A NORTH Yorkshire writer is in the running to win a publishing contract with retail giant Amazon.

Northallerton-based author and journalist Louise Cole has entered her young adult thriller The Devil’s Poetry into the retailer’s Kindle Scout campaign.

Everyone who nominates the book on its Amazon campaign page will receive a free Kindle copy if it is selected.

In its first three days of the online campaign The Devil’s Poetry, which is set in the fictional North Yorkshire town of Lifley, near York, has been ‘hot and trending’ for more than 60 hours and has received almost 500 page views.

Ms Cole is delighted with the book's reception and said: “Kindle Scout is an exciting development for a lot of authors, whether they are represented or they want to self-publish.

"In principle it gives you a shot at a supported publishing deal with a major book retailer at better payment rates than many traditional publishers are offering. It also gives you the chance to reach new readers all over the world.

“It’s also great for readers because they get free books if they support novels that go on to be published by Kindle Press."

The Devil’s Poetry campaign lasts until 12 March.

The five-year e-book contract on offer comes with a $1,500 advance and a 50 per cent royalty rate.

Kindle Scout is also attractive to aspiring authors because, although Ms Cole is represented by the prestigious Greenhouse Literary Agency, you do not need any experience or an agent to participate.