Why Book Awards Matter to Authors
To enter your book, or not to enter your book? A lot of authors struggle with this question. There are so many awards out there, and submitting to every one is not practical. Likewise, authors often wonder if it is worth the time, energy, and even money, as many book awards have submission fees.
If you are wondering whether winning a book award will have an impact on your career as an author, we believe the answer is yes! Let’s break it down a bit further to help you understand why. Plus, we will even share with you a list of book awards and book contests for you to consider entering this year. We recommend book-marking this page so you can keep track of this comprehensive list in the future.
What to Look for in Book Awards and Writing Competitions
Indeed, there are various ways for you to promote your book and make it stand out as a self-published or indie author. Recognition in book awards is one way to get attention from would-be readers. There are thousands of indie and self-published books released every year, making the market competitive. Awards can be one method to help you rise to the top. Below are some other key factors that you should keep in mind before entering book awards:
- Be mindful of the rules of the contest: Most competitions or contests have criteria for you to enter. In most cases, writing competitions require participants to submit their work in the proper format, category and meet the deadline. Follow the instructions to make sure you enter your book the correct way.
- Ensure your book is thoroughly polished and edited: Judges are often writers and they will notice poor editing and typos. In some cases, book awards can be entered prior to a book’s publication. If you are entering a manuscript that is still being edited, make sure they know that.
- Research the contest before signing up: Beware of scams as you don’t want to waste your time with a contest that is not well-established or reputable.
Benefits of Book Awards to Self Published and Indie Authors
What can book awards do for you? There are many benefits. Here are the ones we feel are most important:
- You get publicity: Winning a book award will score you a major visibility in the media. Other writers and readers will recognize you, not to mention your friends and family. Besides that, the awards’ website usually has a list of winners, which is something potential readers will see. If the webpage is found during search results, even better!
- It stimulates sales of your books: Readers and bookstores will notice you, especially if there is a sticker or badge you can put on your book cover, which really can attract attention for your book. Also, readers will want to know more about other books you’ve published, which can help stimulate back-list sales.
- Awards inspire reviews: Winning a book award comes with the domino effect. When you hold more awards, prospective readers take note. Similarly, you get more reviews while other book awards potentially notice you as well.
- You may pocket some money: Many book awards come with money as part of the prize package.
- You are honored as a worthy author or writer: Let’s face it, being recognized for your hard work being a writer is important. You likely spent years writing your manuscript, and getting noticed feels good.
Participating or winning a book contest will go a long way in publicizing and gaining you a foothold in the publishing world. To help you sort through the clutter, here is a comprehensive list to help guide you this year as you submit for book awards.
List of Book Awards to Enter in 2018
Colorado Independent Publishers Association
Monthly e-book Cover Design Awards
Whistler Independent Book Awards
