Writers are always looking for new ways to get their work out there for readers. Today's guest in My Writing Corner is author Linda Kelley, author of the book, Rimrider, who has some answers for authors who might be considering Kindle Scout.
What the heck
is Kindle Scout?
A few short years ago, Amazon launched a
venture for new, never-before-published books where readers help decide a
contract. Selected novels are published by Kindle Press and receive 5-year
renewable terms, a $1,500 advance, 50% eBook royalty rate, rights reversions
and featured Amazon marketing. The marketing part is a huge appeal. It’s the
curse of most authors’ existence (I spit on you, hateful marketing gods!)
Having Amazon shoulder the burden is a major plus.
If a book is approved, the author receives a
preview link to check the data submitted along with the Kindle Scout campaign
launch date. All campaigns last 30 days. The more nominations a book receives
the more likely it will get the attention of the Kindle Scout team and be
selected for publication.
Will the requirements make my head hurt?
Nope.
Submissions are taken all year long and eligibility standards are simple. The
manuscript must be submitted in English and be 50,000 words or more. Authors
must be 18 years of age or older, have a valid Amazon account, and reside in a Kindle
Scout–eligible country. Five categories are available: Romance, Mystery
& Thriller, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult, and
general Literature & Fiction.
Any downside with
Kindle Scout for the author?
Isn’t there always? The author is responsible
for the book’s cover art. It must look professional, be ready to go when the
manuscript is submitted, and satisfy Amazon’s specifications. Unless you’re a professional
graphic designer, you’ll have to shell out money for an artist. The manuscript
should also be professionally edited, free of typos and grammar errors. Paying
for a good editor is a must. Kindle Scout doesn’t
offer hardcovers or paperbacks, so if an author wants something to hold in his
or her hot little hand, the printing cost are shouldered alone. For some, the
lack of marketing decisions can be irksome. Amazon has total control. An author
can’t run a 99 cent sale or post the first book in a series for free to drum up
interest in the rest. Finally, the terms of the contract state that the book
will only be available on Amazon, so bye-bye Barnes and Noble, any other site,
and all ereaders who can’t open a MOBI file.
What’s the
benefit to the reader?
You’re allowed to vote for three nominations.
If your choice is a winner, Amazon will send a free copy of the ebook upon
publication. No muss. No fuss. The only cost was a few minutes of your time to
check out the book. You also get to proudly strut around the room and brag to
others about supporting indy writers.
Who the heck
are you?
I’m a fantasy/science fiction indy writer with
five published books with a small press and a book now a Kindle Scout nominee.
I live in Florida, slathered in sunscreen, and prefer air-conditioned comfort
to heat and humidity. On the plus side, my skin will never look like badly laid
roofing shingles. Here are my lurking spots if you care to lurk with me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/l.a.kelley.author
Twitter: @AuthorLAKelley
Be honest. Do
you think you really have a shot?
Let’s put it this way…Amazon labels the popular
Kindle Scout nominations in the smoking hot category. Even as a teenager I was
only found in the dorky and peculiar category. The odds aren’t great, but if
you don’t try, you can’t succeed. That being said I would great appreciate a
vote for Rimrider by L. A. Kelley. It’s a science fiction space opera about a
teenage girl who becomes a space pirate. Imagine the American Revolution with
Earth as the redcoats and the colony planets as Yankee rebels and you get the
idea. Intrigued? Click on the link and heartfelt thanks for taking a peek.
Kindle Scout link: https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/1135KKAY4C6QF
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Thanks for hosting, Rebecca
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