July 11, 2012 | Awards, Book Marketing, Self-publishing | 6 comments | Author: Wise, Ink.
As we sipped cocktails tonight brainstorming work stuff, planning events for the fall (one we’re especially excited about), and discussing our wonderful Wise Ink readers, it crossed our mind we haven’t yet tackled one of our favorite resources for authors. Awards.
We’ve witnessed doors open for authors because they took the time to apply for awards. It’s quite simple: awards raise your cred.
A sticker on your book, “award-winning author” before your name, and a list of the awards your book has won all leave a powerful impression in your readers’ minds. Check out this impressive list of awards on indie author Ken Thurber’s website.
With all of the time that goes into marketing, applying for awards is something that should be added to your to-do list. Sure there are readers who won’t care either way. But there are booksellers, media, and conference organizers that do.
We know from experience that there are awards that you should steer clear of. Avoid awards that are brand new, where every entry is a “finalist” for instance. One award we researched and almost recommended didn’t make the list b/c it was clearly a funnel to attract authors for other services.
Here are our favorite awards for indie authors that have proved legit, with entry fees that aren’t ridiculous and that are respected in the publishing industry:
And…
We’re digging the coolness of Joel Friendlander’s E-Book Cover Design Awards. Check it out here. He posts winners monthly and as it says on his site, it’s worth checking out just to check out the range of design and ideas other authors came up with.
shore excursions in St.Petersburg
July 12, 2012 at 00:59 am |
Great blog post, I’ve bookmarked this page and have a feeling I’ll be returning to it often.
July 15, 2012 at 09:06 am |
Hi,
We invite you to check out the IndieReader Discovery Awards (IRDAs), where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
With the rush by traditional publishers to sign them and their noteworthy bestselling status, there’s no longer much doubt that indie authors can be both commercially and creatively successful. All that was left to do was create a credible vehicle by which to find them. That’s where the IRDAs come in.
What makes the IRDA’s so unique is their extraordinary panel of judges, including top agents, traditional publishers, PR people, bloggers, and book reviewers–virtually a who’s who of some of the most important people in publishing today.
You can find further info here…http://indiereader.com/the-indiereader-discovery-awards-welcome/ .
Best,
Amy
IndieReader
July 18, 2012 at 09:30 am |
Hi Amy,
We’re huge fans of indie reader! I’m so glad you posted this information. We didn’t know the panel of judges were such a unique combination of folks in the publishing biz. Appreciate the comment and IndieReader’s support!
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