Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in submitting your book for the Dana Award!
We are currently accepting submissions in the following categories:
Aether Story Award
Important Note: The submission deadline for the Aether Story Award is 30th November 2026.
- Early Learning – Alphabet, Numbers & Concepts
- Activity & Educational Book
- Picture Book – Preschool
- Picture Book – Ages 4–8
- Picture Book – All Ages
- Early Reader & First Chapter Book
- Bilingual & Multilingual Book
- Middle Grade Fiction – General
- Middle Grade – Fantasy & Science Fiction
- Middle Grade – Mystery & Suspense
- Middle Grade – Historical Fiction
- Middle Grade – Adventure & Action
- Middle Grade – Contemporary & Social Themes
- Young Adult Fiction – General
- Young Adult – Fantasy & Science Fiction
- Young Adult – Mystery, Thriller & Horror
- Young Adult – Historical Fiction
- Young Adult – Contemporary & Coming-of-Age
- Young Adult – Nonfiction
- Animals & Pets
- Faith & Spirituality
- Holiday & Seasonal Stories
- Environment, Nature & Sustainability
- Health, Wellness & Self-Esteem
- Cultural Heritage & Identity
- Social Impact & Advocacy
- Friendship, Family & Relationships
- Biography & True Stories
- Science, Technology & STEM
- Children’s Nonfiction
- Children’s Poetry
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Excellence in Illustration
- Best Author-Illustrator
- Best Book Cover Design
- Innovative & Interactive Storytelling
- Debut Author Award
- Young Author Award – Under 18
- Best Book Series
Nebula Narrative Award
Important Note: The submission deadline for the Nebula Narrative Award is 30th November 2026.
- Bible Study & Scripture
- Christian Living & Personal Growth
- Devotional & Prayer
- Theology & Christian Thought
- Ministry, Mission & Church Leadership
- Catholic Faith & Tradition
- Family, Parenting & Relationships
- Faith-Based Education
- Spirituality & Contemplative Practice
- Grief, Healing & Life Challenges
- Inspirational Biography & Memoir
- Holiday & Seasonal Inspiration
- Children’s Faith & Inspirational Book
- Young Adult Faith & Inspirational Book
- Inspirational Fiction – General
- Inspirational Romance
- Mystery, Suspense & Thriller
- Inspirational & Spiritual Poetry
- Audiobook & Spoken Word
- Celestial Legacy – Christian Thought
- Celestial Legacy – Devotional & Spiritual Growth
- Celestial Legacy – Inspirational Nonfiction
- Celestial Legacy – Faith & Inspirational Fiction
- Celestial Legacy – Children’s & Young Readers
Dana Best Book Award
Important Note: The submission deadline for the Dana Best Book Award is 30th November 2026.
- Fine Art & Visual Culture
- Performing Arts – Music, Dance, Film & Theater
- Photography
- Architecture & Design
- Coffee Table & Illustrated Book
- Literary Fiction
- General & Contemporary Fiction
- Short Story Collection
- Novella
- Poetry
- Anthology
- Historical Fiction
- Fantasy
- Science Fiction
- Horror
- Mystery & Crime Fiction
- Thriller & Suspense
- Romance
- Erotic Fiction
- Inspirational & Spiritual Fiction
- Speculative & Visionary Fiction
- Humor & Satire
- Military & Wartime Fiction
- Multicultural & Global Fiction
- LGBTQ+ Fiction
- Graphic Novels & Comics
- Children’s Picture Book – Ages 0–7
- Children’s Picture Book – All Ages
- Children’s Interactive & Activity Book
- Early Reader & First Chapter Book
- Middle Grade Fiction
- Young Adult Fiction – General
- Young Adult – Fantasy & Science Fiction
- Young Adult – Mystery, Thriller & Adventure
- Children’s & Young Adult Nonfiction
- Biography
- Memoir & Autobiography
- Essays
- Creative Nonfiction
- True Crime
- History – United States & Americas
- World History
- Politics, Economics & Global Affairs
- Social Issues & Humanitarian Studies
- Business, Leadership & Careers
- Finance, Investing & Economics
- Education & Learning
- Science & Technology
- Nature, Environment & Sustainability
- Health & Medicine
- Psychology & Mental Health
- Self-Help & Personal Development
- Inspirational & Spirituality
- Religion & Theology
- Mind, Body & Spirit
- Family, Parenting & Relationships
