A Definitive List of Writing Contests and Book Awards for 2026-2027

Updated August 14, 2026

Your guide to some of the most prestigious and indie-friendly opportunities this year and next.

For self-published authors, book awards and contests offer recognition, credibility, and new readers. Winning or being a finalist can boost sales, attract media, and open new opportunities. While self-published books were once excluded from such competitions, the industry now offers many more opportunities.

We've gathered a list of some of the book awards and contests for 2026 that are open to indie authors. They're noted below in order of their deadlines for entry.

Please be sure to read the eligibility, rules, and guidelines for each award before submitting your work. Many of the awards have specifications for submissions related to date published, formats, genre, etc. Additionally, a majority of them require an entry fee upon submission. (However, a number of them offer a discounted "Early Bird" entry fee.)

We'll start with a couple of awards that have deadlines throughout the year…

Chanticleer International Book Awards

The CIBAs celebrate outstanding storytelling in a variety of genres, including mystery and fantasy. This esteemed award offers authors marketing assistance, promotional opportunities, and industry recognition, enhancing their presence in competitive literary markets.

Deadline: Varies by category (throughout 2026)
Categories: Open to fiction and nonfiction authors globally in 20+ categories
Prizes: $1,000 for one lucky Overall Grand Prize Winner; winners receive ribbons, badges, and cash awards along with a powerful promotional boost
For More Info: Chanticleer Reviews

The International Impact Book Awards

These awards welcome independent authors and publishers from around the globe to participate. Both fiction and nonfiction entries are welcome.

Deadline: Entry deadline for the 2026 International Impact Book Awards is year-round; you can submit your entry at any time throughout the year.
Categories: Awards offered in 30 diverse categories in fiction and nonfiction; submit your book to as many categories as you see fit.
Prizes: A digital award seal, a commemorative digital certificate, and year-long recognition and promotion through their network
For More Info: The International Impact Book Award

The Literary Titan Book Awards

Literary Titan focuses on recognizing high-quality fiction and nonfiction, regardless of whether the book is traditionally or independently published. Awards are given based on individual merit through their review service. Each month, they recognize books and authors that stand out for their strong narrative craft and engaging concepts. They look for unique writing styles, well-constructed worlds, complex characters, and innovative ideas.

Deadline: Award recipients announced every month
Categories: Any genre can enter
Prizes: Award stickers and custom certificates for award recipients
For More Info: Literary Titan Book Awards

Deadline: August

Moonbeam Children's Book Awards

The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards are a premier celebration of exceptional children’s literature, recognizing the creative talents of authors, illustrators, and publishers. Each year, they honor outstanding books across various categories, including Picture Books, Early Readers, and Young Adult Fiction. These awards spotlight works that inspire imagination, promote diversity, and encourage a love of reading among young audiences.

Deadline: August 20, 2026
Categories: 45 exciting categories
Prize: Three to five winners per category receive custom Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals
For More Info: Moonbeam Awards

NYC Big Book Award

This award is for independently and traditionally published authors, publishers, big and small presses. committed to finding the audiences for these excellent books and to celebrate the town that makes authors superstars. Books are judged on presentation, editorial quality, and audience appeal.

Deadline: August 20, 2026
Categories: 150+ categories
Prize: Industry recognition, marketing materials, and promotional networking opportunities designed to boost book sales and visibility across independent and traditional publishing path
For More Info: NYC Big Book Award

Best Indie Book Awards^®

Best Indie Book Award® (or BIBA®) is an international literary contest recognizing outstanding achievements by indie authors. Entries are limited to independently (indie) published books, Scarlet Stiletto Awards 2026 (Australia)

If you love writing crime fiction with strong female characters, the Scarlet Stiletto Awards 2026 offer one of Australia’s most exciting opportunities to showcase your storytelling. Run by Sisters in Crime Australia, this long-running competition celebrates original short crime and mystery fiction written by women, with a wide range of categories, cash prizes, and publication opportunities for standout entries. Maximum 2 entries per person.

Deadline: August 31, 2026
Categories: A wide range of categories, including Body in the Library, Cross-genre, Great Film Idea, Most Satisfying Retribution, Forensic Clue, and others.
Prize: $2,000, sponsored by Swinburne University of Technology, plus the coveted stiletto trophy; second and third prizes will also be awarded
For More Info: Scarlet Stiletto Awards

Deadline: September

Pencraft Book Award for Literary Excellence

This award honors outstanding works across a variety of genres, recognizing authors who demonstrate exceptional talent and creativity. Winners will gain valuable exposure, credibility, and accolades within the literary community. Submissions are open to both self-published and traditionally published authors, ensuring that all voices have the opportunity to shine. Open to all books written in the English Language with an ISBN and published between 2020 and 2026.

