Hannah Jacobson
In this regular series from the Alliance of Independent Authors, our Book Awards Advisor, Hannah Jacobson from Book Award Pro shares her tips for entering your indie books into awards and competitions.
This month, Hannah details her view on perhaps the most important investment you can make if you want to produce an award-worthy book… editing.
How Quality Editing Can Lead to Awards and Glowing Reviews for Indie Authors
As an independent author, you know the thrill of bringing your stories to life.
But did you know that investing in quality editing could be your ticket to winning awards and garnering stellar reviews? A well-edited book isn't just nice to have; it is essential for standing out and earning the recognition your story deserves.
The Book Award-Winning Edge
Literary awards often have stringent criteria, and the quality of writing is almost always at the top of the list. A well-edited book doesn't just tell a great story; it presents that story in its best possible light. Here's how editing can boost your chances of winning awards:
Clarity and coherence. Award judges read dozens, if not hundreds, of entries. A book that is clear, coherent, and easy to follow stands out among the crowd. Good, quality editing ensures your ideas flow logically and your narrative is compelling from start to finish.
Technical excellence. Many awards have specific judging criteria that include technical aspects like grammar, punctuation, and formatting. A professionally edited book meets these standards, giving you a competitive edge.
Polished presentation. First impressions matter. A book free of typos and inconsistencies shows judges that you take your craft seriously, which can influence their overall perception of your work.
Genre expectations. Skilled editors familiar with your genre can help ensure your book meets or exceeds the expectations of genre-specific awards, increasing your chances of success.
Reviews: The Power of Polish
Reviews are also critically important to book marketing, and well-edited books tend to receive more favorable reviews from book publishing professionals and readers alike. Here's why:
Immersive reading experience. When readers aren't distracted by errors or confusing passages, they can fully immerse themselves in your story. This often translates to higher ratings and more positive reviews.
Professional impression. Reviewers, especially those from established publications or book blogs, appreciate professionally edited work. It makes their job easier and often results in more favorable coverage.
Word-of-mouth marketing. Readers are more likely to recommend a well-edited, professional book to friends or on social media, expanding your reach and potentially leading to more positive reviews.
Recognition for Quality Editing
The publishing industry recognizes the crucial role of editing through specific awards and accolades.
For example, the Denneny Award for Editorial Excellence, awarded by Lambda Literary, recognizes an editor whose commitment to the publication of LGBTQ+ writers and literature contributes significantly to the advancement of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Robinson Prize, awarded by the American Copy Editors Society, recognizes excellence in editing work in any genre.
Many genre-specific awards include categories for best-edited books or acknowledge the editor's contribution in their criteria. These awards not only celebrate the art of editing but also draw attention to the books and authors who prioritize editorial quality.
Feedback: A Hidden Gem in the Award Process
Many award programs offer valuable feedback as part of their judging process. This can be a goldmine for independent authors. You might receive:
Professional insights. Even if you don't win an award, you may often receive comments from industry professionals, helping you understand how your book is perceived.
Improvement opportunities. Judges' feedback can highlight areas for improvement, guiding your editing efforts for future projects or revisions.
Marketing material. Positive comments from award judges can be used in your marketing efforts, even if you don't win the award itself.
Overcoming Editing Challenges
As an independent author, budgeting for professional editing can be challenging. However, consider it an investment in your book's potential for success. Here are some strategies to make the most of your editing success:
Prioritize editing in your budget. Plan for editing costs from the start of your project.
Explore editing levels. Different types of editing (developmental, line editing, copyediting, etc.) come at different price points. Choose what best fits your needs and budget. Consult a professional editor if you need guidance on the type of editing required for your book.
Build relationships. Developing a long-term relationship with an editor can sometimes lead to more favorable rates for your next books. Visit the ALLi Partner Member Directory for vetted editing services that comply with ALLi standards of ethics and excellence.
Consider crowdfunding. Some authors have successfully used platforms like Kickstarter to crowdfund professional editing for their books.
More Than a Final Polish
Quality editing is more than just a final polish for your book. It's a powerful tool that can significantly increase your chances of winning awards and earning positive reviews.
By prioritizing editing in your publishing process, you're not just improving your current book; you're investing in your long-term success as an author.
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 six 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 Twitter.
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 Centre.
