Amazon accepting submissions from authors ($1,500 advance on offer)
This morning I received an email from Amazon. I’m not a US citizen, nor do I have a U.S. bank account and U.S. social security number – but I’m sure many of you out there do, so take a peek at this.
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Dear Author,
Thanks for subscribing to receive updates on Amazon’s new publishing program! We’re excited to announce that we’ll be opening for submissions in a couple weeks.
We’ll be welcoming submissions for English-language books in Romance, Mystery & Thriller, and Science Fiction & Fantasy genres. Any adult with a valid U.S. bank account and U.S. social security number or tax identification number is eligible.
It only takes 15 minutes to complete a submission. Here are the things that you should prepare to successfully submit your book:
- Complete, never-before-published manuscript & book cover image – We’re looking for 50,000 words or more in Word format and a book cover image that reflects the essence and uniqueness of your book. Make sure your work is ready for others to read. Only the first pages will be posted to the website (approx. 3,000 words).
- Book one-liner – A very short pitch (no longer than 45 characters) for your book that will be used on the homepage and throughout the website. Think of examples like “Space opera meets the Middle Ages” or “How far will one woman go to save her family?”
- Book description- Help readers understand the content and quality of your book. Keep the description to 500 characters or less.
- Your bio & picture – Give readers a chance to learn more about you. You will also have a chance to answer relevant questions regarding your book and personal story in a short Q&A section.
We’ll also ask you to review and accept our submission and publishing agreement that grants us a 45-day exclusivity period to post your excerpt and tally nominations. If chosen for publication, you will receive a $1,500 advance, 5-year renewable term, 50% eBook royalty rate, easy rights reversions, and Amazon-featured marketing. If not, you automatically get all your rights back at the end of the 45-day exclusivity period.
We’ll send you an email as soon as we’re open for submissions. Looking forward to hearing from you!
*******************
Sounds very interesting indeed….
They also provide an email address if you have any questions newpublishingprogram@amazon.com.
If you decide to go ahead with it, let us all know how you go!
Dianne Gray author 
Rats. They aren’t accepting my genre! Grrrrr
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Oh no, Robin! I guess if this takes off they may open it up for more genres xxx
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I hope so!
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Good luck if you try it!
I personally don’t trust Amazon.
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I’m not going to try it (I can’t anyway because I’m not in the US, but I also have nothing to offer at the moment). It’ll be interesting to see how they go because the rights to the story may get a bit tricky by the looks of things.
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Well, part of their current disputes with publishers is that amazon wants writes to print on demand, set prices, and have an even stronger hold over publishing.
Like I said, not a fan of theirs.
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Thanks for passing this on, Dianne!
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No worries, Naomi 😀
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I’d like to hear how it goes. I think that Amazon is the elephant in the living room. Even though my books are on Amazon, I don’t trust them and I buy my books in independent book stores.
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I’m interested to see how it goes as well. It could be the best thing ever or a total disaster. Let’s just sit back and watch 😉
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Wonderful that you have shared this, but not surprising from your good heart, in the generous tradition of I can’t use it but someone else might get value. I have emailed it on, and even if the recipients also can’t use it, they might know someone who can, and it may just make that huge difference to someone 🙂
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If it helps an author out there it would be a fantastic thing! I really hope it goes well 😀
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Interesting. I haven’t heard anything about this. Thanks for sharing. Sounds a bit similar to their novel award contest. Of course, I assume if one’s book is accepted, it can only be sold by Amazon. No B&N or other outlets.
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I’m assuming so as well, Carrie. I’m sure there will be a big time exclusive clause. I’m hoping it works out well and uncovers some more great authors. I guess we’ll just have to watch and wait (and try our hand if we’re US citizens) 😉
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Are you sure it came from Amazon. Anytime an email asks for bank account and social security information my red flag immediately goes up telling me to look out..
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Yes – I’m sure it came from Amazon, Robert. I’m part of their mailing list. Try googling “Updates on Amazon’s New Publishing Program” and it should take you to their site 🙂
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Okay. Sorry for playing devil’s advocate, but the way things are anymore you never can tell.
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Exactly, Robert. It’s good to play safe 🙂
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I agree with you Robert. Sounds suspicious to me.
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Reblogged this on alltheeabove.
