Vella is Amazon's new platform for serialized fiction. And like any good publisher of regular content, the first few episodes of a series are free.
Kindle Vella for Authors – Is It Worth It?
Amazon is pushing into the popular territory of serial fiction platforms like Radish and, to a lesser extent, Wattpad, which are more focused on publishing entire stories. Serialization is more open than conventional publishing, even in the era of self-publishing directly to Kindle, and has a lower barrier to entry. But will Vella turn Amazon into a gatekeeper? Can authors trust it?
"I don't trust Amazon to treat authors well. I hope to be treated somewhat decently, but I don't expect it," multi-platform serialization queer dark fantasy romance author AW Frasier told Lifewire. "It's a business, [and] we're cogs in a big factory that makes a certain CEO a lot of money. I just hope to make some for myself, too."
Serialized fiction is so hot right now, and it’s easy to see why. The short, steady stream of new episodes fits perfectly with our social media habits, and short pieces are perfect for the small screen. Serialized stories also create a buzz. They deliver chapters on a regular schedule, which fits in with our modern reading habits.
