Brief: Amazon Blogs To Help Authors Reach Readers

Amazon.com Inc. has launched a blog-like program that lets authors post messages to readers who have bought their books.

Called Amazon Connect, the messages appear on the readers' Amazon.com personal home page, as well as on the author's book page, the online retailer said. The idea is to help authors build a "one-to-one relationship" with readers and develop loyalty. Online tools are available for authors to update messages as often as they like.

The messages include a picture of the author and are meant to contain anything from the writer's current musing to upcoming projects. Before an author can participate he must register with Amazon.com and give the retailer a list of his books. Amazon.com then verifies the writer is the author through a third party.