BANGOR is home to more authors per capita than any other town or city in Wales.

According to data released by Amazon, Bangor has the highest concentration of self-published authors.

Amazon revealed the places with the highest number of 'indie' authors per head as it announced its first ever Amazon Academy event for authors in Wales.

The top independent publishing hotspots in Wales are in order: Bangor, Aberystwyth, Llandudno, Newport, Barry, Swansea, Wrexham, Cardiff, Port Talbot, St Davids, Neath, Merthyr Tydfil and St Asaph.

Bangor has more authors publishing their work through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) programme followed by Aberystwyth, Llandudno and Newport.

The Amazon Academy for Authors – a free event for aspiring authors - will be held at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, on September 11.

Internationally renowned self-published authors including LJ Ross and Mark Dawson will be on hand to offer guidance and advice to ambitious authors.

LJ Ross said: “Bangor is soaked in history and culture. A walk along its streets will fill you with inspiration and it’s no surprise that the city has topped Amazon’s independent publishing charts.

"Writing and sharing my stories has been a gift to me and I hope the Amazon Academy will inspire more budding authors to follow their passion through Kindle Direct Publishing.”

The free event is open to everyone and is run in partnership with Enterprise Nation, the Department for International Trade, Be the Spark Wales and Be the Business.

In addition to insight on how to write a bestseller, the Amazon Academy for Authors will also cover best practice for publishing books in print and digital via KDP, Amazon’s independent publishing programme.

Author Mark Dawson added: “Kindle Direct Publishing has helped me build a successful writing career. It’s simple to use and a great way to get your books into the hands of readers fast."

KDP allows authors to reach a potential audience of millions both digitally and in print. KDP enables authors to retain their copyrights, keep control, distribute globally, get to market fast and do it for free. With royalties of up to 70%, thousands of authors now earn a living through KDP.

The Amazon Academy for Authors will take place alongside an Amazon Academy for Small Businesses in Wales, which will offer free practical advice to help them boost their export sales and grow their revenue through e-commerce.

To find out more about self-publishing register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amazon-academy-wales-tickets-47292891311