In my many journeys around the internet, I've noticed a lack of website awards specifically for writers. When it comes to any type of recognition for new writers, I don't see much except for the occasional writing contest. Have you worked long hours or even years on your manuscript? Have you been rejected by so many agents or publishers that people are telling you that you can't call yourself a writer because your book remains unpublished? Do you have only one novel published, yet no one seems to have heard about it because of a lack of exposure? Here's your chance to get recognition for your hard work from someone who considers anyone who has ever written a short story or a novel, even if it has never been published, a writer.
     These are not free awards . . . you have to earn them. They're intended as awards for new or unpublished novelists with websites. I know I said new writers don't get enough recognition, but your website is part of the evaluation process. If people can't find the information about your writing or novel because of bad website design, they probably won't become interested enough to search for your book. That said, I'll start by telling you what websites won't win an award before moving on to what it takes to win.

. . . you do not have a personal website. Sites selling products (other than your book) or that are strictly forums, chat rooms, or link lists (or a combination of these) will not be evaluated.
. . . a password or membership is required to view or use any part of your site.
. . . any content demeans any group of people for any reason.
. . . contains excessive foul language, graphic violence (except for educational purposes), partial/full nudity (except for art), and/or gratuitous sex.
. . . McAfee site advisor shows the site as either yellow or red.
. . . any other language is used unless an English translation is provided.
. . . something needs to be downloaded in order to view or use the site.
. . . your site advocates or condones illegal activities or violence.
. . . your site supports or condones Wicca, pagan religions, homosexual lifestyles, abortion, or anything else that goes against my Christian beliefs.
. . . any page within the site is going to crash my browser.