Amazon Shorts: Quick Reads for Cheap

by Courtney Mroch | More from this Blogger

31 Aug 2007 03:17 PM

Let me preface this blog with a disclaimer. I am an author with an Amazon Shorts title for sale. My intent is not to encourage sales, though. I recently had the opportunity to become a user of the service and was so impressed I wanted to spread the word. So I asked Tristi if I could guest blog about it and she said, "Sure!" (By the way, thanks again, Tristi!)

Amazon.com is known for a bunch of services, but did you know they also publish and sell short stories? Well, they do, via their Amazon Shorts program.

Finding the Amazon Shorts Section

If you don't click the hyperlink above, let me tell you the trick to finding Amazon Shorts on their site. (Because it is a little tricky.)

"Amazon.com" usually appears as the default in the drop down menu to the right of where it says "Search." Select "Books," then hit "Go." Once you're to the Books section, click that drop down menu again and you'll see "Amazon Shorts" at the bottom. Select it, hit "Go" again, and you'll be at the Amazon Shorts page.

What You'll Find There

You'll find 49 cent downloads by new, established, and even bestselling authors. (Yes, all of them, no matter how long or short, are just 49 cents. Reading just became very affordable again, didn't it?)

And whatever genre or persuasion you care for, it's there. From nonfiction such as Biography & Memoirs, Business & Investing, or Parenting & Families, to literary fiction and genres such as Horror, Mystery & Thrillers, Romance, and Science Fiction & Fantasy. There's even a Children's & Teen category. That's just to name a few. There are a lot more categories.

Not Just Affordable, Easy Too

I bought my first short last week. (I actually ended up buying two, and then three more this week.) Amazon.com made it super easy with their 1-Click ordering system. (That's because I already had an account, which you'll have to take a few moments to establish if you don't have one yet.) I just had to confirm a few details, like which credit card I wanted to use and my address, then BAM!, I was taken to the screen where I was given the option to view the short on-screen, download it to my computer, or have it emailed to me.

Viewing it on-screen is nice. Just click the button and there it is. And if you want to print it out to read later, no problem. You can do the same with the download. I haven't tried the email option. Haven't found a need to yet, but I imagine if I was buying on someone else's computer and I didn't want to download it there that would be a handy way of getting it.

Why I'm Hooked

I like not only writing short stories, but also reading them. They're quick, satisfying, and they give me a chance to sample authors I might not have read otherwise. I've bought shorts from other publishers who sell digital versions and their services were all fine. Generally you received an email with instructions for claiming your purchase by hitting a link. That's why I think I'm so hooked on Amazon's service. I like the 1-Click pay and having immediate access to the story.

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Learn more about Courtney Mroch

Courtney Mroch is a wife, a proud pet parent, and a writer. She's been with her husband, high school sweetheart Wayne Pryor, over 20 years, married 11 of those. She's "mom" to Mr. Meow, a.k.

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Sheri Fresonke Harper (4092) 31 Aug 2007 05:16 PM

Thanks for the great write up. I purchased one and enjoyed it. :-) Sheri

Courtney Mroch (9169) 01 Sep 2007 10:53 AM

Awesome! Thanks for letting me know. Had you bought it before reading this, or did you try it after? Either way, it's neat to hear from someone else who tried the Amazon Shorts program too!

Tristi Pinkston (10839) 01 Sep 2007 12:50 PM

Thanks for this article -- I've never tried it but I just may have to now!

Courtney Mroch (9169) 02 Sep 2007 03:26 PM

They have ALL kinds of stories there, Tristi. If you do try it'll be interesting to hear how you liked it and how you decided on whatever one you bought. ;) (That was my problem...deciding on just one. That's why I've gone back and bought more and have more on my radar to get. =)

QueenAngie Central Illinois, USA (59956) 02 Sep 2007 03:42 PM

Thank you for this very informative reading service......and I thought you were talking about clothing. *giggles* This is another avenue to enjoying a good book at a very inexpensive price.