Contests can be another great way to market, promote and bring attention to your book. Awards provide instant credibility which can influence purchasing decisions. For children’s book authors, here is a compiled list of upcoming and annual book contests either devoted to or containing categories for children’s and young adult literature. Feel free to browse the list and find contests your book will qualify for.
More than 1,000 books compete for the Golden Kite Award Each year. To qualify for the award you must be a current member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, but signing up is fairly simple.
Deadline: December 1, but n
ot prior to July 1
Fee: $95, the cost of a 1 year membership with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Picture Book Text, Picture Book Illustrations
Special Notes: Only English books are accepted and gallies are not permitted.
Not only does the winner of the Purple Dragonfly Book Award get some bragging rights, the grand prize winner receives $300, 100 foil award seals, one hour of marketing consultation and lots of other publicity perks.
Deadline: May 1, 2015
Fee: $60
Categories: This award includes 38 categories.
Special Notes: Only books published in English are considered for this award and if you’re an employee of Five Star Publications, an author affiliated with the company or a close acquaintances and relatives of any of the judges you’re not eligible.
The National Indie Excellence Award
Winners and Finalists of the NIEA get wonderful publicity for their books including: mention on the Indie Excellence official website, news release, and the option to highlight their award on their websites, book covers, book proposals, and marketing materials.
Deadline: March 31, 2015
Fee: $69 per entry/per category
Categories: Children’s Non Fiction and Fiction, Children Religious, Children Inspirational, Picture Books, YA, Animals/Pets, Parenting/Family, Juvenile Fiction and Non Fiction
Special Notes: Only English books accepted. Not accepting ebooks at this time.
Next Generation Indie Book Award
Not only do the winners of these awards get cash rewards ranging from $100-$1,500, they also receive a trophy and an invitation to attend the Gala Awards Ceremony at a world famous landmark in New York City. (Finalists included).
Deadline: February 13, 2015
Fee: $75
Categories: Children’s/Juvenile Non Fiction and Fiction, YA, Animals/Pets, Parenting/Family, Picture Books
Special Notes: Only English books will be accepted.
USA Best Book Award
Ambassador International’s children’s book Each the Same was honored with the 2013 USA Best Book Award. With this award you will get to promote your book as award winning, plus receive a ten-month book listing which includes your color book cover, a brief paragraph about your title and a hyperlink to your website (valued at $2,500.00!)
Deadline: September 30, 2014
Fee: $69
Categories: Children’s Mind/Body/Spirit, Children’s Educational, Children’s Fiction and Non-Fiction, Children’s Picture Book Fiction and Non-Fiction, Children’s Religious, Children’s Novelty and Gift Book, YA Fiction and Non-Fiction
Special Notes: Open to all books with an ISBN and published in 2014 (galley copies welcome). 2012 and 2013 titles are also eligible.
Readers Favorite 2015
Readers Favorite International host an awards ceremony in Miami every year with over 300 guests. Winners enjoy a meal and are presented with their awards with lots of media coverage present.
Deadline: June 1, 2015
Fee: $89
Categories: Children, Animals, Concept, Educational, Fable, Fantasy/Sci-Fi, General, Grade K-3rd, Grade 4th-6th, Non-Fiction, Picture/Pop Up, Preschool, Preteen. YA: Coming of Age, Fantasy, General, Horror, Mystery, Non-Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Sci-Fi
Special Notes: There is no publication date requirement for your book.
Randolph Caldecott Medal
The Caldecott is a prestigious medal awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. The 3 ounce bronze medal is engraved with the winner’s name and the date.
Deadline: December 31 of the publication year
Fee: No Entry Fee
Categories: Picture Books
Special Notes: Must be a citizen or resident of the U.S. Only English books accepted.
John Newberry Medal
A very distinguished award given annually by the Association for Library Service to Children is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
Deadline: December 31 of the publication year
Fee: No Entry Fee
Categories: YA Literature
Special Notes: Book must have been published during the preceding year, and author must be a citizen or resident of the U.S. Only English books accepted.
International Book Award Contest
Designed to promote authors and publications, the International Book Award Contest plans an extensive public relations campaign to announce the results of the contest. In addition, to releasing results on their network of social media pages and news release during the Week of Book Expo America.
Deadline: April 30, 2015
Fee: $59 through June 30, 2014 and $79 after
Categories: Children’s: Educational, Fiction, Mind/Body/Spirit, Non-Fiction, Novelty & Gift Book, Picture Book – Hardcover Fiction, Picture Book – Hardcover Non-Fiction, Picture Book – Softcover Fiction, Picture Book – Softcover Non-Fiction, Children’s Religious, YA Non-Fiction
Special Notes: Gallies are welcome. A past Press Release or Marketing Material for each title is requested. (If Available)
Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award
This special award, only given once every three years, includes a handsome plaque and a $1000 honorarium. This award honors the author who has written the “most outstanding” book of children’s poetry.
Deadline: Submission will open 5/1/2015
Fee: Details will be given once submission opens
Categories: Children’s Poetry
Special Notes: Book must be published in the previous calendar year.
This award seeks to “encourage the artistic expression of the African American experience via literature and the graphic arts, including biographical, historical and social history treatments by African American authors and illustrators.” Both the Author and Illustrator Winner recipients receive a plaque and $1,000.
Deadline: December 1, 2014
Fee: No Entry Fee
Categories: 3 Grade Categories
Special Notes: Book must “demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.” Book must have been published during the preceding year, and author must be a citizen or resident of the U.S. No gallies permitted.
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
In honor of the brilliant Dr. Seuss, beloved by so many generations, this bronze medal is awarded to the most distinguished author of an American book for beginner readers.
Deadline: December 31
Fee: No Entry Fee
Categories: Illustrated Children’s Books
Special Notes: The book must be directed at readers from pre-K through Grade 2. The book must also contain illustrations, which function as keys or clues to the text. It must have been published during the preceding year, and author must be a citizen or resident of the U.S.
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal
In addition to the huge honor of winning this award, the recipient of this bronze medal award is invited to attend the ALSC Award Presentation Program during the ALA Annual Conference and deliver an acceptance speech.
Deadline: December 31, 2014
Fee: No Entry Fee
Categories: Informational Books for Children
Special Notes: The book must have been published during the preceding year, and author must be a citizen or resident of the U.S. Only English books permitted.
Children’s and Young Adults Book Awards
Along with a cash prize and trophy, this award comes with publicity and exposure to ensure your book reaches a broader audience. The Children’s and Young Adults Book Awards will be presented and publicized at the 2015 IRA Annual Conference in St. Louis, MO, and will be published in Reading Today and Reading Today Online.
Deadline: October 31
Fee: $75
Categories: Children’s Fiction and Non Fiction
Special Notes: Submission must be author’s first or second book. Must be submitted during the year of first copyright in English.
Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production
This award given jointly by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) to honor the best audiobook in Children’s and Young Adult Literature. The award is named after the poem “The Odyssey” by Homer about Ulysses, a war hero who traveled for many years, and whose stories were told orally before being put in written form.
Deadline: October 30, 2014
Fee: No Entry Fee
Categories: Children’s Audiobooks
Special Notes: Only English audiobook are permitted.
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We started writing Declutter Now! after dating for only two months. We had each always wanted to write and publish a book, and both had started books over the years, but neither had ever completed one. It was only after God saw fit to bring us together that we were able to write, finish and publish a book. Thanks God!
