Book Awards for Authors
How to Choose and Enter
Please note: SilverWood Books does not run or administer any of the awards mentioned in this article. This is simply a guide to some of the book awards and competitions that authors can enter themselves, including awards that accept self-published and independently published books. The awards, their eligibility criteria and entry requirements are set by their own organisers, so always check the official website for the latest information before entering.
As an author, you might be wondering whether it is worth entering your book for an award. Many awards charge an entry fee, so it is sensible to do your research before deciding which ones are right for your book.
Entering an award can have several benefits, even if your book does not ultimately win. For example:
- Entering an award gives you more content to share with your readers. Why not tell them how you felt about the process in a blog or social media post? You can continue talking about the award even if you do not make the shortlist.
- The awarding body may have a larger audience on social media and may share news of its longlists and shortlisted books, giving you an opportunity to reach new readers.
- If successful, you can mention the award in your social media and author biographies, where appropriate.
- Some awards offer cash prizes, while others offer opportunities such as mentoring, book marketing, production or literary agency services.
- Some awards offer interviews or other promotional opportunities to winners and shortlisted authors.
- The local press may be interested in covering your story if you are shortlisted or win an award.
- Some awards attract the attention of literary agents, publishers and other publishing professionals, which can create useful opportunities for authors.
Choosing which book awards to enter
There are many awards and competitions to choose from, and some are more well-known and credible than others. Before entering an award, do your research carefully:
- Is the award well-respected in the writing community?
- Who organises and judges it, and where do the organisers promote the award?
- What sort of books have won or been shortlisted in previous years?
- Will the award provide useful publicity or other opportunities for authors?
- Does your book meet the eligibility criteria?
- How much is the entry fee, and what exactly does it include?
- Is there any requirement or expectation to attend an awards ceremony?
- Does the award have clear information about its judging process and terms and conditions?
Some prizes and awards are only available to authors who have the backing of a conventional publisher, while others deliberately exclude self-published or independently published books. Others are specifically designed for self-published and independently published authors. Do read the small print on the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions carefully before paying an entry fee.
It is also worth considering what you are hoping to achieve by entering. An award may be particularly useful if it reaches the kind of readers you want to attract, provides meaningful recognition within your genre, or offers publicity or other opportunities that are relevant to your publishing goals.
One way to check the credentials of an award is to join the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) and ask questions in their community. You can also look at previous winners, judges and sponsors, and search for independent reviews or discussion of the award.
Below are some examples of awards and competitions that may be of interest to authors. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list, and eligibility and entry requirements can change from year to year, so please check each organisation's own website before entering.
The Rubery Book Award
The Rubery Book Award is an international award for independently published books. It is open to self-published authors and books published by independent presses, with categories covering fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children's and YA books, and illustrated and visual books. Authors and publishers can submit eligible books. Visit the award's website for current categories, entry requirements and deadlines.
Page Turner Awards
The Page Turner Awards are international writing awards with categories for published books as well as unpublished manuscripts and screenplays. The Book Awards include separate fiction and non-fiction categories, and independently published books are eligible. The awards also include a range of specialist sub-categories and prizes. Check the Page Turner Awards website for the current categories, entry fees and closing dates.
Bath Novel Awards
The Bath Novel Awards are international writing competitions for emerging authors. The adult award is open to unagented writers who are unpublished, self-published or independently published without an advance, while the Bath Children's Novel Award welcomes unpublished, self-published and independently published children's fiction. The awards are particularly focused on helping emerging writers to attract literary agents and conventional publishers. Check the website for current eligibility requirements, categories and entry dates.
BIBA® Literary Awards
The BIBA® Literary Awards are international awards that recognise independently published and self-published books. They cover a range of genres and categories. If you are considering entering, check the BIBA® website for current information about categories, eligibility, fees and prizes.
Romantic Novel Awards
The Romantic Novel of the Year Awards are run by the Romantic Novelists' Association and recognise excellence in romantic fiction. Entries may be submitted by authors, publishers, agents or editors, and independently published books are eligible. The awards include a range of categories covering different types of romantic fiction. Visit the RNA website for current entry requirements and deadlines.
Crime Fiction Awards
There are a number of awards for crime and mystery fiction. CrimeFest features its own awards programme, while the Crime Writers' Association Daggers recognise achievement across a range of crime-writing categories. Self-published authors can be eligible for some CWA awards if they meet the relevant requirements, including CWA membership for self-published entries. Always check the current eligibility criteria before entering.
There are also regional awards, such as the East Anglian Book Awards, to look out for. These can be particularly useful if your book has a strong connection with a particular area, as regional recognition may help you raise your profile with local book groups, bookshops, libraries and potential readers.
Tips for entering an award
When entering for an award, it is easy to rush through the submission form simply to meet the deadline. However, to give your book the best possible chance, take some time to prepare your entry carefully:
- Check who the judges are. Can you identify aspects of your book that are likely to capture their interest?
- Review previous winners and what was said about them in blogs, reviews or press interviews. What made their books stand out to the judges?
- Make your submission or entry form as engaging as possible. You are a writer, so use your words creatively to persuade the judges that they will want to read your book.
- Ensure you cover the basics if you are asked for a synopsis. Who is the main character? Where does the story start? What happens in the middle of the plot, and how does it end?
- Check the entry requirements carefully before submitting. Make sure you have supplied everything requested and that your book meets the eligibility criteria.
Finally, remember the old lottery saying: "You've got to be in it to win it!" Entering an award is not a guarantee of success, but if you find an award that is a good fit for your book, it can be a worthwhile way of gaining recognition and creating opportunities to promote your work.
There are also many competitions and opportunities for writers that are not specifically book awards. Online sites such as Mslexia and publications such as Writing Magazine regularly feature writing competitions and other opportunities for authors.
Want to know more?
If you would like to know more about publishing your book with SilverWood, please drop us a line. You can see our current submission guidelines and contact details here.
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