Authors and Book Award Contests–To Enter or Not to Enter?
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.
via GIPHY
(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.
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I took awards in a couple of minor contests back in the early years of the century: one for my short story "Outside Work" in a regional, Appalachian-themed contest, and second place in the novel category for Lifeblood (which was still unpublished then) in the Virginia Highlands Festival Creative Writing Contest in, I think, 2002. (And yes, they assured me they had more than two entries in that category!) At the time, the wins were (or at least I hoped they were) a way of getting credibility with book publishers when I was sending out inquiries about the novel. But after I got a publisher for the book, I never bothered entering any more contests.
I think you've found your niche with your mystery books. I love your Viking books, which are extraordinary and so rich in history, but your mysteries are superb!
Pamela wrote: "I think you've found your niche with your mystery books. I love your Viking books, which are extraordinary and so rich in history, but your mysteries are superb!" Thank you so much, Pam! :)
Werner wrote: "I took awards in a couple of minor contests back in the early years of the century: one for my short story "Outside Work" in a regional, Appalachian-themed contest, and second place in the novel ca..."Those sound interesting, Werner! Yes, I know those contests do help open doors sometimes. Not always, but sometimes! ;)
Heather wrote: "Yes, I know those contests do help open doors sometimes. Not always, but sometimes! ;) " In my case, I don't really know whether they were a factor in getting the original publisher to look at my book or not. The only way to learn that would be to ask; I never did (I was too excited to look a gift horse in the mouth! :-) ), and alas, that particular small press went out of business ten years ago. (I did subsequently find another publisher, though!)