Deadline: September 10, 2026
Categories: 35+ categories from fiction and nonfiction to poetry and devotionals
Prizes: The Best Book Winner of the year will win $1,000; two other cash prizes of $200 will also be awarded: one for best fiction and one for best nonfiction
For More Info: Pencraft Book Award

SFWP Literary Awards

The SFWP Literary Awards recognize outstanding poetry, short fiction, and creative non-fiction by unpublished and published writers. The contest is judged by prominent authors. Unpublished work, self-published work, and work from small or micro-presses that has not received marketing support will be eligible.

Deadline: September 15
Categories: See website for more details
Prizes: Grand Prize is $1,500; two runners-up receive $500 each. A competitive publishing contract will be offered.
For More Info: Santa Fe Writers Project Awards

BestThrillers.com Book Awards

BestThrillers.com helps mystery and thriller fans discover amazing books, while helping authors connect with new audiences. They're dedicated to surfacing the most compelling, edge-of-your-seat thrillers from around the world. Accordingly, they identify elite authors through book awards, high-quality thriller book reviews and genre-specific book guides.

Deadline: September 30
Categories: See website for more details
Prizes: Grand Prize is $1,500; two runners-up receive $500 each. A competitive publishing contract will be offered.
For More Info: BestThrillers.com Book Awards

The Tom Collins Poetry Prize

Calling poets to share their voice and creativity in this annual competition celebrating original poetry and the contribution of Australian writers. Established by the Fellowship of Australian Writers WA, the prize honors Joseph Furphy, who wrote under the pen name Tom Collins, and provides poets with an opportunity to have their work recognized through a respected literary competition. All work must be previously unpublished. Your poem must not be created by AI.

Deadline: September 30
Categories: Theme is open; Maximum 60 lines per poem and maximum of 3 poems
Prizes: First $1,000, Second $300, Third $100
For More Info: The Tom Collins Poetry Prize

Reader Views Literary Awards

These awards honor excellence in independent publishing. The program recognizes authors who self-publish or publish through small presses, hybrids, or university presses. Today, the awards operate in two seasonal tracks for Fiction and Nonfiction, spotlighting impactful indie books across all genres and topics, and celebrating both new and established voices within the literary community.

Deadline (Fiction): September 30, 2026
Deadline (Nonfiction): March 31, 2027
Prizes: All entries are eligible for recognition, including finalist, winner, and grand prize designations based on merit and final scores.
For More Info: Reader Views Literary Awards

Deadline: October

North American Book Awards

The North American Book Awards gives indie authors a strong opportunity to increase their book’s discoverability and earn meaningful recognition. This annual contest highlights high-quality titles and helps authors share their work with a wider book community. Entries and nominations are open for books with a copyright or publication date between 2022 and 2026.

Deadline: October 1
Categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Children's Literature, and Cover Design
Prizes: Physical achievement medals (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) for top entries in each genre.
For More Info: North American Book Awards

Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition

This prestigious competition welcomes submissions from January 1st to October 1st each year. Participants compete for top honors, including valuable prizes, with the winner, finalists, and over 100 notable books highlighted in the December/January issue of Shelf Unbound Magazine.

Deadline: October 1
Categories: Open to all genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, fantasy, science fiction, romance, thrillers, and more. Please note, however, that children’s picture books are not accepted.
Prizes: The winner, top five finalists, and top 10 long-listed books receive editorial coverage in Shelf Unbound’s December/January issue. The Best Self-Published book also receives a year of full-page ads in the magazine.
For More Info: Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition

Christian Indie Awards

Christian Indie Awards recognizes outstanding Christian books from small publishers and independent authors. Sponsored by the Christian Indie Publishing Association, the awards are open to perfect-bound paperback and hardcover books with a 2024, 2025, or 2026 copyright, including new editions. Eligible books must be printed in English, available for sale in the United States, and intended for the Christian marketplace.

Deadline: October 1
Categories: Awards offered in 21 categories
Prizes: Winners receive a Christian Indie Awards emblem for promotional use, with award stickers available to order. Winning books are also featured at the Christian Product Expo, giving them added visibility with Christian retailers.
For More Info: Christian Indie Awards

The 2027 Peter Porter Poetry Prize (Australia)

Run by Australian Book Review, the prize celebrates outstanding contemporary poetry and invites writers to submit a single poem for the chance to win a share of a cash prize pool and gain recognition through one of Australia’s most respected literary publications. The prize will be judged by Mindy Gill, Nam Le, and Felicity Plunkett. The shortlisted poems will appear in the January-February 2027 issue. No age limit. All poems must be written in English.

