Amazon is offering a new service called Kindle Scout. Here is the letter from the company. We’ll keep an eye on this.
We believe authors thrive with options. In addition to Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Amazon is pleased to offer Kindle Scout, a reader-powered publishing program for new, never-before-published books. Jump-start your book and potentially earn a publishing contract from Kindle Press–in 45 days or less.
Kindle Scout helps you connect with readers prior to publication. If your book is selected for publication by Kindle Press through the Kindle Scout platform, readers who nominated the book will receive an early, free copy and be invited to leave reviews. If your book is not selected, readers will have the option to be notified when you independently publish through KDP.
Kindle Scout welcomes submissions for English-language books in the following genres: Romance, Mystery & Thriller, Science Fiction & Fantasy, and Literature & Fiction. Action & Adventure, Contemporary Fiction, and Historical Fiction will be accepted within the Literature & Fiction category. Any adult age 18 or older with a valid U.S. bank account and a U.S. Social Security number or tax identification number is eligible. Check out the Kindle Scout Eligibility & Content Guidelines for more information.
If chosen for publication, you receive:
Guaranteed advance & competitive royalties: A $1,500 advance and 50% eBook royalty rate.
Focused formats: Kindle Press acquires worldwide publication rights for eBook and audio formats in all languages. You retain all other rights, including print.
5-year renewable terms: If your book doesn’t earn $25,000 in royalties during the initial 5-year contract term, and any 5-year renewal term after that, you can choose to stop publishing with us.
Easy reversions: After two years, rights in any format or language that remain unpublished, or all rights for any book that earns less than $500 in total royalties in the preceding 12-month period, can be reverted upon request–no questions asked.
Early downloads & reviews: One week prior to release date, everyone who nominated your book will receive a free, early copy to help build momentum and customer reviews.
Amazon marketing: Your book will be enrolled into Kindle Unlimited, the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, and will be eligible for targeted email campaigns and promotions.
Learn more about this new opportunity.
Kind regards,
The Kindle Direct Publishing Team