Amazon Prime Book Writing Service – An Overview
Amazon self-publishing allows authors to publish and sell their books through Amazon’s platform without needing to secure a traditional publishing deal. For authors looking to self-publish but lacking the time or skills to write a book themselves, Amazon Prime also offers a book writing service to help authors develop and complete books that can then be self-published on Amazon. This article provides an overview of Amazon’s book writing service, including how it works, pricing, turnaround times, quality standards, and reviews from authors who have used the service.
How the Amazon Prime Book Writing Service Works
The process of using Amazon’s book writing service begins by contacting Amazon Publishing and providing details about the proposed book, including genre, target audience, estimated length, timeline expectations, and any specific requirements. Authors can choose to either outline the entire book themselves or have Amazon’s writers develop an initial outline.
Once the basic outline and specifics are agreed upon, Amazon assigns one or more of their freelance writers to the project. The writer(s) will then develop a full first draft of the manuscript based on the provided information and any guidance from the author. Amazon claims turnaround times of 8-12 weeks for a standard-length manuscript.
Upon completion of the initial draft, the manuscript is delivered to the author for review. At this stage, authors can provide feedback and request revisions to refine and polish the draft as needed to match their vision for the book. Amazon allows for a reasonable number of rounds of revision at no additional cost within the agreed-upon timeline.
After the author is satisfied with the revised draft, Amazon’s editors will conduct a professional quality review and edit. Formatting for printing and distribution on Amazon is also included. Once completed, the finished manuscript is delivered for the author to review one final time before publishing.
Pricing and Packages
Amazon offers three standard packages for their book writing service, ranging in price based on scope and level of support included:
Basic Package: Starting at $5,000 for a standard 50,000-80,000 word manuscript. Includes initial outline/planning, one draft, and limited revisions.
Standard Package: Starting at $7,500. Includes more robust planning/outlining, thorough revisions, and developmental editing.
Premium Package: $10,000 or more for larger/more complex projects. Includes additional rounds of revisions, comprehensive developmental/line edits, and optional formatting/cover design support.
Custom packages can also be arranged for unique projects outside standard specifications. Some additional fees may apply depending on length, complexity, and revision requirements. Authors can sometimes receive discounts for multiple concurrent projects.
Quality of Writing and Turnaround
Feedback on Amazon’s book writing service has been fairly positive regarding quality of writing and turnaround times being generally as promised. Reviews indicate quality can vary slightly depending on the individual writer assigned. Amazon claims to only partner with writers who have published multiple books themselves or have professional writing/editing experience.
Some authors note the initial drafts may need polishing but have been impressed with edits addressing plot, character development and flow. While timelines are largely met, some complex projects requiring more iterations have taken marginally longer. Authors also appreciate revisions being accommodated as included, which is not always the case with other writing services. Overall, the consensus seems to be competent writing for the intended goal of a publishable manuscript.
Pros and Cons
The major pros of using Amazon’s book writing service include efficiently completing a full manuscript draft, access to professional writers and editors, streamlined self-publishing process on completion, and adherence to agreed timelines and scope of revisions. It allows authors to get books written who otherwise lack the writing skills or spare time.
Potential cons involve less direct author involvement during the drafting process than strict self-writing, variable quality depending on assigned writer, and inability to make significant changes to plot or scope after initial agreement. There is also a loss of full creative control over the final manuscript compared to writing it entirely oneself.
Pricing, while competitive for the market, may still be out of budget for some aspiring authors depending on project scope and complexity. Reviews also indicate lesser-detailed planning or outlines at basic package levels could result in drafts less aligned with the author’s vision. Proper communication and guidance upfront is emphasized.
Overall, most feedback on Amazon’s book writing service has been positive when utilized appropriately. It fulfills a valuable role for helping viable book concepts become finished and published when authors lack writing skills or substantial time to compose full manuscripts themselves. With reasonable expectations set, it can efficiently deliver publish-ready books as promised.