Congratulations! Winning a book award is no small feat. Thousands of titles are submitted yearly for various award programs. If your book is selected as a winner or finalist for a book award, don’t be afraid to celebrate it! Below are a few ways you can promote your book’s award recognition.

How to Promote Your Book Award:

● Update the book description.

○ We recommend adding a sentence to the top of your book description on Amazon and other retailer pages with the award information.

○ If you’re self-published, you can do this through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), otherwise request this update from your publisher.

○ See here for an example.

● Purchase or download the award seal to use in marketing.

○ Add the award seal to your email signature.

○ Update your website’s media coverage section.

○ Add it to your book’s official website.

■ See here and here for an example.

● Update your author bio.

○ You are now an award-winning author! Update the author bio that you use on your website, Amazon, and social media profiles.

● Spread the word!

○ Reshare and retweet the official award announcement and promotion.

○ Announce the recognition in a press release and/or blog post.

○ Send an email to your mailing list to share the news.

○ Update your social media graphics.

○ Share the news on social media.

■ Example text: I'm so happy to share that [Book Title] has been awarded the [Award Program] in [Insert award category if applicable]! [Insert book cover and award seal image]

■ See an example from Greenleaf’s Twitter page here.

● Reinvigorate your book’s marketing.

○ Consider running a Goodreads giveaway or eBook price promo to generate a boost in sales and exposure.

● Check for tips and templates.

○ Some award programs offer templated press releases, social media updates, free award seals, and more. Be sure to check their websites for tips and best practices for sharing the news.

● Let us know!

○ If you’re a Greenleaf author and you submitted your book for an award directly, make sure Greenleaf knows so that we can celebrate the good news on our social channels (and give you a pat on the back)!

Winning a book award does more than establish your authority and recognize your hard work. By following these steps, you can leverage your book’s accolades into increased exposure and sales opportunities.