A competition should always be a level playing field. Each entrant should have an equal chance to succeed, follow the same rules as everyone else, be treated fairly. Otherise, it’s not a competition, it’s pretending to be. Sadly, in the book world, it isn’t always so fair where prizes and awards are concerned. Because some books don’t have an equal chance of being entered into certain competitions in the first place. The rules may be equal once you’re in, your book may be judged on its merit once you’re in, you may have a chance once you’re in. But you can’t get in. Here’s why.
The brilliant indie publisher of my memoir, Eighteen Seconds, considered entering it in a certain non-fiction prize. Obviously, I was excited. Then they saw the T&Cs. At various stages of the comeptition, large amounts of money are required form the publisher for ‘promotional activity’. And they simply don’t have it. I understand that prizes have to find money from somewhere for funding and costs, that these things can’t be operated without such donations, but this immediately alienates small/indie publishers who don’t have a vast budget. And that means that only certain books stand a chance. Even with bigger publishers who can fund such competitions, they will have to choose a ‘sure winner’ as the book they find they money for – and ‘sure winners’ are often very big names.
I don’t want special treatment. I don’t think my book deserves to shortlist, longlist or win over any others. But this experience made me think of the many books published by smaller presses that deserve a chance to be considered in the first instance. I’ve read some breathtakingly beautiful books from indies. Many of my favourites on my bookshelves were released by such publishers. And as I’ve savoured those literary delights, I’ve wondered why I’m not seeing them on competiton longlists and shortlists. Sadly, it’s probably because they were published by a team who can’t afford to fund this.
Bearing in mine that book prizes can’t run without funding, I wonder if there’s another way. One that offers a more level playing field. One that means anyone and everyone can enter if the book meets the criteria. I know that such fees happen with so many – not all but many – bookish accolades. Some well-known book club picks by certain celebrities come at a large cost. As do certain chart placings in a certain bookstore. I’m sure that once entered, books in these competitons are judged on merit, by a panel who loves selecting a wonderful winner. And I know that some of my other favourite books over the years have been those winners. Big prizes can make or break a novel. I love that these teams take the time to acknowledge literature in the way they do. But how about a way to include those who can’t afford this acknowledgment?
Louise Beech/Louise Swanson 