Kindle reveals five-strong shortlist for £20k Storyteller Award

Kindle has revealed the five books shortlisted for its £20,000 Storyteller Award. 

The award, now in its sixth year, was open to authors who published their story via Kindle Direct Publishing between 1st May and 31st August 2022. Readers play their part in compiling the shortlist as customer feedback, number of reads through Kindle Unlimited and sales are some of the criteria taken into consideration before being presented to a panel of judges.  

This year’s shortlist features a variety of stories, including a sadistic killer on the streets of Inverness, a once-in-a-lifetime kiss, a gripping psychological thriller, a romantic escape to the Scottish Highlands, and the next chapter in a Viking saga. 

Darren Hardy, author and editorial programmes manager at Amazon UK, said: “Year on year we’ve witnessed authors produce some outstanding books and 2022 is no different. It’s been difficult to whittle it down to five books, let alone one, but it’s fantastic to see so many people continue to pursue, and for some, newly launch a career as an author. It just shows the possibilities Kindle Direct Publishing has to offer, and I’m thoroughly enjoying getting stuck into each shortlisted title with the rest of the judges, and finding this year’s winner.” 

The shortlist is made up of Peter Gibbons’ King of War, Ann Girdharry’s The Woman in Room 19, J D Kirk’s City of Scars, Rachael Lucas’ Midsummer House and Clare Lydon’s It Started with a Kiss.  

Guest judge and author Adam Kay will award one of the five shortlisted books the winning prize based on a number of factors including originality, creativity of content, and the quality and style of writing. Kay will be joined on the judging panel by last year’s winner Rachel McLean, as well as Amazon experts and literary authorities, including bestselling author Mel Sherratt and organisation member manager for ALLi (Alliance of Independent Authors) Melissa Addey, Amazon UK’s Hardy and Jen Barrett of Amazon Books editorial.