Book awards are not only a wonderful honor for an author (and publisher!), but for self-published and traditionally published books alike, they can also can stir up media attention, tap into new audiences, support promotional efforts, and boost sales. Below, we’ve compiled a list of fantastic book awards that authors and publishers should know about (and can submit to!) — but first let’s talk data.
Do book awards have actionable impacts? Yes! Including accolades in book promotions can increase engagement. BookBub’s A/B test results have shown that including accolades boosts the click-through rate of Featured Deal blurbs. Readers respond well to mentions of an author’s accolades, including awards the author has won. Blurbs that named prestigious, genre-specific awards boosted CTRs by up to 25%, with an average increase of 5%. Note that these results are specific to BookBub’s users, but it’s worth A/B testing this language in your own promotions.
Here’s one example (while this is from a 2016 A/B test, we’ve seen award mentions consistently boost performance over the years!):
Because readers find award-winners enticing, garnering accolades and book awards can also help boost your chances of getting selected for a BookBub Featured Deal.
Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… it’s time for the book awards! Note that this isn’t a completely comprehensive list, and you should research to find the best-fit awards for your book, but we hope this gets your research off to a good start. You can jump to a specific section here:
- Awards for self-published books
- Awards for unpublished manuscripts
- Awards for traditionally published books
- Genre-specific awards
Awards for Self-Published Books
1. The IndieReaders Discovery Award
Now in their 10th year, The IndieReaders Discovery Awards — sponsored by Smith Publicity, FeatherLight, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret Literary Management, and KDP — feature multiple awards such as “Best First Book,” “Best Book per Genre,” and overall “Best Fiction & Nonfiction.” The panel of judges recommend the top winners of the IndieReaders Discovery Awards to Dystel, Goderich & Bourret for representation, and the winners also receive various prizes based on category won.
- Who can win? Self-published authors, independent publishers, or university publishers, in either ebook or paper book format.
- When can you submit? Annually; this year’s timeframe is April 26, 2019 to February 28, 2020.
- Entry fee: $149 per title, and an additional $50 per category submitted to.
- A few previous winners:
2. The Independent Publisher Book Awards
Sponsored by Independent Publisher since 1996, the “IPPY” Awards have described themselves as a “broad-based, unaffiliated awards program open to all members of the independent publishing industry.” They award gold, silver, and bronze medals to winners in over 100 categories, and feature them in an estimated 50 articles and press releases.
- Who can win? Self-published authors, independent publishers, university publishers.
- When can you submit? Annually; in 2019 the submission dates are between August 2019 and February 22, 2020.
- Entry fee: $75 to $95 based on time of submission.
- A few previous winners:
3. The Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award
With 56 categories to submit to, the Foreword INDIES Awards offer a chance for some serious recognition — and prizes! The top two winners each receive a $1,500 cash prize, and are promoted with the other finalists through press releases, articles, and social media to Foreword’s list of over 10,000 industry connections. Foreword Reviews sponsors these awards.
- Who can apply? Self-published authors, independent publishers, university presses.
- When can you submit? Annually; the deadline this year is January 31, 2020.
- Entry fee: $99 for first category, $79 for subsequent categories.
- A few previous winners:
4. The Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Drawing from 70 categories, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards offer $1,500 to their two top winners, as well as smaller cash prizes and a trophy for finalists in all categories. In addition, New York literary agent Marilyn Allen of Allen O’Shea Literary Agency will consider the top 70 books for publication. Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group sponsors these awards.
- Who can win? Self-published authors, independent publishers, university presses.
- When can you submit? Annually; the deadline this year is February 14, 2020.
- Entry fee: $75 for first category, $60 for subsequent categories.
- A few previous winners:
5. The Best Indie Book Award
The “BIBA” is a self-sponsored international award annually honoring exceptional works of fiction and nonfiction, split in genres, as well as awards for best illustration and best book cover design! Winners receive a beautiful glass trophy and the promotion of their winning book across newsletters, social media, and press releases.
- Who can win? Self-published authors, independent publishers, university presses.
- When can you submit? Annually; submissions open in January and close mid-October each year.
- Entry fee: $50 fee per book.
- A few previous winners:
6. The National Indie Excellence Awards
Sponsored by Smarketing LLC, the National Indie Excellence Awards recognize books that “demonstrate overall excellence through a synergy of form and content” in their respective genre categories. Now in their 14th year of awards, these awards offer winners national media promotion and coverage.
