Book Reviews
THERE ARE ALREADY A BUNCH OF BOOK AWARDS OUT THERE. WHAT MAKES THE IRDA’s DIFFERENT?
We believe that the best way to help an indie author make their book a success is to get them access to people who can make a difference. That means PR professionals, journalists and media people, publishers, agents (because many indie authors still want to be traditionally pubbed), and book reviewers—all of whom are included on our panel of judges (you can find the full list by clicking “The Judges” link to your right). Because while all the gold foil stars, cash prizes, trophies and awards ceremonies might be fun, the reality is that, in the end, they’ll do little to make your book a success.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
- The “IndieReader Discovery Awards” are open to indie authors who have self-published books*
- Books have to have a valid ISBN
- There are no restrictions on pub dates
- Both eBooks and paper books can be submitted
* Sorry…if your book was originally traditional published it is not eligible for entry
WHAT’S THE TIMING?
NOTE: THE ENTRY DATE FOR THE IRDA’s HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH.
- Entries for IRDA’s are being accepted from July 18th, 2011 through March 16th ,2012.
- Payment must be received March 16th , 2012. Books received after that date will be entered in next year’s Awards program. No late entries or fees will be returned or refunded.
- Winners will be announced at Book Expo America in New York City–a major publishing event attended by thousands of industry influencers– on June 3rd, 2012.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The IRDA entry fee is $150 per title per category. There is a $50 fee for each additional category entered. You will also need to submit two copies of each title for the first category entered and one each additional category thereafter. Books will not be returned.
THERE ARE NO ADDITIONAL OR HIDDEN FEES EXCEPT FOR HAVING TO SUBMIT BOOKS. NOTHING. NADA. ZERO.
HOW DO I ENTER?
- The IRDA’s have two main categories (fiction and non-fiction) and 49 sub categories.
- You can enter your book in more than one category, but an additional $50 fee is charged for each category entered.
- When entering, please submit two copies of your book for the first category and one copy each additional category.
- At the end of the online entry process you’ll be instructed to print out an online registration receipt to send in along with your book(s).
- Please include completed entry form and check/credit card info, or online registration receipt in the same package as your book(s).
HOW WILL THE WINNERS BE SELECTED?
Judging for the IRDA’s will be based—first and foremost—on the quality of writing and the originality of the story. While editing, production quality and cover and interior design will also be considered, the goal of the IRDA is to find talented writers and great books.
WILL ALL THOSE IMPRESSIVE JUDGES ACTUALLY BE READING SUBMITTED BOOKS?
Every one of our judges have agreed to read–and judge–submitted books. Why? For the simple reason that they’re interested in finding talented writers who might otherwise be overlooked.
WHAT IF I WRITE SCIENCE FICTION BUT THE JUDGE DOESN’T LIKE THE GENRE?
Have no fear. We’re pairing types of books with reviewers who prefer that genre, so there won’t be someone reading science fiction (or chick-lit or memoir) who doesn’t like that particular genre.
HOW MANY WINNERS WILL THERE BE?
- There will be a first, second and third prize winner in both the fiction and non-fiction categories.
- There is the potential for there to be one winner in each of the 49 sub categories, but judges will only pick a winner if they feel there is a book that warrants it.
- Winners will be announced at Book Expo America in New York City–a major publishing event attended by thousands of industry influencers– on June 3rd, 2012.
WHAT DO THE WINNERS GET?
The IRDA’s offer no actual trophy or awards ceremony. Sorry.
The top winners, from each sub-category, and the top three in each main category, will also get the following:
- Winners will be announced at Book Expo America in New York City–a major publishing event attended by thousands of industry influencers–sometime between the show dates of June 5-7, 2012.
- A NOOK Simple Touch
- A professional IndieReader review
- Exposure to a panel of judges who can make a difference in your books’ success
- Inclusion in IR’s “first- look” deal with Book Ends Entertainment, an LA-based boutique literary management and production company
- Inclusion in IndieReader Selects, the only distribution program created specifically to get indie books into indie bookstores nationwide (you can find more details on IRS here or at www.irselects.com)
- An IndieReader “All About the Book” feature
- A sticker pronouncing your book an “IndieReader Discovery Awards” winner
The first place winner in the Fiction and Non-Fiction categories will also get the following:
- A review from Kirkus Reviews, a powerful resource for millions of readers, writers, librarians, media executives and the publishing industry.
CAN YOU GUARANTEE ANY TYPE OF PUBLISHING DEAL IF I WIN?
No, there is no guaranteed publishing deal. But publisher’s—along with very credible agents, publicists and reviewers—will be reading your work. In fact, the whole reason the judges are participating is to try and find talented writers who might otherwise be overlooked. They are very busy people. Otherwise why would they bother?
I’M IN! HOW CAN I SIGN UP?
You can sign up by clicking here and pay by check, money order or Paypal.
WILL I RECEIVE CONFIRMATION THAT MY BOOK(S) HAVE BEEN RECEIVED?
Yes, we will email you upon receipt of your book(s).
WILL I BE NOTIFIED IF I DON’T WIN?
Sorry. You will not.
WHAT IF I WIN? WHEN WOULD I BE NOTIFIED?
Winners and finalists of the IRDA’s will be announced on June 18th, 2012.
Will I BE NOTIFIED EVEN IF I DON’T WIN OR PLACE AS A FINALIST?
No. Only Winners and Finalists will be notified, however, a complete list of Winners and Finalists will be posted to the IndieReader site on June 18th, 2012.
