In this Alliance of Independent Authors post, Book Award Adviser Hannah Jacobson explains why audiobooks should be treated as distinct creative works and how authors can develop a separate awards strategy for their audio editions.
Hannah Jacobson
If you've produced an audiobook, you may not have considered that it has its own award opportunities, separate from anything your print or ebook edition has already pursued. The audiobook format is being recognized in its own right, and that recognition is growing.
Your audiobook is a distinct creative work
An audiobook is a performance, and it is evaluated as one. The narration, pacing, tone, and production quality all contribute to an experience that is fundamentally different from reading a page. Because of this, audiobook awards evaluate a unique set of qualities, which means your audiobook can compete on its own merits, even if the print edition has already run its awards course.
For indie authors, this distinction matters. A strong audiobook can open a second round of award opportunities for a title you've already invested in, and potentially reach a new audience in the process.
What judges look for
Audiobook competitions generally evaluate the overall listening experience. Professional production quality matters significantly, as does narration that fits the tone and genre of the book. Clarity of audio, consistency, and the ability to hold a listener's attention throughout are all factors that experienced judges will consider.
The Audie Awards, one of the most established audiobook programs in the United States, offers a sense of just how varied category selection can be. Among their categories, you'll find audio-specific distinctions like Best Production and Sound Design, Best Adaptation/Original Work, and Ensemble Performance, which celebrate the craft of audio storytelling itself rather than just the content of the book. That range reflects the breadth of what audiobook awards can recognize.
For indie authors who choose to narrate their own work, it's worth knowing that some competitions include categories specifically for author-narrated audiobooks. This can be a genuine advantage, particularly when the author's voice and personal connection to the material add something that a hired narrator might not replicate.
Audiobook awards are on the rise
Audiobook awards are a relatively new category in the literary world, and the field is actively growing. Because of this, eligibility requirements, submission formats, and accepted materials vary widely between competitions. Some awards ask for a streaming link, others require specific file types, and guidelines can change from year to year. Reading the rules carefully before submitting is essential for your best chances of award-winning success.
It's also worth knowing that many established book award programs are beginning to introduce dedicated audiobook categories alongside their existing print recognition, creating even more entry points for authors who have invested in the format.
What's encouraging is that the number of competitions recognizing audiobooks continues to grow. The launch of the Speakies in the UK, a dedicated audiobook and audio drama award, is one example of how the format is gaining formal recognition beyond the handful of established programs that have existed for years. This confirms that the audiobook world is being taken seriously as a creative medium in its own right.
Finding your opportunities
Start by researching competitions that specifically recognize audiobooks, and look closely at whether independent authors and self-published works are explicitly welcome. Some competitions are open to any rights holder, which includes indie authors by default. Others have categories designed with independent creators in mind.
If you've already been pursuing awards for your print edition, think of your audiobook as an additional avenue, not a duplication of effort. The audiences, the judges, and the criteria are different enough that a strong audiobook deserves its own strategic approach.
The audiobook market is growing, the awards recognizing it are growing, and there has never been a better time for indie authors to explore what recognition is available for their narrated work.
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.
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.
