Frequently Asked Questions
MCB…
Who are you?
Massachusetts Center for the Book is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring a love of reading, honoring the rich literary culture of the Commonwealth, promoting unrestricted access to books and libraries, and fostering literacy and learning through collaborative programming across Massachusetts.
How are you funded?
We are a public-private partnership, supported by donations from the general public, grants from partner organizations, including the Library of Congress and Mass Cultural Council, and an appropriation from the General Court of Massachusetts through line item 7000-9508, which is administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
How can I support the work you do at Mass Center for the Book?
If you want to help support our programs please consider making a donation using the button below.
Literary Events and our Calendar…
How can I find literary events in my area?
We host a statewide literary events calendar on our website where you can search by event type and location to find all sorts of events near you!
How can I submit an event to be included in your literary calendar?
Head to our statewide literary events calendar and click the “Add event” button at the top. There you will be prompted to create a name and password to submit your literary events to our system. We post author events, readings, lectures, book signings, and panel discussions where one or more authors appear; storytimes or other kids/YA readings and events with the author; book fairs and festivals. (We DO NOT post: book clubs, storytimes, or readings where the author does not appear; recurring events; events or activities not directly related to books and literature (even if hosted at a bookstore or library); events not located in Massachusetts.)
How can I get my event featured in your weekly round up on social media?
Submit your event to the calendar! Each week, we go through the events on our calendar and attempt to feature a wide range of events across geographic area, author genre, and event type. We are only able to feature five events per week, and we do our best to give equal coverage to the many wonderful author event venues in the state.
What event details should I include in my calendar submission?
In addition to the date, time and location, please include a description of your event along with a link to the event page (very important!). Please add a category (event type) and tag (town name). An image in JPEG/JPG or PNG format is also required.
Mass Book Awards…
Are self published books eligible for the Mass Book Awards?
No. Self-published books are ineligible. As a statewide organization that partners with libraries and bookstores across Massachusetts, our winning titles need to be widely available through conventional sales channels and key wholesalers and distributors. Should an author create their own press/imprint, that press must have published at least one additional author’s work for the book to not be considered self-published for the purposes of this award.
Do I need to be a current Massachusetts resident to be considered for the Mass Book Awards?
Books must have been written, illustrated, or translated by permanent residents of Massachusetts. Those on temporary placement or those who are regular vacationers to the Commonwealth, but who maintain residency elsewhere, are not considered permanent residents. Writers must be living in Massachusetts at the time their books are submitted and must continue as permanent residents at the time the awards are announced.
How do I submit to the Massachusetts Book Awards?
Submissions will be accepted for the next awards cycle (books published in 2025) from September 2, 2025 to December 15, 2025. You can visit the program page to learn more about our guidelines and how you can submit your book.
Can I submit ARCs or galleys?
No. We ask for published copies of the book, either hardback or paperback. No ebooks, please.
Can we drop off copies at your office instead of mailing them?
Yes. If you're local, we'd be happy to accept books in-person. Contact bookawards@massbook.org for more information.
Monthly Reading Challenges…
How can I participate in the Adult Reading Challenge?
Head to the program page for the Adult Reading Challenge and check out the monthly prompt. We have lists of book recommendations for each month on the page as well. If you want to participate through your local library or bookstore, scroll down the page to see if they are a partner in the program with us. Then read your book and head to our submission manager to tell us all about it! All entries are entered into a monthly giveaway for free books.
How can I get my child involved in the Student Reading Challenge?
Head to the program page for the Student Reading Challenge and check out the monthly prompt. We have lists of book recommendations for each month on the page as well. If you want to participate through your local library, school, or bookstore, scroll down the page to see if they are a partner in the program with us. After they read their book head to our submission form to tell us all about it! All entries are entered into a monthly giveaway for free books.
Our location wants to become a partner and run one of the challenges in our space. Where do we start?
Each of the two program pages have buttons to sign up and become partners and run the program in your location. We will send you everything you need to do this. If you have any questions about becoming a partner you can email us at info@massbook.org.
Can I edit a monthly entry once I have submitted it?
No. Unfortunately, the submission system will not let you edit your entries once they have been submitted. If you would like to edit an entry, send us an email at info@massbook.org letting us know what you would like to change and we will be happy to make the changes for you.
Can you tell me my password?
We don't have access to passwords. You can use the "need help?" button to reset it. If you're not receiving an email when you do this, you may not have an account with the email you're inputting.
My entry is not in the "Reader Comments" log for the month, why?
It's possible you submitted after we pulled the entries for the month. We usually do this after the 5th of the following month.
Why is one of my monthly entries missing?
Our submission system has a two step process to submit your monthly entry. Make sure that after you click “submit” you then click “continue” on the next page. (See image below)
Letters About Literature…
Can a student submit more than one letter?
No. We ask that each student submit only one letter.
Can a student submit a letter as an individual, not associated with a school?
Absolutely! Head to the Letters About Literature page and look down the righthand side for guidelines and submission forms for individuals.
I want to run LAL in my classroom for the first time. How can I get started?
Running Letters about Literature in your space is easier than ever. We have lots of information and lesson plans to help guide you and your students on our Lesson Plans and Teaching Resources page. And if you have any questions you can always email them to letters@massbook.org.
Mass Kids Lit Fest…
I’m a Massachusetts author and I’m interested in participating! How can I get involved?
We distribute a “call for authors” in December for Mass Kids Lit Fest the following May. Sign up for our newsletter, follow our social media, and you can keep an eye on the program website (makidslitfest.org) to find out more information.
How can I get a festival event at my location (school, library, or other community space)?
We open up for partner applications in December for Mass Kids Lit Fest the following May. Sign up for our newsletter, follow our social media, and you can keep an eye on the program website (makidslitfest.org) to find out more information and look for the partner interest form.
Massachusetts based Author resources…
I’m a Massachusetts author and I have a new book coming out. How can I connect with Mass Center for the Book?
If you are a resident of Massachusetts then we have a few ways we can help you amplify your book:
1) If you have any events scheduled (book launch, readings, etc.) you can submit them to our statewide literary events calendar.
2) You can submit your book to the Mass Book Awards when the submission cycle is open from September to December. More information and details on the Mass Book Awards program page.
3) If you are a Massachusetts author who writes children’s books (picture books, early readers, middle grade, young adult, or graphic novels) you can apply to participate in the Mass Kids Lit Fest when we open up applications in December for the following May. More information about that can be found on the festival webpage.