When it comes to book publicity, many authors think of media interviews, press releases, and book reviews as the keys to success. And yes, they are all important aspects of a book publicity campaign. But often overlooked are book awards. We recommend book awards as part of any book publicity campaign.
There are numerous book awards that authors can nominate their book for with a nominal fee. Some of the most known are the ForeWord, IPPY, Moms Choice Awards, and Nautilus Book Awards. Selecting several awards to nominate the book for is a smart strategy.
From the award nomination, the author or their publicist can do a press release on the book being entered for the award nomination. That creates continued buzz about the book. The press release should be posted on the author’s website, various online press release distribution services like PR.com, posted on social media, sent to book stores, and sent to the local media. Often the media will pick up the press release and do a major story on the award nomination and author. Our agency had this happen with several of our authors earning coverage in the Baltimore Sun, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and even CBS New York.
Some awards actually narrow down the entrants for their contests to several finalists. If an author is selected as a finalist for a book award that should generate another press release.
During the waiting period, authors should be reminding followers on social media about the countdown to when they will find out if their book won the award
Finally the big day happens when the awards are announced. If the author’s book is selected as a winner, of course another press release announcing that accomplishment is warranted. Additionally many award programs promote their winners giving the winners an additional public relations boost. Many book stores covet carrying the books of an award-winning author and design in-store events for these authors. The awards often have a sticker that can be featured prominently on the book cover. Finally some awards often give a financial award to the winner.
Book awards are often overlooked as part of an author’s book promotion campaign. They should not be, they are an integral part of any successful book publicity campaign.
