I'm a complete movie addict and a total Oscar buff, and since the nominations were announced earlier this week, I've had awards on my mind. It's apparent how awards affect films: they stay in theaters longer, they receieve additional advertising, another round of publicity, and triple the buzz. An Oscar nomination is a career changer.
But do writing awards have the same effect?
I asked four award-winning authors how winning how winning an award affected their publishing career. Here are the responses:
Jamie Freveletti on winning the Thriller Award for Best First Novel:
Both the Thriller and Barry awards gave me additional recognition for the book within the publishing house and with the public. It was great to sit with the publishing house executives while the awards were announced, because they were as excited as I was when I won. I don't think the awards got me the Ludlum deal, however. While awards are nice, I think publishing deals are built on more factors than just awards. They may have generated a boost in sales, though!
Brett Battles on winning the Barry Award for Best Thriller:
I think an award gives you a certain credibility, deserved or not, that can some open doors for you that might have otherwise been closed. It also raises your profile within the community itself, and, for me, that has then led to speaking engagements and interview opportunities that I might have been passed over for previously.
Julie Hyzy on winning the Anthony Award for Best Paperback Original:
Winning the Anthony has made a difference. I now have a Wikipedia entry! Woo-hoo! That appeared shortly after my Anthony win made it into Wiki. Someone (who? no idea) apparently decided it was time I had my own page. How cool is that?
I also believe that my book sales have been positively influenced by my award. Berkley is now giving the news its own page in my paperbacks. Having won the Anthony (and Barry) is what inspired me to dedicate BWW to everyone from Bouchercon 2009.
Brad Parks on winning the Shamus Award for Best First Mystery:
Winning the Shamus made me an inch taller, ten years younger and twenty pounds lighter. It also reduced the appearance of fine lines and... okay, maybe not. But there's no question, as I've been promoting my second book, EYES OF THE INNOCENT, being able to say I'm a Shamus Award-winner has given me added credibility with booksellers, librarians, even people within my own publishing house. It's a crowded marketplace out there, and having some kind of widely recognized credential that separates you from the pack and says, "This guy might not suck" is a huge help. Plus, I think the plaque really brings out my eyes.
While these awards may not have the same effect as Oscar noms, it seems that there is some affect. The awards increase the authors' credibility and improves the relationship with the publisher.
All the award-winning authors should feel free to share their experiences. And readers, if a book won an award, are you more likely to buy it?
