Florida Libraries Launch Local Author Contest 2023

• 11 April 2023
• Category: Public Library System
• Tags: 2023

Florida Libraries Launch Local Author Contest

The St. Johns County Public Library System is pleased to join in the announcement of the sixth annual Florida Author Project contest. In partnership with “Library Journal” and BiblioBoard, the Florida Author Project gives libraries a chance to engage with a growing group of fresh literary voices in their communities and an opportunity to play an active role in the discovery and promotion of new works.

Submissions will be accepted through May 31, 2023, for local authors of adult and young adult fiction to be recognized as the top indie-published eBooks in Florida. Winners in each category will receive $1,000 as well as:

• Honors at the 2023 Indie Author Day Reception
• Opportunities to promote the winning title in participating Florida public libraries
• Inclusion in a full-page spread in “Library Journal,” one of America’s oldest and most renowned trade publications for library news
• Opportunities to earn royalties through the IAP Select collection (ePUB format required for eligibility)

For indie-published authors, the contest is a fantastic prospect to elevate their careers and expand their readership. Along with the accolade of the award and its perks, being recognized by librarians creates credibility and visibility in the growing marketplace of digital content and indie-published books. Winning authors will reach hundreds, if not thousands, of new readers via the library. It can also leverage being an award-winning indie author for additional marketing opportunities.

“Thanks to this competition, my novel is now part of the BiblioBoard online library system and was also featured in ‘Library Journal,’ Best Books 2022 edition,” said Jennifer Farmer, author of the 2022 IAP Regional Award-winning novel “Blue Sky Gone” and St. Johns County resident. “Entering the Indie Author Project contest turned out to be a pivotal point in my journey as an author. Winning the IAP Florida Regional Contest has been such an incredible honor. ‘Blue Sky Gone’ has received widespread attention and recognition, reaching audiences far and wide. I am thankful to the St. Johns County Public Library System for promoting the Indie Author Project contest and supporting the work of indie authors.” 

Farmer’s novel is available in print and e-book at St. Johns County libraries.

Authors may submit their work at indieauthorproject.librariesshare.com/florida. Each book submitted to the contest must be:

• Independently-published
• In the category of adult or young adult fiction
• Written by a Florida resident
• Available in either ePUB (strongly encouraged) or PDF format

To learn more about writer’s resources at the St. Johns County Public Library System, visit sjcpls.org/writers-resources. For more information about the library system and programming, visit www.sjcpls.org or call your local branch library.