Amazon, on Thursday, February 4, 2021, announced that the new authors who embraced self-publishing using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to become published authors in India doubled in 2020 when compared to 2019.
KDP is a fast, free and easy service for authors to self-publish eBooks, reach a global audience, and receive up to 70% in royalties. Several writers self-publish with KDP as a means of supplementing their income or as an alternative source of livelihood.
Saiswaroopa Iyer a self-published author who uses KDP says, “I have been able to make a career out of writing while striking a work-life balance as it gives me the freedom to control my publishing schedule. For authors, it is also important to understand that a book is not only about telling a story but also about selling it and monetizing all the rights, like digital, translation, screen adaptation etc. that come with it”.
In 2020, Indian writers who used KDP published works across genres such as Literature and Fiction, Society, Politics and Philosophy, Mystery and Thrillers. Thousands of authors also published in regional Indian languages including Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam, and Gujarati on KDP to reach readers across the world. The bestselling self-published genres in 2020 included Health, Mind and Body, Society, Politics, and Philosophy, Romance, Literature and Fiction, and Business and Investing.
Anubhav Agrawal, a best-selling Indian KDP author was also featured among the Top 10 bestsellers on the Kindle India Store in 2020 with his debut novel, ‘Why Not Me?: A feeling of millions’. He says, “For far too long, there has been a divide between traditional authors and aspiring authors. KDP has democratised publishing for the latter group, enabling them to reach readers worldwide. The service fosters an environment that is conducive to growth; not only have I been able to develop my storytelling but also build a successful writing career with multiple books in my kitty. I encourage all aspiring authors to follow their passion and share their untold stories by experiencing the benefits of self-publishing through KDP.”
Amol Gurwara, Director Kindle Content - India, Amazon, says, “2020 was an unprecedented year that affected the way we live and work. In such times, it has been humbling to play a part in helping people get continued access to a great selection of eBooks. Through KDP, we saw budding authors from all walks of life embracing self-publishing as an alternative career option, and subsequently crafting their own success stories”. Amol also added, “We have recently announced the fourth edition of the KDP Pen to Publish contest that recognizes literary excellence amongst self-published authors and encourages aspiring authors to use self-publishing as a means to follow their passion.”
The fourth edition of KDP Pen to Publish Contest, a contest that recognises literary excellence amongst self-published authors across genres in English, Hindi and Tamil languages, is already underway. Participants can self-publish their eBook through KDP on Amazon.in until March 10, 2021. All eBooks entering the contest will be available on the free Kindle apps for iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, PC and Mac as well as Kindle E-readers.
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