Awards, Competitions, Reviews, Promos

Below is a spreadsheet of my research. I'm sure there are others. If you know of any, please let me know, and I'll add them. inspire@likespublishing.com

The FREE Awards tab is for those awards that do not cost anything to enter, but will most likely require you to send several copies of your book to them. They are legitimate awards, big-name awards, awards I would one day like to win. Before you enter, please visit the sites and read all the requirements and stipulations. Many are very specific with their requirements, such as an illustrator based in the USA. Don't apply if your work doesn't apply. I like doing these over the paid competition ones. 

PAID Competitions, but they're awards...you say...not really. I feel like they are money-making scams. Thousands of authors pay money for a chance to win in one of a thousand categories, which isn't really winning; it's competing. So many people are looking for validation or that "break" to propel their books into a household staple that they fall prey to these awards. Now, I'm not accusing these competitions of anything nefarious; they are just not for me. 

On the FREE Reviews tab, I have a list of places I send my books for review. They don't cost anything, though one does have a paid option. If they get reviewed, fantastic, but there is no guarantee. 

The PROMO tab is dedicated to places you can submit your books to be listed on their sites. If the books fits what they are looking for, then submit them! It doesn't cost anything and it's a great way to promote your book for FREE and get it into the right hands. 

So far, I've submitted my books to a lot of these sites and have gotten three 5 Star Readers' Favorite reviews and a book on the Indie Author Project. These sites are super selective, and again, there is no guarantee. If you are reviewed, the sites send out emails to their subscribers telling them all about your book, so free advertising! Whoo-hoo!

Jacob Doesn't Read: The Flying Aardvark made it into the Indie Author Project. 

The Mat and the Cat, Quest for the Momma Violin, and Super Fearo The Ant Superhero have received Readers' Favorite Five Stars. 

Panic and the Happy Thought and Ben Wise and the Purple Dragon are both listed as resources for Disability Book Week.