In this Alliance of Independent Authors post, Book Award Adviser Hannah Jacobson shares common critiques from award judges on self-published books, highlighting key areas—editing, formatting, and cover design—that authors should refine to improve their chances of success.
Hannah Jacobson
At Book Award Pro, we perform thousands of award entries for our authors every year. Many of these entries receive feedback directly from the award judges, and there are noticeable patterns that shouldn't be ignored.
Understanding these common critiques can help authors improve their work (and increase their likelihood of award-winning success) prior to submission. Let's explore the three main areas where self-published books often need improvement.
Editing: The foundation of professional publishing
Most judges cite editing as their primary concern with self-published books. Many manuscripts show promise, but are held back by basic mistakes that careful editing would catch. Run-on sentences, incorrect punctuation, and inconsistent tense usage appear frequently in judging notes. More seriously, plot holes, character inconsistencies, and pacing issues can make even compelling stories fall flat.
To address these concerns, consider these steps:
- First, take a break from your manuscript (at least two weeks) before starting your editing process. This helps you see your work with fresh eyes.
- Next, use editing software like ProWritingAid or Grammarly to catch basic errors. However, don't rely solely on these tools.
- Hire a professional editor who specializes in your genre. While this represents an investment, it's crucial for creating a professional-quality book. Many judges can tell within the first few pages whether a book has been professionally edited.
Formatting: The silent deal-breaker
Poor formatting can turn off judges before they even begin reading your story. Common issues include inconsistent paragraph spacing, random font changes, and improper chapter breaks. These problems make books look amateur and can make the reading experience feel uncomfortable.
The good news is that formatting issues are relatively easy to fix.
Start by studying formatting guides for your chosen platform (Amazon, IngramSpark, etc.). Use professional formatting software like Vellum or Atticus to ensure consistent layout. Pay special attention to your table of contents, page numbers, and chapter headings. Make sure your margins are wide enough for comfortable reading, and choose readable fonts – Garamond or Palatino for fiction, and Arial or Calibri for non-fiction are safe choices.
Alternatively, you can browse the ALLi Self-Publishing Services Ratings for professional designers who can give your book the high-quality formatting it deserves.
Book cover design: Your first impression
Book award judges repeatedly mention that many self-published books have covers that look homemade or don't match industry standards. A cover that doesn't match your genre's expectations or looks unprofessional can hurt your chances before the judge even opens your book.
To create a cover that stands out for the right reasons, start by researching current trends in your genre. Visit bookstores or browse online bestseller lists to understand what works. Invest in a professional cover designer who has experience in your genre: they understand the subtle signals that tell readers what kind of book they're getting. Avoid using stock photos without professional modification, and make sure your title is readable even as a thumbnail image online.
Give your book its best opportunity to shine
The path to creating an award-worthy self-published book isn't easy, but it's certainly achievable. By focusing on these three key areas – editing, formatting, and cover design – you can significantly improve your book's chances of success. Remember that investing in professional help isn't an unnecessary expense; it's an investment in your book's future. With careful attention to these details, your self-published book can stand proudly alongside traditionally published works on any award judge's table.
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.
