Guidelines

Everything You Need to Know About Entering the 2026 Illumination 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

Submit Your Entry

Via online form or mail-in entry.

Mail or Upload Your Books

All books must be uploaded or postmarked by December 11, 2025. 

Your Book Will Be Checked-In

Our team processes entries by hand, so please allow a few business days for processing. You’ll receive an email confirmation once it’s complete.

 

Judging Starts

Judging starts on February 5, 2026. 

Medalists Announced

Medalists will be announced via email on June 4, 2026 by 4 PM ET.

Celebration

All medalists are invited to a virtual celebration on March 12, 2026.

WHO MAY ENTER

Authors, illustrators, publishers, and self-publishers around the world who write and publish 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.

The use of AI is discouraged and may factor into the judges’ final decision.

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.

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.

FEES & DEADLINES

You may submit a title in multiple categories, but an entry fee is required for each category entered. 

Entry Deadlines:

  • Early-Bird Deadline 1: July 16, 2025 - $79 per entry
  • Early-Bird Deadline 2: September 17, 2025 - $89 per entry
  • Final Deadline: December 11, 2025 - $99 per entry

All entries must be submitted online or postmarked by the final entry deadline of December 11, 2025. There is a ten-day grace period for books to arrive after the entry deadline, and judging begins on January 8, 2026.

WHAT TO SEND

Submission requirements vary by category entered.

  • General Categories: Choose the submission method that best showcases your work:
    • Option 1 - Mail a Physical Copy: Send one copy of your title per category entered to the shipping address below. Be sure to print this page and include it with your book(s). If you are shipping your book(s) directly from a distributor, the printed page is not required. We will match your book to your entry in our system. Judges will only see the book itself, so please don’t send any press kits, reviews, bookmarks, etc.
    • Option 2 - Upload files (PDF only) after entry
  • eBook Categories: Upload files (PDF only) after entry (physical will not be accepted).
  • Audiobook Categories: Enter a gift code from your platform of choice after entry (audio files will not be accepted).
  • International Submissions: We strongly recommend submitting an eBook over mailing a physical book to help avoid shipping delays and additional fees. All physical international shipments must be sent DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). Any package sent with duties or taxes due on delivery will be refused or returned to the sender.

Mail submissions to:
Jenkins Group
1129 Woodmere Ave - Suite B
Traverse City, MI 49686

If you have an issue with your upload, please email your PDF to digital@illuminationawards.com with your order number in the subject line.

All books submitted become the property of Jenkins Group and will be donated after each award cycle. eBook files will be deleted after judging and the announcement of results.

JUDGING PROCESS & ANNOUNCEMENT

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 (gold, silver, and bronze) will be announced via email on February 5, 2026 by 4 PM ET. Official results will go live on our website on February 11, 2026 at 2 PM ET.

Medalist Packets

Each medalist receives a medal, a personalized certificate, and 20 seals to get started. Additional award seals are available in rolls of 250 and 1,000. High-resolution versions of the seal artwork are also available for purchase for book covers and promotional materials. View merchandise here.

AWARDS CEREMONY

All medalists are invited to join the awards ceremony that will be held virtually on March 12, 2026.

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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