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The Reader Views Literary Awards Program

The 2023 Program Opens May 1st!

READER VIEWS REVIEWERS CHOICE LITERARY AWARDS

About the Contest

The Reader Views Literary Awards program helps level the playing field for self-published authors, recognizing the most creative and exciting new books in the industry. Our awards program is recognized industry-wide as one of the most respected literary awards programs for independent authors.

Amazing benefits just for entering!

Each entry receives the following:

BOOK REVIEW

A thorough review of your book will be provided by one of our reviewers/judges. We’re one of the very few programs that provide a review of your book!

WEBSITE AND BLOG POSTINGS

Review will be posted on our websites and blogs.

SOCIAL MEDIA COVERAGE

Review shared on social media as well as on Goodreads, Google Books and BookBub if your book is listed with these organizations.

SPOTLIGHT FEATURES

Review featured in our newsletter and on the SHOWCASE page of our website under Recent Reviews.

ONE GRAND PRIZE ENTRY

All entries eligible for one of our Grand Prizes totaling $2,500 Cash

What People Are Saying

IMPORTANT!

2023-2024 Registration Info
Read all the details in the following tabs:

CONTEST RULES AND GUIDELINES

The annual literary awards were established to honor writers who self-published or had their books published by a subsidy publisher, small press, university press, or independent book publisher. POD books are accepted. DO NOT SUBMIT ARCs.

Eligibility

The Reader Views Literary Awards contest is open to all authors regardless of residency, however, books must be published in the English language. Works published by major book publishers are not eligible.

Books must have 2023 copyright date, except for entries in our Classics Category. Yes, this means the copyright date. No, it does not mean a copyright date of 2022 and publication date of 2023.  The copyright date is located on the copyright page of the printed book. If your book has a copyright date prior to 2023 it will automatically be submitted to the “Classics” category. 

Submission for more than one category or more than one title by an author is acceptable. Books that have racist themes will be not be accepted. Regional or Global entries may refer to the book’s topic or the author’s residency. For example, an author living in Alberta writing about a plot in Alabama may enter Canada-West as a regional author. It may also enter the Southeast category as a regional book. Alternatively, an author living in the UK writing about a plot in Texas may enter the Global EU category as well as the Regional South category.

Judging

All initial judging will be done by the Reader Views team of reviewers. They are experts in their fields as well as avid readers. Consider them your reading audience.

Criteria for judging is content, originality, presentation, design, innovation, social relevance, and production quality (do not send ARCs). Books will also be judged on the enjoyment and/or impact, the plot/storyline, and resourcefulness (depending on category.)

Three finalists in each category will be determined by a points-system. Final judging will be determined by a panel of judges. In the first level of judging, a reviewer will write a review, which will be forwarded to the author or contact person stated on the submission form. The review will also be posted on the Reader Views or Reader Views Kids website.

We cannot guarantee the timing of when you will receive the review, however, we will attempt the best we can to review/judge your book in the order it is submitted. Keep in mind, the sooner you submit your book, the sooner you will get a review.

The review will be in a form of tear sheet and you may use it for your marketing purposes. If you have already received a review from us, you will not be receiving another review. Your book will automatically go into the second level of the judging process. Please do not wait until the deadline date to submit your book if your book is now in print. It is only fair to other authors, who publish late in the fall, to use this deadline date.

MORE ON THE “CLASSICS” CATEGORY

Note: If your book has a copyright date prior to 2023 it will automatically be submitted in the “Classics” category. The “Classics” category is ONLY open to copyright books prior to 2022 that have NOT participated in a previous awards program with Reader Views. This means that if you entered your title previously, you are not eligible for this category. Likewise, if your copyright is 2023, you are not eligible for this category either.

Entry Fee

$89.00 per title (for the initial category for submissions through October 31, 2023)
$99.00 per title (for the initial category for submissions after October 31, 2023)

$35.00 for each additional category.

Entry fee must be paid via Paypal. Submissions received without the entry fee will not be considered.  Entry fee is non-refundable.

