Last week was quite exciting for me because I received a call that I’d finaled in a book contest I’d entered.
Let me give you a little background, though…
This year, I actually entered not one, but FOUR book contests with independently published releases from last year. I didn’t place in any of the first three, and I’d basically written off the final one, certain my book wasn’t what anyone was looking for.
Which brings me to the truth about writing contests–they’re completely subjective. Yes, I’m sure judges are looking for outstanding writing, edits, etc. But when it comes down to style/flow/storyline, I’m certain each judge is looking for different things. I have judged contests myself, and I know that each judge brings his/her experience to the table–writing experience, experience being personally edited, perhaps experience in what they prefer to read (such as which point of view/tense they prefer). I have watched authors whose books I’ve devoured not even place in contests. Just like tastes in artwork vary, so do tastes in reading material.
(Let’s face it–we’re all different and that’s not a bad thing!)
I’m extremely grateful (and I’ve been rather deliriously happy) that my novel, Guilt by Association, finaled in the ECPA’s Christy Award contest. The Christy awards are highly esteemed in Christian book circles and I never once dreamed I’d final–very few independently published books do. I’m planning to attend the gala where they announce the winners, although I have no delusions I’ll be one of them. 🙂
But the truth is, there are other contests I’d like to final in and someday win. The Daphne awards for mystery/suspense, for one–because those are named after Daphne du Maurier and I am a huge fan of her books. Or how about the Agathas, for my all-time fave author, Agatha Christie? To win one of those contests would be like coming full circle with reading interests and my writing, you know? As long as I’m writing mysteries (and as long as I can afford to), I plan to enter those contests.
So the question is, is it worth it for authors to enter book award contests?
- Contests are costly–you have entry fees, plus the cost of mailing softcovers in for judging.
- From everyone I’ve talked to, contest wins don’t impress readers so much as they do agents/editors…but if you’re not looking for an agent/editor, is an award that important?
- While you’re waiting to find out if you final, you can get really anxious. And if you don’t final and you see some of your friends finaling, it’s nearly impossible not to get jealous. When I wash out of a contest, I tend to tell myself I’ll never enter THAT contest again in a fit of disappointment (although it’s true that some contests are run rather haphazardly and I’m unlikely to enter those again for that very reason. Contest rules should not be arbitrary!).
Then there’s another, more personal aspect to consider. As an independent author, I’ll admit that I often have this underlying craving for validation, and I think most indie authors do, especially if they haven’t yet had an editor/agent gush over their work. Even though we might have hundreds or even thousands of readers who LOVE our indie work, there’s still some niggling voice that asks, “Are my books good enough?”
Additionally, many indie authors have experienced snubbing in the industry because we chose to independently publish–although I rarely see that kind of snubbing in 2018, there was plenty of it going around when I started off in 2013. Or maybe people just know better than to trash talk indie publishing around me these days. 😉
In fact, many traditionally published authors are supplementing their income with independently published books. But some prejudice does remain, so when and if indies overcome it with book awards that have typically gone to traditionally published books, does that add quality to our books that are already published? Nope.
Don’t get me wrong–I really love that independent authors are able to qualify for so many contests these days, and to see their hard work validated on a level that the publishing industry has to notice. I have actively campaigned for this in the Christian book review/contest world, in fact.
But for me personally, I have to remind myself that it doesn’t matter how many awards I get if I don’t sell books. Yes, an award might draw some readers to your book. It might encourage some bookstores to stock it. But in the end (especially for independent authors), we have to do the hard work of marketing our books, award or no award. It’s our job to get our books into the hands of more and more readers. Once we stop doing that, our sales drop, and we have less incentive to keep writing and putting so much money and effort into publishing our books.
I guess what it comes down to is this–do you need the validation of a contest final to tell you that your books are good? I’m going to be totally honest–although I’ve had agent/editor validation, although I’ve had a Publisher’s Weekly starred review on one of my indie books, although I’ve had a contest win in the past (Grace Awards), I always seem to want something more. Maybe it’s just my nature to keep pushing for things that are just out of reach. Maybe entering four awards contests in one year was just my last hoorah in the Christian publishing world because I new I’d be focusing on mainstream books in the future. Whatever propelled me to go crazy with contest entries in 2018, I have to say that the Christy final was a welcome recognition of the work that went into publishing Guilt by Association and I’m extremely happy for it. I was also blown away when Trial by Twelve won the Grace award in 2015 for mystery/suspense.
But from now on, I’m going to target only one to two contests a year (unless my publisher enters my books). And I’m hoping that someday I can come back here and let you know I’ve won a Daphne or an Agatha award–not for external recognition, but to honor a couple of my favorite mystery authors ever!
(Edited to add that I didn’t even mention the lovely bonus of seeing your readers jump in and nominate your books for contests and cheer for you when you final! That is one lovely, encouraging perk of book award contests!!!)
***Authors (especially indie authors!), what about you? What’s your take on book award contests? Have you ever won one that changed your life? Would you recommend them?***
I so appreciate this post, Heather! Thank you!! I didn’t know indies could enter traditional contests in publishing. I was thrilled to see you on the Christy list! Well-deserved and such an honor. Congrats my friend!!
Your achievements are encouraging to all indie authors! Congratulations!
I’ve never entered a contest, but I think an award would be affirming. We are encouraged by positive reviews from our readers, but acknowledgment from contest judges would be something extra special.
I think contests give you credibility, but I don’t think they sell books. I’ve been a Christy nominee and I think it’s my lowest selling book. I did win Carol awards with big-selling books. I think because it is more in line with what readers enjoy vs literary style. But I’m not a contest person because I’d rather lose than go on stage so take my comment with that in mind.
I can’t believe you’d rather lose than go onstage! You seem like such an outgoing person to me! And good point on the Christys. I can’t see any of these awards really boosting sales like crazy…not like a NYT bestseller label might. But then again, that might not mean much either to readers.
I SO struggle with whether or not to enter contests. As a traditionally published author the consensus is that while they’re a lovely bit of recognition they don’t really impact sales. I’ve seen some authors who have won LOTS of awards eventually get dropped by publishers because, well, sales. So, am I just trying to feed my praise addiction? Ultimately, the only praise that matters is hearing Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But in the meantime I CRAVE a little validation. I suspect this is going to continue to be a struggle for me. Eager to hear the thoughts of others!
Yup, I totally understand! And it’s like how much praise is enough? Endorsements are praise, really! Not to mention kind editor comments, etc. Probably just one of those things we’re susceptible to as authors.
I am also an indie author, and I entered a number of contests this year for the first time since being published. It was in some ways for validation that my writing could compete and that my stories are worthwhile. I placed in three and won one. Another I didn’t place at all, and the comments from judges weren’t super complimentary, ha! So I agree that the judging can be subjective. Also, I do believe author brand/big name can influence judging in some ways, for good or bad. I’d hoped some recognition in contests would bump sales, but I didn’t see a ton of that happening with the contests wins, so advertising/marketing basically still drives sales, in my opinion.
Congrats on the Christy final! In my mind, it’s definitely the academy award of Christian writing, and the choices there do influence my purchases. I look forward to reading your novel.
Glad you got to enter contests and did well in them, Janet! And thanks for that input–I wondered if making the lists encouraged readers to pick those books up at all.
What fun and encouraging news! Cheering for you all the way. 🙂 kj
Thank you, my friend!