As part of its mission to support self-published authors across the UK, Amazon hosted a panel event in Edinburgh with the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).
The event set out to inspire all those looking to publish a book, connect with readers and drive sales through Amazon’s self-publishing service, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), whilst giving attendees a chance to ask questions on anything from how to prepare books for publication, marketing tips, how to manage a writing career over the long term and more. Attendees also had the chance to hear from Scottish authors who have had first-hand experience of achieving success using Kindle Direct Publishing, including crime writer JD Kirk, historical fiction author Steven MacKay and novelist Harriet Smart.
JD Kirk remarked: “It was brilliant to have the chance to hear from my fellow authors and of course the experts in person at this event. Self-publishing through Kindle Direct Publishing has been a key part of my author journey and allowed me to do what I love, and so it felt wonderful to be able to share my own experience with like-minded people whilst learning from the best.”
The event was chaired by Margaret Skea, Scottish Ambassador for the Alliance of Independent Authors, who is also a writer of historical fiction, whilst panels were hosted by Amazon’s Darren Hardy, EU+UK Manager of Author and Editorial, and Michaella Parkes, UK Author and Agent Relations Lead.
Supporting charities through the Amazon Literary Partnership
Amazon also supports the work of Scottish non-profit literary organisations including the Scottish Book Trust and Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust through the Amazon Literary Partnership (ALP).
The Scottish Book Trust believes books, reading and writing have the power to change lives. The Trust is just one non-profit organisation which Amazon supports through grants from the Amazon Literary Partnership. For over 25 years since first starting in 1998, the Scottish Book Trust team has been delivering world-class programmes across Scotland, working with local community groups to inspire creativity, improve employment opportunities and support mental health and wellbeing.
The city of Edinburgh is also the world's first UNESCO City of Literature, which is made possible by the wonderful work of the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust, another recipient of the Amazon Literary Partnership grant. Whether through high-profile campaigns or community-based projects, the team’s mission is to make Edinburgh a warm and welcoming city which values literature and its writers, where everyone can be involved in the joy of reading and writing. To celebrate the organisation’s 20th anniversary since UNESCO designation, aspiring writers will be able to take part in its new exciting Writer’s Room, based on the Royal Mile. Applications for this programme opened in March 2024.
The Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust said: "As a charity, we are extremely grateful to the Amazon Literary Partnership’s funding for enabling us to offer a creative and nurturing space for Edinburgh writers, particularly those that might find it difficult in getting access to this kind of paid opportunity.
"The Writer's Room is a place for writers to experiment and create work here in the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, and it's a marvellous way to acknowledge and celebrate our twenty years of being designated a UNESCO City of Literature, by offering this brilliant opportunity for the writers based here in the heart of the old town."
Looking to self publish your book with Kindle Direct Publishing?
Launched in 2007, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) makes it easier to self-publish than ever before, giving authors more choices than they’ve ever had in deciding how to bring their books to readers. It supports authors interested in publishing in both print (paperback and hardback) and digital formats.
Authors can upload their books to audiences in minutes, earning up to 70% royalty on sales to customers in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, India, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Australia and more. Writers can also enrol in KDP Select and reach more readers through Kindle Unlimited. Find out more about the programme.
Literary charity interested in support from the Amazon Literary Partnership?
The Amazon Literary Partnership provides grants to non-profit literary organisations operating in the UK and Republic of Ireland on an annual basis. Applications for 2025 grants will open in Autumn 2024.
Read more about the Amazon Literary Partnership.
