I’m either on Author Central or KDP bookshelf/reports and not searching the site. I’m no screenwriter, but it was interesting to see they offered peer collaboration, auto-formatting (a nice plus), and the ability to submit finished scripts directly to Amazon Studios. For scripts in the brainstorming stages, they also offer Amazon Storybuilder.
I wasn’t at all familiar with Comixology before spending time on the Amazon Author Insights site. If you draw as well as write (I wish I could!), you could submit your comic or graphic novel to be considered for publication.
You can propose your book to Amazon to be considered for translation via their AmazonCrossing site.
Fan fiction writers can self-publish their works through the site.
And, of course, you can find links to CreateSpace, Goodreads, ACX and other Amazon sites on the page.
Have you explored the different tools and services at Amazon? Or were you like me and unaware that some of them existed? Seen their new site?
The new Amazon Author Insights site (via @AmazonKindle ): Click To Tweet
Photo via Visualhunt
I’d have to say I was mostly unaware!
Cool that you get to beta test.
So was I! And I read too many blogs to be unaware. :)
Oh, this does sound interesting, Elizabeth. Lucky you to get to beta-test it. Sounds as though there are some very helpful tools there.
I think it’s a good one-stop shop, especially for a writer who’s trying to figure out where to begin with the self-publishing process, or a writer trying to expand into other areas (translation, screenwriting, etc).
I’m excited to be a part of it in the beginning.
All in one place will be nice. Some options aren’t so readily apparent.
Looking forward to seeing an L. Diane Wolfe post on their site soon!
I didn’t know about all that stuff. It’s a good idea to put it all in one location, and in a place that’s more enjoyable to browse (if you know what I mean).
I agree, especially in terms of the interface…much more user-friendly and easy to navigate than all of the bits and pieces that are on Amazon’s main site.
Will you be my agent? You know so much more than most. Thanks again for your post, NC friend.
Thanks for this, Leslie! You made me smile. Hope you have a happy week!
Hi Elizabeth – another interesting set of information … I was really interested, yet somewhat lost -but then I’m not authoring in your circles. Great you were asked to beta test … and then to read the other comments – looks like another useful ‘dimension’ for you (us) .. cheers Hilary
Thanks for coming by, Hilary! Hope you have a happy weekend. :)