I came back from my hols this weekend to the very welcome news that Song of the Sea God has won an award. It’s been named Best Literary Fiction novel in the eFestival of Words Book Awards. You can see the full list of winners and a natty little video if you click here.
I’m particularly pleased because, for these awards, the nominations are made by my fellow writers and by publishers, and the winners are chosen by the readers in a public vote. So, in the same way as the reviews Sea God has received on Amazon and Goodreads, this is an accolade from the only people whose opinions really count – those who have read the book.
A huge thanks to those who nominated my book for the awards and those whose votes helped it to win!
Having an award of this sort doesn’t change much for me of course – it’s not like winning the Man Booker prize where the winner gets their mouth stuffed with gold, but those sorts of award only ever seem to go to authors signed with the small cabal of giant publishing corporations anyway. I get a little badge to stick on my blog and the knowledge of a job well done.
I’m pleased for the book, if that doesn’t seem an odd way of putting it. Song of the Sea God is a decent effort I think – people get wrapped up in it, it stays with them after they have read it and they often have views to share on it which add to the book and nourish it. I’m pleased that its success has been acknowledged in this formal way. Before it was published it was short-listed for a couple of awards – the Daily Telegraph’s Novel in a Year award and the Yeovil Literature Prize for best novel, but this is the first time it has actually won anything. It’s done ok for a book published by a small press without the industry clout and marketing budget of the big boys.
It also feels like a fitting tribute for Sea God as I move on to final edits for my publishers on my new book, The Pick-Up Artist, which they plan to release in February next year. It’s a very different kind of book but, if it shares one thing with Sea God then I hope that will be the warm and generous reception it receives from readers.
If you get a moment to take a look at the (ahem) award-winning Song of the Sea God.
You can look inside to read the first few pages free and download a free Kindle sample for UK readers here. And for readers in the USA here.
songoftheseagod 
Congratulations — on both the book itself as well as the award it earned! Both are major accomplishments, and you should be very proud. 🙂
Thank you, that’s very kind of you – it is very satisfying when something you have put a lot of work into is acknowledged as being worthwhile.
so pleased for you Chris, glad to see that good books do get recognised as such. Well done…
Thank you very much! It’s very easy to feel nobody is noticing what you do in this business – I’m sure most authors know that feeling well, so a little pat on the back goes a long way.
Reblogged this on Anita & Jaye Dawes and commented:
brilliant news about a brilliant book!
Congratulations. I always think that it must mean so much more to win awards that are voted for by readers.
I’m not fussy I’ll take any kind! 😉 but you are right of course – it does mean a lot that it’s readers who have taken the trouble to say they like it.
Hell yes it won an award, and high time! A decent effort? Chris, you have a gift for understatement. The only problem I have with Song of the Sea God is that it wasn’t written by me! Cause it’s just the sort of intriguing, badass, can’t-look-away word fest that I wish I could point to knowingly and say, “Yes, it is splendid, isn’t it!”
Congratulations, Chris–happy to see such good work recognized. Best, L.R.
Thanks L.R – you are too kind. It’s been great getting such warm responses to the book, especially from fellow writers!
Well done and congratulations Chris. A well deserved award for a very well written book. Looking forward to reading your new one in February 2015, The Pick-Up Artist!
Thank you, very kind – I will have to get working on the edits for the next one to make sure it does come out when the publisher says it will! 😉
Congratulations, Chris!! A truly well-deserved win!! Well done!
You won too Val, you’re too modest 😉