How to Remain Resilient After Losing Book Awards
Entering book awards is a great way to gain recognition and exposure for your writing. Winning an award is an incredible achievement, but what happens when you don't win?
It's natural to feel disappointed and discouraged after losing a book award. However, it's important to remember that winning isn't everything. Losing an award doesn't make your book any less valuable or well-written. Here are some tips for remaining resilient in the face of disappointment:
1. Celebrate your accomplishment
The fact that you entered a book award is already an accomplishment. Many writers never have the courage to enter their work for consideration, so give yourself credit for taking that first step. Even if you didn't win, you should be proud of yourself for putting yourself and your work out there.
2. Remember that it's subjective
Book awards are often judged by a panel of judges with different tastes and preferences. Just because your book wasn't selected as the winner doesn't mean it's not worthy of recognition. Remember that art is subjective, and what appeals to one person may not appeal to another.
3. Get feedback
If your book didn't win an award, take the opportunity to get feedback from the judges or other industry professionals. Use their feedback as a learning experience to improve your writing for future projects.
4. Keep writing
Don't let losing a book award discourage you from continuing to write. Take the experience as motivation to improve your craft and create even better work. Remember that every writer experiences rejection and disappointment, but perseverance is key to success.
5. Use the recognition
Even if you didn't win the award, being a finalist or shortlisted author still holds value. Use the recognition to build your platform and connect with readers and industry professionals. Share the news on social media, update your website and bio, and leverage the recognition to gain media exposure.
6. Enter more awards
Don't be afraid to enter your book into more awards. Every award has different criteria and judges, and your book may be the perfect fit for a different competition. Keep entering, keep promoting your work, and keep improving your writing. Persistence pays off.
- Celebrate your courage in entering the award
- Remember that it's subjective and not a reflection of your writing ability
- Get feedback and use it to improve
- Keep writing and improving your craft
- Use the recognition to build your platform and gain exposure
- Enter more awards and persist in promoting your work
In conclusion, losing a book award is a setback, but it doesn't define your writing or discredit your hard work and dedication. Remain resilient, use the experience as a learning opportunity, and keep pushing forward towards success.