Deadline: October 14, 2026
Categories: Must be an original and unpublished single-authored poem of not more than 60 lines.
Prizes: First Prize = AU$6,000; Four other shortlisted poets = AU$1,000
For More Info: The 2027 Peter Porter Poetry Prize

Story Circle Network Sarton and Gilda Women's Book Awards

The Sarton and Gilda competitions accept nominations for books by women authors published in English in the United States or Canada. Eligible titles must be originally written in English and published by independent publishers, university presses, or self-publishing authors based in North America. Works by or about women of color and LBT+ women are welcome in all categories, and anyone, including the author, may submit nominations.

Deadline: October 31
Categories: Memoir, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama
Prizes: Winners receive a $100 cash prize, a commemorative plaque, award seals, promotional support, a one-year SCN membership and library listing, free admission to SCN’s national conference, and an invitation to speak on the Virtual Award Winners Panel.
For More Info: Story Circle Network Women's Book Awards

The Flash 500 Novel Opening & Synopsis Competition

Published, self-published and unpublished novelists are invited to enter this annual competition looking for a novel opening up to 3,000 words, plus a synopsis of the story (max 750 words) to be submitted together in a single file. The contest is open to all novelists, provided the work is unpublished.

Deadline: October 31
Categories: All genres
Prizes: First prize: £500, Second prize: £200
For More Info: Flash 500 Novels

Deadline: November

Evil Twin Manuscript Initiative

The Black List and Zando have announced the Evil Twin Manuscript Initiative, a new partnership to identify an unpublished or self-published horror novel to enter into a publishing deal with Zando imprint Evil Twin.

Zando is looking for upmarket supernatural, gothic, psychological, or any horror sub-genre that may intersect with thriller, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy. Submitted manuscripts must not be under contract elsewhere.

Deadline: November 20
Categories: Manuscripts should elevate familiar themes, such as love, adventure, guilt, desire, betrayal, family, identity, and obsession among others — while exploring fresh, compelling perspectives.
Prizes: A $25,000 publishing deal with Zando imprint Evil Twin
For More Info: Evil Twin Manuscript Initiative

Feathered Quill Book Awards

An annual literary competition run by Feathered Quill Book Reviews to honor excellence in independent, self-published, and small-press publishing. The contest accepts entries across a wide-range of adult, young adult, and children's genres.

Deadline: November 30
Categories: 24 categories across a wide range of genres
Prizes: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-place winners receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze designations. Honorees are given a signed official certificate and 25 embossed physical award seals.
For More Info: Feathered Quill Book Awards

Indie Ink Awards

This is not a prize authors can enter, but one in which readers can nominate their favorite indie and self-published books. Small press and self published books are no less valid because they're not sponsored by a large publication company. Many great reads go undiscovered, and the Indie Ink Awards exists as an opportunity for readers to nominate their favorite indies across all genres.

Deadline: November 30
Categories: Eligible books must be in the YA or Adult age categories; can be of any fiction genre category and be of novella or novel length.
Prizes: A combination of monetary awards, promotional bundles, and extensive marketing packages designed to uplift the books.
For More Info: Indie Ink Awards

Deadline: December

The Hawkeye Manuscript Development Prize

Emerging writers now have an exciting opportunity to take their manuscript to the next level with the Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize, a competition designed to discover and develop new commercial fiction and non-fiction voices. Offering not just prize recognition to writers worldwide, but also professional editorial support and the possibility of publication, the prize provides a rare pathway from finished manuscript to a potential publishing contract with Hawkeye Publishing.

Deadline: December 1, 2026
Categories: Authors of commercial Adult, YA, Middle-Grade, Picture Book and Non-Fiction written in English can apply.
- Two Prize Categories: The Hawkeye Prize Open Category and The Hawkeye Prize – Own Voices Category
Prizes: Winners receive a trade publishing contract with Hawkeye (terms and conditions apply) plus an editing package valued at $3,500. Additionally, all manuscripts longlisted and shortlisted are announced on the website and in their newsletter.
For More Info: The Hawkeye Manuscript Development Prize

2027 Illumination Awards

The Illumination Book Awards recognizes Christian-themed books across a wide range of categories, from Bible Study and Christian Fiction to devotionals and children’s picture books. Entries are open to authors, illustrators, and self-publishers of Christian books published from 2025 to 2027.

Deadline: December 10
Categories: More than 25 categories including a wide array of options from Bible Study and Christian fiction to digital media and beyond.
Prizes: Three to five medalists per category (gold, silver, and bronze). Each medalist receives a medal, a personalized certificate, and 20 seals.
For More Info: Illumination Awards

IBPA Awards
The IBPA Book Awards (formerly the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards) are regarded as one of the highest national honors for independent publishers since 1985. The awards are unique in that the verbatim judging forms are returned to all participating publishers, providing entrants with direct feedback on each submission. All books must have a copyright date of 2026. Books with a copyright date of 2025 will not be considered.

