Self-publishing tools are a way for lesser-known writers to get their work in front of an audience and a great way for readers to discover new work. But with all of the tools at the writer’s disposal, there is a risk of inappropriate work getting through.

While Apple seems overly sensitive about censorship, even keeping James Joyce and The Kama Sutra out of the app store until readers got upset, Amazon has a different problem, not enough censorship. Today Mom bloggerJessica Gottlieb brought to light a new self-published Kindle book called The Pedophile’s Guide to Love and Pleasure. The book aims to be just that, a guide for child molesters, which goes way beyond free speech.

There are a number of Twitter users angry about this book and the eBook has also elicited a number of Amazon reviewers to demand that the company remove the title or lose customers.

How do you think Amazon should control its self-pub tools without censoring?

UPDATE: Amazon has yet to respond to our press inquiry, but they did just respond to TechCrunch. Here is the statement that they sent to TechCrunch: “Amazon believes it is censorship not to sell certain books simply because we or others believe their message is objectionable.  Amazon does not support or promote hatred or criminal acts, however, we do support the right of every individual to make their own purchasing decisions.” Hmmm….props to Amazon for being anti-censorship, but really, they want to sell sex guides for pedophiles?! It doesn’t help their reputation any!