Earning Recognition

As a debut author, I recently experienced the thrill of seeing my book, Charlie and Sophie’s Great Escape, receive the Literary Titan Gold Book Award. Becoming an award-winning author has been an incredible milestone and validation for me. But beyond the personal joy, applying for book awards can significantly impact one’s journey as an author. Here’s why it’s worth considering—along with a few potential downsides to keep in mind.

Benefits of Applying for Book Awards

1. Credibility and Recognition: Winning or even being shortlisted for a book award adds instant credibility to your name and work. It sets your book apart in a crowded market and signals to readers, reviewers, and industry professionals that your work meets a high quality standard.
2. Increased Visibility: Book awards often come with publicity through announcements, social media posts, and promotional opportunities. This exposure can bring your book to the attention of new readers, bookstores, and libraries.
3. Boost in Sales: An award sticker on your book cover can influence buying decisions. Readers are more likely to pick up a book recognized for excellence.
4. Networking Opportunities: Many awards host ceremonies, webinars, or conferences, which can be excellent venues for connecting with other authors, publishers, and industry experts. Building these relationships can be invaluable for one’s career.
5. Personal Validation: Writing can be a solitary and sometimes discouraging process. Acknowledging your hard work can boost your confidence and remind you that your voice matters.

Drawbacks to Consider

1. Application Costs: Many book awards require entry fees, which can add up quickly if you apply to multiple contests. This cost can be a significant drawback for new authors on a tight budget.
2. Time Investment: Researching awards, preparing submissions, and filling out applications can be time-consuming. You could otherwise spend your time writing or marketing your book.
3. Unpredictable Outcomes: Not every book will win or even place. Rejection can be disappointing, especially when you’ve invested time and money. It’s important to approach awards with realistic expectations.
4. Market Saturation: Some awards are more prestigious than others, and discerning readers or industry professionals might not value recognition from lesser-known competitions. Others are more a “pay to play” marketing ploy than a serious literary award. Researching and choosing reputable awards that align with your goals is crucial.

Tips for Applying

• Start applications early–many awards have submission deadlines 6-8 months before they announce the winners.
• Read recent award-winning books in your category.
• Focus on awards matching your book’s age range (4-8 years in my case).
• Consider the cost vs. potential benefit for each award.
• Look for awards whose fee includes feedback or additional marketing tools even if you don’t win.
• Check if the award requires multiple copies of your book for judging.

Applying for book awards is a strategic move that can yield significant rewards, from enhanced credibility to increased sales. However, it does not guarantee success, and the process requires thoughtful planning and financial consideration. Becoming an award-winning author has been a rewarding experience that affirmed my decision to self-publish.