- Aging, Grief & End-of-Life
- LGBTQ+ Nonfiction
- Culture, Society & Identity
- Cookbooks, Food & Culinary Arts
- Home, Garden & Crafts
- Sports, Fitness & Recreation
- Travel – Narrative & Memoir
- Travel – Guidebook
- Animals & Pets
- Popular Culture & Media
- Reference & Professional Resources
- Writing & Publishing
- Best Cover Design
- Best Debut Book
- Best Book Series
- Audiobook Excellence
- U.S. Northeast – Fiction
- U.S. Northeast – Nonfiction
- U.S. Mid-Atlantic – Fiction
- U.S. Mid-Atlantic – Nonfiction
- U.S. Southeast – Fiction
- U.S. Southeast – Nonfiction
- U.S. South – Fiction
- U.S. South – Nonfiction
- U.S. Great Lakes – Fiction
- U.S. Great Lakes – Nonfiction
- U.S. Plains – Fiction
- U.S. Plains – Nonfiction
- U.S. Mountain West – Fiction
- U.S. Mountain West – Nonfiction
- U.S. Pacific West – Fiction
- U.S. Pacific West – Nonfiction
- Canada – Fiction
- Canada – Nonfiction
- Latin America & Caribbean – Fiction
- Latin America & Caribbean – Nonfiction
- United Kingdom & Ireland – Fiction
- United Kingdom & Ireland – Nonfiction
- Europe – Fiction
- Europe – Nonfiction
- Africa – Fiction
- Africa – Nonfiction
- Middle East – Fiction
- Middle East – Nonfiction
- Asia – Fiction
- Asia – Nonfiction
- Australia, New Zealand & Pacific – Fiction
- Australia, New Zealand & Pacific – Nonfiction
Vellum Star Award
Important Note: The submission deadline for the Vellum Star Award is 30th November 2026.
- Business Strategy, Theory & Commentary
- Economics & Markets
- Career Development & Workplace Success
- Sales, Negotiation & Customer Growth
- Leadership & Organizational Culture
- Business Communication & Networking
- Business Ethics & Responsible Leadership
- Innovation & Business Transformation
- Operations & Organizational Growth
- Human Resources & Talent Development
- Entrepreneurship & Small Business
- Sustainability, Nonprofit & Social Impact
- International Business & Global Markets
- Finance, Investing & Wealth Management
- Business Technology, AI & Future Trends
- Professional Growth, Coaching & Performance
- Marketing, Advertising, Branding & PR
- Corporate History & Legacy
- Real Estate Business & Investment
- Business Reference, Legal & How-To
- Business Memoir & Biography
- Business Narrative & Fable
- Productivity, Time Management & Work-Life Balance
- Audiobook – Business
How to Submit
To submit your book for consideration, please follow these steps.
- Select the appropriate award program.
- Enter the book title, author name, and requested submission details.
- Select one or more applicable categories.
- Review the entry information and eligibility requirements.
- Complete payment and submit the entry.
- After the payment, enter the required details like ISBN, Cover, Description, and manuscript.
- Keep the confirmation for your records.
Eligibility
- Submissions must be made through the Dana Award submission page.
- A completed submission form must be submitted, including the book’s title, author, and ISBN.
- A brief description of the book and a statement on why it should be considered for the award must be provided.
- Submissions must be made by the deadline specified on the submission page.
- Self-published books are eligible for submission.
Additional information
Multiple Categories and Duplicate Entries
Books may be entered into multiple applicable categories. Each category is a separate paid entry. Duplicate entries are permitted and may be submitted as additional award entries.
Category Change Requests
If you need to request a category change after submission, contact Dana Award through the official email address. Category-change requests will be reviewed and accommodated where operationally possible.
Entry Fees
Entry fees depend on the award program and the number of categories selected. The applicable fee is displayed during the submission process. All award entry fees are non-refundable.
Award Results
Submitting a book does not guarantee an award. Where placement levels are used, winner recognition should be displayed consistently as GOLD, SILVER, and BRONZE.