What We’re Looking For:
We’re open to all kinds of literary treasures, from award-winning masterpieces to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. We’re on the lookout for those gems that make us eager to share with our friends. Give us tales that spark late-night discussions, poetry that makes our hearts dance to its rhythm, and books that guide us through life’s twists and turns. And of course, we’re suckers for children’s books that become bedtime favourites.
Whether it’s a groundbreaking narrative or a quiet tale that speaks to the soul, we welcome books of all genres, writing styles, and levels of popularity.
Submit your masterpiece now and let’s celebrate the diverse tapestry of storytelling together.
Book Submission Criteria
Eligibility:
- We welcome self-published, traditionally published, and hybrid-published books.
- Books must be published in English within the last 6 years (2019-2025).
- Authors must hold the copyright to their work.
- Open to authors outside of Canada as well – must be available to purchase in Canada
- Books must be available for purchase in physical form (ebook-only publications are not eligible).
- Must be easily available for purchase through Amazon, Indigo, Local Bookstores, etc
- Our Verified Readers are coast to coast, many in small towns, books must be accessible to our readers.
- Must be easily available for purchase through Amazon, Indigo, Local Bookstores, etc
Categories:
In the 2024/25 awards, there are 13 categories awaiting your submissions:
- Non-Fiction/Non-Fiction Education
- Memoirs
- Fiction
- Business/Self-Help
- Spirituality/Wellness
- Children’s
- Early Readers
- Cookbooks
- Thriller/Mystery
- Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Romance
- Young Adult Fiction (YA)
- Poetry
- Anthology/Short-Story
*Please note, CBCA reserves the right to re-categorize submitted titles based on their content/genre.
2024 Submissions are now closed. 2025 Submissions are open:
- EARLY BIRD: Until January 10th, 2025: 129 CAD
- NEW YEAR: January 11th – March 31, 2025: $159 CAD
- SPRING: April 1 – June 30th, 2025: $199 CAD
- LAST CHANCE: July 1 – July 31, 2025: $249 CAD
Please note, CBCA reserves the right to re-categorize submitted titles based on their content/genre.
Join us in celebrating the magic of storytelling and the joy of discovering your next favourite read.
Prizes
All Entries Receive
- CBCA social media exposure with links to purchase copies of submitted books on Amazon
- @TheCanadianBookClubAwards social media coverage
- CBCA GoodReads Reading list
Finalists Receive
- 100 award stickers labelling the author’s book as a “Finalist of The Canadian Book Club Awards”
- Digital award sticker to be added to book’s cover
- Mention in CBCA media coverage announcing all finalists
- @TheCanadianBookClubAwards social media coverage
Winners Receive
- 100 award stickers labelling the author’s book as a “Winner of The Canadian Book Club Awards”
- Digital award sticker to be added to book’s cover
- Media coverage announcing all finalists
- Social media coverage from @TheCanadianBookClubAwards and their sponsors
Selection Process & Judges
All entries will be judged by the Canadian Book Awards Avid Reader Group. This group of book-loving Canadians varies in careers, age, ethnicities and backgrounds. The Avid Reader Group is responsible for electing the final three books in each category.
Finalist books will be judged by Verified Readers across Canada who will read and review each book in their chosen category. Verified Readers will vote for their #1, #2 and #3 choices. Once the finalists are announced, the Verified Readers will have three months to purchase, read, and vote on their decision.
2024
Submission deadline: July 31, 2024 6pm pst
Finalists announced: Week of September 11th, 2024
Winners Announced: Week of January 13, 2025
2025 (Submissions are now open)
Submission deadline: July 31, 2025 6pm pst
Finalists announced: Week of September 11th, 2025
Winners Announced: Week of January 13, 2026
