Guest Post: Is Kindle Scout Worth the Risk? For Me, Yes

While the Kindle Scout program has generated significant debate among authors, many writers believe it offers a unique opportunity despite the inherent risks. Benjamin Sobieck recently detailed his decision to submit his crime thriller, *The Invisible Hand*, to the new platform. After a quick vetting process, Amazon approved his campaign to launch on October 28. Below are the primary reasons why this program may be a viable path for modern authors.

**1. Efficient Turnaround**
Traditional publishing and even certain self-publishing routes can be incredibly time-consuming. For authors facing personal time constraints—such as Sobieck, who is preparing for the birth of a child—the 45-day decision window offered by Kindle Scout is highly attractive compared to months of querying agents.

**2. Solving the Problem of Visibility**
The digital book market is currently oversaturated, making it difficult for even high-quality novels to be discovered. Kindle Scout offers authors a chance to leverage Amazon’s internal marketing tools and algorithms. Gaining this type of institutional support can provide a significant advantage in a crowded marketplace.

**3. Financial and Contractual Security**
While writing rarely comes with guarantees, the Kindle Scout program offers a $1,500 advance and a Kindle Press contract. For many, this provides a stable foundation. Additionally, the typical contract allows authors to retain certain rights, such as print rights, which can be shopped to other entities.

**4. The Rise of Curated Content**
As the e-book market grows, readers are increasingly looking for curated experiences. Much like a grocery store is more efficient than a random assortment of goods, a curated platform helps readers find what they want. Kindle Scout acts more like a "farmer’s market organizer" than a traditional gatekeeper, establishing a professional framework for how books are presented to the public.

**5. Early Adoption and Experimentation**
History suggests that those who join Amazon programs in their infancy often reap the greatest rewards. While Sobieck continues to use traditional publishing for specialized projects—such as his reference guide, *Weapons for Writers*—he views Kindle Scout as the right venue for experimental fiction.

**6. Evaluating Exclusivity**
Critics often point to Amazon’s exclusivity requirements as a downside. However, for many unpublished works, the alternative is often a book that earns nothing at all. If the program fails to yield a contract, the author is only out 45 days of time and can still pursue traditional KDP or other publishing avenues.

**7. Revenue Goals**
Ultimately, writing is a profession, and the goal is to generate income. The combination of an upfront advance and Amazon’s massive retail reach makes Kindle Scout an appealing financial prospect for writers looking to monetize their work effectively.

While Kindle Scout may not be the perfect fit for every creator, for those looking for a mix of marketing support and a quick path to market, it represents a calculated risk worth taking.