Publication - Literary Awards

22 December 2011, Publication - Literary Awards

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

Anything that sets your novel apart from the crowd is good.  However, you need to understand that with the Internet and indie writing numerous organizations and literary awards have appeared.  The number of categories and types of awards is amazing--almost enough so every newly published novel could win one.  Ah, there's the rub, if everyone can win one, what's the point--well, to set your novel apart.  Still, to apply for one of these awards, you have to send in $50 to $100 and a copy of your novel.  You don't get any money if you win.

I think that most of these are setups.  I don't apply and unless my publisher recommends one to me, I doubt I will apply.  I have applied twice to a literary award in the past, I spent my money and sent in a copy of the book and received my certificate of participation.  I know awards are given, but again, I'm not certain of their value, their meaning, or their selection process.

I think for the high level awards, your novel must be recommended to the selection board.  You don't pay any money, and If you win, it really means something.
I'm not sure there is much more to be said about literary awards.  We'll look at Book Cards tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.