FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help or have any questions? Check out our FAQs or reach out to us directly here.
How Do I Enter?
Entering the Illumination Book Awards is quick and easy! You can either use
our online entry site or download a printable entry form. If you choose the online option, just have your credit card ready to pay so you can print out your entry coupon and mailing labels. If you prefer to pay by check or money order, just grab the printable mail-in entry form below.
Who can enter?
General categories
If you have a book published with a copyright from 2023, 2024, or 2025, or one that’s been released since January 1, 2023, it’s eligible to enter! We’re looking for published books, but you don’t need an ISBN to submit. If your finished copies aren’t ready yet, feel free to send in galley copies instead. And yes, e-books are welcome, too! They can enter our regular categories and will be judged alongside print books.
Digital media category
You can upload your eBook files after entering online, or you can send them as a gift from your preferred sales site. For audiobooks, they’ll need to be sent as a gift from your sales platform of choice—those files can’t be uploaded directly. Just make sure to name the files with your book’s title (e.g., The Bible would be The Bible.pdf). You can share or send your entries to info@illuminationawawrds.com.
Enduring light categories
Since many book awards only recognize titles from the last year or two, we’ve introduced the Enduring Light medals to honor exceptional Christian-themed books published since the year 2000. These medals celebrate books with lasting messages in five categories: Christian Thought, Devotional, Inspirational, Christian Fiction, and Christian Children’s Books. The entry fees and requirements are the same as our regular categories, and you can submit books published as far back as 2000, along with current titles.
Want to know more about our guidelines? Check them out here.
What does it cost?
Early-bird entry fee #1: until July 5, 2024 $79
Early-bird entry fee #2: July 6 – September 30, 2024 $89
Final entry fee: October 1, 2024 – January 6, 2025 $99
What do the winners receive?
Medalists in each category will receive gold, silver, and bronze medals! Each award-winning book gets a special packet that includes the medal, a certificate, 20 shiny foil award seals, and some great marketing materials to help promote your win. We designed these awards to be a powerful marketing tool, so the biggest benefit is their promotional value—they can really help boost your book sales.
Plus, being recognized with an award gives you credibility in the market and can open doors for future opportunities, like speaking engagements or interviews. It’s a fantastic way to connect with readers and industry professionals alike. So, not only do you get to celebrate your hard work, but you also gain tools to help your book reach more people!
What do I send in my entry package?
Be sure to send one copy of your book for each category you enter. So, for example, if you’re entering a title into Holiday and General Fiction, you will need to send two copies total—one for each category.
Please include your online registration receipt or a completed entry form, along with your check or money order, in the same package as the books—preferably tucked inside the front cover.
Don’t worry about including any marketing kits, reviews, or extra materials. Our judges only look at the book itself, so they won’t see anything else!
How are books judged?
Our judging focuses on content, design, and production quality, with a special emphasis on innovation and creative ways to express a Christian worldview. We have an esteemed panel of experts from various fields, including education, clergy, book production, and bookselling. Once the judges finish working through each entry, we will announce three to five medalists in each category. This will happen around February 8, 2025, so stay tuned!
How do I find out if I won?
We’ll send you a confirmation of your entry via email, and we’ll also keep you updated on judging and results through email. This is why it’s so important to provide a valid email address. If your email changes or there’s someone else you’d like to add to our contest update list, just let us know!
How do I get featured on your blog, social media, or podcast?
We love that you’re interested in being featured on our social media, blog, and podcast! We’re excited to shine a spotlight on the unique stories and successes of authors, publishers, and thought leaders who embody Christian values.
To kick things off, just fill out our quick form here. This will help us get to know you better and make sure we showcase your work in the best way possible!
