Amazon has announced that finalists of this year’s UK Kindle Storyteller Award will have the chance of seeing their work produced for Prime Video.
The UK prize is one of six Kindle literary awards around the world and the global finalists and winning titles from all six be evaluated by a panel of audiovisual experts from Amazon International Originals, before one is selected for possible production by Amazon Studios.
The winner, who will be announced online in March 2020, will receive an advance payment of USD 10,000 if they sign a contract giving Amazon Studios a 36-month period for Amazon Studios to purchase the screenplay of their work.
The Kindle Storyteller Award is open to submissions of new books in the English language across any genre, and entries must be submitted using Kindle Direct Publishing. Titles must be previously unpublished and a minimum of 24 pages in print with no upper word limit.
All books entered into the prize will be available on Kindle and Fire devices as well as the Kindle reading app for iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets. Print copies will also be available to buy on the Amazon.co.uk store.
As well as the chance for their work to be made into an audiovisual production for Prime Video, the winner of the UK Kindle Storyteller Award will receive a £20,000 cash prize, a marketing campaign to support the book on Amazon.co.uk and the opportunity to have their book translated.
Authors have until 31stAugust 2019 to submit their work for judging. The winner of the UK award will be announced at a central London award ceremony in October.
James Farrell, Head of International Originals for Amazon Studios, said: “We are always looking for original content from around the world for our Prime Video customers, and the next big idea and truly unique perspective can come from anywhere.
“To have a shortlist of great books evaluated by Kindle and by customers through the already successful KDP writing contests, and being able to pick one of them to develop as either a series or a movie will be fantastic.”
Jose Chapa, Kindle EU, said: “We’re incredibly excited that the finalists from the UK Kindle Storyteller Award will have the chance for their writing to be turned into a Prime Video production.
“We’re amazed each year by the creativity and ingenuity of these authors, and today’s announcement gives an extra incentive to those who might be on the fence about entering their work.”
