Self-published author John Locke sells 1M e-books

[June 21, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- A self-published author has joined James Patterson, Stieg Larsson and others as a million seller on the Kindle.

Amazon.com announced Monday that thriller writer John Locke, whose books are released through the online retailer's Kindle Direct Publishing, has sold just over 1 million e-books, many of them priced at 99 cents. His novels include "Vegas Moon," "Wish List" and "A Girl Like You." His latest work is an advice book he was well qualified to write: "How I Sold 1 Million eBooks in 5 Months."

Another self-published e-book sensation, Amanda Hocking, signed a six-figure deal earlier this year with St. Martin's Press. But Locke says he wants to remain independent.

"It just wouldn't be fun for me'" Locke wrote Monday in an email message to The Associated Press. "I like the idea of being able to walk away from writing if it stops being fun."

Locke does have a literary agent, Jane Dystel, and said she is working on movie and TV and audio rights.

[Associated Press]

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