Why do we charge entry fees?

We charge entry fees to pay for administering the awards, including everything from the electricity and storage space to personnel and judges' fees. We spend a few thousand dollars designing the awards medals, seals, website, etc., and another few thousand each year to put on the awards presentation event and to promote the results. Add in the postage to mail books to judges and other miscellaneous expenses, and it costs about $50K to run a good awards program.

Who does the judging?

Our judging panels include experts from the fields of editing, design, reviewing, bookselling and library. Judging is based on content, originality, design, and production quality, with emphasis on innovation and creativity.

What do the winners receive?

Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded in each category. Each medal-winning book receives a packet including the medal, a certificate, 20 foil award seals, an awards program and marketing material. The award is designed as a marketing tool, so we hope the most valuable aspect of the award is its promotional value and as a sales aid.

What do I send in my entry package?

Please send two copies of each book entered into an awards category. When entering a title into more than one category, please send two copies of the book for each category entered. Please include completed entry form and check/credit card info, or online registration receipt in the same package as the books, preferably tucked inside the front cover. You need not send any marketing kits, reviews or any other supporting material, as our judges are not allowed to see anything but the book itself.

Send an e-mail to Jim Barnes, Awards Director - Click Here