The 2026 program
One entry. A year of possibility.
How it works
Built to reward the work, not the route it took.
Submit once
Send your book by mail or provide a PDF before the September 10, 2026 deadline. The entry fee is $46 per book, per category.
Get more chances
Every annual entry is automatically considered for the seasonal awards at no additional charge.
Meet the panel
Authors, librarians, and literature lovers assess each work across five clear criteria.
Carry it forward
Major winners receive a certificate, digital seals, and national press-release coverage.
The judging lens
Five ways a book earns its place.
The panel looks at the complete reader experience—from the first glance at the cover to the last page.
Cover design
A compelling visual first impression with clear genre signals and confident typography.
Literary and artistic merit
Writing quality, editing, illustration, and the care visible in the finished work.
Originality
A distinctive idea and an execution that brings something fresh to its genre.
Marketing effort
How discoverable, accessible, and thoughtfully presented the book is to its audience.
Audience appeal
The book's power to engage the readers it was made for.
Make the next chapter count