Why Book Awards Have Lasting Value
Gripping hands and fast-beating hearts have something in common. Excitement at the Christian Indie Awards ceremony. When you receive notice that your book has been selected as a finalist for a book award, it is exciting. But when you sit wringing your hands with a fast-beating heart at the awards ceremony hoping to hear your book title called as a winner, that is thrilling.
Yet that is not the value. It is a benefit. The value of winning a book award comes later when used as a book marketing tool. You are now able to call yourself an award-winning author. That has value in the marketplace. It gives credibility that your book is worth reading. Readers begin to notice your book and sales happen. Isn’t that a goal of all authors? Of course, the main purpose of Christian writing should always be to benefit the reader in a godly and positive way, but sales mean others are reading the book.
I entered my Christian book WINGS – Widows in New Growth Seasons in two book contests. In the first one, the book won first place in its category. The second entry with the Christian Indie Awards came in second in its category. Both awards have inspired me to keep writing, to continue using it to reach the audience of widows looking for encouragement to move forward through their grief.
As a result of this book, my speaking engagements have increased. Women in support groups have used it in their meetings. I have given away many books as a resource for groups. A senior living facility has placed two bulk orders.
I am thankful I entered these book contests. Not only have they been an encouragement to me but have opened doors through exposure, credibility, and friendships that I may not otherwise have had. It is exciting to sit through an award ceremony and watch others receive acknowledgement. This gives us an opportunity to cheer them on in their writing as well.
For those considering entering a writing contest, I would say, go for it. The experience is well worth it whether we receive an award or not. In fact, this is not the first time I entered a contest, but this time the result was an award. It is easy to feel rejected when your name is not called. However, don’t stop trying. One or two rejections do not mean your writing was not good. Depending on your genre, it could mean there were so many entries in the category that it was difficult for the judges to choose. Please don’t take it personally. Use the opportunity as a learning experience and a time to share someone else’s victory by cheering them on.
Some genres that are well saturated with entries are Christian Living, Devotions, and General Fiction. What I love about the Christian Indie Awards is they divide a genre into different categories. Christian Fiction can be divided into romance, mystery, historical, and more. But this gives you an idea of how to fill out the contest entry to determine the genre of your book. Here is a link to the award listing where you can see how the categories are divided. Christian Indie Awards and CAN Marketing Award Winners Announced | Christian Indie Publishing Association
Even though my book still has not reached the number of sales I would like, it has sold more copies than any of my other books. I attribute that to the recognition it has received from entering the Christian Indie Awards and the exposure from it.
How You Will Benefit:
- Attending the award ceremony is always a fun, exciting, and informative event.
- Hearing your book title announced is exhilarating.
- Changing your bio status from Christian author to Christian award-winning author gives credibility and opportunity.
- The opportunity to reach more people with the message God gives.
- Speaking events.
- Podcasts
- Sales
About the Author
Virginia Grounds is an award-winning author, speaker, Bible study teacher, indie-publisher, and self-publishing coach. With years of experience in the publishing industry, her desire is to help others reach their publishing goals with their God-given message. Learn more at www.virginiagrounds.net.