Kindle-hip screenwriter uses tech to test short story on audience—and turn a few stray bucks

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By David Rothman

John August, a Hollywood scriptwriter for eight films, tested a spy story on some two dozen of his 6,000+ Twitter followers.

On top of that, he’s selling the 7,176-word story for the Kindle and iPhone and in PDF. Price is just 99 cents at Amazon. He’s made enough money so far to buy several Kindles if he wants.

What’s more, you can even read the first 13 pages for free.

A few observations from him: “This kind of self-publishing certainly reduces the barriers, but literary brand recognition is still a huge asset. It is reading, after all. People would rather do almost anything than risk reading something bad. Free previews and a 99-cent price tag help, but the reputation of the author is likely a major factor in deciding to buy.”

Related: New York Times item on August.

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