Registration Deadline

Authors are encouraged to submit their entries as soon as possible, however, all entries must be submitted no later than December 31, 2023.

Hint: our judges read the book in its entirety – give them plenty of time to read the book. We will confirm your entry via e-mail so print your email address clearly.

CATEGORY INFORMATION

Please use the following categories to complete your registration form.

CHILDREN/TEEN/YA

Pre-school/Toddler – Newborn to Age 5
Early Reader – Ages 6-8
Young Reader – Ages 8-12
Teens – Ages 12-16
YA – Ages 15 and Up

ADULT FICTION

Erotica
Fantasy
General Fiction/Novel
Historical Fiction
Horror
Humor
LGBTQIA
Mystery (Gumshoe, detective, cozy mystery, etc.)
Pets/Animals
Poetry
Religious Fiction (Christian, etc.)
Romance
Science Fiction
Seasonal/Holidays
Short Stories & Novellas/Graphic Novels & Interactive Books
Thriller/Suspense (Psychological, legal, etc.)

 ADULT NON-FICTION

Arts (Art/Music/Pop Culture/Performing Arts)
Body/Mind/Spirit
Business/Sales/Economics
Crafts & Hobbies/Cooking/How-To
Education
Health and Fitness
History
Humanities (Mens/Women’s Issues/Multi-cultural/Aging/Retirement/Seniors)
Memoir/Autobiography/Biography
Parenting/Family/Relationships
Religion/Spirituality/Inspiration
Science
Self-Help
Societal Issues – (Politics/Society/Environment/True Crime)
Travel/Nature
Writing/Publishing

OTHER CATEGORIES – CLASSICS

Classics (Copyright prior to 2023)
Reader Views Peer Award (for staff, reviewers and their families, and affiliates only)

REGIONAL CATEGORIES – FICTION AND NON-FICTION (NORTH AMERICA ONLY)

Canada East  (ON, QB, NF, NB, NS, PE, NT)
Canada West (BC, AB, SK, MB, NWT, YK)
Great Lakes (OH, MI, IN, IL, WI)
Mexico
Mid-Atlantic (PA, WV, VA, DE, MD, DC, NJ)
Mid-West  (MN, IA, MO, OK, KS, NE, SD, ND)
North-East  (ME, VT, NH, MA, RI, CT, NY)
South (MS, LA, AR, TX, TN)
South-East  (KY, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL)
West -Mountain  (MT, WY, ID, UT, CO, NM, AZ, NV)
West- Pacific  (CA, OR, WA, HI, AK)

GLOBAL CATEGORIES – FICTION AND NON-FICTION

Global Categories: Continent

Africa
Asia
Australia (New Zealand/Australasia)
Central America
Europe
North America
South America

 

 

AWARDS AND PRIZES

GRAND PRIZES –  $2,500 TOTAL

Six overall winners will receive cash grand prizes for fiction and non-fiction, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for both fiction and non-fiction. Total cash awarded – $2,500. All entrants are eligible for this prize!

B.A. Bellec's Production Studio Award for Best Overall Fiction

AWARD: Cash Grand Prizes for fiction. $1,250 value:

GRAND PRIZE FICTION GOLD WINNER: $750
Grand Prize Fiction Silver Winner: $350
Grand Prize Fiction Bronze Winner: $150

CRITERIA: Winners will be chosen from the first-place winners in all fiction categories.
SPONSORED BY B.A. BELLEC’S PRODUCTION STUDIO

Book by Book Publicity Award for Best Overall Non-Fiction

AWARD: Cash Grand Prizes for non-fiction. ($1,250 value) CRITERIA: Winners will be chosen from the first-place winners in all non-fiction categories.

