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Guidelines for MassBooks

Overview

The Massachusetts Book Awards recognize important works of Massachusetts fiction, nonfiction, poetry & children's literature published in the previous year. Our panels of judges create a short list of "Recommended Reads" -- 10 to 12 of the best books submitted in the category -- which we promote to libraries and booksellers throughout the commonwealth. The judges name an award winner in each category in the month following release of the Recommended Reads. There is an annual recognition ceremony for the award winners.

Award Categories
Fiction

Full-length novels & collections of short stories by a single author are eligible. Collaborations are eligible if both (all) authors are current residents of Massachusetts. Works must be original. Translations and/or retellings of fairy- or folk-tales are not eligible.

Nonfiction

Full-length works of general nonfiction and collections of essays by a single author are eligible. Anthologies are considered if ALL authors are Massachusetts-based or if the book presents a Massachusetts theme. At present, the MassBooks do not review advice, self-help, or how-to books but welcome information about books in these categories for inclusion in the Massachusetts Book Census.

Poetry

Collections of poetry by a single living author are eligible. A collection may consist entirely of new poems or of a new selection of work from throughout a writer's career. Chapbooks are eligible. Anthologies are eligible if ALL poets are current residents of Massachusetts or if the book presents a Massachusetts theme.

Children's / Young Adult Literature

Picture, middle-reader, and young-adult books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry are eligible. Guidelines for topic, collaboration, and originality are the same as those for adult books.

The Judges

Each category has its own three-member judging panel that is drawn from a variety of reading communities (school, special, academic and public librarians; writers; public humanists). The decisions of the panels are final.

Massachusetts Book Medal

From time to time, the Massachusetts Center for the Book will award the Massachusetts Book Medal to a person or organization in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the Massachusetts community of the book. The committee does not accept formal application for this award. However, the Center welcomes recommendations which the committee will take into consideration as it deliberates. If a medal is awarded, the presentation is held during the book awards recognition event or during the annual meeting of the Center.

Promotion of Award Winners

Discussion guides for the award titles will be posted at our website, drawing on guides created by publishers and/or commissioned by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. Authors are encouraged, but not required, to partner with Commonwealth libraries during the award year to promote their work through book talks and signings. The Center assists in these arrangements. All award books are deposited in Special Collections in the Massachusetts State Library.

General Eligibility Guidelines

• Books must have been written by authors currently residing in Massachusetts or must present themes of particular and specific importance to the Commonwealth if their authors are not residents.
• Any individual, organization, or company may enter a book in any appropriate category.
• Anthologies or collaboration are eligible if ALL authors are Massachusetts-based or if the entire collection presents a Massachusetts theme.
• Retellings of folktales, myths, or legends and updates of previous editions of books are not eligible.
• Self-published books are eligible IF they issue from a house that also publishes work by other authors.
• Writers must be living at the time their books are submitted for consideration. Part-time residents of Massachusetts are eligible; temporary residents are not eligible.
• Books must have been copyrighted in their original format during the calendar year, January 1 to December 31, preceding the awards.
• An author may be recognized for more than one book per year. Books by authors who have previously won a MassBook award are eligible.
• The Massachusetts Center for the Book and the MassBook judges resolve all questions about eligibility; their decisions are binding.

Submitting a Book

1. Complete the electronic Entry Form.
2. Send FOUR copies of each book being entered to the following shipping address:
   

   FED EX, UPS, etc.	US Postal Service
   Massachusetts Book Awards Mass Library System -- West 4 Sandy Lane Whately, MA 01093 617-872-3718	Massachusetts Book Awards Mass Library System -- West P.O. Box 609 South Deerfield, MA 01373-0609 617-872-3718

3. Books and completed entry forms must be received by the annual stated deadline (see Entry Form).
4. Books may be submitted by authors, agents, publishers, or other authorized representatives of the book. Authors must consent to the submission and agree to the terms of the program.
5. Judges may also call for submissions. These books also must be received by the deadline.
6. The Entry Form requires the signature of an authorized representative for the book. This person will be the contact during the entire award process. Please update MCB should contact information change during the awards program.
7. MCB will respond to email requests for confirmation of receipt of books and entry forms but otherwise cannot send out acknowledgements. All submissions will be listed in the annual Massachusetts Book Census, which is posted to the MCB web site.
8. All books become property of the MassBook Awards program. By entering this contest, the applicant agrees to give the Massachusetts Center for the Book permission to use the book cover, excerpts from the text, and publicity notices for the entered book in any promotion of the Awards.
9. No entry fee is required.