More About the 2026
 PenCraft Book Awards

Enter the PenCraft Book Awards Competition

The Grand Cash Prize for the Annual 2026 PenCraft Book Awards is $1,000 cash.
Two other cash prizes of $200 will also be awarded - one for Annual best fiction and one for best nonfiction. Plus, these top three winners will receive a personalized award certificate and high-quality gummed seals for their books and marketing materials. Additionally, a web-optimized graphic version of the seal will be provided for use on websites, blogs, and social media. A dedicated national press release will also be issued for the winners.

Entry into the Tenth Annual PenCraft Book Awards competition can win you $1,000 and other prizes. Your entry also makes you eligible for the Seasonal Book Awards. Each of the major genre/category winners is given a personalized award certificate and a high-resolution version of their PenCraft Book Award's seal for their book or other marketing materials, as well as a web-optimized graphic version of the seal for websites, blogs, and social networking sites.

All works are judged on content, general excellence in writing, originality, salability, and popularity. Books are accepted from all publishers, including self-publishers and small press. The PenCraft Book Awards competitions are an equal opportunity contest giving no merit to the publishers.

Submitted works will be judged by a panel of authors, librarians, and other literature lovers. The criteria for the 2026 competitions are:

1. Book or Audio Book cover design (12%): Does the cover captivate the reader with a compelling visual and create an engaging first impression? Does the design spark imagination, inviting readers to explore the narrative? Does it feature bold typography and striking imagery that not only draws attention but also reflects the genre, aiding in the quick identification of the story type? Are the title and author's name prominently displayed?

2. Literary/Artistic Merit (30%): The quality of writing receives primary consideration in the PenCraft Book Award judging. The book's editing, illustrations, and attention to detail involved in its creation is an important element in the selection process.

3. Originality (20%): Originality in concept and execution is another primary consideration in selecting winning titles. The book should demonstrate innovative literary qualities, which in many cases will be specific to their genre or category.

4. Marketing effort (10%): Is the book accessible on major platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and BookShop.org? Are there editorial reviews available? Does the book page utilize Amazon A+ content? Is the book easy to find on Google? Is the book's title in conflict with more popular books or movies?

5. Audience Appeal (28%): A PenCraft Book Award-winning entry must demonstrate  a strong appeal to its target audience. The book will be judged on its effectiveness in engaging that particular readership and their acceptance of the book.

PenCraft Book Award recipients will benefit from announcements in the media about their award-winning books. National Press Releases will list the various winners of the different genres and categories. The chatter from these various press pieces help readers discover new and innovative works.

The Annual "PenCraft" Award winners will be announced late in October 20, 2026 to coincide with the beginning of the Holiday season. A book award sets your book apart from its competition and the Holiday season is certainly a time when additional recognition for your work benefits book sales.

We hope you will soon be able to promote your Title as a PenCraft Book Award-Winning Book: As an award winner, you will have the right to highlight your PenCraft Book Award on your book cover, website, and marketing material. Additional award stickers will be available at a nominal fee for all PenCraft Book Award winners in each category.