Book awards can transform your author platform, yet they remain one of the most overlooked marketing opportunities for writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're traditionally published or self-published, these accolades are more accessible than you might think—and they pack a powerful promotional punch.

When your book displays an award seal or mention, readers take notice. Our research shows that award recognition can boost Amazon click-through rates by up to 25%, with an average increase of 5%. In a marketplace where standing out is increasingly difficult, that gold seal or award mention signals quality and credibility to potential readers who may be unfamiliar with your work. As we often say, people like what other people like, and awards provide that crucial social proof.

In this episode, Penny and Amy unpack what it takes to successfully select and submit books for awards. The duo offers guidance on picking the right book award genre/placement (because this matters!) and finally, how to find the best book awards for your book as well as guidlines for successful book award submissions!

Book awards aren't just about prestige; they're about connecting with readers who value curated recommendations in an overwhelming sea of publishing options.

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