Guidelines
The Anisfield-Wolf Book Award recognizes outstanding works that contribute to our understanding of racism and our appreciation of cultural diversity.
Awards are given for fiction, poetry, memoir and autobiography, and general nonfiction. For books published and copyrighted in 2024, the submission period begins January 1, 2024, and the deadline is October 16, 2024. The winners are traditionally announced in the spring.
Eligibility
- The book must contribute to our understanding of racism and foster an appreciation of cultural diversity.
- Books must be written in English and published and copyrighted in 2024 to be eligible for the 2025 prize.
- Awards are given in fiction, poetry, memoir and autobiography, and general nonfiction.
- All submitted materials become the property of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards and will not be returned.
- The deadline for submission is October 16, 2024.
- The following are NOT eligible for consideration:
- Plays
- Screenplays
- Works in progress
- Manuscripts
- Print-on-demand
- Electronically published or e-books
- Self-published works
For Publishers – Prizes and Recognition
- Anisfield-Wolf winners receive their prize at a ceremony in Cleveland in September.
- Award recipients traditionally receive $10,000 from the Anisfield-Wolf fund. Attendance at the ceremony is a condition of accepting the award.
- Winners are required to participate in media interviews and publicity opportunities in conjunction with the prize as well as the adjoining symposium.
- Publishers are encouraged to congratulate their winners in advertisements and via social media.
- Publishers are encouraged to affix the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award medallion in new editions, and mention the award in general publicity and web posts about their winning authors.
To submit a title for consideration, please complete the electronic submission form linked below. In addition to completion of the electronic form, you will be required to send five copies of the book to the address listed within the form.
If you encounter an issue with the submissions portal or have additional questions, please contact the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards staff and we will provide further assistance.
Phone: 216.615.7140
Email: Submit@Anisfield-Wolf.org
All submitted materials become the property of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards and will not be returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the awards given at the ceremony?
The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards are announced in the spring. The prizes are awarded at a ceremony in Cleveland in the fall.
How will I find out if I’ve won the award?
Winners are contacted by the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards before the public announcement is made on www.Anisfield-Wolf.org.
I’ve written a book. Does my publisher have to submit it or can I do it myself?
You may submit your own book for consideration. However, it is strongly advised that books be submitted by publishers to ensure compliance and flow of materials. For complete information on how to submit a book, please check our Submission Guidelines.
My book is self-published. Is it eligible for the award?
Self-published works (including works printed by vanity or subsidy presses) are not eligible for consideration.
My book is an e-book. Is it eligible for the award?
Electronic publications are not eligible for the award.
What genres of work are considered for the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award?
One award is given in each of the following categories: fiction, poetry, memoir and autobiography, and general nonfiction as well as one for lifetime achievement. The jury has the discretion to not bestow an award if they determine there is no book in a particular category that year that meets the AWBA criteria of excellence.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Books must be written in English and published and copyrighted in 2024 to be eligible for the 2025 prize.
- Awards are given for fiction, poetry, memoir and autobiography, and general nonfiction.
- All submitted materials become the property of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards and will not be returned.
- The deadline for submission is October 16, 2024.
- Submissions are accepted beginning January 1, 2024.
- The following are NOT eligible for consideration:
- Plays
- Screenplays
- Works in progress
- Manuscripts
- Print-on-demand
- Electronically published or e-books
- Self-published works
