Okay, that title is confusing, right? Totally does not make sense.
Let’s start over. My five-star book today is Ant Farm, a mystery that was, only this past week, published by the Kindle Scout program. The Scout program is rather new to Amazon. It’s a win-win for both writers and readers. The writer who enters his or her book submits a complete manuscript and a cover design. The books accepted into the program are then presented to the voting/reading public with the cover illustration and the novel beginning. Both Amazon and the author then await the voting, or, as they call it, the nominations.
Voting, you ask? What is this? Who votes? Or, nominations? How and why?
That’s where the reader comes in. You read the offerings in a variety of categories. Let’s say that you find one beginning that makes you say to yourself, “Oh, I’d love to read that book!” Just click the link to nominate the book. (That’s the voting.) Then sit back and wait for the best part—the e‑mail from Amazon telling you if the book has been chosen for publication. If it has? You get an advance copy of the e‑book, all for free. Of course, they hope you’ll review it.
The win for the author? Publication with an advance, a contract, and more authority than self-publication. For, after all, Amazon hopes to come out ahead as well.
I’ve nominated four books so far. The first didn’t make it. The second was Ant Farm. I received my copy long enough before the official publication to allow me to read the book. Loved it. This is what I had to say about it:
“This is a Kindle Scout book, and, as one who voted for it, I got a free copy before publication. And, I’m sooo glad. This is a thriller, but, I’d say, also a more traditional mystery, as it is a puzzle as well. The puzzle part is the plot, as nuanced and devious as any reader could hope for. The thriller part is the impending danger involved for the hero, his son, and assorted other characters (not to mention the victims). The characters are a mix of likable and some you really hope see their comeuppance. Of course, first impressions can be deceiving. Another thing—the surprises never stop! (Be warned.)”
I’ve nominated two other books as well. The third was accepted, so I’m waiting for that free book. The fourth is still awaiting the end of the 30-day nominating period. (A reader is allowed a total of three books at a time, so I can go back to look for two more.) This is the link to the Kindle Scout program for both readers and writers. And, in case you want to read this five-star book, here’s the link for Ant Farm.