Winning accolades and awards can help your self-published book stand out from the competition and boost your sales. And you may be surprised by the number of prestigious awards available for self-published books. But could a self-published book actually win…a Pulitzer? The research experts at Self-Publishing Relief have put together a list of seven well-respected book awards that your self-published book may qualify for—and yes, that includes the Pulitzer Prize!
7 Awards Your Self-Published Books Could Win (Including The Pulitzer Prize!)
Since 1989, the Lambda Literary Award has focused on showcasing LGBTQ books and authors. By highlighting the best LGBTQ books of the year, the award committee helps nurture and advocate for queer writers while lifting up their message. The Lammys (as the awards are affectionately called) celebrate LGBTQ writers across 25 categories, with several cash prizes for writers at all stages in their careers.
Readers’ Favorite is both a review and award contest site recognized by indie publishers and big-name publishing houses. Along with self-published books, Readers’ Favorite accepts e-books, audiobooks, manuscripts, and more! There are 5 different award levels: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Honorable Mention, and Award Finalist.
The Hugo Awards are dedicated to science fiction and are among the most prestigious awards in the genre. To be considered for a Hugo Award, you must be nominated by a member of the World Science Fiction Convention. There are currently 15 categories, some of which can include self-published work. Interestingly enough, the Hugo Awards also offer awards for fan fiction!
The Eric Hoffer Book Award is dedicated to honoring the memory of philosopher Eric Hoffer. This award highlights small, academic, and independent presses and has become one of the largest international awards dedicated to that mission. Authors who win the grand prize for the Eric Hoffer Book Award receive $5,000! There are also additional prizes dependent on which of the 18 categories the work is nominated for.
Every year, the American Library Association grants the Newbery Medal to one American children’s book published in the previous year. The award is dedicated to encouraging writers to craft creative works for our youth and to acknowledge that children’s literature has just as much merit as any other form of literature. While there have been a number of self-published books nominated for Newbery awards, there has yet to be a self-published winner. But a strong contender from the self-published nomination may soon break that barrier!
AAMBC is an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the work of Black creatives. The AAMBC Literary Awards is an entertainment award show honoring literary creatives in front of a live audience. This award celebrates emerging Black voices in the publishing industry from various backgrounds and genres, including self-published work. It strives to unite these creatives with established creatives in film, television, and publishing.
That’s right! As long as your book has been published in hardcover or paperback, you are eligible for a Pulitzer! Administered by Columbia University for achievements in newspaper, magazine, online journalism, and literature, the Pulitzer Prizes are among the most respected and coveted. The right self-published book may one day join the ranks of Pulitzer-prizewinners Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead.
If you’re ready to self-publish your book, Self-Publishing Relief can help you navigate the entire process to create a book you can be proud to put your name on—and to enter into these worthwhile contests! Schedule your free consultation today!
Question: Which award would you want your self-published book to win?
Hi there!
I just finished my memoir/thriller/masterpiece story on transgenerational mental health with assistance along the way from professional US literary coaches and scriptwriting master classes Presently seeking US representation with book to film rights- I’d love to win the Pulitzer Prize!
Thank you for the awards overview!