So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into writing a Christian book, and now you’re ready to share it with the world. But before you enter it into the Illumination Christian Book Awards, there’s one final step: making sure everything is in perfect shape.
Whether this is your first time submitting or you’ve entered before, it’s always a good idea to do a final check to ensure you’ve covered all the bases. Below, we’ll walk you through how to make sure your submission is as polished as your book!
Review All Submission Guidelines
Before you get too excited and hit “submit,” it’s important to take a step back and carefully review the submission guidelines. This is the first step to ensure your book is eligible and ready for consideration.
First, double-check that your book meets the eligibility criteria. The Illumination Awards are all about celebrating new Christian titles, so your book should come from a Christian perspective and be a recent release (2023-2025 copyright).
Next, don’t forget to mark the submission deadline on your calendar. Award deadlines can sneak up on you, and we don’t want you to miss the chance to get your book in front of our judges! A quick confirmation of the date will help you stay on track. Submissions for the 2025 awards are due on January 6, 2025.
When you’re ready to submit, be sure to select the correct category. Whether your book focuses on theology, self-help, or education, make sure you’re putting it in the right spot. This helps ensure your book is evaluated alongside similar works.
Lastly, review the submission format. Are you sending a physical copy or submitting a digital copy? Everything should be in the right shape before you send it off. Taking care of these details upfront will save you time and hassle later on.
Ensure High-Quality Manuscript and Final Edits
Now that you’ve got the submission details in place, let’s talk about the heart of your book—its content. Before you submit your work, it’s crucial to make sure everything is polished and professional.
Start by giving your manuscript a final proofread. This is your chance to catch any lingering grammatical errors, typos, or awkward formatting issues that might make your book look less than its best. You’d be surprised at how a misplaced comma or inconsistent spacing can throw off a reader’s impression.
If you haven’t already, it might be time to bring in a professional editor. A fresh set of expert eyes can spot things you might have missed, from structural improvements to smoother transitions. Editors can help you elevate your book and ensure it reads seamlessly, which is especially important when you’re aiming for high recognition.
Enter Your Book Today
And there you have it—the final checklist to ensure your book is ready for the Illumination Christian Book Awards! It might seem like a lot to think about, but taking the time to go through each step will pay off when you submit a polished, professional entry. Remember, this is your chance to showcase your hard work and share your message with a wider audience, so it’s worth ensuring every detail is right.
Good luck with your submission! Our judges can’t wait to dive into your hard work. And if you have any questions or need a bit of extra help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. You’ve put so much effort into your book, and now it’s time to let it take center stage!
