Question 1

Who can enter?

Accepted Answer

Eligible entrants include independent, mid-size, small, university, hybrid, association presses, as well as self-published authors. While the five major publishing houses—Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster—cannot enter their main-house titles, their imprints are welcome to submit. All major houses are invited to participate in the NYC Big Book Award, https://nycbigbookaward.com/.

Question 2

How much does it cost to enter?

Accepted Answer

$125 for the first category per book, and $75 for each additional category. One book can enter as many categories as you like — you pay per category on a single form.

Question 3

When is the deadline?

Accepted Answer

Entries are accepted on a rolling basis, roughly every two and a half months, leading to a final annual deadline (most recently mid-December). Winners are notified at the beginning of the year, and the official announcement is made every spring. Books received after the final deadline roll into the next year's judging.

Question 4

How do I submit my book?

Accepted Answer

Three steps: complete the online entry form, pay online, and email a PDF or ePub to Gabby@IndependentPressAward.com. You may also mail one optional printed copy. Your entry isn't complete until you receive an email confirmation from us.

Question 5

What are the eligibility requirements?

Accepted Answer

An English-language (or bilingual with English-language) book that's available for sale, with an ISBN or ASIN. Since content matters most to us, there is no restriction on the publication date.

Question 6

Do you accept audiobooks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in any category. For audiobooks, include a redeemable Audible or AMPlify code so our committee can download and review it.

Question 7

How many categories are there?

Accepted Answer

More than 150 subcategories, spanning fiction, nonfiction, children's, poetry, business, design, and many specialty areas. At the committee's discretion, a book may be moved to a more fitting subcategory.

Question 8

When are winners announced?

Accepted Answer

Winners and finalists are notified by late January, with the official announcement the third week of March.

Question 9

Is there a publication date requirement or cut off for the Independent Press Award?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is no, there is no strict publication date cut-off for the Independent Press Award. There is "NO restriction on publication date" because our primary focus is simply finding good quality books.

Independent Book Awards and the Independent Press Award FAQs