PW’s BookLife Prize has been running for over a decade – a prize for self-published and indie authors. And now they have added an Illustrated Book category to the prize that is open to comics and graphic novels, along with children’s picture books, art & photography, and food & cooking. Grand Prize winners receive $5,000 and a full author profile in Publishers Weekly. Category winners receive $1,000.
The contest launched earlier this month and accepts entries through December 15. The purpose, they say:
Whether your work combines prose with illustration, relies on visual sequential narrative, or showcases high-impact design and photojournalism, this contest was built to give your book the industry recognition and professional feedback it deserves.
Details on how to enter can be found here. It should be noted there is an entry fee to submit – however Beat readers can get $20 off if they use the code COBEAT.
All entrants receive value – every submissions get a Critic’s Report—a professional evaluation written by a Publishers Weekly reviewer, complete with numerical scoring and detailed feedback.
Finalists get
- Industry Blurb: Editorial praise from a bestselling or award-winning author or professional editor.
- Publishers Weekly Feature: Dedicated coverage reaching booksellers, librarians, and industry insiders.
- $1,000 BookBaby Ad Package: Targeted Facebook and Instagram campaigns to boost your book’s visibility.
I realize that paying a fee to enter a prize is a deterrent for some, but it is also standard in many literary prizes, and PW’s BookLife program is well established and well run. I think it’s great that they are opening the prize to more illustrated books, including comics.
Details on how to enter and more information can be found linked above, and the entry form is here.
AI GENERATED WORK IS NOT ACCEPTED!