- Who can win? Small presses, mid-size independent publishers, university presses, and self-published authors. Note: Only print books may be entered, not ebooks.
- When can you submit? Annually; this year’s submission timeframe is from August 31, 2019 to March 31, 2020.
- Entry fee: $75 per category.
- A few previous winners:
7. Eric Hoffer Book Award
The Eric Hoffer Book Award has honored independent books for nearly two decades in memory of its namesake, with permission from the Eric Hoffer Estate. It offers a grand prize of $2,500 to one recipient each year, as well as prizes for press distinction, category-based honors, and other specialized awards.
- Who can win? Self-published authors, academic presses, small/micro presses.
- When can you submit? Annually; the deadline this year is January 21, 2020.
- Entry fee: $60.
- A few previous winners:
8. Writer’s Digest Self-Published Ebook Award
This annual award from Writer’s Digest honors one grand prize winner (across genres) with $5,000 in cash, a featured interview in their magazine, and a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference! Winning first prize in each category isn’t a shabby prize either — $1,000 in cash and a press announcement.
- Who can win? Self-published authors of ebooks and authors who publish with a small press that publishes fewer than 12 books a year. Note: Ebooks must be between 40,000 and 100,000 words.
- When can you submit? Annually; generally between April 1 and late May.
- Entry fee: Between $99 and $125 depending on time of submission; additional cost per category submitted to.
- A few previous winners:
9. Rubery Book Prize
The Rubery Book Prize is an international book award organization offering one grand “Book of the Year” prize, which includes a £1500 cash prize as well as publishing consideration from a top London literary agency. Smaller prizes are also awarded for finalists.
- Who can win? Self-published authors and independent presses
- When can you submit? Annually; this year’s deadline is March 31, 2020.
- Entry fee: £37 / $60.
- A few previous winners:
Awards for Unpublished Manuscripts
10. Autumn House Prize for Fiction
The Autumn House Prize for Fiction is unique in the sense that it honors books that haven’t been published yet. If you’re sitting on a manuscript between 200-300 pages, consider submitting it to this annual prize. Autumn House offers the grand prize winner a book contract for publication with a $2,500 advance, and they also consider other finalists for publication. In addition, Autumn House offers a Nonfiction Contest and a Rising Writer Contest for poetry.
- Who can win? All authors whose manuscripts are unpublished, as well as self-published authors. Note: Only fiction (and subgenres of fiction) are considered.
- When can you submit? January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
- Entry fee: $30.
- A few previous winners:
11. Nilsen Literary Prize
Like the Autumn House Prize, the Nilsen Literary Prize for a First Novel only considers unpublished manuscripts — and offers publication! Southeast Missouri State University Press offers the winner of this annual award publication and $2,000.
- Who can win? All authors whose novels are unpublished. Note: You may not submit a title that has already been self-published; the manuscript must have never been published in any form.
- When can you submit? The annual deadline is November 1st.
- Entry fee: $30.
- A few previous winners:
Awards for Traditionally Published Books
12. National Book Awards
Each year, the National Book Foundation assembles 25 esteemed judges to honor what they deem as the very best literature in America. Five finalists from each category will receive a cash prize of $1,000, and the winner from each category receives $10,000!
- Who can win? U.S. authors who have been nominated by their publishing house.
- When can you submit? March 1st to May 15th.
- Entry fee: $135.
- A few previous winners:
13. The International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award
Presented annually since 1994 to a novel achieving “high literary merit,” this award honors the winner with a cash prize of €100,000. The City Council of Dublin, Ireland sponsors this award.
- Who can win? Over 400 invited public libraries throughout the world nominate books for consideration.
- When can you submit? The call for nominations begins in February/March, and the deadline is in May.
- Entry fee: Free.
- A few previous winners:
14. The Encore Award
First presented in 1990 and now facilitated by the Royal Society of Literature, the Encore Award honors outstanding second novels. The annual winner of this UK-based award receives a prize of £10,000.
- Who can win? UK Publishers may submit books for consideration.
- When can you submit? Annually; the deadline this year is January 31, 2020.
- Entry fee: Free.
