Submission Tips & Checklist

Submitting your book to literary awards can boost your credibility, visibility, and sales, but only if you choose the right opportunities. With hundreds of “international” contests available, authors need a reliable way to separate prestigious recognition from costly vanity awards.

This submission tips checklist will help you evaluate book awards, avoid scams, and improve your chances of entering competitions that actually matter.

What Is a Submission Tips Checklist for Book Awards?

A submission tips checklist is a step-by-step guide that helps authors:

• Evaluate whether a literary award is legitimate

• Prepare a strong and professional submission

• Avoid vanity contests that offer little real value

Used correctly, it can save you time, money, and frustration.

Quick Submission Checklist for Authors

Before entering any competition, authors should understand how to identify legitimate book awards before submitting to avoid wasting time and money on low-value or vanity contests.

1. Verify the Award’s Reputation

Look for established, respected awards such as:

• Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

• Booker Prize

Ask yourself:

• Is the award recognized in the publishing industry?

• Are past winners successful or well-known?

2. Check Transparency of Judges

A legitimate award clearly lists:

• Judges’ names

• Their credentials

• Their connection to publishing or literature

3. Evaluate Entry Fees

Entry fees are normal, but should be:

• Reasonable

• Clearly explained

Avoid awards that:

• Charge high fees without justification

• Require additional payments after winning

4. Look at the Number of Winners

Credible awards:

• Have limited winners

• Offer meaningful recognition

Be cautious if:

• There are dozens of categories

5. Review Submission Guidelines Carefully

Professional awards provide:

• Clear formatting rules

• Eligibility criteria

• Deadlines

Following these precisely increases your chances of success.

6. Check Industry Recognition

Ask:

• Do publishers or agents respect this award?

• Does it provide real exposure?

Awards like the National Book Award often lead to:

• Media coverage

• Increased book sales

• Career opportunities

7. Research Past Winners

Look at:

• The quality of winning books

• Their reviews and visibility

• Whether they gained recognition after winning

If winners seem unknown or unverifiable, proceed with caution.

Common Mistakes Authors Make

Avoid these pitfalls:

• Submitting to too many low-quality awards

• Ignoring red flags because of “easy wins”

• Paying for awards that offer no real credibility

• Not reading submission guidelines carefully

Feature	Legitimate Awards	Vanity Awards
Judges	Named & credible	Vague
Winners	Limited	Many
Fees	Reasonable	Expensive + upsells
Recognition	Industry-wide	Minimal
Value	Career impact	Mostly promotional

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should you check before submitting to a book award?

You should verify the award’s credibility, review the judges, understand the criteria, and confirm that it is recognized within the publishing industry.

2. How do you avoid vanity book awards?

Avoid awards that guarantee wins, have excessive categories, or require additional payments after winning. Focus on contests with transparent judging and limited winners.

3. Are submission checklists useful for authors?

Yes, submission checklists help authors stay organized, avoid mistakes, and choose legitimate opportunities that can genuinely support their writing careers.

Final Thoughts

Submitting to book awards can be a powerful strategy, but only when done strategically. By using this submission tips checklist, you can confidently choose credible literary prizes and avoid wasting resources on low-value contests.

If you haven’t already, make sure to read our guide on identifying whether international book awards are truly legitimate and how to choose the ones that will actually elevate your author career.