Tag: book publicity

  • The 2025 Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards are Live! Enter the CIBAs Today!

    The 2025 CIBAs are in full swing!

    Your book deserves to be discovered!

    First off, congratulations again to all the winners of the 2024 CIBAs! Those who entered received regular promotion throughout the year as they advanced from the Long List all the way through the Tiers of Achievement to become First Place Category Winners, Division Grand Prize Winners, and, of course, the honor only afforded one author, our Overall Grand Prize Winner Reenita Malhotra Hora, who took home the $1,000 cash grand prize!

    In addition to the promotion on our high traffic website, social media, and newsletter blasts, all winners will be receiving the coveted Chanticleer Blue Ribbon. Division Grand Prize winners receive, on top of all this, a Chanticleer Editorial Review and an opportunity to participate in a Chanticleer interview. The Grand Prize Winners will have their books featured year-round on their division awards page, and they will be featured for the next five years in their respective Hall of Fame posts. Congratulations again to all winners and all who participated in the 2024 CIBAs!

    Who will be the next winners in the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards?

    You know you want it…

    Does your book have what it takes? Join the authors who have taken the leap to have their work professionally vetted by one of the industry’s most respected awards programs. Each stage of the CIBA journey—from entering the Award to finding your eventual tier of achievement—is worth crowing about and celebrating with your following.

    Whether you’re an established author with a dedicated readership or a writer with a manuscript hoping to improve your chances of catching the right publisher’s eye, the CIBAs are well-worth the effort! Our multi-tiered advancement system ensures that every qualified entry receives multiple opportunities for recognition and promotion throughout the year.

    The CIBA Difference: Real Impact on Author Success

    What sets the Chanticleer International Book Awards apart is our commitment to creating genuine, lasting promotional opportunities for authors. When we say we help increase your digital footprint, we mean it!

    Authors who have participated in our awards program consistently report:

    • Increased visibility on retail platforms
    • Higher conversion rates when potential readers discover their CIBA achievement
    • Enhanced credibility with readers, reviewers, and industry professionals
    • Valuable connections within the Chanticleer community of authors
    • Improved confidence in their writing career

    More Than Just Book Awards

    At Chanticleer, we understand that every author’s journey is unique. That’s why we go beyond the standard awards process to provide personalized attention and support. Our dedication to authors includes:

    • Individual consideration of each submission, with options to move books to more appropriate divisions when it could improve your chances of winning
    • Free judging notes by request for finalists and above, providing valuable feedback directly from our expert readers
    • Open communication throughout the process, ensuring you’re never left wondering about your book’s status
    • Certificates upon request to celebrate your achievement
    • Generous deadline flexibility when authors need a little extra time

    This commitment to personal attention is what truly distinguishes the CIBAs from other book awards. We don’t just evaluate your book—we champion its success.

    An endless sea of blue ribbons to hand out

    As Levar Burton says, you don’t have to take our word for it:

    Thank you for this exciting news! I really appreciate all the hard work you and your team put into the awards! – D.V. Chernov, author of Commissar: A Novel of Civil War Russia

    A Gold Ribbon dividing this section from the next

    I am so excited and honored to be included as a finalist with this amazing group of authors. Thank you Chanticleer Book Reviews & Media! – Tracy Cram Perkins, I&I 1st Place Winner of Dementia Home Care

    A Gold Ribbon dividing this section from the next

    To Everyone at Chanticleer,

    Your passion for storytelling and your dedication to those that tell them is second to none! Not even a global pandemic could stop you. Thank you for all that you do to promote and support independent authors, such as myself.

    –Ryan Young, author of The Shepherd’s Burden, a First Place Winner in Paranormal Awards

    A Gold Ribbon dividing this section from the next

    Thank you for all the hard work you put in. This is such a great contest, and the support you provide to authors is incredible. – E. E. Burke, Laramie Grand Prize Author of Tom Sawyer Returns

    Tangible Benefits That Make a Difference

    The CIBAs aren’t just about prestige—they provide concrete benefits that help authors succeed:

    • $1,000 Cash Prize for the Overall Grand Prize Winner
    • Promotional Stickers that catch readers’ eyes and boost sales at book events
    • Digital Badges for your website, social media, and marketing materials
    • Blue Ribbon Packages to display proudly
    • Editorial Reviews and Featured Interviews for Division Grand Prize Winners
    • Five Years of Promotion in our Hall of Fame for Grand Prize Winners

    These tangible benefits translate directly into increased visibility, credibility, and sales opportunities for authors at every level of recognition.