- A few previous winners:
15. Women’s Prize for Fiction
First awarded in 1996 as a reaction to the all-male 1991 Booker Prize shortlist, the Women’s Prize for Fiction annually honors exceptional books by women writers. Now sponsored by the Women’s Prize Trust, the prize is considered one of the UK’s most prestigious awards. The winner receives £30,000.
- Who can win? Women authors; publishing houses must submit books for consideration.
- When can you submit? Annually; the timeframe this year is September 2, 2019 to November 11, 2020.
- Entry fee: If longlisted, the publisher must contribute £1,000 for finalist consideration.
- A few previous winners:
16. The Booker Prize
For over 50 years, the prestigious Booker Prize has been awarded annually to an outstanding work of fiction, with the winner receiving £50,000. In 2019, Crankstart, the charitable foundation of Sir Michael Moritz and his wife, Harriet Heyman, replaced the Man Group as the supporter of this award. Being included on the longlist for this prize is a distinct honor as well, drawing international attention. See also: The International Booker Prize.
- Who can win? Any novel originally written in English and published in the UK and Ireland in the year of the prize is eligible.
- When can you submit? Annually; between December and March.
- Entry fee: The Booker Prize requests that shortlisted publishers contribute £5,000 towards publicity.
- A few previous winners:
17. PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel
Among other awards such as the Emerging Writers Prize, PEN America honors a debut novel across genres each year. The winner receives $25,000, and all honorees receive Residency Fellowships at the Ucross Foundation in Wyoming.
- Who can win? Traditionally published U.S. authors. Note: Publishers or literary agents must handle the submission process; authors may not submit their own book.
- When can you submit? Annually; next year’s submission timeframe is June 1, 2020 to August 15, 2020.
- Entry fee: $85.
- A few previous winners:
18. PEN Open Book Award
PEN America also sponsors the PEN Open Book Award, which celebrates and honors exceptional books published by authors of color. The winner receives a cash prize of $5,000!
- Who can win? Authors of color who have not received wide media coverage. Note: Publishers or literary agents must handle the submission process; authors may not submit their own book.
- When can you submit? Annually; this year’s timeframe was June 1, 2019 through August 15, 2019.
- Entry fee: $85.
- A few previous winners:
Genre-Specific Awards
19. Horror: Bram Stoker Award
The Horror Writers Association presents the Bram Stoker Award across categories such as Young Adult, First Novel, Anthology, and more for “superior achievement” in dark fantasy and horror writing. Authors and publishers may submit books, or members of the HWA may nominate books for consideration.
- Who can win? Both self-published and traditionally published authors writing in the horror genre.
- When can you submit? The final deadline is November 30 each year.
- Entry fee: Free.
- A few previous winners:
20. Science Fiction and Fantasy: The Hugo Award
Similar to the Bram Stoker Awards, the prestigious Hugo Awards are based around a system of nominations and votes from the World Science Fiction Society, and are annually awarded to works of science fiction and fantasy.
- Who can win? Self-published authors, traditionally published authors, artists, publications, editors, and more, as long as they are creating work in the science fiction or fantasy genre. Note: You cannot submit your own book; a member of the WSFS must nominate books for consideration.
- When can you submit? Nominations take place between January and March each year.
- Entry fee: Free.
- A few previous winners:
21. Science Fiction and Fantasy: Nebula Awards
The annual Nebula Awards celebrate science fiction and fantasy writing. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America nominates, votes on, and selects the winners. Winners are invited to attend the Nebula Awards Banquet, which includes panel discussions and meetings with editors and agents.
- Who can win? Both self-published and traditionally published authors writing in the science fiction or fantasy genre. Note: A member of the SFWA must nominate a book for consideration; authors, editors, publishers, or agents may not nominate their own works. Winners do not have to be members of the SFWA.
- When can you submit? The nomination period is November 15 to February 15 each year.
- Entry fee: Free.
- A few previous winners:
22. LGBT: Lambda Literary Awards
For over three decades, the “Lammys” have celebrated LGBT publishing, honoring books based on “literary merit and content relevant to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer lives.” Lambda Literary has sponsored these annual awards since 1997.
- Who can win? Self-published authors and traditionally published authors. Note: Only books in print format may be considered.
- When can you submit? Annually; between September 5 and November 15 in 2019.
- Entry fee: $55.
