Enter the ‘Write Your Why’ Competition at SelfPubCon 2025

August 20, 2025

Calling all indie authors and self-publishers! In association with the upcoming Self-Publishing Advice Conference, we’re thrilled to announce our latest free-to-enter competition, with big prizes up for grabs, kindly donated by ALLi partner members.

What drives you to publish independently?

We know that every indie author has a story behind why they chose the self-publishing path, be it the freedom to go your own way or a desire for reader connection.

At this year’s Self-Publishing Advice Conference, our theme is a forward-looking one as we focus on “new trends in self-publishing” but there’s a lot to be learned from looking back at the journey we as indie authors have taken already.

So, we’re inviting you to share your indie publishing story with the world in the SelfPubCon 2025 “Write Your Why” Competition, proudly hosted by the Self-Publishing Advice Conference.

Tell Us: Why Do You Choose the Indie Path?

In 500 words or less, we want to hear your why. Whether it's raw and heartfelt, poetic and powerful, humorous and light-hearted, or something completely unique. Your entry should reflect what fuels your passion for indie publishing.

No entry fee. No publishing prerequisites. The competition is open to all indie authors, from first timers to seasoned self-publishing pros.

Winning entries will be selected by our expert judging panel, and the top three winners—including one overall grand-prize winner—will be announced live during SelfPubCon 2025.

Amazing Prizes for Indie Authors

Thanks to our incredible ALLi Partner Members, we have a fantastic selection of high-value services across every stage of the publishing process available to choose from, including:

PR and promotion packages
Editorial and proofreading services
Book cover and interior design
Print and production services
Distribution and marketing tools
And more, including exclusive prizes from ALLi

Winners get to choose from a list of generously donated services, making this not just a chance to share your story, but also a real boost to your author career and a jump start to publishing your next book.

Key Dates

Competition Opens: August 18, 2025 at 6pm UK
Deadline to Enter: September 17, 2025 at 6pm UK
Winners Announced: Live during #SelfPubCon25 on our virtual conference platform, and across Facebook, X, and YouTube

How to Enter

Craft your 500-word (or shorter) piece—essay, poem, letter, or whatever written format feels right to you
Submit it here.
Register for the conference so you don’t miss the live announcement and all the other amazing sessions.
See full competition details and terms & conditions here.

Note: To enter the competition, you will need to create an account on our SelfPubConnect network, hosted by Mighty Networks (it's very straightforward). This will give you access to the competition now and automatic access to the conference when free access opens.

Are You a Partner Member?

We’re still accepting prize donations. If you’re an ALLi-approved partner and would like to contribute a service to the list of prizes, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch today to submit your prize.

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