3 Writing Contests Self-Published Authors Must Apply For in 2017

Writing contests aren’t just for those looking to submit short stories and poems to magazine publications anymore. With the continued evolvement of self-publishing and the rise of such e-book distributors as Amazon, Smashwords, Nook (Barnes & Noble’s distribution platform), and iBooks, the rise in writing contests specifically tailored to self-published authors and never-before-published aspiring authors are booming. That’s not even including such content-sharing platforms as Wattpad and FanFiction.net, platforms that have also launched the careers of dozens of authors by facilitating traditionally published contracts through various contests and awards held over the past few years.Midnight Publishing is a ghostwriting and editing company based in Arizona, and we’ve made it our mission to assist budding writers and seasoned authors alike

Midnight Publishing is a ghostwriting and editing company based in Arizona, and we’ve made it our mission to assist budding writers and seasoned authors alike in editing their manuscripts to publishable status. Whether you’re searching for another pair of eyes to provide developmental feedback on your book, copyediting and adherence to a style guide, or simply some final comma-hunting before querying or self-publication, Midnight Publishing’s award-winning staff of writers and editors are here for you! (Meet our CEO and founder of Midnight Publishing, Lauren Wise, and be sure to check out some of our recent press before contacting us to discuss your book project!).

Now, let’s get started on exploring some of the best writing contest opportunities available to self-published authors in early 2017:

1. The Amazon UK Kindle Storyteller Award

Don’t be fooled by the title, this contest is open to authors all around the world who’ve published their book through Kindle Direct Publishing on Amazon.co.uk between February 20^th, 2017 and May 19^th, 2017. When submitting your book, entries must include the exact phrase “StorytellerUK2017” in the “keywords” metadata field, and authors must enroll their book in KDP Select. For terms and conditions, go to the eligibility page on Amazon here. Eligible entrants have the opportunity to win a 20,000 pounds cash prize and recognition at a London-based award ceremony in the summer of 2017.

2. Publishers Weekly’s Booklife Prize 2017

Publishers Weekly’s own self-publishing service and platform, BookLife, opened its second annual BookLife Prize on March 1^st, 2017, and the submission window closes on August 31^st, 2017. Submission costs $99 USD, and each entrant will receive a brief written evaluation by a Publishers Weekly reviewer. The following categories are accepted for the contest: Romance/Erotica; Mystery/Thriller; Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror; General Fiction; Memoir; YA Fiction; and Middle Grade Fiction. One winner is chosen from all of these categories to win the $5,000 cash grand prize, as well as an author profile in an issue of Publishers Weekly. Find eligibility and submission information here.

3. Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards 2017

Another prestigious award that’s in its 25^th year, Writer’s Digest’s Self-Published Book Awards 2017 is accepting submissions until May 1^st, 2017. Awards include a grand prize selection that offers an $8,000 cash prize, a featured article in the March/April 2018 issue of Writer’s Digest, a press release sent out to some of the top publishing houses in the business and much more. (Find a detailed list of the grand prize, first prize and honorary mentions here!) The fee is $110 for the first entry and $85 for any other submissions. A physical book must be sent, and you can find all pertinent information and when, where, and how here.

Do you have dreams of submitting your manuscript to contests like these? Allow Midnight Publishing to help you on your journey by providing our award-winning editing and content writing services so that you can polish and perfect your words before submission. Contact us to discuss getting scheduled today!