Book Awards

Book Awards

As readers, we see book award recognition, whether through the title "award-winning author/novel," recognizable stickers on book covers, or for more renowned awards like the Pulitzer, more prominent focus. But what are they and why are they important?

First, there are varying degrees of book awards and ways to be entered and win. There are some vanity book awards that simply accept a payment and essentially guarantee an award, whether that's through incredible granularity of categories or lack of transparency through winner announcements while delivering multiple first-prize winners. A good process to follow to determine if an award is a vanity award is to browse the site for judging criteria, who the judges are, what the entry fees (if there are any) support, and review past award winners.

Some independent literary awards that are more recognized are:

• Rubery Book Award (UK Focused)

• The Eric Hoffer Award (US Focused)

• IndieReader Discovery Award (IRDA)

• IBPA Book Award (formerly the Ben Franklin Book Award)

• Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Award

• Independent Publisher Book Award (IPPY)

Many awards requirement some form of entry fee (even the Pulitzer requires a $50 handling fee), but some awards like the Bram Stoker Award look a little different. While there is no entry fee technically, you have to be a member of the Horror Writer's Association (which has its own fees), however non-members can still enter if someone who is an HWA member submits your book to their reading list on your behalf.

Ok, but... why?

Book awards (especially ones with some recognition) can lend more credibility to your work which makes it easier to convince libraries and bookstores to order stock of your book and display it on their shelves. Also, they often lead to greater visibility for nominated and winning titles. In that vein there is increased exposure, promotion, and networking opportunities.

Many book awards will also offer cash prizes to the winners or opportunities to speak with or share your book with well-known literary agents for a better shot at a publishing opportunity. They may even offer you critique sessions from recognized publishers or coaching sessions with prominent figures in the field (all opportunities and rewards beyond the "sticker" that vanity awards will not offer). So, if you are a relatively new author and would love to get more recognition on your work or make your name known in the literary world (maybe not always publicly but to the right eyes within the field) book awards are a good way to do this.

As always, do your research! Getting advice from me or anyone else is just a starting point. I will always encourage you to do your research to the best of your ability so that you can make the most informed decision possible.