When getting started with self-publishing, you might get curious about those contests for self published books. Let me help you figure it out so that you can start your self-publishing journey right away.
Today's question has three answers and the third answer is a secret you're going to want to stick around for. Because I'm going to explain to you the real value of book contests for self published books.
The question that was sent into me was, where to find contests for self published books? Now, this is an excellent question. Because you've written your first book and you've self-published it.
Or maybe you haven't published it but you want to put it in a contest. Contests can help drive traffic. People will see that you want a contest or placed in a contest.
Maybe, perhaps we'll make some additional sales out of your book. Or sometimes the contest themselves will have money rewards that will motivate you to work hard to get your book out.
And maybe win some money that will help you produce even more books. Since each book costs a certain amount of money based upon the cover and the contents and the editing and all of the other aspects that go into it.
So this is a very common question that many people who are getting started with self-publishing or have been doing it for a while will want to know. But before we get into the answers, check out my free Self-Publishing Checklist.
It will help you get started on your self-publishing journey. If you have been doing it for a while, it will help you make sure you're not missing any of the key steps.
So, where to find contests for self-published books? Well, when I first started, I did not do it for any contests. Instead, I was doing it just to see if it's possible to make money off of your self-published books on Amazon?
Check out this related article: How Much Does Self Publishing Cost?
This is a very common question that many people when your first getting started, but after a while, you begin to listen to podcasts and read books. You hear other people talking about these contests which can be very tempting to see if maybe you have a chance at winning.
Ways Of Getting That Recognition
Based on the content that you have created. You have spent so much time put into it. It's nice to get that recognition, traditionally published books automatically get that recognition.
Because a major publisher has already picked up the book and has established that it's a quality book. And that it's worth purchasing. So this is something that may be major if you've gone the traditional route, you can get that recognition.
But if you haven't gone the traditional route, maybe you want the recognition from somebody outside of yourself. Now, for me, I'm pretty happy in my personal story of getting that recognition.
When I see the bookselling like crazy on Amazon and these other sites. Just tons and tons of books selling that motivates me. But for other people, you need that external.
Check out this related article: What Can You Learn On Self Publishing Reddit?
Somebody else who actually read the book and didn't just leave a good review for you. But also they took what they read and in the contest that you competed for. Then they gave you feedback on that and you end up winning a contest.
It's completely understandable. So, where to find contests for self published books? There are 3 answers here.
The first one I was looking at was New Voices Awards which opens the first of April through the 31st of August 2020. Keep in mind these contests, many of them happen every year. This one is for picture books or that are unpublished.
The second one we're looking at was the Suzanne Hill Holiday contest and this also has various 2020 deadlines. So, that's still available and if you listen to this podcast or watch this video after this period, keep in mind that many of these contests can be found at a later time.
You can find where they come up for 2021's contest and so this is another one. This is for children and short stories. But my secret answer of the day really gets at the heart of this which is why exactly do a contest in the first place?
The answer is it's a fantastic idea if it motivates you to keep on writing. The biggest challenge that most authors or publishers have when you are getting this Kindle and book publishing game in order, it is that you lose motivation.
Contest For Self Published Books
Contests can mix it up. It can give you recognition and that additional boost of energy to keep on producing books. The biggest thing that I see with people who lose the book writing and publishing game is they just stop too early.
They are first, they stop writing, and second, they stop optimizing their books so that they would sell more, and three, they don't bother looking at marketing and running ads. Building email lists and all of these things that are possible and available to you.
So, what happens is that they lose motivation. They see their book sales start to slide and they don't know what to do so they just give up. If a book contest is going to help motivate you, well, this is a perfect idea to get started.
I would suggest also just to Google the exact comment here, contest for self published books. Because you are going to come up with the latest list and do a sort by the latest results.
This is an outstanding way to find the contests that are currently going on. I'm focused on just a couple of the contests that are out there. But maybe they'll be over by the time you even see this and that is a possibility.
So, I would not just stop at these. I would look, there are literally dozens and dozens of contests going on. Or maybe there's not that many people enrolled in these contests so your chance of winning a contest can be outstanding.
Then, you have people who are pointing at your book and telling other people, you should definitely check out this book. Which can result in sales not necessarily but mostly it's a psychological motivation issue for you.
You can put it on your cover that you won the contest that's also an option that you have available to you. Somebody else affirming you are putting put quality writings. So, where to find contests for self published books?
What have you found? Go and let me know below in the comments. I respond to all comments that are left. Check out my other blogs and videos to find more answers to your self-publishing questions.