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Win hearts and awards: The Readers’ Favorite Book Award Might Be Your Breakthrough

  • evemrileyauthor
  • 4 days ago
  • 3 min read

Welcome back to our series spotlighting well-respected romance book awards that truly support indie authors. As I’ve said before, not all awards are created equal—but the right one can elevate your career, open doors to new readers, and affirm that your love story has a place on every bookshelf.


Today, we’re turning the spotlight on an award that has helped thousands of independent authors gain exposure and credibility—the Readers’ Favorite Book Award.


Whether you're a seasoned romance author or launching your very first novel, this is an award you’ll definitely want on your radar.


Readers' favorite book award

Readers' Favorite logo with text "Book Reviews and Award Contest" in orange and green, featuring a book and heart symbol.

Unlike some awards that lean heavily toward traditionally published books, the Readers’ Favorite Book Award welcomes self-published and indie authors with open arms. Their mission is simple: to give great books the recognition they deserve, regardless of who published them.


It’s one of the largest book award contests out there and has been endorsed by industry leaders and celebrities alike. The awards aren’t just about gold seals and certificates—they offer real marketing opportunities, media coverage, and industry recognition that can help indie romance authors reach a much wider audience.


Categories

One of the best things about the Readers’ Favorite Award is its diverse range of genres. That means there’s room for every kind of love story—whether it’s sizzling, sweet, suspenseful, or set in another world.

  • Romance – Contemporary

  • Romance – Historical

  • Romance – Suspense

  • Romance – Paranormal

  • Romance – Sizzle (yes, steamier stories are welcome!)

  • Fiction – New Adult

  • Fiction – LGBTQ+

  • Fiction – Inspirational/Romance

If your book explores love in a compelling way, chances are there’s a category for you.


Why It’s Worth It

Here’s why I think the Readers’ Favorite Award stands out—especially for indie romance authors:

  • Massive Exposure: Winners are featured on major book platforms, including Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and Google Books.

  • Professional Reviews: Every entry receives a free, detailed review—regardless of whether it wins. That review can become a powerful marketing tool.

  • Real Industry Credibility: Readers’ Favorite is recognized by major publishing houses, agents, and even the likes of James Rollins and Jim Carrey, who’ve both endorsed the contest.

  • Promotional Perks: Winners receive digital award seals, marketing assistance, and the chance to be featured at events like the Miami Book Fair.

  • International Reach: It's open to authors around the globe and offers exposure far beyond your own network.


How to Enter

Submitting is straightforward. Just choose your category, upload your manuscript (PDF, Word, or print), and pay the entry fee. You can also enter multiple categories if your story spans genres.


Your book doesn’t have to be traditionally edited or agented. As long as it meets basic publishing standards, it qualifies—making this award incredibly indie-friendly.

Pro Tip: Submissions for the 2026 contest are open now!


A Win (or Review) That Keeps on Giving

Even if you don’t win, the professional review alone can be a huge asset. Many authors use it as a back-cover blurb, a quote in ad campaigns, or a way to build credibility on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads.


For me, one of the most rewarding parts of entering was the in-depth review I received from the Readers’ Favorite team. Here’s what they had to say about The Game:

“Eve M. Riley’s storytelling captivated me. The author balances clever characterization with unexpected plot twists, and I loved the characters; each one is complex. I recommend The Game for its gorgeous writing, the well-explored characters, and the clever plotting.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-Star Review

That kind of thoughtful, professional feedback is not only a huge confidence boost—it’s also a powerful promotional tool. I’ve already used this review in my newsletter.


For indie romance authors looking to gain real traction in a crowded market, the Readers’ Favorite Book Award is more than worth the entry. It’s a platform that respects independent storytelling and helps bring your book into the spotlight where it belongs.


Have you entered Readers’ Favorite—or are you thinking about it? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments! And be sure to tune in for the next post in this series, where I’ll explore another award that celebrates self-published romance authors.


Because your love story deserves recognition—and these awards are here to help.



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