As a self-published author, it can be difficult finding reputable book award competitions to enter. Many of the most prestigious book awards have rigorous entry rules and requirements not suitable for self-published books. To help aid in your search, and for your convenience, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe to be the top 5 book awards for self-published authors. I’m the award-winning author of three #1 Amazon Best Sellers (and publisher of over 500 books) — and my recommendations below are based on my own research and experience.
1.) Manhattan Book Awards: The Manhattan Book Awards competition is open to USA and international authors with books tied to 50+ categories. The award strives to honor and showcase the best books that the world of publishing has to offer. Open to both self-published and traditionally published books. No publication date restrictions. Entry Fee: $125 per title or $99 per title (early bird price). Learn more and enter here.
2.) Next Generation Indie Book Awards: The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is proud to be the largest international awards program for independent publishers and authors. Over 70 categories available. $75 entry fee for the first category, plus $60 for each additional category. Learn more and enter here.
3.) IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards: The Benjamin Franklin Awards is part of the Independent Book Publishers Association, the largest not-for-profit trade association of independent publishers. They accept books published by all methods including self-publishing. Over 50 categories from which to choose. $225 entry fee for first title, which includes one-year of membership to IBPA. IBPA member: $95 per title. Learn more and enter here.
4.) National Indie Excellence Awards: The National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA) is open to all English language printed books available for sale, including self-published authors. “NIEA is proud to be a champion of self-publishing and small independent presses going the extra mile to produce books of excellence in every aspect.” $75 entry fee multiplied by the number of categories entered. Learn more and enter here.
5.) AXIOM Business Book Awards: The Axiom Business Book Awards is the largest and most respected critical guidepost for business books in today’s new world of publishing. Over 20 business categories to pick from. $75 entry fee per category. Learn more and enter here.
Article by J.J. Hebert:
- Award-winning author of three #1 Amazon Best Sellers, with over 100,000 copies sold worldwide.
- Founder of MindStir Media LLC, a top self-publishing company seen on Lifetime, Fox Business, History Channel, Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), Biography Channel, Bravo & Ovation.
- Prominent blogger on self-publishing and book marketing.
- Helped produce hundreds of books for authors nationwide.
- Provided thousands of publishing consultations. Schedule a free publishing consultation with J.J. Hebert right now if you’d like help with self-publishing your book via our services.
- Hailed as the “Self-Publishing Guru” by The Good Men Project.
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a commission. Keep in mind that we link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission we receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
