What I Didn’t Know About Book Awards for Independent Authors

My most recent Facebook post read: “I never dreamed I’d win a single award, yet this is the sixth book award for The Housekeeper’s Secret.” I am utterly grateful for these recognitions.

(Publishing My Debut Novel Twice.)

It was an exciting day when my debut memoir was released on December 3, 2024. I had no idea how the world would receive my story. All I knew was that, as of the release date, it was out in the world—and there was no taking it back. This was daunting at first, but eventually, I fully embraced every word and was thrilled to talk about my story. Letting go of the fear of judgment was absolutely liberating. I had released the truth and owned it.

George Addair quoted, "Everything you ever wanted is on the other side of fear." Now I understand that once I overcame the fear of what others might think, the opposite of fear emerged: I began receiving positive feedback and kudos. Some readers even wanted to know when my next story was coming out! While I didn’t expect such enthusiastic responses, of course, there were a few mixed reviews. But I reminded myself—even New York Times bestsellers don’t receive perfect scores.

My publisher, She Writes Press, a hybrid independent publisher, advised authors to apply for book awards. As a new author, I followed their guidance and submitted to a shortlist of awards. I didn’t know much about the process, only that I dreamed my book might one day wear one of those shiny stickers I’d seen on the covers of books I had purchased and admired.

She Writes Press is considered an independent publisher, unlike the Big Five publishing houses. In the indie world, validation doesn’t come with a major publishing contract—it often arrives in the form of a seal, a certificate, or an email that reads, "Congratulations, you’re a finalist." For independent authors navigating a crowded and often confusing publishing landscape, book awards offer something far more valuable than bragging rights: They offer credibility, visibility, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Traditional publishers benefit from brand recognition as a shorthand for quality. Independent authors don’t have that luxury. Readers, media, bookstores, and libraries may hesitate to take a chance on a book without that traditional vetting. A respected book award can serve as a proxy—an external validation that says, “This is worth your time.”

One month after release, I received an email congratulating me on winning the Gold Book Award from the Nonfiction Authors Association for my memoir. The message read, “Once in a decade, a memoir arrives that changes not just how we read, but how we see. The Housekeeper’s Secret is such a book.” I was so excited I could barely breathe. The email included comments from multiple judges that touched me deeply. At that moment, I didn’t know the difference between one award and the next—but I knew winning Gold was something good.

Winning helped my story in several ways:

But as many authors soon discover, not all awards are created equal—and some of the most important truths about the award world are the ones authors learn too late.

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Since that first win, The Housekeeper’s Secret has now been out for six months, and I’m grateful it has received:

My point is this: Authors never truly know how their story will be received. There are many variables, and in some ways, it’s a gamble. But one thing is certain—you gain nothing if you don’t apply.

Once I let go of the fear of judgment, the story began to take on its own agency. It moved through the world like ripples across a lake. It was read, reviewed, judged, embraced, and even challenged. That is the power of releasing a story.

Remember, even top awards won’t move the needle unless they’re actively leveraged through media, social proof, and author appearances. Multiple wins across respected competitions can exponentially build trust and reader interest.

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Book awards are not a shortcut to fame. They are a way to honor the journey, affirm the hard work, and offer a moment of validation. For indie authors like myself, they are a meaningful pause in the marathon of publishing—a moment to breathe, reflect, and believe.

For those considering a second book, multiple awards may also spark interest from traditional publishers. For me, yes, I’m writing again. But I keep my focus on the story, not the stickers. This path is about the art, first and foremost.

In a world where everyone can publish, it’s the authors who keep showing up, striving, and refining their voice who rise above the noise. Book awards help sustain that momentum. I encourage every indie author to apply, because until your story is judged by others, you won’t truly know how far it can go.

To all the authors navigating this journey: May your story find its readers, and may you find your well-earned moment to shine.

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