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Well, I’m not a US citizen nor do I have a finished manuscript. I need to set my fall writing schedule!
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Same as me xxx I hope it works out well for someone 😉
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Hopefully for both of us! 🙂 I’m looking forward to your next book.
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Me too (lol)! I just need to sit my self down and get into it. Procrastination is my nemesis 😀
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Mine too. Once work slows down in a few weeks, I am making myself a writing schedule so I can at least try to hold myself accountable. Early mornings, lots of coffee and hopefully some sentences that string together relatively well.
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Well I’m a US citizen but I don’t have a US bank account. lol Oh yeah, I don’t have a book as yet either. LOL
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Oh dear, Jackie, I guess you won’t be in on this then! (lol) 😀
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Thanks for sharing. It’ll be interesting to see how this pans out for writers seeking publication.
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Exactly, Nancy and something to keep an eye on to see how it goes. I wonder what Hachette thinks of the whole thing 😉
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Thanks for sharing this, Dianne. I hadn’t heard anything about it…I guess Australia gets the breaking news first. 🙂
It will be interesting to see how it plays out. Unfortunately I won’t be participating since I don’t have anything worthy of submission right now. 🙂
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I thought it would be interesting to share because it may lead to another big change in publishing. We’ll just have to see how it pans out 😉
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This is the cynic in me coming out, but I’d look into this really closely for any of you considering it. The part that raises alarm bells for me is “Any adult with a valid U.S. bank account and U.S. social security number or tax identification number is eligible.” That has ‘scam’ screaming at me. I’d investigate further by contacting Amazon directly just to make sure it is legit. It may well be, but before giving out any of that personal info, double check it!
I got one from my internet provider a couple of days ago – looked totally legit – until they asked for my full name, address, username, password and retype password. That one was fairly blatant. Others are really subtle – and even cynical old me nearly got caught by a Paypal scam last year because it was so realistic looking.
Good luck to those who go for it!
Suzan
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Good points, Suzan. This is required by Amazon for all who self-publish on their site. The part where it says “Any adult with a valid U.S. bank account and U.S. social security number or tax identification number is eligible” is the same for everyone (I had to provide all my details when I published my books on Amazon). I’ve checked it out and it is legit, it’s just interesting to see where Amazon will take this and how other publishing houses feel about it. This may mean many things – and one of the most important is that Amazon authors may not be able to use any other places to sell their books (Barns &Noble, etc). As it stands now, most authors sell across many sites and Amazon is just one of them. My thoughts are they are muscling in on the publishing industry when they’ve always just been the go-between. It’ll be really interesting to see what happens next.
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Aaah – no scam, just red tape lol.
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That’s great news. I wish my book was ready for publication. 🙂
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I think it will be an ongoing thing, Marsha, so one day your book will be ready! 😀
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If I had something ready I’d consider submitting. Since I don’t, I have to watch from the sidelines, haha! Thanks for sharing the info 🙂
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I think the sidelines are where a lot of us will be watching from, Janna 😉
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Wont be ablew to take advantage of that… could do with R 15 000.00
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It’ll be good for someone, Rob 😀
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I qualify for this, but I would be very cautious about this because it came in an email. I publish with Amazon too but so far I haven’t received an email like yours. Ps I am currently reading your book Wolf Pear and enjoying it very much!
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I’m really glad you’re reading Wolf Pear and extra, extra happy that you’re enjoying it! You’ve made my day 😀
I subscribed to Amazon receive the emails about the author submissions and that’s why I get them. They don’t send them unless you specifically ask. There will be more coming out in the media about it soon (submissions open in a couple of weeks), so if you qualify I think it’s something to consider 😉
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Ah that’s why I haven’t heard. Must have a look and see where I have to ask for the emails. Can you remember where you did it?
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I can’t actually remember when I subscribed and how I got there. Try this link and let me know how you go.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/gss/detail/29134490?ref_=pe_783200_113075290
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Thanks for the link, Dianne. I subscribed to the updates.
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Excellent! 😀
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Yes that worked. This Dianne. Maybe I’ll get the email now.
