Board Book/Cloth Book Alphabet/Counting Book Pop-up/Cut-out Activity Book 1 – Games, Arts & Crafts, etc. Activity Book 2 – Educational, Science, History Book with Music/Theatrical Picture Book – Preschool Picture Book – 4-8 Year Old Picture Book – All Ages Juvenile Fiction – Early Reader/1st Chapter books Pre-Teen Fiction – General Pre-Teen Fiction – Fantasy Pre-Teen Fiction – Mystery Pre-Teen Fiction – Historical/Cultural Pre-Teen Fiction – Mature Issues Young Adult Fiction – General Young Adult Fiction – Fantasy/Sci-Fi Young Adult Fiction – Horror/Mystery Young Adult Fiction – Historical/Cultural Young Adult Fiction – Religion/Spirituality Young Adult Fiction – Mature Issues Children’s Poetry Non-Fiction – Picture book Non-Fiction – Young Adult Multicultural – Picture book Multicultural Non-Fiction – Young Adult Comic/Graphic Novel Religion/Spirituality Holiday Book with Merchandise (plush toy, etc.) Spanish Language Book Environmental Issues Health Issues Mind-Body-Spirit/Self-Esteem Reading Skills/Literacy Best First Book – Picture Book Best First Book – Chapter Book Best Illustrator Best Book by Youth Author (under 18) Enter Now

Categories & Eligibility

Who May Enter

Authors, illustrators, publishers and self-publishers of children’s books, written in English and intended for the North American market. Authors and illustrators are welcome to enter their books themselves.

Eligibility

Books that are published with a 2011 or 2012 copyright or that were released in 2011 or 2012 are eligible. The contest is for published books, but ISBN is not required. Submission of galley copies is permissible if finished copies are not yet available. Publishers are to select the category or categories in which the book(s) should be judged.

Submission and Fees

Submitting a title into more than one category is acceptable, but an entry fee is charged for each category entered. Submit two copies of the title per category entered. For example, when you enter two categories, please send four books; when entering three categories, please send six books. All books entered become the physical property of Independent Publisher Online and will eventually be donated to local libraries and charities. E-book entries will be erased after the awards results are announced.

Judging Process

Judging will be based on content, originality, design, and production quality, with emphasis on innovation and social relevance. Our judging panel includes experts from the fields of editing, design, reviewing, bookselling and library. Three to five medalists per category will be named on about October 14th. Awards will be presented during the Traverse City Children's Book Festival in Traverse City, Michigan in early November.

Deadline

All entries must be made online or postmarked by August 31, 2012. We will confirm your entry via email.

Awards

Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in each category. Gold, silver and bronze award seals will be available to all in their appropriate award levels. Each winning book receives a medal, a personalized certificate, and 20 sample seals. See examples here.