In January of 2024, I entered my book, Whims of God, in the Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards. In October, I received notice that I’d won Honorable Mention in the Mainstream/Literary Fiction category.
While I wasn’t able to claim top awards, I was thrilled that a respected publication like Writer’s Digest saw merit in my book. Overall, my experience entering the Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards was a good one.
However, not all contests are created equal, and some authors have a sour opinion of them in general... which is why you should research like you’re donating a kidney.
The criteria I used to discern between honest and shady narrowed to finances, legitimacy of sponsor, online presence, and prize/s-VS-entry cost (return on investment—ROI). If “Bob’s Writing Contest,” requires a $500 entry fee and a virgin's right kneecap, has no website/internet footprint, can’t confirm judges, and only offers a prize of $50 bucks… run! Run far and fast.
And while some authors are hesitant to pay for any contest, the fact remains that even legitimate and time-honored entities charge submission fees for contests. But even then, research how that cash prize is allotted. Some contests have fine print which suggests they don't dole out that cash in one lump sum.
I researched several but for now we’ll stick with my WD profile since that’s the one I entered.
Reasons for cost:
Judges from legitimate contests are comprised of editors, agents, publishers, teachers, and other industry professionals who offer their time to read dozens of entries (some, like Whims of God, are lengthy novels) and may receive compensation for that time. Also, prize money matters. As far as cold, hard cash is concerned, WD’s grand cash prize for the Self-Published Book Awards is one of the largest at $10,000. Submission/entry fees go toward that amount, other costs associated with that prize, and the costs afforded to other winners’ packages. So, to me, and if you can afford it, the risk of losing a $100/125 entry fee against possibly winning $10K was acceptable in terms of contests.
WD’s (current) grand prize also includes:
An interview with them (winning entrant) in Writer’s Digest (March/April 2025 issue) and on WritersDigest.com
A paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference, including a special trophy presentation at the keynote.
A coveted pitch opportunity where the winner will receive one on one attention from editors or agents.
Publication of an excerpt from their winning book on WritersDigest.com
So, while I agree that some writing contests are shady, legitimate contests do exist and are (from my perspective entering the Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards) worth the financial investment if you're looking for feedback from professional peers and if the prize (cash or other) is substantial. For WD’s contest, each entrant received helpful personalized feedback with suggestions, insights, and opinions from the judge assigned to their entry.
Which brings us to the other elephant in the room, the ever-present… “OK, but they’re only saying good things about your book because you paid them.” Who says they’re saying good things?🤔 While there are entities who may do this, I could find no evidence that WD does. On the contrary, I found the opposite. While researching, I came across conversations where former entrants were honest enough to discuss their feedback disappointments. If WD, or other legitimate entities are just raking in cash for positive feedback, I think we'd know it by now. That’s a significant risk for a business with a 100-year history—one that routinely interviews successful mainstream authors—of WD’s reputation to take on.
Are there plenty of pay-for-play type review, contest, and feedback sites out there? You bet! But I can confidently state that WD is not one of them. If you believe they are, I encourage you to reach out to WD’s contest representatives—two of whom I’ve had the pleasure of corresponding with and found to be both lovely and helpful—and tell them.
Receiving honorable mention meant I got what I call a “Good Citizenship Certificate” and nifty graphic which I can stick on my covers. Will that tweak sales? 🤷♀️Meh, who knows? But I did a thing with failing retinas and dwindling years and that was important to me.
What I found especially helpful about WD’s contest is that all entrants receive feedback from the judge/s assigned to their book. This was extra nice as it can offer professional tips for future writing endeavors.
Categories of Critique Include:
· Exemplary
· Satisfactory
· Adequate
· Lacking
Areas of Critique Are:
· Structure, Organization, Pacing
· Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation
· Production Quality and Cover Design
· Story, Topic Appeal, Plot
· Character Development and Appeal
· Voice and Writing Style
On the form, the judge is afforded space for in-depth critique and insights as to their individual opinions of the book. This, I both dreaded and happily anticipated. Now, again, some past entrants were disappointed in their critiques and, perhaps, rightfully so. A few mentioned that their critiques were thin and offered little in the way of helpful advice. As though the judge put little effort into their opinion and simply slapped on a word or two or, as one entrant wrote, “Regurgitated the plot.”