GRAND PRIZE NON FICTION GOLD WINNER: $750
Grand Prize Non-Fiction Silver Winner: $350
Grand Prize Non-Fiction Bronze Winner: $150

SPONSORED BY BOOK BY BOOK PUBLICITY

 

GENERAL AWARDS

Three finalists will be chosen in each fiction and non-fiction category. First and second place winners will be awarded in each category. Third place will receive an honorable mention. Sometimes we allow for more than one Honorable Mention depending on how close the titles are in scoring. One finalist, the top score in each area, will be chosen in each regional and global category. Each winner will receive a digital certificate and awards seal and will be featured on the homepage of our website for 1 year. Digital seal will be permanently attached to the review in recognition as one of our awards winners. Finalists will be announced in our weekly e-mail newsletter in the spring and the winners will be announced within 10-14 days following the finalists. If we can possibly speed it up, we certainly will.

SPONSORED AWARDS

Along with our general awards by category and our regional/global awards, the following sponsored awards will be presented. All books submitted will qualify and be considered for these awards. A panel of judges will make the final decision on awards.  Note: If you are a winner of a sponsored award, it must be claimed within 60 days of notification otherwise forfeited. The awards cannot be transferred into cash and must be used as is.

CHILDREN’S/TEENS/YOUNG ADULT SPONSORED AWARDS

Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Book Written/Illustrated by an Author/Illustrator Age 18 and Under

AWARD: One year ad in First Chapter Plus, an eMagazine sent to librarians, book store owners and potential readers/bloggers/reviewers. ($900 value) CRITERIA: Author/illustrator must be Age 18 or under at the time the book was written/illustrated. SPONSORED BY FIRST CHAPTER PLUS

Reader Views Kids Award for Best Children’s Book of the Year

AWARD: One year ad in First Chapter Plus, an eMagazine sent to librarians, book store owners and potential readers/bloggers/reviewers. ($900 value) CRITERIA: Winner will be chosen from the first-place winners in the Children’s categories. SPONSORED BY READER VIEWS KIDS

Reader Views Kids Award for Best Teen/Young Adult Book of the Year

AWARD: One year ad in First Chapter Plus, an eMagazine sent to librarians, book store owners and potential readers/bloggers/reviewers. ($900 value) CRITERIA: Winner will be chosen from the first-place winners in the Teens & Young Adult categories. SPONSORED BY READER VIEWS KIDS

The Barefoot Librarian Book Award

AWARD: A professional book review from the Barefoot Librarian, a feature in the Barefoot Librarian Newsletter and on the Barefoot Librarian website, as well as mentions in the Barefoot Librarian’s other social media platforms. ($200 value) CRITERIA: Winner selected from the finalists in the early readers category. Picture books should be geared toward 6-8 year-old readers. SPONSORED BY THE BAREFOOT LIBRARIAN

The Book by Book Award for Best Children's Picture Book

AWARD: 20 Second book teaser video and audio with online distribution and feature on the Reader Views Kids homepage, and Reader Views Newsletter. Author will provide artwork from the picture book. ($275 value) CRITERIA: Winner will be selected from the winners of the children’s picture book categories. SPONSORED BY BOOK BY BOOK PUBLICITY

The Feathered Quill Be Kind to Animals Award

AWARD: Book review and interview with author. ($150 value) CRITERIA: Winner will be chosen from all categories of children’s/teens entries. Theme of book must display kindness to animals. SPONSORED BY FEATHERED QUILL BOOK REVIEWS

 

ADULT SPONSORED AWARDS

B.A. Bellec's Production Studio Marketing Package

AWARD: Extensive marketing package ($500 value) CRITERIA: Winner of the B.A. Bellec’s Production Studio Award for Best Overall Fiction. SPONSORED BY B.A. BELLEC’S PRODUCTION STUDIO

Conversations Award for Best Regional Book of the Year

AWARD: Winner will receive on-camera interview on Amazon Live with Cyrus Webb www.cyruswebbshow.live plus an interview on Conversations Live Radio, an advertisement in Conversations Magazine (circulation 14k yearly subscribers, and a listing in Conversations Book Club. ($1000 value) CRITERIA: Winner will be chosen from the first-place winners in fiction and nonfiction, in the regional categories. SPONSORED BY CYRUS WEBB, INTERNET/FM RADIO PERSONALITY

