WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AWARDS.

Three reasons why you should enter your book in the William Shakespeare Book Awards

PRESTIGIOUS RECOGNITION

By entering your book, you open the door to potential recognition and acclaim, as the awards honor outstanding achievements in independent authorship. Winning or even being nominated for these awards adds a distinguished seal of approval to your book, elevating its status among readers and industry professionals. Plus, who doesn't love cash prizes?

VISIBILITY & EXPOSURE

Entering your book into the William Shakespeare Book Awards provides a unique opportunity to increase visibility and exposure for your work. Winners and finalists receive recognition through various promotional channels, including social media, press releases, and our dedicated platform. This exposure can significantly boost the visibility of your book, reaching a broader audience and potentially attracting new readers.

NETWORKING & COMMUNITY

By entering, you join a network of writers who share a passion for storytelling and literary excellence. Networking opportunities within this community can lead to valuable connections, collaborations, and the exchange of insights. The William Shakespeare Book Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also foster a supportive environment for authors to connect and grow together.

HOW THE AWARDS WORK

01

Judging Process

Distinguished Panel: Every year, Independent Authors Academy assembles a panel of 30 esteemed individuals, including writers, editors, literary critics, and industry professionals. This diverse group ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the submitted works.

Submissions: You can submit your book at any time and your book will be entered into the current competition. If you enter your book between May 31st and June 11th, you'll be entered for the following year's competition. Eligible books must be written by independent authors.

Category Expertise: Each genre has a dedicated panel of five judges with expertise in that specific category. Judges are nominated by past winners, finalists, and judges and are carefully selected by the Academy’s Executive Director.

Independence and Transparency: Panels operate independently of the Independent Authors Academy staff, with discussions held autonomously. The judging criteria are developed by each panel, and the Foundation’s Board of Directors and staff do not partake in these deliberations.

02

Submissions

Eligibility: To be eligible for the Independent Authors Academy Awards, a book must be self-published or published by an independent publisher. The author can be from any nationality, fostering a global celebration of independent literary talent.

Submission Process: Submissions are always open. An entry fee of $80 per title is required, and publishers are responsible for e-mailing a PDF copy of each entered book to this email address: info@independentauthorsacademy.com

03

Awards Presentation

Recognition for Finalists: On the day of the winner announcement, each finalist will be recognized. Each finalist will receive a medallion.

Awards Announcement Day: The winners in each category are revealed by email, on our social media accounts and website. They receive $500 and a medallion.

04

Legacy

Once an author is recognized by Independent Authors Academy, they become a valued part of our literary family. We maintain ongoing connections with both authors and publishers, actively promoting new works and including them in future Independent Authors Academy programming. Join us in celebrating the exceptional achievements of independent authors worldwide!

05

Announcement

Finalists announcement first biannual round: June 10th

Winners announcement first biannual round: June 11th

06

Eligibility Criteria

At Independent Authors Academy, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive celebration of independent literature. To ensure fair consideration, please carefully review our eligibility criteria and other guidelines before submitting your work for the Independent Authors Academy Awards.

07

General Eligibility

  • Books must be published by independent publishers
  • Anyone residing worldwide can apply
  • Eligible works include full-length books of fiction and nonfiction, single-author short story collections, single-author essay collections, and collected and selected poems
  • Self-published books are eligible if the author/publisher publishes titles by other authors

08

Eligibility Criteria for Translated Literature Awards

  • No citizenship requirement for authors or translators.
  • Eligible works include English translations of published fiction or nonfiction, full-length books, single-author short story collections, and single-author essay collections.

09

Ineligibility

  • Anthologies with multiple authors.

10

Submission Process Overview

Submitting titles for consideration is a two-step process:

   – You can fill it at any time.

   – Carefully review eligibility criteria before submitting.

  • Send Digital Copy:

   – Entry fee of $80 per title.

   – Digital copy (PDF format) required for each submitted title.

11

Prizes

  • Six panels of five finalists each in Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Children’s, Young People’s Literature and Journals.
  • Finalists revealed on June 10thh.
  • Winners revealed on June 11th.
  • Each Winner receives $500 and a medallion; each Finalist receives a medallion.

12

Additional Conditions

Publishers and authors submitting books for the Independent Authors Academy Awards must agree to:

  • Give the Independent Authors Academy permission to use book in promotional campaigns if a submitted book becomes a Finalist.
SUBMIT YOUR BOOK

OUR GUARANTEE

At INDEPENDENT AUTHORS ACADEMY, we take pride in our transparent and rigorous judging process, designed to showcase the best in independent literature.


FAQs

Is my self-published book eligible?

Yes.

Can an author submit their own book for consideration?

Yes, both authors and publishers can.

Is it possible to submit a book after the entry form deadline?

There is no deadline. You can submit at any time. If you enter your book between May 31st and June 11th, you'll be entered for the following year's competition.

Can a book be considered in more than one category?

Yes, you can enter your book in more than one category if applies.

Are graphic novels, graphic memoirs, and/or comics eligible?

Yes.

How will the author know if judges received copies?

We will contact authors who entered titles.

What if I have unanswered questions?

Email Awards Manager Maria Salvat at info@independentauthorsacademy.com.

LET'S GET YOU RECOGNIZED.

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