I just got an email stating that my book, THE BRAZOS FORMATION, is a semifinalist in the Royal Palm Literary Award for unpublished science fiction. It's a writing contest held by the Florida Writer's Association. I'm pretty stoked.
Well, holy shit. Not surprised, because what I've read of it is great, and you really do know the mileau you're writing in. But that's so fantastic. That's a huge step towards traditional publication. As @Tenderiser said, put THAT in your query letter! And you still might win. Fingers crossed!
Great news! I just found out I've moved to the finals. Winners are announced in October at the Florida Writers Association convention. Fingers crossed!