Award-winning children's author Hayley Rose is a firm believer in participating in contests and book award programs. Winning awards not only validates your work, but it boosts your promotional efforts. To find the best award programs she suggests searching the internet for other award-winning authors that write in your genre. See what awards they are winning and research the programs and submission guidelines . While paid award programs tend to get a bad rap, there are many good contests and awards that will charge a very minimal amount to participate. If you are a finalist or winner the benefits will far outweigh any money spent. Rose recommends using your best judgement and doing your own research to determine if a program or contest is a good fit for you and your work.
Click here to play this audio clip
Nice podcast. Very informative with good ideas. Inspiring.