First, read this. With Amazon just announcing a new PS20,000 reward for self-published writers, more individuals than ever will be considering writing and releasing that book they've always wanted to write. And since readers vote with their wallets, those individuals will be able to use the financial incentive to publish a book that might not have been possible otherwise. The point is that rewards exist for authors who are willing to share the risk of publishing a book. Before you decide what path to take with your manuscript, consider whether there are prizes available for self-published works. The more risk an author takes on a project, the higher the potential reward can be. However, don't forget that prizes aren't the only way to gain recognition or make money. There are many other options out there for those who want to see their work published. The most common prize for self-published works is probably the Kindle Book Award. Established in 2009 by Amazon.com, this award program has two categories: novel/book series and children's picture book. Authors can submit their work between June 1 and September 30 each year, and the winners are announced in October. There are also awards given out by independent organizations that recognize excellence in specific fields.