After a Contest Win

As mentioned in the April 18, 2018 blog post “When Contests Work,” Member Joyce B. Hicks’ recent novel, One More Foxtrot, placed first in the Books & Creative Writing category for the Woman’s Press Club of Indiana’s annual contest. As a state winner, the book qualified to go on to the national level. We are proud to announce that it won at that level, too. One More Foxtrot placed first in the Fiction for Adult Readers: Novel category at the National Federation of Press Women’s 2018 National Communications Contest. Congratulations, Joyce!

But this blog post isn’t about Joyce in particular—it’s about any writer who wins a contest. What comes next? What good is a contest win? Yes, it can make a writer feel good about himself or herself. And sometimes a win comes with money or subsequent publication. But the biggest advantage to a contest win is in the promotional opportunities. 

So what should you do after you win a contest? If the award is for a book that is already out or soon will be, mention it on the book cover and in the description posted on Amazon and other book sites. Do the same with any good review. Don’t let them just sit when they can be working for you. And whether the piece is published or unpublished, mention it in your submission letters to publishers and agents. 

Now go out and make the most of that contest win.

When Contests Work

by

Joyce B. Hicks

www.joycebhicks.com

My book One More Foxtrot, a tale of second chances placed first in the Books & Creative Writing category of the Woman’s Press Club of Indiana’s annual Communications Contest. First place entries will advance to the national level—the National Federation of Press Women’s Communications Contest.

I was thrilled to hear this news in April. It’s proof entering contests is worthwhile. You have to get past the feeling of self-promotion and the expenses that may be involved, such as the entry fee and the cost of printing and mailing several copies of the book.

Do some research before entering to be sure your book will meet reasonable competition. For example, if it is indie or small press published, you could look for a contest limited to these entries. Another avenue is to look for contests with regional or genre divisions. Also consider how winners will be publicized and whether the contest is merely a way to raise funds with little publicity for the winners. Many contests are meant to gain new subscribers or readers. This may be fine with you as long as winning or even entering may draw people to your book.

To find contests, simply do an Internet search for contests for indie and small press books.

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Joyce B. Hicks is the author of Escape from Assisted Living, One More Foxtrot, and a number of short stories. You can learn more about Joyce at www.joycebhicks.com.