So Amazon continues to experiment with new opportunities for independent writers, their latest outing a project called Kindle Scout. Here’s what you’ll find on the basics of their program:
What is Kindle Scout?
“Kindle Scout is reader-powered publishing for new, never-before-published books. It’s a place where readers help decide if a book receives a publishing contract. Selected books will be published by Kindle Press and receive 5-year renewable terms, a $1,500 advance, 50% eBook royalty rate, easy rights reversions and featured Amazon marketing.”
I have to admit, I love the focus on “reader-powered.”
With all the hype over the Amazon – Hachette standstill it’s a great reminder of where a publisher should put their focus and concerns. Books become mega-hits not because of innovative marketing or mass twitter shout-outs but because of READERS.
Readers are the number one marketing strategy for authors, the only marketing that’s actually guaranteed to work. Because if you love a book, you’re going to share it. You’ll lend it to a friend (if it’s a physical book); you’ll post about it on your social feeds or write a review on GoodReads or Amazon.
Because when we love something we want to share that experience with others we love.
The reality is that success for authors, whether traditionally published or independently published, has always been “Reader-Powered.”
A book that doesn’t resonate will never be shared beyond the small circle of influence an author might have. But what Amazon is doing here is changing the game in offering a publishing deal for those books that rise to the top. It’s an impressive strategy and is yet to be proven, but carries with it a lot of potential.
Why I’ve chosen to launch my debut novel through Kindle Scout:
My debut novel, a horror / thriller entitled HOUSEBROKEN, has been accepted into the Kindle Scout program. My campaign, which lasts for 30 days, giving readers a chance to nominate my work for a publishing contract through Amazon, begins Monday Oct. 27th.
Though we’re supposedly “competing” for a publishing contract, the result of that contract really isn’t that lucrative. I’m not doing this for an advance of $1,500. My reasons for submitting my work through this program is to expand my audience beyond my sphere of influence.
“Featured Amazon marketing” means a boost to visibility no matter how you look at it, and as the number one platform for e-book sales, any boost to being discovered is worth a percentage of profits.
The truth is I’m flattered to be a part of a new program like this. I’m excited to discover an audience and group of readers who enjoy the type of dark thrillers I gravitate towards. The Kindle Scout program isn’t right for everyone and I don’t think Amazon intends it to be. But if you’re giving me the chance to get my work into the hands of more potential fans than I’d be able to reach on my own? I’ll sign me up all day long.
As a former Boy Scout I’m excited to be joining a new troop, one that can help advance a career I’ve always dreamed of. And if you’ve stumbled onto this page, follow the link below to check out my Kindle Scout profile and selection of my novel, Housebroken. If after the month is over I end up placing with Kindle Press all those who have nominated my work will receive a free copy of my novel.
What a novel idea.
My Kindle Scout Profile (link not live until Oct 27th)
For any other authors who will be starting with Kindle Scout, I’d love to hear your comments as well as learn about your books. Feel free to respond below.
The Behrg Writes 
I’ve got a novel in the program (RUNNING FROM THE PAST), and like you, I’m motivated mostly by the lure of being part of Amazon’s very effective marketing engine (should my book be lucky enough to get selected for a contract). I view the whole thing as an experiment, so we’ll see what happens. Good luck to you!
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Congrats Alan! Completely agree and who better to be part of an experiment with! Best of luck with your novel –
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