Guidelines

Everything you need to know about entering the Illumination Book Awards

The Illumination Awards is all about celebrating the best Christian books from both independent and traditional publishers, as well as talented authors and illustrators. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about eligibility, the judging process, and how to enter your work.

Enter Online
Enter By Mail

WHO MAY ENTER

Authors, illustrators, publishers, and self-publishers of Christian books written in English may enter.

ELIGIBILITY

Books published with a copyright date between 2024-2026 are eligible. Any book published since 2000 is eligible for Enduring Light categories. While the contest is for published books, an ISBN is not required. Galley copies may be submitted if finished copies are not yet available. eBooks are eligible in our Digital Media category and can also be entered in regular subject categories, where they will be judged alongside print books.

HOW TO ENTER

There are two ways to enter the awards:

1. Online: Enter and pay by credit card here.

2. By Mail: Print and fill out the entry form, then send it with your payment by check.

DEADLINES

All entries must be submitted online or postmarked by the final entry deadline of January 8, 2026. A ten-day grace period allows books to arrive at our office by January 22, 2026, which is the start of judging.

SUBMISSION & FEES

You may submit a title in multiple categories, but an entry fee is required for each category entered. Please send one copy of the title for each category.

Mail submissions to:

Illumination Awards 1129 Woodmere Ave - Suite B Traverse City, MI 49686

Entry Deadlines:

  • Early-Bird Deadline 1: July 16, 2025 - $79 per entry
  • Early-Bird Deadline 2: September 16, 2025 - $89 per entry
  • Final Deadline: January 8, 2026 - $99 per entry

Once you submit your entry, we'll confirm it via email and keep you updated with judging progress and results announcements. So, be sure to provide a valid email address and add info@illuminationawards.com to your contacts.

WHAT TO SEND

Include your online registration receipt or completed entry form and check (in U.S. funds) with your books, unless they are shipped directly from a distributor.

Submission Requirements:

  • Submit one copy of the title per category entered
  • eBook files (PDF only please) can be uploaded after entry or sent as a gift from your distributor to info@illuminationawards.com with your order number in the subject line.
  • Audiobooks must be entered as a gift from your platform of choice (please do not send files). Entries and gifts can be sent to info@illuminationawards.com with your order number in the subject line.

All books submitted become the property of Jenkins Group and will eventually be donated to local libraries or charities. eBook files will be deleted after judging and announcement of results. Judges will only see the book itself, so please don’t send any press kits, reviews, bookmarks, etc.

JUDGING PROCESS

Judging will be based on content, design, and production quality, with emphasis on innovation and creative ways of expressing a Christian worldview. Our judging panel includes experts from the fields of education, clergy, bookselling, etc. Three to five medalists per category will be announced around February 19, 2026.

AWARDS & PRESENTATION

Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded in each category. Each winning book receives a medal, a personalized certificate, and 20 sample seals. Additional award seals are available for medalists in rolls of 250 and 1,000. High-resolution versions of the medalist artwork are also available for purchase for book covers and promotional materials.

AWARD CEREMONY

All medalists are invited to join the awards ceremony that will be held virtually on March 12, 2026 from 1-2:30 PM EST.

Today, and always, I thank the judges at the Jenkins Group for affirming the message of healing and hope given to those who have walked, are walking, or who will ever walk with a loved one through Alzheimer’s Disease! Through this award, Joy In The Journey continues to be an Enduring Light in the lives who need its message!! Gratitude expressed to you, Jenkins Group…from this “little heart of mine!

Nancy Elizabeth Howie

Author of Joy In The Journey, 2019 Enduring Light Silver Medalist

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