The Tyler R. Tichelaar Award for Best Historical Fiction

AWARD: Value $100 cash prize and a book review, and press release written by Tyler R. Tichelaar. Press release distributed by Reader Views. ($375 value) CRITERIA: First Place winner in the Historical Fiction category. SPONSORED BY TYLER R. TICHELAAR/MARQUETTE FICTION

The Book by Book Pub Award for Best Writing/Publishing Book

AWARD: Winner will receive a written author interview and a podcast interview on the Inside Scoop Live Podcast. Each interview will receive feature postings on ReaderViews.Com and InsideScoopLive.Com, along with features in our newsletter, and social media exposure. ($350 value) CRITERIA: 1st Place book in the Writing/Publishing category SPONSORED BY BOOK BY BOOK PUBLICITY

The Author Marketing Experts Award for Best Debut Fiction

AWARD: Master Amazon Video Series for Authors Created Specifically for Authors – 1 Month Free Access ($199 value) CRITERIA: Winner selected from top-scoring entries submitted by a debut author. SPONSORED BY AUTHOR MARKETING EXPERTS

The Jack Eadon Memorial Award for the Best Book in Contemporary Drama

Beloved Author Jack Eadon, a long-time friend of Reader Views and a sponsor of the Reader Views Literary Awards Program since its inception, passed away in 2019. First Chapter Plus is continuing this award in his name, in gratitude and as a tribute of his dedication to his craft, his infectious energy, and zeal for all things creative. AWARD: Full page ad in the First Chapter Plus eMagazine plus an Author Interview and Feature in the same edition. ($350 value). CRITERIA: The characters must be vividly portrayed as those individuals who can exist side-by-side with someone living in this world now, dealing with issues of today in a dramatic fashion. The setting must be excruciatingly real. SPONSORED BY FIRST CHAPTER PLUS

The Inside Scoop Live Award for the Most Innovative Book of Poetry

Inside Scoop Live Award for the Most Innovative Book of Poetry

Award: Interview and poetry reading on Inside Scoop Live as well as feature on Inside Scoop Live and Reader Views websites.
Criteria: Book must possess creative use of elements as well as originality of subject matter.
SPONSORED BY INSIDE SCOOP LIVE

The Reader Views Peer Review Award

AWARD: Social Media Blitz and Inside Scoop Live Interview ($475 value) CRITERIA: For Reader Views reviewers and affiliates who are also published authors. SPONSORED BY READER VIEWS

The Amy Lignor Memorial Award of Excellence

Treasured friend, author, editor, and reviewer Amy Lignor passed away unexpectedly in May 2022. As an award-winning, best-selling author, her love of the written word was beyond compare. Her steadfast belief was that every author needs an editor they can trust, and made it her mission to help both bestselling authors and debut novelists succeed with ghostwriting, editing, and promotion. Reader Views proudly sponsors this award as a tribute to Amy’s amazing, selfless contributions to the writing community.
AWARD: Social Media Blitz Package plus Podcast Interview on Inside Scoop Live ($450 value). CRITERIA: The book must be of exemplary quality; highly polished and edited, and a first-rate entertaining story. Winner selected from the first place winners in all categories. SPONSORED BY READER VIEWS

Have you reviewed the above guidelines, category listings, prizes, and sponsor information in the tabs above?

Then you are ready to submit your book to our literary awards program!

Authors are encouraged to submit their entries as soon as possible but no later than December 31, 2023. We accept electronic and physical copies of books.

NEW IN 2023: Electronic copies will be the only format accepted after December 15, 2023.

This ensures we have all reading materials by the end of the year. Our reviewers read your books in their entirety. If we have to wait for receipt of physical copies it pushes back the awards announcement.

For Entrants Submitting Physical Copies: Books must be postmarked by December 15, 2023.  Submissions postmarked after this date will not be accepted. IF YOUR BOOKS ARE NOT RECEIVED BY US BY December 31, 2023  you will be asked to submit an electronic copy. Reading materials not received by December 31, 2023 will result in the entry being withdrawn from the contest. Entry fees are non-refundable.

PRO TIP: As mentioned, our judges read the books in their entirety – give them plenty of time to read your book!