In this Alliance of Independent Authors post, Book Award Adviser Hannah Jacobson explains how co-authored books are handled in award competitions, from submissions and fees to prizes and promotion.
Hannah Jacobson
Co-authoring a book brings the joy of creative collaboration, but it also raises practical questions when it comes to book awards. Many indie authors wonder how partnerships work in competition settings: whose name goes on the entry, how costs get divided, and what happens when you win.
The good news is that most awards welcome collaborative works, and knowing how the process works helps co-authors enter strategically and share their success.
Most awards welcome co-authored works
The typical book award accepts co-authored books without restrictions. Whether you've written a novel with a partner, collaborated on a nonfiction project, or created a children's book with an illustrator-writer team, you'll find plenty of competitions open to your work.
However, the golden rule is to always read specific competition rules carefully. Each award has different policies, and while most welcome collaborative works, some may have author number limits or category-specific guidelines. When in doubt, contact the competition directly for clarification. A quick email can save you time and entry fees.
Submitting your entry: all names included
Standard practice is to include all co-authors' names on your award entry. This means both authors get proper recognition if your book wins, and judges understand the collaborative nature of your project. Including both names also clears up any confusion during winner announcements.
Don't assume one author can represent the entire team. Both names belong on the submission, and both authors deserve credit for the work you've created together.
Splitting costs and strategic planning
Book awards charge per entry, not per author. This means you'll pay one fee regardless of how many names appear on your book's cover. Co-authors can consider splitting entry fees as partners, treating the investment as part of your joint marketing budget.
Discuss cost-sharing upfront to avoid awkwardness later. Some co-author teams split everything equally, while others divide costs based on different agreements. Find what works for your partnership.
As a bonus to working together, two perspectives help you spot better competition matches. You can research awards together, discuss which opportunities align with your book's strengths, and make smarter decisions about where to invest your submission budget.
Before entering any competition, make sure your book meets professional standards in editing, formatting, and design. Feedback from award judges consistently emphasizes these three areas as critical to success.
Understanding prize distribution
Physical award distribution varies by competition. Some awards provide a single medal or certificate for winning books, while others automatically provide recognition for each author. Many competitions offer additional physical prizes at reasonable fees if both authors want their own award seals or certificates.
Check competition details about what winners receive so you can plan accordingly. This rarely affects the prestige of winning itself, but knowing what to expect helps you prepare for your celebration and marketing.
The marketing advantage of shared success
Co-authored award wins create unique promotional opportunities. Each author can announce the award to their separate audiences, effectively doubling your book's exposure as readers from both communities discover your success.
Coordinate your announcement strategies for maximum impact. When both authors share the news across their email lists, social media channels, and author websites, you're reaching a much wider audience than a solo author could. This cross-promotion benefits both authors' visibility and builds both of your author brands.
Every award win strengthens your individual credibility as an author. Your partnership amplifies this value, turning one win into multiple channels for exposure.
Partnership as strength
Co-authored books belong in the awards world just as much as solo-authored works do. With clear communication about costs, expectations, and marketing plans, the submission process becomes straightforward and manageable.
Your collaboration isn't a complication; it's an advantage. When you win, you get to celebrate together and reach twice as many readers. That's the real power of writing partnerships in the awards space.
About Hannah Jacobson, ALLi Awards & Story Marketing Adviser
Hannah Jacobson is the founder of Book Award Pro: the company that leads the industry in helping authors find the perfect reviews and awards for their books.
Book Award Pro is the industry expert on accolades, operating the world's largest database of legitimate reviews and awards. Every year, authors spanning 6 continents win thousands of new awards, receive valuable reviews, and market their books in one easy-to-use platform.
Book Award Pro has been a trusted ALLi Partner Member since 2020. Hannah is the ALLi advisor for awards and story marketing, and contributes to ALLi resources including the Book Award & Contest Ratings page, Book Prizes & Awards for Indie Authors guidebook, and the Ultimate Guide to Winning Book Awards.
Begin your award-winning journey for free or connect with Hannah and Book Award Pro on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
Find out more
For more information on applying for book awards that are open to indie authors, you can purchase our short guide, available in multiple formats on our bookstore: Book Prizes & Awards for Indie Authors.
Members enjoy free access to the ebook.
Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue?
If you’re an ALLi member, head over to the SelfPubConnect forum for support from our experienced community of indie authors, advisors, and our own ALLi team. Simply create an account (if you haven’t already) to request to join the forum and get going.
Non-members looking for more information can search our extensive archive of blog posts and podcast episodes packed with tips and advice at ALLi's Self-Publishing Advice Center.
