Submit self-published books in these categories:

• Mainstream/Literary Fiction
• Genre Fiction (e.g. romance, mystery, thriller, young adult, science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, etc.)
• Creative Nonfiction & Memoir (definition)
• Poetry
• Children’s Picture Book
• Graphic Novel & Memoir
• Art Book (definition)
• Not currently accepted: books by deceased authors, anthologies with 3+ authors, history, biography, self-help, how-to, reference, cookbooks, education, travel guides, middle-grade books for ages 8-12, political tracts, religious instruction, translations of the work of other people

All contestants receive gifts and winners receive additional benefits to help them market their books.

Final judges: Jendi Reiter and Ellen LaFleche. Winning Writers is a partner member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Your self-published book can win up to $8,000 plus expert marketing services.

PRIZES

• One grand prize winner will receive $8,000, a marketing analysis and one-hour phone consultation with Carolyn Howard-Johnson, a $300 credit at BookBaby, and 3 free ads in the Winning Writers newsletter (a $525 value)
• The top winner in each category will receive $1,000, a marketing analysis and one-hour phone consultation with Carolyn Howard-Johnson, a $300 credit at BookBaby, and one free ad in the Winning Writers newsletter (a $175 value)
• One honorable mention in each category will receive $250
• We will publish online excerpts from all entries that win a prize, along with critiques from the judges