This document provides tips for authors on how to win writing awards for self-published books. It discusses how submitting books to literary contests can help gain third-party approval and recognition. To improve chances of winning, authors are advised to ensure their book represents their best effort through professional editing, design, and synopsis. Authors should also carefully choose contests that are reputable and select categories that best fit their book. Judges will evaluate books based on criteria like editorial excellence, fulfilling the book's intent, originality, accuracy, and author credentials.

1. How to Win Writing Awards
A Web search of “contests for self‐published authors” turns up more than 700,000 results. With
so many options, submitting your book for literary contests may seem overwhelming; but as
with any marketing initiative for your book, the effort can be well worth the potential payoff.
“As one of your past winners said, ‘It gives a stamp of third‐party approval that self‐published
books usually lack,’” said Whitney Hallberg, senior editor at ForeWord Reviews, sponsor of the
Book of the Year Awards for independently published authors.
Build a Better Book
“Publishing a book is such an exciting thing for every author. But it’s important for authors to
remember to take the time to make the best book they possibly can before publishing it and
submitting it to awards competitions,” Hallberg said.
Hallberg said a book entered into a contest should represent an author’s best effort. To that
end, professional editing and design are key investments.
“People do judge books by their covers, so it’s important to have a crisp and attractive cover
and spine, and a concise, intriguing, well‐written synopsis on the back cover,” Hallberg said.
Even authors who have already published their book can make edits and publish another
edition. It’s never too late to make your book the best it can be.
Choose Wisely
• Most writing contests charge an entry fee, or will at least require that you provide
copies of your book. Consider your marketing budget and evaluate whether the price is
worth your possible return.
• When you learn of a contest that interests you, find out more. Is the contest sponsored
by a reputable or recognizable organization? Are the contest rules plainly and clearly
stated? Is there a way to find or even contact past winners?

2. • Picking the right category could make the difference between receiving an award and
being overlooked. Leonie Tremaine, co‐author of Adios, Aries, a finalist in the 2010 Next
Generation Indie Book Awards, said her book is mystery, New Age and romantic, so the
“First Book” category was the best option.
“So often the reason we choose to self‐publish is because our books don't fit into a
publisher's often rigid category requirements,” said Tremaine. “So my advice is to
choose a category that will give your book the best chance to shine.”
What Are Judges Looking For?
Each contest is a little bit different, but to give you an idea of how judges will evaluate your
book, Hallberg offers up the ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Award judging criteria:
1. Editorial excellence
Is the book well‐written without awkward sentences, typos or formatting
errors?
For fiction, does it have well‐developed characters with natural dialogue
and a coherent plot?
For nonfiction, are the chapters well‐organized with clear information
and useful charts or illustrations?
2. Intent of book met by author
Do we feel enlightened after reading your meditation book? Did your
thriller thrill us?
3. Originality of subject matter
Have we seen this information or this plot too many times before?
4. Accuracy
5. Author Credentials
It’s important to know something about the author’s background—
especially if they’ve written a nonfiction book. Even in the case of fiction
or poetry, it’s nice to know if their work has been published anywhere
before of if they’ve won any literary awards. Even for debut novels, a
relevant author bio is an important part of a book.

3. For more book marketing advice, visit www.authorhouse.com/authorresources/marketing.aspx