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Fascinating! I haven’t received this, nor seen it, and I have published two books on Amazon. Hmm, I want to find out why I didn’t get that letter. I also want to hear what everyone else has to say about this. Can you submit a book you’ve already published through them? This could be a great opportunity for new authors, or not. Will be fun to follow-up with further discussion on. I can’t say that I ‘don’t trust Amazon.’ Amazon has helped me reach out to readers, and they to me, and I’ve sold many copies of The Right Wrong Man and Twin Desires. Works for me! 🙂
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I specifically subscribed to receive these emails from Amazon and that’s why I got this one. It sounds interesting and more should be coming out about it soon (submissions open in a couple of weeks). I think at the moment it’s a ‘sit and wait and watch’ situation. I could imagine that authors would only be allowed to publish with Amazon and not sell their books anywhere else (like KDP) so it will be restrictive.
Here’s another blog about it that may explain a little more than mine. https://gigaom.com/2014/10/02/amazons-crowdsourced-publishing-platform-writeon-will-launch-in-a-couple-weeks-for-mystery-romance-and-sci-fi-authors/
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Thanks! This should be interesting…and fun to watch.
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Interesting. They really do work quickly in the ideas arena and like to be ahead of their game don’t they.
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It will be interesting to see what happens, Rebecca – and also interesting to see what the other major publishing houses think about it 😉
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Reblogged this on T. W. Dittmer and commented:
Worth a look. For sure.
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I read so many negative comments about Amazon but the truth is 90% of self-published writers come from Amazon. Amazon is also in a fight with traditional publishers trying to keep the price of ebooks lower for readers. Many authors have been published with Amazon Publishing with good results. I’m sure they will one day extend their reach worldwide.
Having said all that I want to also say I am in no way connected with Amazon except for my published books. I lived in Thailand for 10 years on a farm and depended on Amazon for my book source as a reader. The selection of English books in Thailand were dismal and expensive and that helped make me a fan.
Way to stir things up Dianne! Great post.
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It’s going to be very interesting to see what the other publishers think of this, Dannie! I actually don’t mind Amazon either and I really hope it stays this way 😉
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Thanks for sharing this info, Dianne. Not my genre but still good to know about!
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It’s very interesting, Denise and I’m sitting back on the sidelines waiting to see how it goes 😀
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Wow! This is quite a venture! Thanks for keeping us in touch, Dianne. 🙂
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It’ll be very interesting to see how it goes, Jo 😀
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Darn, they don’t list my genre. Exciting opportunity regardless!
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It will be exciting for someone, Kate. Unfortunately not you or me at this point 😉
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Reblogged this on WordDreams… and commented:
Somehow I missed this, but my dear efriend Dianne didn’t. I’m reposting her blog on this. I know a few people who should get submitting!
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Good catch. I’ve reposted this, Dianne.
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Thank you so much for the repost, Jacqui! 😉
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog….. An Author Promotions Enterprise! and commented:
AUTHORS – In case you didn’t know 😀
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Could you tell me where to sign up for this newsletter? How to find it, I mean! Thanks for the info. Great tip.
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Try this link to Amazon. If it doesn’t work let me know 😉
http://www.amazon.com/gp/gss/detail/29134490?ref_=pe_783200_113075290
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Diane, did they mention a deadline for this program? My second book is finished, I’m just waiting on my book designer.
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There is an address (that I’ve put below) where you can subscribe to get more information, Maryanne. They’re going to announce the details in about a week so you’ve got plenty of time.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/gss/detail/29134490?ref_=pe_783200_113075290
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Thanks so much! Cheers xo
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There is an address (that I’ve put below) where you can subscribe to get more information, Maryanne. They’re going to announce the details in about a week so you’ve got plenty of time.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/gss/detail/29134490?ref_=pe_783200_113075290
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Reblogged this on The Crazy Lady Speaks and commented:
Hmmmm . . . .
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Sounds like a great opportunity for someone with a US citizenship and bank account. 😛
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It certainly does. Hopefully, it will spread to other countries if it’s a success – but that’s a wait-and-see situation at the moment 😉
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~(*_~)~~
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I don’t think one has to be in the US as it says, or tax identification number is eligible. That’s a ITIN number for non US citizens.
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Thanks, Suzanne
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“Complete, never-before-published manuscript & book cover image.” You mean I actually have to write something? Drag.
Kidding. Thanks for the information. Esp as I am a Yank.
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Best of luck with it! 🙂
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Hmm, I don’t have anything ready for such a thing, but like you, I’m interested to see if this takes off and how it plays out!
