I'm a big fan of applying for book awards. My first novel (Perfect on Paper) was originally self-published, and I believe that one of the reasons it got picked up by a traditional publisher was that it won multiple awards. However, like every book marketing strategy, applying for awards has its drawbacks. I asked Lauren White of the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs) for her honest take on the pros and cons of applying for awards, and here's what she had to say:
Pros
Book awards are so effective because they judge books based on merit, and buyers and readers understand how rare and valuable that judgment is in today's age of paid reviews and social media self-promotion. And for self-publishers, the legitimacy and publicity that follow an award win can be unfortunately crucial to getting in the door with booksellers, librarians, and readers; with thousands of books to choose from, that shiny seal of approval from a reputed contest can make a world of difference.
Not to be overlooked is the morale boost and affirmation that come with an award. A panel of judges has understood and valued your unique message, and your work has not gone unseen. For many, that is the impetus and inspiration to continue writing and sharing stories.
Cons
Like many marketing services, awards cost money--usually an entry fee from $50-$125. Winning a prestigious award is absolutely worth that fee; relative to other marketing options, it is one of the most cost-effective ways to promote your title. But there is a catch: unlike other marketing options, there is no guarantee your money will result in anything, as there is no guarantee you will win. If you are operating on a very tight budget, that $100 might be best spent on a promotional service that is less of a gamble.
Furthermore, not winning can be disheartening. Always remember that the competition is fierce, and that your words have value regardless of the contest's outcome!
Thanks to Lauren for her candor! To learn more about the IPPYs, click here.
-Maria
Maria Murnane is the best-selling author of the Waverly Bryson series, Cassidy Lane, Katwalk, and Wait for the Rain. She also provides consulting services to aspiring and published authors. Have questions? You can find her at www.mariamurnane.com.
This blog post originally appeared on CreateSpace.com. Reprinted with permission. © 2016 CreateSpace, a DBA of On-Demand Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.
Hi All, I submitted my book to quite a few contests -- and it won a prize or two. Nice! Submitting was a lot of work and it cost quite a bit of money, but it was worth it. The biggest challenge by far was simply identifying contests to submit to. To help my fellow writers I made up a starter list of contests. You can find it at: http:/
Some contests will let you submit a book published in the previous year.
Yes, and our California Writers Club with over 100 members loves to support each other, so when we can tell someone a member's book is special because it won an award, it does help!
I am adding my 2 cents here re. Leah's question: Poets and Writers has an excellent guide to literary awards, funding, prizes, and so forth. Pick up a copy, or access it online.
@Leah, Google is always a good way to start! :)
Thanks, Maria. Do you have any tips for how to find legit awards and how to select which to enter?
Absolutely! Writing books for public consumption is an investment. Another bonus of entering (what I'm going to call) worthy contests, is even if you don't win, your book is being considered, and perhaps read by those more perceivably indebted to literature. Also, being a runner up is not without its merits too. Thanks for this post!
@Hollis, you're welcome! I wish you the best of luck with your memoir.
Thank you for this post. Since I am loathe to set up readings for my memoir, The Shelf Life of Ashes, and am a terrible, sluggish and unwilling self promoter, I have set up a kind of awards-submission-schedule for myself, thinking that this may bring some recognition. I appreciate the description of pros and cons, as no efforts should be undertaken naively.