In this Alliance of Independent Authors post, Book Award Adviser Hannah Jacobson explains what judging panels prioritize and how authors can position their books for the best chance at award success.
Hannah Jacobson
If you've ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when your book lands on a judge's desk, you're not alone. Understanding the judging process can feel like trying to solve a mystery, but gaining insight into what award panels value can help you position your work for success.
Every Panel Is Unique
Here's the truth: every award and judging panel operates differently. Some focus heavily on literary merit, while others prioritize storytelling and reader engagement. Regional awards might emphasize local relevance, and genre-specific competitions naturally look for different qualities than general fiction awards.
This diversity in the awards landscape is actually good news for independent authors. It means there's no single “perfect” book that wins everything, and it confirms that every book has award opportunities waiting to be discovered.
The Universal Basics That Matter
While judging criteria vary, certain fundamental qualities consistently catch judges' attention across most competitions.
Professional presentation matters more than many authors realize. A well-formatted book with clean typography, appropriate margins, and a polished cover signals that you take your work seriously. Judges review numerous entries, and professional presentation helps your book make a strong first impression.
Strong writing quality is essential, though what constitutes “quality” can differ by genre and award type. Clear prose, authentic dialogue, well-developed characters, and engaging pacing all contribute to a positive reading experience. Judges appreciate writing that demonstrates craft and skill, regardless of genre.
Compelling content that delivers on its promise keeps judges engaged. Whether you've written a mystery, memoir, or middle-grade adventure, judges want to see that your book accomplishes what it sets out to do. Does your thriller build genuine suspense? Does your romance create emotional investment? Does your non-fiction educate or inspire?
Technical excellence includes careful editing and proofreading. While a single typo won't disqualify your book, consistent errors can distract judges from your story's strengths. Most award-winning books have been through multiple rounds of professional editing. As I discussed in my previous article about the importance of high-quality editing, this is one of the most common areas where self-published books need improvement.
Beyond the Basics
Many panels also consider originality, voice, and the author's unique perspective. They appreciate books that bring something fresh to their genre or tackle subjects in innovative ways. For non-fiction, judges often value thorough research, credible sources, and practical insights that readers can apply.
Some awards specifically celebrate books that represent diverse voices, address important themes, or contribute meaningfully to their communities. Understanding what each award values helps you target competitions where your book naturally aligns with the judging criteria.
Finding Your Perfect Match
The key to award success isn't creating a book that appeals to every possible judge. Instead, it's about finding awards where your book's particular strengths align with what that specific panel values. Your heartfelt memoir might not be right for every competition, but it could be exactly what a panel focused on personal narratives is hoping to discover.
Every book has awards where it can truly shine. Success comes from understanding your book's unique qualities and connecting with competitions that celebrate exactly what makes your work special. When you find that perfect match between your book and the right award opportunity, you're not just entering a competition. You're giving judges the chance to discover the book they've been looking for.
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.
