Think Your Book Has What it Takes to Win an Award?

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All of your effort and hard work could be noticed by applying for a book award. Book awards are great for book marketing and winning a book award could be the type of publicity and exposure your book needs to set it apart from others in your genre! There are many book awards out there so there are a few things to keep in mind before starting the application process.

1. Make sure the award is legitimate 

Do your homework on the award. Make sure the sponsor of the award is a legitimate sponsor, and even look into past winners. When Googling the award it should be easy to find information about the award. Also beware of newer awards with hefty submission fees. Sometimes it is safer to go with an older award that has been around and is trusted.

2. Read the directions and give the judges what they want

To give your book the best odds of winning, start by reading the submission guidelines. Seems simple, but make sure you follow the directions precisely. For example, you will need to send in a copy of your book. When doing so be sure to read up on whether a print copy (some request more than one) or electronic copy is desired. Also be cautious to apply for an award that fits the type of publishing you used for your book. And don’t be discouraged if your book is self-published there are plenty of awards available! Finally, check the publishing date range. Don’t submit a book if it does not match the date requirements.

3. Make sure the genre of your book is fitting for the award

Most awards are categorized by genre. As a historical fiction author you would not want to apply for a history non-fiction—this would be a waste of time. Do your research and make sure your book is a good fit for the award’s category.

4. It is better to be early than late

When you find the perfect award for your book be sure to turn in all of the material on time to ensure your book in entered. It is better to send the necessary materials long before the due date. Better to be early than miss the due date.

5. Pay attention to details 

Judges will look over every detail of your application and book. Make sure everything is perfect before sending in your application. You are an author so grammar and spelling count.

Many book awards can be found on our website. 

Here are some awards you may be interested in:

For fiction books, Commonwealth Writers’ Prize: “The Commonwealth Writers’ Prize is one of the world’s most important literary awards, presented annually by the Commonwealth Foundation with the support of the Macquarie Group Foundation… The Prize is fully international in its character, administration and judging. Each year, prizes for Best Book and Best First Book are awarded in four regions: Africa, Caribbean and Canada, South Asia and Europe and South East Asia and Pacific. Eight regional winners then compete for the pan-Commonwealth Best Book and Best First Book prizes, of £10,000 and £5,000, awarded at a public programme held in a different Commonwealth country each year.”

For mystery books, Edgar Allen Poe Award: The Edgar Allan Poe award is given annually by the Mystery Writers of America. This award acknowledges the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction, television and film published.

For science fiction books, Nebula Award: Administered, voted and presented by the Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) to acknowledge excellence in science fiction writing.

For nonfiction books, PEN/Martha Albrand Award: Presented by PEN American Center, is awarded to an American author for his or her first published memoir, distinguished by qualities of literary and stylistic excellence.

For self-help books, Books for a Better Life Award: These awards and the annual presentation ceremony recognize the authors and publishers of the best self-help books of the preceding year with contributions from attendees going to the fight against multiple sclerosis.

For youth/children’s books, Booklist Editor’s Choice: Every January, Booklist editors select the previous year’s top titles in adult books, books for youth, media, and reference.