Amazon's a Publisher!

In an interesting turn of events that may hopefully strengthen the digital/e-book publishing field, the almighty Amazon it seems has now become in itself a frontline publishing entity.

From an article in the recent Publisher's Weekly Daily, Jim Milliot reports:

"Amazon.com is officially a publisher. The company finally unwrapped a program that showcases, and sells short magazine-like work from established authors."

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6249672.html
?display=breaking

To give you a few quick details about the program:

"Amazon Shorts are never-before-seen short works from a wide variety of well-known authors, available only on Amazon.com."

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/13993911/
ref%3Dshrt%5Fsu%5F/104-0360456-2903925

But, looking a little deeper, I found this little tidbit of information which might actually change the program as time goes on to include authors who aren't yet in the top echelon. Just check this out:

"Amazon Shorts features previously unpublished short-form literature for sale exclusively at Amazon.com. Fiction and nonfiction pieces on a wide variety of topics are available in a digital format only for just $0.49. This is a great way for authors to maintain a more direct and frequent communication with their readers as well as promote their backlist."

Accepted Material:

"Any previously unpublished short-form work (2,000 - 10,000 words, fiction or nonfiction) you've created that your readers would find interesting."

"Can anyone submit an Amazon Short? We are accepting work from a diverse group of authors. If you are an agent, author, publisher, or editor, and you would like to be considered for inclusion in this program, please contact us."

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/feature/-/570212/
ref=amb_left-2_67018301_1/104-0360456-2903925

So, when you get a few moments, go check it out-it might off you another outlet for your smaller works!