Recently, after a two year hiatus for mental health and other various reasons, I jumped back into writing, and decided to publish my latest “book/story” via Kindle Vella, Between A Witch And A Hard Fae. Shown below, you can see what Kindle Vella looks like via their website. All the important bits, the title, the author, the description, but what's really cool (at least to this data nerd) is that it shows you categories & tropes for each Vella Story, AAAANNNND it tells you (at the bottom) when the last update (aka last episode) was published, and when the next episode is scheduled to go live!
In case you’re asking yourself, what in the hell is Kindle Vella? I’m here to explain. Hopefully in a way that makes sense. So I’ve elected to go the route of an FAQ type of layout here.
Q: What is Kindle Vella?
A: Essentially, it’s a way to read stories in a serialized format. Directly from the Zon’s site - Kindle Vella brings you stories released one short episode at a time, available on the web at www.amazon.com/kindle-vella and in the Kindle app.
<---What it looks like in the Kindle App on your phone!
Q: So how does it work?
A: Again, taken directly from the Zon’s website:
Things to look out for if you're new here:
Follow the stories you like to keep up with the latest from your favorite characters.
When you like an episode, give it a Thumbs Up to let the author and other readers know you liked it.
The first few episodes of every story are always free--after that, purchase Tokens and redeem them to unlock episodes. Tokens may only be used to unlock Kindle Vella story episodes in the Kindle app and on the web at www.amazon.com/kindle-vella.
When you unlock episodes, you will receive one Fave a week that you can award to the story you're enjoying most that week. We'll feature Top Faved stories so other readers can find them too.
A pt. 2: One thing they don’t tell you is that your first 200 tokens (the little keys shown in the graphic below) to get you started are FREE. Which average out to anywhere between 8-15 episodes of a story. The other thing they don’t mention is that in order to give a Fave (aka the little crowns you see on some of the stories) you have to PURCHASE tokens (the little keys). Prices vary, but as you can see in the screenshot below, they go a long way. And lastly - to keep authors from gaming the system - tokens cannot be purchased with gift cards.
Q: Why should I read this story now, rather than wait until it’s finished?
A: Long answer? Because it allows you to interact with me (or whatever author you like) while they’re writing the stories. You can vote in polls, get inside looks at the episode, and hints about what’s to come. And you don’t have to wait months on end to find out what happens next, or for a whole book to come out.
Short answer? The first three episodes are free. That and I’ve got no idea how long it will be until this “story” is finished. So if you’d like to show your support, consider giving Vella a shot. (I’ve currently got 9 episodes/chapters up at the time of writing this - which comes out to about 1/5th of a full length novel word count wise - of a 300+ page book.
Q: I’m not in the US - how can I read this story?
A: First off, thank you so much for wanting to read it! Second, I’m currently working on a solution for this, so stay tuned. Rest assured, I haven’t forgotten my international peeps.
Q: Is this the only way you’re going to publish your books now?
A: Nope. I’ve still got stories I need to finish, and stories that I’m working on that will release in full book format when they’re ready. That being said, I have no idea when that will be, as I’ve found giving estimated dates of completion kills my muse.
Q: I want more of this story, how do I make sure you keep writing it?
A: The best way to show your support is by following the story (so you’re notified every week when a new episode drops).
See the arrow to the right in the photo. For clarity's sake, this is how it looks on the website, not within the Kindle App.
Hitting that little thumbs up (see the arrow in the image to the left) that appears at the end of each episode
after the author’s note (where if you aren't already,
it will allow you to click follow here too!). This view is from the Kindle App on my phone.
And last but definitely not least - (if you’ve purchased tokens) and have the opportunity to give Bram’s story a fave (see the arrow pointing to the crown shown below) that week, then please consider doing so, and know that you’ve got my gratitude for doing any one of these things - especially for just taking a chance on Bram’s story.
I probably didn’t cover all the questions here, (in fact, I know I didn’t) but I just finished writing episode 11 and started in on chapter 12, so my brain is full of all sorts of character voices in my head right now.
If you have any questions, or need help, or anything, feel free to message me on social, and I’ll do my best to help, and provide any answers I can!
Until Next Time Stay Wicked,
G