    2025 CIBA Calendar: Key Dates to Remember

    Calendar, red, black

    Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in these prestigious awards! Here’s the complete calendar of upcoming CIBA deadlines for 2025:

    You can see the full list of CIBAs here as well

    Division Submission Deadline
    Cygnus Awards for Science Fiction June 30, 2025
    Ozma Awards for Fantasy Fiction June 30, 2025
    Shelley Awards for Paranormal Fiction June 30, 2025
    Global Thriller Awards for High Stakes Suspense July 31, 2025
    Clue Awards for Thriller/Suspense July 31, 2025
    M&M Awards for Cozy and Not-so-Cozy Mysteries July 31, 2025
    Book Series Awards for Fiction & Non-Fiction July 31, 2025
    SEA Shorts Awards for Short Stories, Essays, and Novellas  July 31, 2025
    NEW: Collection and Anthology Awards July 31, 2025
    CCDA: Chanticleer Cover Design Awards for Fiction July 31, 2025
    CCDA: Chanticleer Cover Design Awards for Non-Fiction July 31, 2025
    Laramie Awards for Americana Fiction August 31, 2025
    Chaucer Awards for Early Historical Fiction August 31, 2025
    Goethe Awards for Late Historical Fiction August 31, 2025
    Hemingway Awards for 20th c. Wartime Fiction August 31, 2025
    Nellie Bly Awards for Longform Journalistic Non-Fiction August 31, 2025
    Journey Awards for Overcoming Adversity in Non-Fiction August 31, 2025
    Hearten Awards for Uplifting & Inspiring Non-Fiction August 31, 2025
    Military & Front Line Awards for Service to Others Non-Fiction August 31, 2025
    Dante Rossetti Awards for Young Adult Fiction September 30, 2025
    Gertrude Warner Awards for Middle Grade Fiction September 30, 2025
    Little Peeps Awards for Early Readers September 30, 2025
    I&I Awards for How-To and Self Help Non-Fiction September 30, 2025
    Harvey Chute Awards for Business & Finance September 30, 2025
    Mind & Spirit Awards for Well-Being and Enlightenment September 30, 2025
    Chatelaine Awards for Romance and Women’s Fiction October 31, 2025
    Humor & Satire Awards October 31, 2025
    Somerset Awards for Literary & Contemporary Fiction October 31, 2025

    Keep in mind that these deadlines can be flexible. If enough authors reach out for an extension, we are happy to move them or make an exception. Please reach out to info@ChantiReviews.com with any questions related to deadlines or submission guidelines.

    We love our CIBA badges!

    With 28 divisions, there’s something for everyone!

    The CIBAs are a labor of love carefully organized for maximum breadth while staying focused and competitive. Our judges come from all around the world, hold degrees in higher education, have worked in the publishing industry for years, and love great books.

    What truly sets the CIBAs apart is our commitment to authors at every stage. Unlike many other contests, we provide:

    • Multiple tiers of advancement with promotional opportunities at each level
    • Digital badges for your marketing materials
    • Professional foil stickers for your book covers
    • Personalized judging notes (by request for finalists and above)
    • A supportive community through The Roost platform
    • Year-round promotion for winners across multiple channels

    Why Choose the CIBAs?

    The 2024 CIBA Grand Prize Winners who attended CAC25! Congratulations to all!

    In an increasingly crowded book marketplace, professional vetting and third-party recognition have never been more important. The Chanticleer International Book Awards have established themselves as a trusted source for identifying excellence in independent and traditionally published books across genres.

    When readers, bookstore owners, and industry professionals see the CIBA seal on your book, they know it has been thoroughly evaluated and stands among the best in its category.

    Your book deserves to be discovered. Enter the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards today!

    Blue button that says Enter a Writing Contest

    Don’t Delay! Enter Today!

    Have questions about which division is right for your book? Contact us at info@ChantiReviews.com, and our team will be happy to help guide you to the perfect match for your work.

  • Shelf Talkers 101: Catching the Eye of New Readers

    Shelf Talkers

    The Secret That Makes Your Book Stand Out

    In the competitive world of publishing, making your book visible to potential readers is one of the most significant challenges authors face. You’ve invested countless hours crafting your story, revising your manuscript, and perfecting your cover design—but how do you ensure your book catches a reader’s eye when it’s competing with dozens of other titles on a bookstore shelf?

    Enter shelf talkers: powerful and often underutilized marketing tools that can dramatically increase your book’s discoverability and sales potential in physical retail spaces.

    What Are Shelf Talkers and Why Do You Need Them?

    Shelf talkers are small, eye-catching displays placed on or near bookshelves that provide quick, persuasive information about a specific title. These attention-grabbing prompts create a direct connection with potential readers at the critical moment of browsing.

    You’ve certainly seen them during your own bookstore visits—those small cards beneath select books featuring staff recommendations, award mentions, or compelling quotes. What you might not have realized is how significantly these modest marketing pieces influence purchasing decisions.

