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Entry Information

  • We accept books and ebooks.

  • We accept entry fees in different currencies. Go here to select your country Enter

  • There is no publication date restriction.

  • We accept fiction (all genres), young adult, children’s, biographies, non-fiction, self-help, cookery, poetry, photography etc. There are no limits on the type.

  • We have a panel of carefully selected expert readers. When we receive your book we pair up the category of your book with our reader's specialist interest.  

  • Our readers observe a strict criteria when reading each book.  In general terms, the most important aspects for you to keep in mind are: whether a book is well written (including structure and style), and  whether a book is well presented (cover, pictures (if relevant) and layout).

  • We aim to announce in July of each year.

  • The award money will be paid in sterling via a cheque or PayPal.* 

  • Email confirmation will be sent. This is not automated but sent once we have received everything we need to register your book. 

  • Please see our FAQ for any other queries you may have.

Should you enter the Rubery Book Award?

You should consider entering if your book is:

 

  • Professionally presented and well-edited

  • Written with a clear, confident voice

  • Original in concept, perspective, or execution

  • Engaging, thought-provoking, or meaningful to readers

  • A strong example of its genre — or successfully crosses genres

 

 

We welcome:

 

  • Literary and genre fiction

  • Non-fiction and memoir

  • Children’s and YA books

  • Poetry, short stories, and hybrid works

 

 

You do not need:

 

  • A traditional publisher

  • Industry connections

  • A strictly “literary” style

 

 

If you’ve taken your work seriously — we will too.

Category Information

The Rubery Book Award recognises excellence in both literary and genre writing, with equal value placed on storytelling, originality, and reader impact.

The Rubery Book Award welcomes entries across a wide range of categories, reflecting the diversity of independent publishing.

 

Each book should be entered into the category that best represents its primary style or intended readership. However, we recognise that many books cross genres or do not fit neatly into a single category — and these are warmly welcomed.

 

All entries are judged on:

 

  • Quality of writing

  • Clarity and strength of voice

  • Originality and creativity

  • Structure and execution

  • Overall reader impact

 

 

We consider both literary and genre-led work equally. A compelling story, well told, is at the heart of every successful entry.

 

 

Choosing the right category

 

 

Don't panic or over think this one! Select the category that most closely aligns with your book. This does not need to be an exact fit — our judging process takes into account the nature and intention of each work.

 

If your book blends genres or forms (for example, a mix of prose and poetry, or literary and speculative elements), you are welcome to enter it into the category that best reflects its core focus.

 

 

Who can enter

 

 

The award is open to:

 

  • Self-published authors

  • Independently published authors

  • Books published by independent presses

 

 

You do not need a traditional publisher or prior recognition to enter.

Books & Ebooks

Books and Ebooks

  • As of the 2018 award we would like you to send both versions of your book if you have the two are available. This isn't compulsory but would help us. When doing this you MUST make it clear that both versions have been sent to us on the entry form.

Books

  • You should send one copy of each book.

  • Entries should be postmarked no later than the 31st March. If you think your book will be delayed in the post please contact us. Any entries received after the closing date will automatically be put into the next competition.


Ebooks
 

  • We are happy to receive ebooks if no print version is available or if there is a problem receiving your print version.

  • Ebooks should be uploaded to us from the entry form in any of the following formats: Word, PDF, Mobi. If your ebook is in a different format please use Calibre to convert the file. 

  • Please be aware that books with lots of images will be large files and it may be better to send a hard copy version.

  • Your cover should be included in the file and not added as a separate file.

  • We cannot accept ebooks that are sent as a gift to download from Amazon. This is because the gift goes to just one person. Because of the judging process the ebook may need to be read by multiple people. 

  • We will not accept invitations to download files from websites.

Pay Online

There is an entry fee. See why we charge an entry fee in the FAQ section.

As we are an international award organisation we do accept entry fees in a variety of currencies. If your currency is not listed you may prefer to select one that is listed and allow PayPal to convert your currency for you. Alternatively contact us requesting the currency you would like added.

It costs £46 to enter or $70 USD. Click on the Gold Rubery Award below to make the payment or see other payment options.

 

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