As a self-published author, it can be difficult finding reputable book award competitions to enter. Many of the most prestigious book awards have rigorous entry rules and requirements not suitable for self-published books. To help aid in your search, and for your convenience, I've compiled a list of what I believe to be the top 5 book awards for self-published authors. I'm the award-winning author of three #1 Amazon Best Sellers (and publisher of over 500 books) -- and my recommendations below are based on my own research and experience.
1.) Manhattan Book Awards: The Manhattan Book Awards competition is open to USA and international authors with books tied to 50+ categories. The award strives to honor and showcase the best books that the world of publishing has to offer. Open to both self-published and traditionally published books. No publication date restrictions. Entry Fee: $125 per title or $99 per title (early bird price). Learn more and enter here.
2.) IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards: The Benjamin Franklin Awards is part of the Independent Book Publishers Association, the largest not-for-profit trade association of independent publishers. They accept books published by all methods including self-publishing. Over 50 categories from which to choose. $225 entry fee for first title, which includes one-year of membership to IBPA. IBPA member: $95 per title. Learn more and enter here.
3.) National Indie Excellence Awards: The National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA) is open to all English language printed books available for sale, including self-published authors."NIEA is proud to be a champion of self-publishing and small independent presses going the extra mile to produce books of excellence in every aspect." $75 entry fee multiplied by the number of categories entered. Learn more and enter here.
5.) AXIOM Business Book Awards: The Axiom Business Book Awards is the largest and most respected critical guidepost for business books in today's new world of publishing. Over 20 business categories to pick from. $75 entry fee per category. Learn more and enter here.
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
