Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is pleased to join in the announcement of a new statewide contest that will accept submissions of self-published Young Adult and Adult Fiction, to be recognized as the top self-published books in the state.

One winner of this contest will receive:

• $1,000 cash prize
• A write-up in the December print issue of Library Journal
• Honors at the American Library Association Midwinter 2019 THRIVE Reception in Seattle
• Opportunities to promote your work to Wisconsin public library staff and patrons
• A Library Journal Digital Review
• An invitation to speak at the Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference in October

One runner-up of this contest will receive:

• A Library Journal Digital Review
• An invitation to speak at the Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference in October

Recent data from 2016 showed that 20% of the book market is composed of indie authors. The creation of the Wisconsin Author Project gives librarians not only a chance to engage with this growing group of authors but also an opportunity to be active stewards for new works.

For self-published authors, the contest is a chance to elevate their careers and business. 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 self-published books. Winning authors will reach hundreds if not thousands of new readers via the library, and can also leverage being an award-winning author for additional marketing opportunities.

“We have always been very proud of our local author collection at the library.  This new opportunity for local writers to get their work before the public is very exciting and we are pleased to be a part of fostering that,” says Library Director Stacey Lunsford

Each book that is submitted to the contest must be:

• Self-published
• In the genre of Young Adult Fiction or Adult Fiction
• Written by a Wisconsin resident
• Available in either PDF or ePUB format

Authors can submit at indieauthorproject.librariesshare.com/wisconsin. Submissions are open until June 30th. A panel of Wisconsin librarians will judge the submissions.