Question 1

When will the winners be announced?

Accepted Answer

We aim to announce winners by the end July.

Question 2

How will I know if I've won?

Accepted Answer

We announce winners on our website and send an email to all subscribers. Winners are also contacted directly to receive their prize.

Question 3

How does the judging work?

Accepted Answer

We have a pool of judges that we regularly call upon. We also like to add new ones. We usually have two for the Book Award. However, previous judges that are not necessarily listed as a judge for one specific year are often still called upon as readers. So you can be sure  that if your category is not represented by the named judges your work will be read by someone with an interest in your area. An example of this is poet Jeff Phelps, who in 2014 was not a judge but helped with the reading and selecting process. In fact, poetry was our first prize winner for 2014.

Question 4

How much does it cost to enter?

Accepted Answer

​As we are international we accept several different currencies. You will need to see the entry page for details of currencies.  Select a currency to pay in and the entry form will load for you to fill in and make the payment.

Question 5

Will my entry arrive in time?

Accepted Answer

​If your book is postmarked by the closing date then your entry will be accepted.

Question 6

What is meant by an independent publisher?

Accepted Answer

​The premise of what we do is to give well-deserved recognition to authors of independent publishers and self publishers. Big publishing houses do not need us to give them recognition - they can afford to pay the large entry fees to enter prestigious awards or be placed on tables of book shops. 
We would not accept entries from publishers such as:
Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Hachette Book Group, and Simon & Schuster.

Question 7

I have a newer version since entering can I enter the new one?

Accepted Answer

​Yes but this would be counted as an additional entry, with another entry fee. Both versions will be registered and seen by our readers and/or judges.

Question 8

Will the named judge read all the entries?

Accepted Answer

​While every entry is given careful consideration our judges cannot read all the books entered. Our experienced readers assist our judges so you can be sure that each book has been carefully considered.

Question 9

Will you give feedback on my entry?

Accepted Answer

​Feedback is not a service that we offer.

Question 10

How do you notify winners?

Accepted Answer

We send an email to everyone on our mailing list to announce the shortlist. If you don't receive it, your server might be blocking our email or it went to your junk folder. We also announce winners on Facebook and Twitter. Only prize winners are contacted directly.

Question 11

When is the next competition opening?

Accepted Answer

​The next book award will launch in September.

Question 12

What are your terms and conditions

Accepted Answer

Here is the page to our terms and conditions.

Question 13

What is the Rubery Book Award?

Accepted Answer

The Rubery Book Award is an international award celebrating excellence in independent publishing.

Question 14

Can authors outside the UK enter the award?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The Rubery Book Award is international, so we welcome entries from authors and small presses around the world. Just make sure you use the correct entry page for your location.

Question 15

How can I stay updated about the next award opening and winner announcements?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is to subscribe to our newsletter. We send updates about announcements, reminders to enter, and other award news, so you do not have to keep refreshing the website like an over-caffeinated detective.

Question 16

How can I stay updated about the next award opening and winner announcements?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is to subscribe to our newsletter. We use it to share winner announcements, shortlist updates, and reminders about when entries open. You can also check the website from time to time if you prefer to keep us at arm’s length until something exciting happens.

Question 17

Where can I find the closing date for entries?

Accepted Answer

The closing date is 31st March each year.  Our newsletter is also the easiest way to catch opening and closing reminders without having to keep refreshing the site like a very determined squirrel.

Frequently asked questions

When will the winners be announced?

How will I know if I've won?

How does the judging work?

How much does it cost to enter?

Will my entry arrive in time?

What is meant by an independent publisher?

I have a newer version since entering can I enter the new one?

Will the named judge read all the entries?

Will you give feedback on my entry?

How do you notify winners?

When is the next competition opening?

What are your terms and conditions

What is the Rubery Book Award?

Can authors outside the UK enter the award?

How can I stay updated about the next award opening and winner announcements?

How can I stay updated about the next award opening and winner announcements?

Where can I find the closing date for entries?