Deadline: December 15
Categories: 50 categories can be viewed here
Prizes: One Gold and two or three Silver award winners in each category. All Gold winners receive an engraved trophy. Gold and Silver winners also receive a certificate, award stickers, and more.
For More Info: IBPA Awards

The Independent Press Award

An international book award program dedicated to recognizing and celebrating excellence in independent publishing. We honor authors, publishers, and creative professionals who demonstrate exceptional quality, originality, and passion in their work across a wide range of genres and categories. At its heart, this is about giving great books their due and broader access to the book-buying community.

Deadline: December 15
Categories: 15 categories with 184 subcategories
Prizes: Instead of cash payouts, honorees receive assets designed to increase book sales and distribution
For More Info: The Independent Press Award

Book Excellence Awards

Book Excellence is an international book marketing company dedicated to helping authors and publishers increase their credibility, visibility and book sales. Entries are accepted from self-published authors, traditionally published authors, independent presses, traditional publishers and other literary professionals. Books submitted must be written in English and must have an ISBN or ASIN.

Deadline: December 31
Categories: Find a complete list here
Prizes: One single applicant is selected across all submissions to receive the Bestseller and Publicity Grand Prize Package, which includes a dedicated strategy and marketing system and a done-for-you PR program.
For More Info: Book Excellence Awards

The BREW Book Excellence Award

The BREW Book Excellence Award celebrates storytelling across genres, from imaginative novels to thought-provoking nonfiction, and highlights both debut and established authors.

Deadline: December 31
Categories: Accepts submissions across virtually all literary genres, dividing entries into major umbrella programs that each feature their own vast selection of sub-categories
Prizes: Grand Prize Book of the Year receives a $2,500 cash prize; category and sub-category winners receive additional shares of the remaining cash pool.
For More Info: The BREW Book Excellence Award

The Incipere Awards

The point and spirit of this award is to seek out and determine amazing and high quality content that's not only hard to put down, but clean as well. While this means something different to everyone, use this as a guide: no explicit sex scenes, and no excessive violence. All work must be in English. Books that are self-published, published by small, independent or academic presses qualify.

Deadline: December 31
Categories: Full list may be found here
Prizes: Each submission category awards a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, and Honorable Mention placement. Honored authors receive a marketing bundle designed to boost book discoverability.

For More Info: The Incipere Awards

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards is a UK-based nonprofit competition for independent, self-published, and small-press authors. Judged by each book’s target audience, entries are scored on criteria including editing, theme, writing style, cover, and illustrations, with judges grouped by age category.

Deadline: December 31
Categories: 13 categories ranging from children's books to poetry to film screenplays
Prizes: Top tier of winners are awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals, along with high-resolution digital award logos, badges, and certificates to integrate into marketing materials.
For More Info: The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

2027 Deadlines

Deadline: January

Axiom Awards

The Axiom Business Book Awards recognize the best business titles from independent and traditional publishers, authors, and illustrators. Books with a 2025, 2026, or 2027 copyright are eligible. An ISBN isn't required, and galley copies may be submitted if final copies aren't yet available. eBooks are accepted in all general categories except Audiobooks - Business, and AI use is discouraged and may affect the judges’ final decision.

Deadline: January 28
Categories: A list of the 31 categories can be found here
Prizes: Three to five medalists per category (gold, silver, and bronze) - each receives a medal, a personalized certificate, and 20 seals.
For More Info: Axiom Awards

Deadline: February

The Flash 500 Short Stories Competition

This is an open-themed competition, looking for stories ranging between 1,000 and 3,000 words, with strong characters, a well-crafted plot, and realistic dialogue (where used).

Deadline: February 2027
Categories: All genres, including those written by or for children; adult material is also acceptable providing the content fits the story and isn't gratuitous.
Prizes: First prize: £500, Second prize: £200, Third Prize: £100
For More Info: Flash 500 Short Stories Competition

Tips for Entering Book Awards Successfully

Read the guidelines carefully: Each contest has specific requirements regarding eligibility, format, submission deadlines, and entry fees.
Choose the right category: Picking the best-fitting genre category for your book increases your chances of winning.
Determine what the judges are looking for: Do your research and find out what the award judges are seeking. This could possibly help your submission stand out among others.
Submit a professionally edited book: Judges value high-quality writing and presentation.
Leverage your nomination or win: Even if you don’t win, being a finalist is an excellent marketing tool. Mention it in your author bio, website, and social media.

Winning or placing in a book contest can significantly enhance your credibility as an indie author. With so many opportunities available, there’s no reason not to submit your book and possibly gain some well-deserved recognition.