Creating a non-fiction book takes effort and dedication, but the recognition and prestige that come with winning a book award can be truly rewarding.

Some award deadlines are looming, so authors have been emailing us questions, and one always stands out:

“We are asked why we think our books deserve the award. Blimey, that is such a hard question. Do you have any tips on what they are looking for roughly? I want to knock it out of the park!”

Tania Malan, author of ‘Ageless’

“Why should your book win the award?“. It’s a question that requires thoughtful consideration and a deep understanding of what factors contribute positively to evaluating non-fiction books.

In this article, we will explore the top factors that can increase your chances of winning a non-fiction book award and provide practical tips on how to leverage them. In the end, answering that ever-important question shouldn’t be as dreadful.

Unique and compelling subject matter

A book that covers a unique topic in a compelling way is more likely to win a non-fiction book award.

UNIQUE

It’s recommended to study your competition and identify what you do differently to cover the uniqueness element, as compellingness is rather subjective.

PRO TIP: A simple way of studying your competitors is by finding your Amazon book listing using the incognito mode on your browser and seeing what books appear in the ‘Products related to this item’ section. From there on, you can click on books, study reviews, read a few pages using the ‘Look inside’ function, and more.

COMPELLING

Ultimately, the factors that make a book compelling can vary widely, as what works for one reader may not work for another. It is a subjective matter.

Having said that, the following factors play a role and can be covered in your application.

• Memorable characters – Characters that are complex, relatable, and memorable can also make a book more compelling.
• Use of storytelling, especially if books in that area typically don’t
• Unique or thought-provoking themes – Books that tackle unique or thought-provoking themes can be particularly compelling and resonant with readers.
• Emotional impact – Books that elicit strong emotions in the reader, whether positive or negative, can also be considered compelling.

Original research and insights

If a book provides new and original insights based on extensive research, it is more likely to be recognized with a non-fiction book award.

So, mention it!

Relevance to current events or themes

A book that addresses issues that are timely and relevant to the current world is more likely to be awarded.

An example:

By drawing on the latest studies and data in the industry, your book provides an evidence-based case for the importance of considering current social events and commercial awareness in HR. For example, recent research has shown the significant impact that current events such as the pandemic have had on the HR industry, and your book does an excellent job of exploring these trends and the implications for HR professionals. Additionally, the book’s focus on commercial awareness aligns with the growing recognition in the industry of the importance of understanding the financial impact of HR decisions.

Writing style

A well-written and engaging style can make a book more appealing to both judges and readers.

What does ‘style’ mean exactly, you may ask. Here’s a list of styles that may ring a bell:

• Narrative
• Expository
• Descriptive
• Persuasive
• Argumentative
• Reportage
• How-to or Instructional
• Biographical
• Autobiographical
• Literary Journalism

Some styles are more suited for certain topics than others, and what the judges will be looking for is cohesiveness between the writing style you have identified and the contents of the book. For example, if your book’s subtitle says ‘A toolkit on X’ and there are hardly any actionable steps inside, it will be held against you.

Impact and influence

A book that has had a significant impact on its readers and the wider world is more likely to be recognized with an award. As such, do include reviews in your response.

PRO TIP: If a review is too long, and you only wish to use a short fragment, delete the unnecessary text and replace it with (…). Doing so will save you words!

Expertise and credibility of the author

An author with a background or expertise in the subject matter can enhance the credibility of the book and increase its chances of winning an award.

An author can demonstrate expertise and credibility in an application by:

1. Providing relevant education and professional background information
2. Presenting published works and industry experience
3. Highlighting awards, recognition, and accomplishments in the field
4. Including testimonials and endorsements from experts or organizations
5. Showing active participation in relevant communities, organizations, and events.

Positive reviews and critical acclaim

A book that has received positive reviews and has been praised by experts in the field is more likely to be awarded.

An example sentence in your answer would go like this:

The book has received critical acclaim, with CEO Today magazine naming it the best read for career development, and it has received press coverage in reputable media outlets such as The Times Radio, Raconteur, Business Leader, Training Journal, Forbes, and others here in the UK and abroad.

Market fit and target audience

A book that is tailored to its target audience and has a strong market fit is more likely to be awarded.

So, choose your book category wisely. For example, if the book isn’t read by CEOs and business leaders, it’s unlikely to win in the leadership category. Judges do their research and won’t be misled.

A good way to demonstrate market fit is to provide reader reviews that mention the target audience, for example, one that includes something along the lines of “If you’re a business leader, you should definitely read this book”.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, as you embark on the journey of winning a book award, remember that it is a combination of several factors, including the book’s content, its relevance to current events and trends, and its commercial awareness.

Remember that you may not be able to cover all of these factors in your submission, as there is likely to be a word count limit, so it is important for you to focus on your book’s strengths and highlight the areas where it shines. Whether it is through the use of recent research and findings, a unique perspective on a particular issue, or a strong focus on a specific aspect of the field, you should strive to make your book stand out from the crowd.

I wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of a book award and encourage you to showcase your book’s unique strengths and qualities in your submission.

One award that closes imminently is the Business Book Awards.

Need guidance or support? If so, feel free to message me or email kinga@brandspire.co.uk for a non-obligatory call. At Brandspire, we provide holistic book and B2B marketing services that will make you feel like you’re on an all-inclusive holiday, well, almost.