Toot Your Horn, Word Surfers: A Guide to 2024 Writing Contests and Awards for Indie Authors

As the publishing world evolves, independent authors find themselves at the forefront of creativity and innovation. 2024 promises many writing contests and awards tailor-made for these talented wordsmiths. These opportunities showcase individual brilliance and provide a platform for recognition, networking, and publication. In this month's blog, let's explore some of the most noteworthy contests and awards for independent authors in 2024.

Next Generation Indie Book Awards (Entry Deadline Feb. 14, 2024):

The Indie Book Awards have become a staple for recognizing outstanding self-published and independently published works. With categories ranging from fiction and non-fiction to poetry and children's literature, this competition celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent authors. Winning an Indie Book Award comes with prestige and can open doors to broader distribution and increased visibility within the literary community.

The Self-Publishing Review Book Awards (Opens April 11, 2023, until April 1, 2024, 12 midday PST):

The Self-Publishing Review Book Awards offer a unique opportunity for authors seeking constructive feedback and recognition. This contest is known for its detailed assessments of submitted works, providing valuable insights for authors aiming to refine their craft. Categories cover various genres, ensuring that authors from all backgrounds have a chance to shine.

(IPPYs)The Independent Publisher Book Awards (final deadline March 16, 2024):

The IPPYs have been honoring independently published authors for over two decades. With dozens of categories recognizing excellence in different genres, these awards highlight the vibrant landscape of independent publishing. Winning an IPPY can elevate an author's reputation and increase their book's visibility in the industry.

The Kindle Storyteller Award (Deadline Not Found, Refer to Website For Information):

In the digital age, Amazon's Kindle Storyteller Award is a prestigious recognition for independent authors. This global contest seeks exceptional Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) authors, offering substantial cash prizes and marketing support. The Kindle Storyteller Award has become a symbol of success for many independent authors navigating the world of self-publishing.

The Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards (Deadlines Dependent on Genre and Category. See Website for Information):

Writer's Digest has long been a trusted resource for writers, and their Self-Published Book Awards continue to be a highlight for independent authors. With categories such as mainstream/literary fiction, genre fiction, and memoir/personal stories, this contest provides a comprehensive platform for writers to showcase their talent and gain industry recognition.

2024 is just beginning, and with it comes immense promise for independent authors seeking recognition and validation for their work. Participating in these writing contests and awards offers a chance at prizes that can offset the cost of editing, formatting, and other expenses related to indie author work. They also provide valuable opportunities for growth, networking, and visibility within the literary community. As independent publishing continues to flourish, these contests serve as beacons guiding authors toward success in their writing careers. So, polish those manuscripts, refine those narratives, and seize the opportunity to shine in the vibrant landscape of independent authorship!

Writers, Readers, and Scammers: Avoiding Social Media Data Breach Foibles in 2024

Is a foreign prince in need of your social media account information? Is a marketer from a country you can't pronounce asking for your manuscript? Is a book club without a meeting schedule offering to pay you to speak?

Yeah, well... they're fake. Fake. Fake. Faaaaake. 🤷‍♀️

Image Purchased Via Shutterstock

While most of us can spot a scammer from a hundred yards off, many can't. According to Firewall Times, 2021 saw a massive data breach within Facebook's supposedly tight portals when 533 million FB users' personal information was spread over the internet. And while Firewall presents 2023 as a year of lesser attack, it doesn't account for the single accounts being breached by bots FB seems to ignore. This lack of attention and response forces users to safeguard personal accounts as if blocking rising tides. It's a fact now, and if you're not taking measures to ensure your data stays locked behind a hardened firewall, you're at risk... and so is everyone who engages your page. This blog will explore practical strategies to spot scammers and protect your social media accounts from threats.

Don't Ignore the Red Flags:

1. Strange 'Bed-follows':

As writers and readers, sharing an open/public forum carries risk. While we'd like to welcome everyone, doing so is not worth the danger of losing your page, your bank account information, or your personal information. It's okay to be wary of followers with questionable profiles. If a follower spams your threads with "Follow me!", "I'm in!", "Count me in!" or other similar nonsensical rhetoric, the chances their profile is fake are critically high. Block them immediately. Take no prisoners. Carry ZERO regret. Block them!

2. Offers of Collaboration and Cries for Help:

Scammers often use enticing promises of easy money, job opportunities, or exclusive deals to lure victims. If a writer or reader friend messages you with offers of help (marketing, proofreading, editing), RUN right to their page, hit the three dots by their profile, and click BLOCK!

3. Unsolicited Messages with Suspicious Links:

If a stranger sends me a link, it's an immediate BLOCK from me. Scammers use phishing links to steal login credentials or install spyware/malware on your device. BLOCK!

4. Inconsistent or Sketchy Profiles:

Look for inconsistencies in profile information, such as mismatched names, photos, and details. Look for follower engagement. If a page is legitimate, the page owner will engage consistently with followers within threads. Fake profiles often lack personal connections and may have limited or generic content.

5. Help! I'm trapped in Nonexistentstan, and I need your bank account information!:

This seems obvious, but thousands of SM users are duped yearly by scammers "in need." If someone insists on immediate actions, such as sending a book, MS, money, or sharing personal information, BLOCK them immediately!

Protecting Your Social Space for Yourself AND Your Page Guests:

1. Check Content Moderation:

Set Content Moderation to control who can follow your page and/or which words can be used on your page. While many page owners add profanity filters to their content mods, they often don't realize taglines and keywords scammers use to infiltrate a page can also be added. Listing those key phrases (Count Me In, Add Me, Follow Me, etc...) will significantly restrict their access to your page and protect legitimate followers who enjoy engaging with your content.

