An essay called “Guns,” completed by Stephen King a week ago, was published this morning as a Kindle Single, exclusive to Amazon.

It’s a thought-provoking commentary on our culture, the media and assault weapons, available as a 99 cent download for Kindle devices and apps. Compared with the lengthy process of publishing a traditional book, it’s also a notable example of just how much the publishing business has changed, and how Amazon is in the middle of it.

Here’s the quote from King in the Amazon news release: “I think the issue of an America awash in guns is one every citizen has to think about. If this helps provoke constructive debate, I’ve done my job. Once I finished writing ‘Guns’ I wanted it published quickly, and Kindle Singles provided an excellent fit.”

Kindle Singles are reviewed and published selectively by Amazon. This essay is the latest in a series of Kindle Singles published by King.

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