My Kindle Scout Experience

I might as well get right to it. Most of you already know that my novel was not selected for Kindle Press.

But, before you read further, the novel has been published now, HERE IS THE LINK.

This is the part I dreaded the most . . . telling everyone who nominated me and helped with this campaign, that my novel didn’t make it. Everyone was so helpful and supportive. My biggest concern was letting down all of you.

I’m not going to say I’m not disappointed, but I’m grateful for this experience and the exposure I received from the campaign.

Here is what I learned.

1) People in this world are not as cruel or divided as we are led to believe. I received an abundance of help with this campaign from friends, family, other authors and many people I don’t even know. This shows me that we all do care about one another’s well-being. I was moved to tears that so many people cared enough to support my endeavor.

2) I learned to reach out of my comfort zone and sell my product. I don’t like pushy sales people, and I always feared becoming one of them. It was difficult and a bit nerve wracking, but this process took me past my fear, and I did it tactfully . . . I think.

3) My book has gotten more exposure through Kindle Scout than I would have if I immediately self-published and even if I were published by a small press. Kindle Press will also let the Scouters who nominated me know when my novel is available for purchase if or when I self-publish.

4) Money can buy you votes just like in a political election. This was the only part of the Kindle Scout campaign that troubled me. I learned that people could pay marketers to get more reach for their campaign, and therefore, more nominations. The more nominations received, the more likely Kindle Scout will consider that novel for publication. Amazon won’t even allow relatives or friends to write reviews for books because they say it’s bias. Yet, their company, Kindle Press, has no qualms with people paying to promote their Scout campaign. As for me, I entered Scout because I could not afford to pay for marketing, and I’m uncomfortable with blowing my own horn. Kindle Press will do a lot of the promoting if they select your novel. Which made me wonder why those who pay for marketing a Kindle Scout campaign don’t just self-publish and pay to market their book.

All in all though, it was a good experience. Kindle Scout may not have chosen my book even if I received 5,000 nominations. They still have the last word, no matter how many votes you get. It’s just that you won’t even get considered if you don’t have enough nominations.

I’d be happy to answer questions anyone might have about the process. You can put them in the comments below, or contact me at gnl61@aim.com. I actually added more information I learned since, at this link, HERE.

Blessings to everyone who supported me with your nominations, shares and words of encouragement. Learning that the world is still full of kind and giving people was worth the entire campaign.

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