Many authors dream of becoming award-winning authors, but are book awards really worth pursuing?

In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer sits down with Carol Abrahamson, founder of Book Award Mastery and former McGraw-Hill executive, to discuss how book awards can help authors build credibility, increase visibility, and create new opportunities long after publication. Carol shares insider insights from decades of experience helping authors navigate the world of book awards, avoid scams, and develop a strategy that supports their long-term goals.

In this episode:

• Are book awards worth the investment?

• How awards support book marketing

• Common myths about book awards

• How to identify legitimate award programs

• Why some authors win more awards than others

• Using awards to build authority and credibility

• The connection between intuition and business decisions

Connect with Carol Abrahamson

Book Award Mastery:
https://bookawardmastery.com/contact/finish

22 Free & Nearly Free Ways to Promote Your Award-Winning Book:
https://bookawardmastery.com/22-ways-award/finish

Watch the Full Episode

https://geni.us/fdb-carol-abrahamson

Reflection Moment

What would change if you stopped thinking of your book as a product. and started thinking of it as a platform?

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
• Writing and revision tips
• Publishing and self-publishing guidance
• Book marketing and platform-building
• Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/