Book Contests: An Author’s Competitive Advantage

Award Finalist, Nonfiction – Adventure for The Iraq I Knew… From Saddam Hussein to Weapons of Mass Destruction to Al Qaeda in Iraq, 2025 International Book Awards

“Some things require further explanation.”

Readers’ Favorite sponsors an Annual Book Contest with thousands of entrants in 150 categories and over 850 winners. Each category has five award levels: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Honorable Mention, and Finalist. Basically, I placed fifth. The judges do not provide their selection criteria; however, to sift through all the entries, disqualification occurs very quickly, from what I understand.

I know that the book title and cover are the first two criteria for judging any book, and if the book does not meet those standards, it is “Next Customer.” Then, it becomes a friendly competition between the top five. I entered The Iraq I Knew… in the Adventure category because I believe it was an adventure. I don’t have chapters, but episodes, and I want readers to feel like they are traveling on this journey with me. So, what does a contest do for an author?

The Benefits of Entering a Book Contest

Authors are always seeking feedback for their work, and entering a book contest can be a valuable way to receive it.

1. Validation. Book awards serve as a validation of the work, as the author is likely unfamiliar with the judges.
2. Exposure. Winning a book award provides exposure for the book and the author, as contest holders offer publicity that the author does not have to pay for.
3. Bio Upgrade. Award-winning author is now part of an author’s official bio, which no one can take from them.
4. Recognition. Everyone likes recognition, even if they claim otherwise. It always feels good to receive accolades for the blood, sweat, and tears you put into a project.
5. Increase Sales. Placing the award recognition on your Amazon Product Page, in your A+ Content, and/or on a press release may garner more book sales, and every author wants that!
6. Competitive Advantage. You can claim something that other authors in your genre and categories cannot. Every distinction helps.

If you haven’t read The Iraq I Knew..., consider picking up a copy in paperback, eBook, or hardcover. Whichever one you choose will provide you with insights into The Iraq I Knew.

When are you going to enter a book contest to showcase your work?

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Dr. Burl Randolph, Jr., DM, is an award-winning author and retired Army Colonel with nearly 32 years of service and three combat tours in Iraq. He is currently the President and Chief Consultant of MyWingman, LLC, a Business Leadership & Management Consulting company that “Helps Leaders Design Legacies That Last” since 2015. Dr. Randolph offers book writing, editing, publishing, and promoting services through his Legacy Expression services.

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