    A Chanticleer Shelf-talker for Susan Faw's book Seer of Souls

    The truth is, shelf talkers work because they:

    • Break through the visual noise of a crowded bookshelf, drawing eyes directly to your title
    • Provide instant credibility through third-party validation (reviews, awards, recommendations)
    • Create a personal connection between your book and potential readers
    • Trigger curiosity that leads browsers to pick up your book—the crucial first step toward a sale

    Here’s the good news: When you work with Chanticleer for an Editorial Review, we create professional shelf talkers for you as part of our service! That’s right—you don’t have to design them yourself or wonder what information to include. Our team of publishing professionals handles this essential marketing tool for you.

    shelf talkers, books, bookshelves

    The Chanticleer Mini-Marketing Kit: Your Competitive Edge

    At Chanticleer, we understand that earning a spot on bookstore shelves is just the beginning of your marketing journey. That’s why we’ve developed our comprehensive Mini-Marketing Kit as a bonus add-on to all Editorial Book Reviews that includes:

    • Professional shelf talkers featuring compelling excerpts from your Editorial Review
    • Eye-catching foil stickers to display your Chanticleer recognition directly on your book cover
    • A printed copy of your complete Editorial Review on official Chanticleer letterhead

    This ready-to-use marketing package does more than just help your book stand out—it signals to bookstore owners and managers that you’re a professional author who understands the business of bookselling. By providing these materials, you’re demonstrating that you’re invested not just in your own success, but in helping retailers succeed with your book as well.

    When approaching independent bookstores or libraries about carrying your title, including these professionally prepared marketing materials can make the difference between a polite rejection and an enthusiastic placement in their inventory.

     

    Effective Shelf Talker Strategies That Drive Sales

    The most effective shelf talkers leverage specific elements that motivate readers to pick up your book:

    Award Recognition: Shelf talkers featuring Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards finalist or winner status immediately elevate your book’s perceived value. Readers are naturally drawn to titles that have received recognition from respected literary organizations.

    Editorial Validation: A compelling quote from your Chanticleer Editorial Review provides instant credibility. When browsers see professional, thoughtful commentary about your work, it reduces the perceived risk of trying a new author.

    Genre-Specific Appeal: Our shelf talkers are crafted to highlight aspects of your book that will resonate most strongly with your target audience, whether it’s the atmospheric tension in your thriller or the authentic historical details in your period romance.

    Bookstore owners know these tactics work. That’s why prominent display areas like staff picks sections feature shelf talkers prominently. Below we have a photo of Chanticleer’s own Dena Weigel’s husband standing proudly beside his new release in the Featured Author section at Village Books. Notice how each displayed title has its very own custom shelf talkers that catch browsers’ attention and drive sales, just like a staff pick shelf!

    Author standing proudly next to the Featured Author Shelf at Village Books in Bellingham, WA

    Take Your Book Marketing to the Next Level with Chanticleer

    In today’s crowded publishing landscape, professional marketing support can make all the difference in your book’s commercial success. When you invest in a Chanticleer Editorial Review, you’re not just getting an insightful analysis of your work—you’re acquiring powerful marketing tools designed specifically to increase your book’s visibility and sales potential.

    You can read more about different reviews here, but in a nutshell our Editorial Book Reviews provide:

    • In-depth, professional assessment of your work
    • Compelling quotes perfect for book covers, websites, and promotional materials
    • SEO-optimized online presence that improves your discoverability
    • Complimentary shelf talkers and marketing materials ready for immediate use

    Did you know? From Finalists and First Place Winners can request mini-marketing kits specific to their achievement in the CIBAs as part of the recognition for their own incredible achievement. Email info@chantireviews.com to learn more!

    Don’t let your book get lost among thousands of titles competing for readers’ attention. Give it the professional marketing support it deserves with Chanticleer’s Editorial Reviews and custom shelf talkers.


    Chanticleer Editorial Services – Taking Your Writing to the Next Level

    Ready to ensure your manuscript is at its absolute best before publication? Chanticleer’s professional editing services can help polish your work and prepare it for the marketplace.

    Our team of professional editors has worked with top publishing houses including TOR, MacMillan, Thomas Mercer, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and more. They bring their expertise in the Chicago Manual of Style and years of industry experience to help your manuscript shine.

    A great place to start is with our manuscript evaluation service, which gives you a comprehensive overview of your work’s strengths and areas for improvement. This bird’s-eye view can significantly shorten the time needed for developmental and line editing, saving you both time and money.

    For more information about our editorial services, testimonials, and fees, email Kiffer or David at KBrown@ChantiReviews.com or DBeaumier@ChantiReviews.com.

    Ready to take that first step? Consider our $75 editorial consultation: https://test.chantireviews.com/services/Editorial-Services-p85337185

    Or learn more about our manuscript evaluation service here: https://test.chantireviews.com/manuscript-reviews/