My experience was more positive so I can only speak to that. All three pages of my feedback sheet were full of completed categorizations with personal critiques about the book (see feedback below). I was pleased with the insights which included a notation that I drone too much during dramatic scenes... duly noted. 😁 I was glad the judge took the time to add commentary useful as a puff quote for marketing material.
The only caveat to using these sections for marketing is that WD requests the quotes be cited in a certain way. For example, one comment on mine stated, “This story twists and turns like a creek winding through a forest. At times it moves more rapidly, and at other times it slows to a steady flow. But it always moves forward, carrying the reader along for the ride.” WD requests we write the credit as… “Judge, 32nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.” So, that’s what I’ll do.
I have no complaints about entering the Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards. I enjoy the publication, have attended conferences organized by their editorial staff, and have learned much from their articles. I trust their knowledge and will recommend the WD Book Awards as a legitimate way for independent authors to gain knowledge from industry experts, recognition from industry peers, highlight their books, and possibly win some much needed funds.
Below are my Critique Sheets:
Structure, Organization, Pacing: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.
Reviewer 1
This book is exemplary in its structure, organization, and pacing. The structure of the chapters/parts aid in a compelling organization of the story or information. The pacing is even throughout and matches the tone/genre of the book.
Optional: Additional reader commentary related to Structure, Organization, Pacing:
Reviewer 1
The story twists and turns like a creek winding through a forest. At times it moves more rapidly, and at other times it slows to a steady flow. But it always moves forward, carrying the reader along for the ride.
Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.
Reviewer 1
This book has spelling, punctuation, and grammar corresponding with the region of the world from which the author hails (ex. British English or American English) or with where the book is set (including slang, vernacular, or dialect). These choices are intentional and implemented consistently throughout with few, if any, errors.
Optional: Additional reader commentary related to Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar:
Reviewer 1
n/a
Production Quality and Cover Design: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.
Reviewer 1
This book is exemplary in production quality and cover design. The physical materials, printing, and binding are of professional quality and traditional industry standards. The typesetting and page layout (including illustrations, images, or figures) are easy to follow, thoughtfully designed, and error free. The cover appears to be professionally designed and is compellingly related to the content/genre of the book.
Optional: Additional reader commentary related to Production Quality and Cover Design:
Reviewer 1
Cover design is excellent. Back cover copy is well done. Interior formatting is good. The overall production is very professional.
Plot, Story, or Topic Appeal: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.
Reviewer 1
This book is exemplary in its choice of topic or theme of the story. It is unique but still has strong appeal for most readers in its intended genre. If the book is fiction or narrative nonfiction, the book is well plotted. If the book is poetry or prescriptive nonfiction, there is a cohesive theme or delivery of information.
Optional: Additional reader commentary related to Plot, Story, or Topic Appeal:
Reviewer 1
This story will appeal to fans of Southern fiction along the lines of To Kill a Mockingbird. It is a sweeping saga that covers more than two decades. It is filled with quirky characters and plot twists that keep the pages turning.
Character Appeal and Development: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.
Reviewer 1
This book is exemplary in character appeal (or interest) and development. All main characters (including antagonists) are unique and fully fleshed out with compelling, layered motivations and traits. Secondary characters are unique and have a meaningful purpose.
Optional: Additional reader commentary related to Character Appeal and Development (for fiction and narrative nonfiction only:
Reviewer 1
Characters are the strength of the work, along with the writing. They are fully developed. Each character grows as the author follows them from childhood through the teen years to young adulthood, dealing with life’s tragedies and events along the way. Secondary characters round out the story, providing context.
Voice and Writing Style: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.
Reviewer 1
This book is exemplary in its voice and writing style. It has a unique voice, and the writing style is consistent throughout. The style and tone are also consistent with or will appeal to readers of the intended genre.
Optional: Additional reader commentary related to Voice and Writing Style:
Reviewer 1
The writing is top-notch, with evocative words and excellent analogies. The prose flows and keeps the reader engaged.
In a few explanatory sentences, please share with the entrant 1-3 of the most important aspects that need to be improved for this book to be more appealing/useful to readers and why.
Reviewer 1
There wasn’t much to nitpick. Some dramatic scenes go on for longer than needed and it ends up weakening the overall impact.
In a few explanatory sentences, please share with the entrant 1-3 things that you enjoyed or that readers will find compelling about this book and why.
Reviewer 1
She uses dialogue to do a lot of the heavy lifting and creates distinct voices for each character. The dialogue is authentic and does not come across as exposition intended for the reader.
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