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It will be interesting, JM. Let’s just sit back and watch 😉
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I have also found out that the manuscript has to be edited before you send it off. I think that it was said earlier. So you pay for your own editor. Hm. I was thinking of sending something, but I wouldn’t have time to get an editor to go over my work. She isn’t available on such short notice.
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It’s just like a lot of publishing now, Suzanne, the author is left to do most of the work and the publisher just ‘puts it out there’. I’m not sure how something like this will go, but it’ll be interesting to sit back and watch 😉
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Hi Dianne, I’m visiting your site through Jacqui Murray’s WordDreams.
Amazon used to be involved in the American Breakthrough Novel Award contest, first in partnership with Penguin Books as winners’ publisher, and then by themselves last year as the publisher. I placed within the top 250 novels in 2012 and was thrilled by the experience. But I can’t find anything about the 2015 contest and am guessing that this book “offer” may be in lieu of the ABNA for 2015. If this is the anemic replacement for ABNA, I’m disappointed. Though ABNA didn’t appear to generate much business for winners, the competition promoted a lot of excitement and boasted of prestige for writers moving up the ranks.
My books don’t fit the genres Amazon is currently promoting. I also wonder how one is supposed to have a book cover for a work that hasn’t yet been published. My bet is that the writer is expected to purchase a title from an artist, an expensive proposition for a would-be writer. Seems like the writer is expected to do ALL the leg work and Amazon will cherry pick. Might be very slim rewards for anyone selected. I do wish best fortune to potential contenders but slogging it out traditionally might prove just as successful.
Thanks for posting the info. Jacqui always writes well of you and now I’ll be following you as well.
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Thanks so much for coming by, Sharon! This is an interesting (and odd) proposal by Amazon and I’m wondering if it is there attempt to get into the publishing business instead of just being the seller. The main concern I have is that it may limit the places authors can sell their books. At the moment most publishing houses can sell through Amazon because they are a ‘seller’ so to speak. If Amazon becomes a ‘publisher’, this may disadvantage authors who are published elsewhere but still sell on Amazon. They started it with KDP and now seem to be pushing the boundaries further. It’ll be really interesting to see what happens.
Congrats for doing so well in the 2012 ABNA comp 😀
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I am definitely interested in this but I am not sure I quite trust it…I would be curious to see how others do…
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I think it’s a ‘sit back and see’ situation. I’m sure there’ll be a first round and then if it’s successful, Amazon will continue with it. I’m very interested to hear what other ‘mainstream’ publishers think of the idea because I’m sure authors who join in will be restricted to selling only through Amazon.
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Thanks for posting this, Diane. It sounds interesting, but currently I have an agent. However, I will be very interested to read responses from those who do try this, so please keep us all posted!
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I’ll be sitting on the sidelines watching to see what happens as well, Marylin. It should be interesting 😉
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Very interesting. Thanks for passing the info along. 🙂
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No problems 😉 It’ll be interesting to see how it goes.
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Sounds very interesting. Let us know if you learn more!
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Will do! 😉
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I hadn’t heard of this offer. Thanks so much for posting about it.
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No problems. If you’re going to try it – best of luck and let me know how you go 😀
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Thanks for the follow and for the info regarding Amazon’s publishing.
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Lovely to meet you, Sheri. I’m really looking forward to following your blog 😀
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I wish I had something ready, Dianne! Thanks for the info anyhow. How’s your writing going?
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I still haven’t heard any more about it and they said it would be about two weeks. Maybe they’ll have something running on a regular basis and you might have something ready then 😀
I just can’t get into writing at the moment 😦
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They have opened for submissions. I got an e-mail a few days ago. Here’s the web link:
https://kindlescout.amazon.com/submit
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Interesting, thanks for sharing, but i don’t trust Amazon. There is a lot of protests against them in Europe and all in all, their reputation, as a publisher, is awful. Still, i don’t think that an unpublished author who has a manuscript handy could lose too much on this 😉
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It’ll be interesting to see how it goes. I won’t be doing it but I’m waiting to see if its successful (or disastrous) 😉
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Very interesting! I’m not a US citizen either, but I hope it works out for someone. 🙂
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It’ll be an interesting exercise – I’d like to know what the trad publishers think of it 😉
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