So the Kindle is big news so you’d think that Amazon Associates members would be raking in big money referring people to these popular eBooks. Well, while associates could refer buyers to Kindle books in the early days with chicklet buttons and more, the option to refer customers to Kindle books went away shortly thereafter and never came back.

Until now:

Dear Amazon Associate:

We’re sending this note to announce a couple of changes to the Associates Program that relate to Amazon Kindle. Kindle is the #1 bestselling, most-gifted, and most wished-for product at Amazon.com. Please read on for further details.

Earn Advertising Fees on Kindle Books

Amazon is excited to announce that effective May 1, 2010, you can earn advertising fees on Kindle books. With over 500,000 books, including 105 of 112 New York Times® Best Sellers, Kindle books represent another great way to earn money advertising Amazon products. Advertising fees range from 4 to 8.5%.

Kindle Device Advertising Fee Rates Have Changed

Also effective May 1, 2010, Kindle devices have a new advertising fee. Kindle devices will be included in the “General Products” category and are eligible for 4 to 8.5% in advertising fees depending on the number of qualifying products you refer. Kindle newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other subscriptions will also be included in the “General Products” category. See the Operating Agreement for more information.

New Kindle Landing Page: Build Links to Kindle & Make Money

We’d like to invite you to browse through our new Kindle page in Associates Central which gives you an overview of all the tools you’ll need to easily build links and earn money on everything Kindle related, all in one place!

There are several simple ways to earn advertising fees on Kindle, and now Kindle books:

In addition to earning advertising fees on Kindle devices and Kindle books, Associates can also earn advertising fees on qualifying sales of Kindle accessories and magazine, newspaper, & blog subscriptions.

We want to thank you for your continued participation in the Amazon Associates Program, and invite you to start or continue advertising Kindle devices and Kindle books. Stay connected by following us on Twitter and finding us on Facebook. If you have any questions or feedback on this announcement or the Associates Program, please contact us via the contact form.

Sincerely,

The Amazon Associates Program

What amuses me is how they act like this is something new and not something they are giving back to us but, either way, I’m glad to have the option to refer people to Kindle Books again. Especially now that Kindle books can be read even without owning a Kindle, it’s great that affiliates can join in the fun. For authors and publishers, this is also great news because it gives website owners more of a reason to promote Kindle content.

Will this give Kindle the edge over iPad and other eBook readers? Your move, everyone else.

Oh and if you were planning on doing some shopping on the Kindle anyway, may I recommend this inexpensive little novella by yours truly: