In this Alliance of Independent Authors post, Book Award Adviser Hannah Jacobson explains how translated and non-English books can access a wide range of award opportunities across global markets.
Hannah Jacobson
Book awards are often discussed as if every author writes and publishes in English. That assumption leaves a surprising number of indie authors out of the conversation entirely. If you write in another language, or if your book has found its way into translation, there is a whole category of award opportunity that most authors never think to explore.
The opportunity here actually comes in two forms.
Some authors write in English but have had their work translated into another language. Others write and publish entirely in their native language, which may not be English at all. Both groups have more award options available to them than they probably realize.
When your book has been translated
A translated edition of your book has its own life in awards.
Some programs exist specifically to celebrate translated works, recognizing both the author's original vision and the craft of the translator. Others simply welcome submissions in the target language, no different from any other eligible title.
Recognition in a new market does something marketing alone often cannot. Placing or winning an award within a specific language market can open doors that standard marketing rarely reaches. Local booksellers, media, and reader communities in that country are far more likely to take notice of a book that has earned some recognition in their own literary world. An award can serve as a genuine introduction to a new market, giving your translated edition momentum it might not otherwise find.
When you write in a language other than English
Most indie authors assume awards skew heavily English. In practice, many countries have rich, well-developed literary award ecosystems of their own, and indie authors are increasingly welcome in them.
Writing in your native language is not a disadvantage. It may connect you to a more focused awards community where your book competes on natural footing.
Each edition can stand on its own
Each language edition of your book can compete on its own terms. Eligibility requirements vary widely across programs and can factor in the author's nationality, the original language of the book, the language of the submitted edition, and the country of publication.
For example, a Spanish-language edition of your book may be eligible for awards your English edition could never enter. Each edition stands on its own.
These awards are often run by national arts councils, literary foundations, and genre associations within a given language community, and they can be harder to find without knowing where to look. As I explored in The Hidden World of Global Book Awards, the international awards ecosystem is far broader than most indie authors realize. And as with any awards strategy, being intentional about where you focus matters. Smart Spending: How Many Book Awards Should You Enter? is a good companion read if you are thinking through how to prioritize.
Every language is another door
If your book exists in more than one language, or if you write outside of English entirely, there are award options out there for exactly what you have created. They are worth finding.
About Hannah Jacobson, ALLi Awards & Story Marketing Adviser
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.
