Within the traditional publishing industry, outside of winning the National Book Award, the Booker Prize, a Pulitzer — that kind of thing — no, it’s unlikely to. You’re not going to impress agents or acquisitions editors in the arena of the Big Still-5 with anything other than Equally Big Names.
It’s that Gatekeeper Syndrome.
And, sorry, most of us aren’t quite that mega-conglomerate big.
But when it comes to reaching readers, yes, winning an award, an established, reputable award, just might make a difference. The key here — as with everything to do with reach, most particularly in our noisy and overcrowded marketplace — is marketing. Most of us don’t like it much, but it is near impossible to get anywhere without it. That’s why, this coming year, an added feature of the Independent Publishers of New England (IPNE) Book Awards program will be partnering with winning and finalist authors to help raise the visibility of their work in the marketplace.
(Ed. note: IPNE is a sister organization the BAIPA. You need not be a member of IPNE to submit your book.)
Each year, as the book awards program has been growing, we’ve been striving to do more and more with it for indie authors and publishers. A fine panel of expert judges, check. A jubilant awards ceremony, check. Book blurbs for the winners and finalists, check. Digital certificates and seals, naturally. And, now, help building on that award to better position your book in the marketplace. It’s something we’ll work on together.
It promises to be a lot of fun. ♥️
We hope to see you in the 2024 cycle, currently underway. Submissions close April 20. Full details here.