Reflections on the Writer’s Digest Judge Review

There is a specific kind of nervous energy that comes with hitting "submit" when entering an application into a major book award. I poured my heart into the story, stayed up late researching, and then I sent it off to be judged by professionals. The results for the Writer’s Digest Self-Published eBook Awards recently landed in my inbox. While Beautiful Wilderness didn’t take home the top prize or even an honorable mention, I’m walking away feeling incredibly encouraged.

As an indie author, it’s easy to get caught up in the "win or lose" mentality, especially when I get hit with negative reviews that just feel degrading. But the real value of prestigious competitions like Writer’s Digest isn't just the potential for a gold sticker on the cover—it’s the professional feedback. Beautiful Wilderness was a true labor of love. I spent countless hours digging through historical archives to ensure the setting felt authentic, and seeing that effort recognized in the judges' praise was a huge win for me.

The judges didn't just offer compliments; they provided thoughtful, constructive criticism. Jane was a bit much for the judges and they said they would've liked more time devoted to her background. In the moment, it can be a bit of a sting, but as I sat with their notes, I realized how much they will benefit my writing going forward.

I want to send a huge congratulations to the winners! There is so much incredible talent in the self-publishing world, and I’m honored to be in such good company. As for me? I’m taking these lessons back to the keyboard. The research for Book Two is already well underway, and I’m more motivated than ever to bring this next story to life. Thank you to all my readers for being part of this journey with me. Your support means more than any award ever could.