My First... Awards Nominations and Results
How to choose which award to submit your novel to?
My selection is based on a thorough exploration of the available awards and reviews thereof.
Selection criteria: Most bang for my buck.
THE CANADIAN SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY ASSOCIATION AURORA PRIX AWARD
I'm Canadian. It's important to me to find local recognition for my work, even though the subject matter is universal. Entering this award is more of a popularity test, dependent on how connected I am with the CSFFA member community. Unfortunately, this being limited, I will be dependent on the kindness of my lurkers and followers on social media to carry me forward. To be nominated is to introduce my book to a larger body of serious fantasy readers.
Since consideration is determined through nominations, you can game the system, but being selected for this award does carry weight. The final vote will be more robust, considered by members of the CSFFA, and will be an indicator of whether the book holds merit.
https://csffa.ca to nominate or cast your vote.
THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
“A smartly plotted, ‘myths and legend’ adventure for young adults.” Wishing Shelf Book Awards, 3/5 Stars
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards are based in the UK. They are, for the most part, as I understand, a not-for-profit. More importantly, they get the book in front of real, live readers. That means for a YA Fantasy, my book was given to 15 IRL teenagers, and their feedback was collected. More importantly, what I like most about this award is that it provides me with the feedback collected. They also give the authors the option to publish the results. I chose to have them publish their results despite the 3-star review.
IMHO, any feedback/review is good feedback/review.
SPECIFIC FEEDBACK FROM 15 READERS
- 9 would read another book by this author.
- 6 thought the cover was good or excellent.
OVERALL STATS FROM 15 READERS
Editing: 7/10 | Writing Style: 6/10 | Content: 6/10 | Cover: 2/5
15 felt it was easy to follow.
9 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
10 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
9 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
READER'S COMMENTS
“I think this will be the first book of a set. I enjoyed it. It’s got a ‘mythical’ feel to it. I didn’t like the cover much as it looks sort of boring. But I liked the story.” Boy,
aged 13
“Isha is the best character as he develops the most in the story. If you enjoy adventure books, I think you’ll probably like this.” Girl, aged 13
“It’s not a very long novel, but that’s okay. I liked the writing style. The beginning is slow, but the second half is better. If you enjoy myths and legends in school, this
book is for you.” Girl, aged 15
“Liked the plot. That was the best part.” Boy, aged 14
“This is what I’d call a good fantasy story. But it’ not a wow book. You know when you read a book that’s so original, it’s amazing – like Harry Potter or THGs. This book isn’t so original. It’s a myths and legends novel which is okay, but I couldn’t relate to the character like, say, Katniss Everdeen. It lacks a character YA can root for and relate to.” Girl, aged 15
“I felt the title was a bit off putting; it didn’t pull me in. The writing style is good though. Will they defeat the king? There was good suspense. I’d read the second book. I’ll try and get hold of a copy and see what happens next.” Boy, aged 15
The Pawn of Samsara Duology
Inspired by the origin story of the Hindu god Narasimha.
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