Amazon Wants to Outsource Book Agents' Jobs

Amazon is looking to crowdsource the publishing industry. The ecommerce giant announced the launch of its Kindle Scout program on Tuesday, which lets prospective authors submit manuscripts that will then be read and voted on. One part Kickstarter, one part American Idol, the program offers the chance for authors to become published through Kindle Press if their book is popular enough. Authors chosen through the program receive a $1,500 advance, 50% of eBook royalties and Amazon marketing.Participating readers can browse, read, and nominate manuscripts; readers can then nominate books they enjoy.