Winning a book award feels amazing. It validates your hard work and is concrete evidence of your skills. But they can be much more than brownie points.
Book awards can be powerful marketing tools. Read on to learn how to use them to boost awareness and sales for your works.
The Value of Book Awards
Book rewards don’t need to be just bragging rights. They give your work instant credibility. It’s social proof that your book stands out in a crowded market.
Think of an award as a trusted recommendation. In a world where readers face endless choices, awards help them decide which books deserve their time and money. It’s like a beacon that says, “Pick me! I’m worth it!”
It’s also not just a one-off, but a permanent marketing tool. One that gives you greater visibility, credibility, and negotiating power forever.
You don’t have to win a Booker or Pulitzer to see results. Local, indie, or niche awards still carry weight. If it comes from a third party, it signals to potential readers that someone values your work.
What Book Awards Are Worth Pursuing?
All book awards have value, whether nationally recognized or focused on a niche. But not all of them fit your book or your goals.
The big names, like the Pulitzer or Booker Prize, are tough to win, but the exposure is massive. Winning one instantly categorizes you as a rare breed of writer. And this recognition is across the board.
Then there are the genre-specific awards, like the Nebula (SFF), Edgar (Mystery), and Bram Stoker (Horror) Awards. Getting one of these carries a lot of weight with your target readers.
Small presses, independent publishers, and literature-focused platforms also give out awards. These are great for smaller authors looking to get recognized. Some of these are also reader-voted, giving you a chance to connect with people who already love your work.
Lastly, regional and local awards. These build your recognition within the community. Getting local support can lead to speaking gigs, media coverage, and library placements.
Each award opens different doors. Focus on the ones that reach your target audience or align closely with your current goals.
How to Use a Book Award to Market Your Book
Now comes the fun part—putting that award to work.
Don’t wait until you win to start promoting.
Even nominations deserve celebration and marketing attention. Only a handful of books make it to most award shortlists. This achievement itself deserves promotion.
Nominations also create anticipation. Use this to build interest in your book. Announce it on your platforms. Update your author bio. Connect with fellow nominees.
Make sure you get something out of it, even if you don’t end up winning.
Update everything.
You want people to know, so highlight the win.
Make sure your author bio includes the award. Add it to your website, your Amazon page, Goodreads profile, and social media bios.
If the award comes with a badge or seal, add it to your book cover (digital and print) if the licensing allows. Feature it on your website header or homepage. Create new promotional images featuring the award.
Spread the news.
Write a short announcement about your win. Keep it simple and clear. Share your name, book title, the award you won, and what makes your book special.
Post it on your platforms. Send a special email to your subscriber list. Maybe even reach out to relevant blogs and media sites.
Use that announcement as a funnel. Always include a contact email, a short author bio, and a link to buy the book.
Reach out to local establishments.
Contact your local bookstores and libraries. They might be interested in hosting an event or including you in an upcoming one. Think workshops, book fairs, author readings, and more. All conducted by an award-winning author.
Make merchandise.
Winning grabs a lot of attention, but that buzz fades quickly. Capitalize on your win by offering swag that celebrates it. Consider a special “award winner” edition of your book.
Or create simple, low-cost items like bookmarks, stickers, and posters to keep your win in the spotlight. Sell them separately, or include them in every new purchase for a limited time.
Do limited offers.
Include your award in any ad you’re running. It adds instant appeal.
If you have a newsletter, send out a special email announcing the win. Add a sale or giveaway to boost engagement. Try something like, “My book just won an award—celebrate with 20% off all my books until the end of the month!”
Create content.
Write a blog post or record a short video. Highlight the win, but focus on your journey too.
Share behind-the-scenes details: how you wrote the book, what the award means to you, and what the experience was like. If possible, interview other winners or even a judge.
Content like this brings fresh attention to your win and keeps your book in the spotlight longer.
Use it to open doors.
Book awards can help you land new opportunities. Use them when:
- Applying to speak at events
- Pitching yourself to podcasts and interviews
- Approaching bookstores and libraries for signings
- Connecting with people in the industry
- Pitching your next work to agents, publishers, or reviewers
It shows you have a proven track record and makes your offer much more attractive.
Know when to stop.
Mention it where it matters, but don’t let it overshadow your writing or future work. If every post or newsletter becomes about your win, your audience might tune out.
Celebrate it, use it smartly, then move forward.
Making the Most Out of Your Award
Of course, plenty of these tips rely on your budget, logistics, and how much time you can realistically commit. Not every idea will fit your situation. That’s okay!
Start where it makes sense for you and your readers. Don’t stretch yourself too thin. A simple, well-executed promo outperforms an over-the-top campaign that leaves you burned out.
Just don’t wait too long. Momentum fades fast, so take action while the spotlight’s still on you.
Have you won an award? What did you do with it? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- What to Do After Winning a Writing Contest: 5 Ways to Celebrate Your Win
- Writing When You’re Not Making Money: How to Keep Going
- Conquering Your Reading List: How to Tame Your Ever-Growing TBR Pile
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