- A few previous winners:
23. Children’s: Newbery Medal
Operating since 1922, the Newbery Medal is the oldest continuing award for distinguished children’s books in the world. The American Library Association awards the medal in January of each year.
- Who can win? Any US author (self-published or traditionally published) whose book is intended for children up to age 14.
- When can you submit? The deadline each year is December 31.
- Entry fee: Free.
- A few previous winners:
24. Christian Fiction: The Christy Awards
Named for Catherine Marshall’s bestselling novel, Christy, the Christy Awards have honored excellence in fiction written from a Christian worldview since 1991. The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association presents these awards annually, selecting a winner from each of their nine categories.
- Who can win? Traditionally published authors, and self-published authors if they meet certain requirements.
- When can you submit? Annually; next year’s submission period is March 1 to March 31, 2020.
- Entry fee: $175.
- A few previous winners:
25. Political Writing: Orwell Prize
The Orwell Foundation presents this annual award, named after the acclaimed author of 1984, George Orwell, to honor exceptional fictional and non-fictional works that “make political writing into an art.” Only in its second year, this prize awards £3,000 to its winners.
- Who can win? Books must be submitted by their publishing house, and the book must have been first published, or published simultaneously, in the UK.
- When can you submit? Annually; the 2019 deadline is October 31.
- Entry fee: The Orwell Prize asks shortlisted publishers to contribute £150.
- Previous winners:
26. Mystery: Edgar Awards
The Mystery Writers of America present the Edgar Awards annually to celebrate mystery books. Named in honor of Edgar Allen Poe, the Edgar Awards have multiple subgenres such as short stories, young adult, true crime, and more. They are largely regarded to be the most prestigious award in the genre!
- Who can win? Authors writing in the mystery/thriller genre who meet the Active Status membership requirements.
- When can you submit? These awards operate on a tiered submission schedule based on the date of publication throughout the year. See the schedule here.
- Entry fee: Free.
- A few previous winners:
27. Crime Writing: The Daggers
Aptly named for their genre, The Daggers are annual awards given for excellence in crime fiction and nonfiction by the Crime Writers’ Association. Authors, agents, editors, and other members of the literary community attend the awards gala each year.
- Who can win? Publishing houses must submit books for consideration.
- When can you submit? The final deadline is November 30th each year.
- Entry fee: Free.
- A few previous winners:
28. Romance: RITA Awards
With 13 subcategories, the RITA Awards are a coveted honor for romance novels and novellas. The Romance Writers of America facilitate these annual awards. Tip: They only accept 1,200 paid submissions, so apply as soon as the submission date opens!
- Who can win? Self-published and traditionally published authors writing in the romance genre. Note: RWA members’ submissions get priority; Authors can become members of the RWA for a $99 annual fee.
- When can you submit? Annually; this year’s submission timeframe is December 3 to January 3, 2020.
- Entry fee: $50 for the first entry.
- A few previous winners:
29. Young Adult: The Michael L. Printz Award
The Young Adult Library Services Association presents the Printz Award annually, honoring “the best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit.” The award is named in honor of a school librarian and active member of the YALSA. Booklist, a publication of the ALA, sponsors this award.
- Who can win? Authors of YA literature. Note: Authors, publishers, editors, and agents may not nominate their own titles (time to ask your friends for a helping hand!).
- When can you submit? Submissions may be sent throughout the year with a deadline of December 1. Winners are selected in January.
- Entry fee: Free.
- A few previous winners:
30. Young Adult Debut: The Morris Award
Also presented by the Young Adult Library Services Association and first awarded in 2009, the Morris Award honors a debut book written for young adults (aged 12 to 18) and celebrates new authors writing in the genre.
- Who can win? First-time authors of YA literature. Note: Authors, publishers, editors, and agents may not nominate their own titles (time to ask your friends for a helping hand!).
- When can you submit? Submissions may be sent throughout the year, and winners are selected and announced each December.
- Entry fee: Free.
- A few previous winners:
Want to share this post? Here are ready-made tweets:
Click to tweet: Whether you’re traditionally published or self-published, a romance or horror writer, there’s a book award for you! Check out this list: http://bit.ly/2qzzfcG
Click to tweet: Authors, have you submitted your book for any book awards? See which awards you qualify for! http://bit.ly/2qzzfcG
