Could You Win a Writing Award?

Last month I focused on surviving the debut author experience. Now I’d like to shine the spotlight on the actual novel that has made it out into the world—and how to ensure readers not only notice your book but yearn to read it.

As reviews start trickling in and authors get caught up in the excitement of debuting a novel, it’s easy to overlook the future—the long months ahead when the book is no longer a new release. Perhaps the title is languishing on bookstore and library shelves without getting much notice. Most authors fret about this and wonder what they can do to draw attention to their hard work and increase review opportunities (key to selling more books). These worries were at the top of my mind. I’d already engaged with readers at book club events and multiple bookstore signings, created avalanches of social media posts, and made plans to attend every appropriate writing conference I could afford.

What else could I do?

One more thing: apply to writing contests.

Depending on your stamina and budget—the process involves detailed paperwork and can be costly—this strategy can be an excellent way to spread the word about your book. I was lucky. My publisher submitted I know She Was There to some of the most well-known competitions. It’s worth the email inquiry to discover which awards are on your publisher’s radar, but it’s unlikely they will submit to all the awards your book may be eligible for. Even though my publisher, CamCat Books, is fantastic, the company was going through an ownership change as contest applications loomed. Since applying for awards on their authors’ behalf was not yet a priority for the new owners, I handled a lot of that on my own.

It was worth it.

I Know She Was There won the gold medal in the IPPY Awards sponsored by Independent Publisher Magazine. For those unfamiliar with the contest, it’s an international competition and one of the most prestigious awards that small and medium-sized presses (as well as self-publishers) can receive.

How does winning an award help authors?

Let me count the ways:

1. Increases visibility—exposing the book to new audiences.

2. Boosts book sales—readers are drawn to award-winning books.

3. Creates credibility—accomplished authors win awards.

4. Increases writing opportunities—collaborations, speaking engagements, and future    ventures. 

   
   

Recommended writing competitions to enter:

There are many great writing competitions out there but among my favorites are:

1. IPPY Awards

2. Foreword’s INDIE Book Awards

3. IBPA (Independent Book Publisher Awards)

4. Next Generation Indie Book Awards

5. IndieReader Discovery Awards

6. National Indie Excellence Awards

7. Rubery Book Awards

8. Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award

Award-winning novel by IPPY, I Know She Was There!

Whatever competitions you choose, enjoy the process—and the possibility of maybe even becoming an award-winning writer! And don’t forget to share my award winner with all your friends and family members! Maybe they will agree with Windy City Reviewer Catherine Marcroft’s assessment:

“The pacing of this book is wonderful. The dates at each chapter heading keep us aware of how fast things are moving. Part One takes place in the space of a single month, and Part Two in even less time. As I was hurtled toward the complex, extended climax of the story, I found it so full of twists that I gave it a second reading for clarity. I don’t think you’ll see all those turns coming, so just buckle up and enjoy the ride to the surprising, gratifying ending. The arc of fate is longer than we can imagine, and retribution comes for all. Embrace it.”

To see the full review: www.windycityreviews.org/book-reviews/i-know-she-was-there