For the past several years, Amazon has had a Breakthrough Novel Award contest. This year, Amazon has included multiple categories and has changed the awards to a publishing contract directly with Amazon, since Amazon is now a publishing company as well as a retailer. The winner will receive a $50,000 advance and four others will get a contract with $15,000 advance.
The top 500 Quarterfinalists have now been announced. On April 16th, it will be narrowed to the top 25 (five in each category) and Amazon customers will be able to download, rate vote on the winners.