One key element is a unique concept. For example, like in 'The Martian' by Andy Weir, the idea of a man stranded on Mars was very fresh. Another is good marketing. Indie authors like Mark Dawson use social media effectively. And of course, quality writing. If the writing isn't good, readers won't come back.
Typically, criteria may include originality of the story, the quality of writing such as grammar and style, the depth of character development, and the ability to engage readers. Also, the uniqueness of the plot and the overall impact of the novel can be important factors.
To win awards for fiction, an author needs to write an outstanding story. The plot should be engaging, the characters well - developed. For example, if it's a literary award, the writing style might need to be very refined. Editors and judges often look for works that can touch the hearts of readers or make them think deeply.
Draft2Digital is also very popular among indie authors. It simplifies the process of getting your book into various e - book stores. They handle things like cover conversion and metadata management, which can be a headache for some authors. And they offer good royalty rates.
Well, there's E.L. James. Her 'Fifty Shades of Grey' started as indie - published erotica. Despite the controversy, it became a global phenomenon. The huge success of the books led to movie adaptations. Also, Andy Weir self - published 'The Martian'. His scientific yet engaging story caught the attention of readers. It was later picked up by a major publisher and turned into a successful movie.
First, they need to write an exceptional piece of fiction. It should have a strong plot, well - developed characters, and engaging writing style. Then, they usually have to submit their work to the award committee or be nominated. For example, for the Pulitzer, publishers submit entries. For some awards like the Hugo, it can be nominated by fans or members of the relevant community.
To win awards for historical fiction, an author has to master several aspects. Research is fundamental. They must dig deep into historical archives, talk to historians if possible, to ensure historical accuracy. The narrative should be engaging, which means creating a plot that hooks the reader from the start. Take Hilary Mantel's 'Wolf Hall' for example. Her detailed research on Tudor England combined with a fascinating story about Thomas Cromwell made it a Booker - winning novel. Also, the writing should have a unique voice, not just a dry retelling of facts, but a creative and immersive experience for the reader.
Any young writer who has created a novel can potentially participate in the young author awards for novels. However, there are usually some rules. There might be an age limit, say, for those who are not yet considered established adult authors. It could also depend on the type of novel, whether it meets the genre requirements or the length requirements if any. And of course, they need to follow the submission guidelines which may include things like formatting, deadline, and where to send their work.
First, the author needs to carefully read the eligibility criteria of the specific award. For example, some awards might require the novel to be published within a certain time frame. Then, they usually need to submit a copy of their novel, sometimes along with a short synopsis and author bio. Some awards have an online submission form, while others might require a physical copy to be sent.