In this Alliance of Independent Authors post, Book Award Adviser Hannah Jacobson explains how books that blend genres can compete across multiple award categories and how authors can find the best fit for their work.
Hannah Jacobson
Independent authors have a lot of freedom in how they write, and it is exciting to see surprising genre combinations that delight readers. When it's time to enter book awards, that creative freedom can raise some practical questions about the award entry process.
Your book may combine elements of two or three genres (and even more sub-genres). For example, it might be a fantasy with a romance at its center, a mystery with a supernatural twist, or a historical story driven by suspense. That can make choosing award categories feel uncertain, especially if you're unsure how judges will respond to a mix of genres.
Books that blend genres are certainly welcome (and celebrated) in book awards, and a genre blend can even widen your entry options. The key to success is understanding how categories and judging work.
What judges look for in a cross-genre book
Judges typically evaluate each entry against the category in which it was entered. For example, a fantasy judge will look closely at world-building, pacing, and the internal logic of the setting. A romance judge will focus more on the relationship, the emotional arc, and whether the ending is satisfactory for the romance genre.
That means a romantasy book entered in a fantasy category can still do well with a love story at its center, as long as it succeeds as a fantasy story.
A book that crosses genres can compete strongly in each category it enters, provided it meets the expectations of that genre.
Can you enter the same book in more than one category?
Often, yes. Many award programs allow a single book to be entered in several categories, with each entry judged separately. A romantasy book could compete in both fantasy and romance, and each entry would be read by judges focused on that genre.
Each program sets its own rules, so the number of categories allowed, the fees, and any restrictions will vary from one award competition to the next.
How category definitions vary between award programs
Two award programs can use the same category name, and yet define it differently.
One competition's thriller category might include mystery and suspense, while another keeps them separate. Some programs also offer categories based on theme, subject, audience, or format, where a genre blend can be a strong contender. A cli-fi book, for example, could be a candidate for an environmental theme category as well as speculative fiction.
The strongest matches come from comparing category definitions, eligibility rules, and entry options across many programs. Category names alone rarely give you enough information.
How award recognition helps a multi-genre book
Genre blends often appeal to more than one group of readers, and award recognition can help you reach each of them.
An accolade in a fantasy category gives you something to share with fantasy readers, while recognition in romance does the same for romance readers. Wins and finalist placements can go on your cover as award seals, into your book description and author bio, and out to your newsletter subscribers.
Some readers are curious about genre blends, but hesitant to try one. For them, recognition from award judges who are familiar with the genre can add credibility and show that your book is worth reading.
Finding the right awards for your book
Blended genres appear in almost every area of publishing. Alongside romantasy and cli-fi, you'll find literary horror with rich, character-driven prose, cozy mysteries touched with magic, and historical romances woven through with suspense.
Each could be entered in more than one category, depending on the program.
Every book has award opportunities, including books that cross genre lines. Because the best matches depend on genre, theme, audience, eligibility, and how each program uniquely defines its categories, finding those perfect awards takes careful research.
About Hannah Jacobson, ALLi Awards & Story Marketing Advisor
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.
