Challenging the disastrous year in publishing, can literary awards offer a viable solution?
In a typical year, the publishing world would be abuzz with literary fairs, festivals, and awards. However, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the sector has seen a significant slowdown. One event that continues despite the pandemic is the second edition of the DeA Planeta Prize, a Spanish literary award known for launching international careers.
Over the years, the Planeta Prize has gained a reputation for nurturing Spanish literature, with authors like Clara Sánchez, Alicia Giménez Bartlett, Mario Vargas Llosa, Manuel Vázquez Montalbán, Eduardo Mendoza, Lorenzo Silva, and Javier Moro finding recognition through this prize. Notably, the award has also provided a springboard for debut authors.
The value of literary prizes in shaping an author's career and the fate of a book is noteworthy. For instance, the Pulitzer Prize, with its considerable prestige, has significantly boosted book sales in the United States. In 2002, Richard Russo's 'Empire Falls' saw a 6,500% increase in sales following a Pulitzer win. Similarly, Elizabeth Strout's 'Olive Kitteridge' experienced a surge from 1,200 to over 11,000 copies per week after its 2009 Pulitzer victory.
In France, the Goncourt Prize holds similar significance. Winners of this award, like Marguerite Duras and Jonathan Littell, have seen significant sales increases. In the United Kingdom, Julian Barnes experienced a similar boost when he won the Man Booker Prize in 2011.
The DeA Planeta Prize, with its significant financial investment of 150,000 euros, stands out in the European landscape. Its unique approach, which focuses on unpublished works and equal opportunities for both debut and established authors, adds to its appeal. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the prize's international promotional tour and translation services remain a crucial factor in entering the lucrative Anglo-Saxon market.
While specific data on the DeA Planeta Prize's impact is not available, it is reasonable to infer that, like other literary awards, it offers authors increased visibility, credibility, and potential boosts in book sales and career advancement opportunities. As the second edition of the DeA Planeta Prize kicks off, the literary world eagerly awaits to see who will be the next to benefit from this prestigious award.
The DeA Planeta Prize, with its focus on unpublished works and equal opportunities, could potentially provide a pathway for Spanish authors to enter the lucrative Anglo-Saxon market, resulting in increased book sales and career advancement. Amidst the ongoing pandemic, this literary award continues to offer authors a springboard for their literary careers, making it a significant factor in shaping the market and lifestyle of Spanish literature.
