Amazon Kindle to close Write On author community

Amazon will close its Kindle Write On author community in March.

In a message to users, Amazon said: “While we have been proud over the last few years to have brought together such a vibrant, active, and creative community, unfortunately we will be closing Write On's doors on 22nd March. After this date, access to Write On will be unavailable.

“Your Amazon.com account will not be affected by the closure of Write On. If you don't have any content you wish to save, no further action is required on your part.”

The company did not give a reason for closing the site, which launched in 2014 for writers to test story ideas. Users expressed sadness on the writeon-community.amazon.com/community/thread.jspa?threadID=7389&tstart=0">Write On site, with one posting: “I'm so sorry to hear Write On is shutting down. I have met some of the most wonderful people here and developed special friendships. It's a great place to learn and get feedback.”

Another said: “While I'm grateful and thankful for the opportunity to use this site, this news is crap, and it makes me angry. The staff is all but silent for months, and then BAM! 'We're sorry but we've decided to close down the site.' How disappointing. I've made a home here. I've met good people here! Then you can't even supply an explanation as to why.”

However, others suggested Write On is closing because not enough writers are using it.

Amazon has made efforts recently to promote its Kindle Direct Publishing platform instead, lauching a £20,000 Kindle Storyteller Award earlier this week.