not for the financial gain of the winner. That's why we've thrown so much into marketing the winning book. Unfortunately, as well, the amount of interest in IndyLit's award programs fluctuate from year to year and since we do not seek financial profits for our awards, we can never be quite sure how much we can offer our winner. We hope entrants will bear this in mind and focus more on the chance for recognition.
Why doesn't IndyLit recognize poetry, nonfiction, or e-books?
We are currently not able to recognize these genres due to time constraints and the number of awards already in place. IndyLit does plan to launch an awards program for independently published poetry in the first part of 2003. There are no plans for nonfiction or e-books at this time.
Why aren't there two awards, one for self-published authors and one for independent presses?
Because we believe independent literature is found in both camps and in order to recognize the truly finest work of independent literature, we must consider both options.
How large does editing, images, design, and other factors play in the winning entry?
IndyLit does not focus on the way the book is presented, whether it be hardbound, softbound, stapled, etc. or has a clever marketing scheme. Rather, we're more concerned with the literary merit and writing quality. Editing does play a role, however IndyLit does make allowances concerning this, and will not negatively judge a book due to a few typos, etc.
Why do entries have to have an ISBN?
Its unfortunate but in order to promote the winning book, readers must be able to purchase it and IndyLit needs to
Frequently Asked Questions
IndyLit is dedicated to promoting independent literature. One of the best ways to draw attention and assist authors is to host an award. Furthermore, authors deserve recognition for their work.
There are already several awards for the major publishing houses and mainstream authors. When IndyLit began the award program, there were no awards for independently published books. We recognized that independent presses and self-published authors were greatly ignored by these award programs. We believe that is an oversight on their part.
Why doesn't IndyLit have a second and third place award, or honorable mentions?
In order to do a work justice, we decided it was better to focus on one outstanding entry rather than divide up our time and energy to several winners. Every year, though, it is extremely difficult to determine one winner and IndyLit may, at any time, choose to include honorable mentions. We determine this based on each year's entries.
Why isn't there a set monetary prize for the Ulysses Award?
Although we believe writers should be paid for their work, this is not IndyLit's primary goal. Rather we seek to promote independent literature and the award is designed for this purpose,
Every month of the competition our readers are required to send to IndyLit a list of books they've received. We match these up with entrants' emailed entry forms. As a reader reviews an entry, he or she must fill out a "Ulysses Award Review Form" which they use to rate a title for final recommendation to the board. Readers must submit four review forms a month and have review forms for all books they've received in to IndyLit. In this way, we assure all books are given the same chance.
Can I become a reader for IndyLit?
We are currently not accepting resumes for readers.
What happens after my book is sent to the reader?
He or she receives it, reads it and fills out a review form. Each reader determines for themself which books they will recommend to the final judges. Readers are allowed to recommend a minimum of two books (however, if they are a primary reader, they may recommend several more). The recommended titles are sent to IndyLit's four-member board, who read all recommended titles and make the final judgement.
Is there any advice you can give me to help me win?
Yes, write a great novel. Also, we believe in karma, so pick up copies of our previous winners.
be able to utilize pre-existing information about the book. Without an ISBN it would extremely difficult for IndyLit to achieve the promotional goals it hopes to attain through the award.
Why do I send my entry and reading fee to a reader?
IndyLit's readers are the nuts and bolts of our entire operation. IndyLit does not seek to make financial profits off of its award program or other events. Our goal is quite different. However, we do need a lot of assistance in order to reach our goals. So, the reading fee required works as both a reward to our readers for their continued assistance and in order to offer our winner a monetary prize. Our network of readers are all long-term volunteers who've proven their dedication to IndyLit. A percentage of the entry fees are put aside for the winner of the award.
How many readers are there?
IndyLit currently has twenty-four readers in sixteen states. These readers range from editors of small press magazines to housewives and executives. What they all have in common is a history with IndyLit and a dedication to seeing independent literature receive the recognition it deserves.
How many entries does a reader have to read?
It depends on the reader and the number of submissions we receive. Some of our readers will read many more entries than others. We've worked with our readers to gauge their ability to read titles and give them the attention they deserve.