Most writers don’t like writing about rejection, but in an effort to be helpful I wanted to share the details of my Kindle Scout experience for my YA novel One Love.
I submitted to the Kindle Scout program for two reasons: the possibility of a $1,500 advance and having Amazon’s marketing machine behind me and thus, wider distribution online.
To me it was a win-win because even if my novel wasn’t picked (spoiler alert: it wasn’t) I would still be able to have Amazon alert those who voted for me when I released the book myself.
The campaign went live on October 8, 2017 and ended November 6, 2017. During that time I asked members of my email list to vote and posted on social media maybe three times. Everything I’ve read suggests that Kindle Scout editors don’t really base their decision on nominations, but rather what they happen to be looking for at the time.
My campaign results: 21 hours in hot and trending and 2,800 views.
On November 19, my book was rejected. I decided to release the book myself on December 1. I notified Amazon about my release on December 4, 2017. The next day, early in the morning, an email was sent to those who nominated with a link to my book.
Here’s a screenshot of the email:
The book reached #27 in this category with a rank of 125K overall.
Kindle > Teen > Geography & Cultures > Europe
In terms of sales I did not see a huge spike (we’re talking a handful of sales after the Kindle Scout’s team email went out).
What did I learn?
- The selection process is a bit mysterious. I voted for other novels to see how the process works, and several were in hot and trending every day but didn’t get selected.
- The data available is limited. It’s hard to tell of the 2,800 page views just how many were actual nominations.
- I’m not sure if I would try the program again. I wish there was more data than what Kindle Scout provides. At this point I can’t tell if they helped spread the word about my book or not.
What about you? Would you try submitting to the program?
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Deanna Cabinian 
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
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Thanks for sharing the info it’s always helpful to hear how people got on. I hope your book does well despite not getting in.
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You’re welcome, Eric! Thanks 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this, I hope your book does even better in the new year.
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Thanks so much! 🙂
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Reblogged this on Stevie Turner, Indie Author. and commented:
I’ve had two books on Kindle Scout, and have also had both of them rejected. I suppose they’re not going to part with $1500 lightly! Does anybody know if any books have been accepted by Kindle Scout?
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Hi Stevie, thanks for sharing! There are some runaway success stories out of the program – see https://www.janefriedman.com/kindle-press-made-novel-bestseller/ but I have also met others who just did okay with KS and would not submit to them again.
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good to know –
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Interesting! I love to hear of someone’s actual experience with something like this (rather than just information about it). I’m glad your book is out there and I hope it does well!
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Thanks, Shawn!
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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Thanks for sharing this info. I too, have wondered about submitting to Amazon Scout but was unsure of committing to it…will take this on board for my next book. Good luck with your book, hope it does well. 🙂
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Does this program cost you anything up front, I’ve never heard of it? Published 3 kindle books so far (non fiction) do not know if this would apply. But if it costs you nothing then just by letting your fans know about it you are gaining something. I agree they don’t tell you much… Good luck with it tho…
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No costs, just outside editing you might pay for before submitting
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