At a time when some publishers are taking steps to improve the transparency and timeliness of the royalty process, Amazon has come forward saying it intends to pay its author more quickly and efficiently. In a letter sent to agents from Jeff Belle, v-p of Amazon Publishing, the division said it now intends to pay its authors on a monthly basis, instead of every three months.
Most publishers tend to pay their authors on a six-month cycle, which is something authors and agents have long complained about. Belle, in his letter, said Amazon will now release each month's royalties "within 60 days of the end of that month, every month." He went on to elaborate: "For example, royalties for sales in January will be released by March 31, royalties for sales in February will be released by April 30, etc." Amazon will begin implementing the change with its March payment cycle.