2. Clean Pages... Dirty, Dirty Threads:

Even legitimate pages can carry the scammer disease. Before following a page, check the threads on their profile. Find a post with a heavy comment thread and check its engagement. If you see dozens of scammer taglines and/or key phrases, block the entire page immediately. Still in doubt? Open that page's 'Seach' option and type in any applicable scammer phrases. If dozens appear, block the entire page. It's NOT safe. While we strive to support our online friends and their pages, we cannot allow our own pages and our followers to be at risk by sloppy security measures.

3. Sound the Alarm:

Stay informed about common online scams and educate your friends and family. Sharing information about prevalent scams can help create a safer online community.

4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Is Our Friend:

2FA is there for a reason; it ensures added security. Two-factor authentication requires additional sign-in routes (email, cell phone) and sets a roadblock between your data (or your page followers) and the scammer's network of bots.

5. See a Scammer, Report a Scammer:

In spite of Facebook's DEFINITE lack of proactive effort to curb scammer profiles, I continue to report sketchy pages and profiles nearly daily. So should you! If you encounter a suspicious account, report it to the social media platform and BLOCK the user. Reporting helps platforms identify and remove fraudulent accounts, protecting other users from potential harm... supposedly.

6. Regularly Monitor Account Activity:

Schedule regular weekly data sweeps on your pages. Monitor your account activity and review every follower interacting with your page. I have my Data Day Wednesday where I check book and page stats AND review followers within active threads to ensure no scammers slipped under the radar. If you notice any unusual behavior, take immediate action, such as deleting their comment and BLOCKING their profile immediately.

7. Don't use the filthy 'S' or 'H' words:

If your page is hacked or if you suspect a scammer has infiltrated your page, the worst thing you can do is announce it on your page. Do NOT, under any circumstances, use the words Scam, Scammer, Spammer, or Hacked in their true spellings. Scammers input those words using FB's search avenue and ferret out floundering pages. They then inundate the thread under which those words are used to spread links that likely contain malware/spyware which can infect follower accounts. If those words must be used, scramble them or use other characters to change their true iterations.

As indie writers, we sometimes consider ourselves small potatoes against fancier dishes, but once our books are out of the nest, we're public entities like anyone else. As public entities with public profiles, writers must remain proactive in defending our online presence. By recognizing the red flags of potential scams and blocking them, we can create a more secure and enjoyable social media experience for ourselves and our online communities.

Stay informed and cautious. Our community depends on it.

Southern Comfort Reads: The Best Southern Fiction Books for Christmas Gifts

Give the gift of reading this year! Offer friends and family the opportunity to curl up with a good book that captures the warmth and charm of the American South.

Give the Gift of Reading with Southern Fiction Books!

Southern fiction uniquely transports readers to a place where drama, tradition, and a touch of mystery blend seamlessly. Whether you're shopping for a literary enthusiast or someone looking for a captivating escape, these Southern fiction books make perfect Christmas gifts.

"Whims of God" by M. A. Aikens:

For readers seeking a contemporary Southern fiction tale that blends drama, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of life, "Whims of God" by M. A. Aikens is a beautiful addition to your Southern fiction book Christmas gift list. Set against the backdrop of a secretive Southern community, this novel spans twenty years in the troubled life of author, Sarah Thorn, and explores the intricate tapestry of human relationships and the mysterious ways friendship, love, and fate intersect.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee:

No list of Southern fiction is complete without the timeless classic "To Kill a Mockingbird." Harper Lee's masterpiece is a poignant exploration of racial injustice and moral growth in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. This Christmas, gift a copy to someone who appreciates thought-provoking narratives that stand the test of time.

"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett:

Kathryn Stockett's "The Help" is set in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi, and delves into the lives of African-American maids working for white families. The novel beautifully intertwines the voices of the maids and the young journalist, Skeeter, creating a compelling and heartwarming narrative about friendship, courage, and societal change.

"Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt:

For a gripping non-fiction work with a Southern Gothic twist, consider "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." John Berendt's exploration of a murder trial in Savannah, Georgia, is a captivating true crime story and a vivid portrait of Southern culture, eccentric characters, and the enigmatic city itself.

"Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens:

Delia Owens' debut novel, "Where the Crawdads Sing," is a lyrical and atmospheric tale set in the marshes of North Carolina. The story weaves mystery, romance, and coming-of-age elements, making it an excellent gift for those who appreciate nature, solitude, and a touch of fantasy.

"Bastard Out of Carolina" by Dorothy Allison:

Dorothy Allison's "Bastard Out of Carolina" is a powerful and raw exploration of poverty, family, and survival in the rural South. The novel, set in South Carolina, follows the turbulent life of a young girl named Bone as she navigates a world filled with adversity and strength.

"The Prince of Tides" Pat Conroy:

A Southern literary icon (and my favorite author), Pat Conroy captures the essence of the Lowcountry in "The Prince of Tides." This family saga takes readers through the beauty and complexities of South Carolina's coastal landscapes, exploring themes of trauma, healing, and the enduring bonds of family.

This Christmas, consider giving the gift of Southern comfort with these captivating Southern fiction books. From classics that have stood the test of time to contemporary gems that weave modern sensibilities with Southern charm, there's a perfect read for every book lover on your best Southern fiction books for Christmas gifts list. So, wrap up a copy, add a bow, and share the joy and drama of Southern fiction escapism with your loved ones this holiday season.