Reputable Awards
It can seem that award opportunities for authors and publishers are a dime a dozen. But are they really worth the cost to apply?
If you are looking to take your book to the global stage, the answer to that question is YES.
As with all things, you will want to make sure the award competition you are entering is legitimate and a good fit for you and your genre before spending money and energy to apply.
Below, we will highlight some of our favorite award opportunities for authors and publishers.
The IPPY Awards
The Independent Publisher Book Awards were conceived in 1996 as a broad-based, unaffiliated awards program open to all members of the independent publishing industry, and are open to independent authors and publishers worldwide who produce books intended for an English speaking audience.
The IBPA Book Awards
The IBPA Book Awards (formerly the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards) are regarded as one of the highest national honors for independent publishers since 1985.
The awards are administered by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) with help from over 170 book publishing professionals including librarians, bookstore owners, reviewers, designers, publicity managers, and editors.
The Dragonfly Awards
The Royal Dragonfly Book Award contest honors excellence in all types of literature and book marketing, recognizing creativity and hard work for a comprehensive list of genres in 70 categories. Contest winners garner instant credibility, attention from the media, and an opportunity to increase book sales.
Contest entries accepted in 3 formats, as printed book, audiobook, or ebook.
The Writers Digest Book Awards
Writer’s Digest has been shining a spotlight on up-and-coming writers in all genres through its Annual Writing Competition for over 90 years. Almost 500 winners are be chosen on a yearly basis.
Firecracker Awards
The CLMP Firecracker Awards for Independently Published Literature are given annually to celebrate the books and magazines that make a significant contribution to our literary culture and the publishers that strive to introduce important voices to readers far and wide. Prizes are awarded in the categories of Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Magazines/General Excellence, and Magazines/Best Debut. Each year, CLMP also awards the Lord Nose Award, given to a publisher or editor in recognition of a lifetime of work in literary publishing.
Regional Awards
Midwest Book Awards
Publishers based in the Midwest are invited to enter the annual Midwest Book Awards competition for excellence in books. The awards recognize creativity in content and execution, overall book quality, and the book’s unique contribution to its subject area.
