Amazon recently announced the launch of a new promotional program called “Kindle Scout,” describing it as “reader-powered publishing for new, never-before-published books.” In the program, readers get to decide whether a book will receive an Amazon publishing contract.

Click here to watch a short Amazon Promo Video (very cute) 

In examining the merits of “Kindle Scout” and figuring out whom it will benefit, let’s first take a look at how it works.

For readers, it’s pretty simple. You go to the Amazon “Kindle Scout” site, browse books by reading samples, and nominate any you like (you can nominate up to three).  If a novel you nominate receives an Amazon publishing contract, you get a thank-you email and a free download of the book. Upside:  exploring new works by emerging and established writers, and maybe a free eBook. Downside: not much, except possibly wasting some time.

For authors, it’s a bit more complicated. In short, here’s how it works for them: An author submits a never-before-published manuscript, along with a blurb, log line, cover art, author photo, and bio.  If the book receives enough “nominations” from readers during a 30-day campaign period (sort of like Kickstarter crowdfunding), and Amazon editors agree, you get a $1,500 advance and an eBook and audiobook publishing contract, along with various Amazon promotions (maybe).

Author upside: Exposure. Making your novel stand out from thousands of other available books is the biggest marketing challenge facing independent authors today. “Kindle Scout” potentially will do that by getting your work in front of a whole new audience. Plus, if you receive a contract, you (may) have Amazon’s amazing marketing machine promoting your book, and you retain all other rights to your work.

Author downside: The Amazon author’s eBook royalty is cut from 70% to 50%, although there is an advance of $1500. As opposed to the standard services of a traditional publisher, Amazon provides no editing, copyediting, cover design, or any additional advance for audiobooks or foreign rights distribution. In addition, Amazon’s five-year contract is nonnegotiable. If you submit, you automatically agree to Amazon’s terms, which include exclusive rights to eBook and audio formats. Last, Amazon can terminate the agreement at its sole discretion at any time, although there are various “outs” for the author as well.

Click here to read the Amazon “Kindle Scout” author agreement in full.

Bottom line, it appears that “Kindle Scout” will be a fun way for readers to explore new authors and new works, and maybe receive a free eBook as well. It also looks like “Kindle Scout” might be a good way for emerging authors to showcase their work and possibly partner with the biggest publisher in the world. As noted above, there is a downside, but best-case scenario, it could be worth it. At least I hope so. I’m in. I just submitted my latest book, L.A. Sniper. I’ll be in the first thirty-day promotion period when it debuts on October 27, so we’ll see what happens . . .

What do you think of the “Kindle Scout” program? Is it a good idea or just another promo scheme? If you’re a writer, would you submit a work yourself? As a reader, do you think “Kindle Scout” will be successful? Do you plan to check it out? Please leave a comment (click here) and join the conversation!