AMAZON PRESS RELEASE:

Introducing AmazonEncore--Unearthing Exceptional Books and Emerging Authors for More Readers to Enjoy
Program Debuts with "Legacy," a Self-Published Novel by 16-Year-Old Cayla Kluver

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 13, 2009-- Even great books can be overlooked. Amazon customers raved over “Legacy,” a self-published novel by 16-year-old Cayla Kluver, with customer review titles such as “loved it, loved it,” “rich lyrical tapestry and story” and “breathtaking in scope and execution!” Despite winning several prizes from literary groups and accolades like this from readers, Kluver’s debut novel achieved only modest sales.

Amazon.com, Inc. today announced a new program, “AmazonEncore,” to help readers discover exceptional books from emerging authors, such as the program’s first book, “Legacy.”
AmazonEncore is a new program whereby Amazon uses information such as customer reviews on Amazon websites to identify exceptional, overlooked books and authors that show potential for greater sales.

Amazon then partners with the authors to re-introduce their books to readers through marketing support and distribution into multiple channels and formats, such as the Amazon Books Store, Amazon Kindle Store, Audible.com, and national and independent bookstores via third-party wholesalers. This summer “Legacy” will be revised by the author and re-issued as an AmazonEncore edition in print on Amazon websites around the world, in physical bookstores, as a digital download from the Kindle Store in less than 60 seconds, and via spoken-word audio download on Audible.com.

“Sometimes exceptional books and new authors don’t get the attention they deserve. We’re fortunate at Amazon to have customers who know great books and aren’t shy about telling us when they find one. We developed AmazonEncore to connect readers with great books that were overlooked the first time they were released,” said Jeff Belle, Vice President of Books for Amazon. “Cayla Kluver is a gifted young writer who shows promise for the future. She exemplifies the kind of authors that AmazonEncore will support and we look forward to showcasing ‘Legacy’ and many more similarly talented, but undiscovered voices to our customers through this program.”
“‘Legacy’ is a rare find—an elegant and enthralling tale of love and duty, family and country—written by a teenager,” said Amazon Books Managing Editor Daphne Durham. “With a talent for richly drawn characters and an understanding of the trappings of responsibility that belies her age, Cayla Kluver is a writer to watch.”
"I'm thrilled to be a part of this exciting new program, and am so grateful to Amazon for giving me, and readers across the world, the amazing opportunity that Encore represents," said Kluver.
For more information on AmazonEncore, visit http://www.amazon.com/encore.