Recently, our very own Tabitha Lord was recipient of the grand prize at the Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards for her novel Horizon! We’re so very proud of her and her achievements, and incredibly excited to see what comes next in her writing future.
To commemorate the occasion, we asked Tabitha a few questions about the award, her future writing, and her advice to other authors in the self-publishing field.
- What prompted you to enter this particular contest?
The very first writer’s conference I ever attended was Writer’s Digest in NYC. I learned so much, and I met wonderful, supportive people there. In the following years, I found that WD offered good quality workshops and a useful, broad online community. And of course, they ran contests! I’d had some success with Horizon, my debut novel, already. It was named finalist in the Next Generation Indie Awards and the Indie Excellence Awards, so I thought it couldn’t hurt to enter WD. I definitely thought it was a long shot!
- What was your first reaction when you realized you’d won?
I kept reading the email over and over again, thinking, “Do they really mean me?” Well, they sent the communication to my email address, with my name and book title in the subject line, so I guess they did! Seriously though, I pinched myself for days.
- How are you hoping this award will help get the word out about your book?
Along with the cash prize, the award also includes guaranteed reviews in several publications, and hours of free consulting advice. I’m in the process of creating a six-month strategic marketing plan, both to promote Horizon and in preparation to release the sequel. I definitely want to incorporate the publicity and buzz from the award into that plan.
Do you have any immediate plans for what your next writing project will be?
The next several months are already full! Right now, I’m finishing Horizon’s sequel and getting it ready to send to the editor. I’m also finishing up a non-fiction collection for a pediatric cancer awareness campaign titled Project 3.8. In the New Year, I’d like to work on a short story that’s been rattling around in my brain. I also have the outline for an urban fantasy story, which may lend itself to a graphic novel interpretation. I’ve met an artist who’d like to collaborate with me on the project, so it’s a real possibility. All exciting things . . .
- What is one piece of advice you’d be willing to give another author who is dealing with rejection?
Rejection is part of life for any artist in any field. Be bold enough to send your work into the world. Be humble enough to receive constructive criticism. And most of all, keep writing.
