In this Alliance of Independent Authors post, Book Award Adviser Hannah Jacobson explores how regional book awards offer authors unique opportunities to connect with their communities, build local credibility, and boost their literary careers. Welcome to the Book Award Update for December 2024 with Hannah Jacobson from Book Award Pro.
Hannah Jacobson
Regional book awards are unique accolades that provide indie authors opportunities that national competitions often can't match.
Every year, numerous states, cities, and local writing organizations host award programs that aim to highlight the literary talent inherent to their regions. These awards not only recognize the hard work and creativity of local authors, but also celebrate the culture of the community by showcasing its literary contributions.
Local recognition through these awards can significantly drive book sales, build important community connections, and establish authors within their geographic market.
Community engagement and support
Regional awards typically focus on authors or stories connected to specific geographic areas. Winners often receive local media coverage, bookstore placement, and invitations to regional literary events. This is all valuable exposure that can positively impact an indie author's career.
These awards also help authors tap into regional pride. Readers often feel a special sense of connection to stories and writers from their area, leading to more word-of-mouth recommendations and loyal followings. This local support can create a strong foundation for broader success and a growing author platform.
Beyond immediate marketing benefits, regional awards help authors network within their local literary community. Award ceremonies and related events connect writers with local booksellers, librarians, and fellow authors. These relationships often lead to speaking engagements, book club appearances, and other opportunities that help build a loyal readership.
Success in regional awards can also serve as a stepping stone to more competitions. Some national award committees take notice of books that perform well in regional contests, viewing them as pre-vetted submissions.
Connection that drives story marketing
Firstly, winning or even being nominated for a regional book award can drive local sales. Readers often take pride in supporting local authors, and a recognized book is more likely to catch the attention of local bookstores and libraries. This can lead to increased book signings, readings, and other promotional events within the community.
Regional award recognition also gives authors compelling personal stories to share about their book's impact on local readers and culture. This is an authentic way for indie authors to leverage story marketing.
Rather than simply promoting plot points or reviews, authors can weave authentic narratives about how their work resonates with regional experiences, values, and history: elements that award judges specifically evaluate.
These authentic connections make media pitches more appealing, as local outlets prefer stories with community and cultural relevance. Authors can highlight how their award-winning work captures unique regional perspectives, creating natural talking points for interviews, book club discussions, and speaking engagements that go beyond basic book promotion.
Winners can also promote their success to local bookstores, libraries, and media outlets who actively support regional authors. The “local angle” often resonates with community members who enjoy reading works set in familiar locations or written by nearby authors.
Making the most of regional awards
Regional book awards provide indie authors with achievable recognition opportunities, valuable marketing angles, and meaningful connections within their local literary community. Whether you are launching your first book or building on previous success, regional recognition provides tangible marketing benefits that can amplify your reach and establish your voice in the literary community.
Identify region-based opportunities
For maximum impact, indie authors should pursue awards relevant to both their physical location and their book's setting.
A novel set in New England, for example, might qualify for multiple regional awards even if the author lives elsewhere. Authors should also verify submission guidelines carefully. Some awards require publishers to be based in the region, while others focus on the author's residence or the book's content.
Attend local award ceremonies
Whenever possible, attending live book award ceremonies can be a strategic move as a local award-winning author.
With this excellent networking opportunity, you can meet readers, authors, and book publishing professionals who can help boost your author brand. Additionally, your presence at these events signifies involvement and commitment to the local community or industry, which can further enhance your reputation and credibility.
Leverage wins in local publicity efforts
Winning an award is newsworthy, and you can use it to gain media coverage in local newspapers, magazines, or online platforms.
Engaging with the local community through these efforts can also foster goodwill and build a loyal fanbase, as people tend to support businesses or individuals who contribute positively to their local area. Furthermore, sharing your achievements on social media and in newsletters can keep your audience engaged and informed about your successes.
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.
