In recognition of one of the fastest-growing parts of the book market, IngramSpark, Ingram’s self-publishing platform, Publishers Weekly, and BookBrunch, the daily online news service for the U.K. book industry, are launching the Selfies Awards for U.S. self-published authors.
The first Selfie Awards will be presented at BookExpo in 2020. In its first year, the awards will be for adult fiction titles only, but in future years it will cover other categories. All titles submitted must be published in the U.S. and entries will only be accepted from authors who are predominantly or only self-published (i.e. where the author themselves acts as the publisher/creative director). Submissions will open in late 2019.
The judges will be looking at four areas:
- A fantastic story that entertains and delights the reader
- A well-produced ebook or print book
- An enticing cover and blurb that successfully addresses the target audience
- An effective and creative marketing and publicity strategy with the potential for significant sales
Further information about the awards and the submission process can be found via the website selfiesbookawards.com. Those submitting will receive a free subscription to BookLife, the online resource that provides tips, news and information for indie and self-published authors. Shortlisted authors will receive free entrance to BookExpo 2020 and the winning author will receive $1,000 and a $5,000 package of advertising in PW. There will be a small entrance fee of $50 to cover administrative expenses.
The American Selfies Award is the second Selfie program to be launched. BookBrunch, in collaboration with the London Book Fair and IngramSpark, launched The Selfies in 2018 and the first award was presented at the London Book Fair in March 2019.
