Kindle Worlds Makes Fan Fiction Profitable

At 21 years old, I am completely unashamed to admit that I am 100% (still) addicted to "Gossip Girl." I had first read the entire series sometime during my middle school years and well before the show’s first pilot was even shot. My obsession was only furthered by the on-screen adaptation of the series and I still get upset when I think about the fact that Monday night will never again host a new "Gossip Girl" episode.

For anyone who feels this way about "Gossip Girl," or other shows such as "Pretty Little Liars" and "The Vampire Diaries," you may turn to fan fiction (I have yet to delve into this world) to quench your thirst for more of your favorite series. Fan fiction is certainly not a new practice.

For years, fans have been writing their own takes on and spinoffs for their favorite shows. Amazon has recognized this trend and in turn is launching a new program never seen before. Amazon’s Kindle Worlds will be the first commercial publishing platform that will enable any writer to publish authorized fan fiction and earn royalties for doing so.

“Our books have generated a massive amount of fan fiction, and we see this as an evolution in publishing and a valuable way of broadening our brands and engaging fans,” said Leslie Morgenstein, President Alloy Entertainment. “When working with Amazon Publishing on this scale, we know we’re in good hands and everyone will benefit.”

“Seeing Pretty Little Liars fans adapt and create their own stories is both exciting and flattering and I think what Amazon Publishing is offering through Kindle Worlds is an a great way to reward their ingenuity,” said Sara Shepard, author of Pretty Little Liars.

In order to receive a royalty rate of 35% of net revenue, written works of fan fiction must be at least 10,000 words. As with all titles from Amazon Publishing, Kindle Worlds will base net revenue off of sales price and royalties will be paid monthly.

In addition to the launch of Kindle Worlds, Amazon Publishing will pilot an experimental new program for shorter works of fiction between 5,000 and 10,000 words. These short stories will typically be priced less than one dollar and Amazon will pay the authors a digital royalty of 20%.

The program begins today. Interested writers are encouraged to visit Kindle Worlds to learn more and get a head start on writing their stories. In June, Kindle Worlds will launch its own store, which is expected to launch with over 50 commissioned works from authors. At that time, the Kindle Worlds self-service submission platform will be in effect, allowing any writer to submit completed work.

Photo Credit: Getty Images