Reader Views has launched its first Non-Fiction Awards program, now accepting entries for the 2026-2027 cycle. This initiative marks a significant shift as it separates non-fiction submissions from their previous combined Literary Awards, which included fiction, poetry, and children's literature.
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Starting this year, each genre will have its distinct schedule, scoring system, and judging process. Sheri Hoyte and Susan Violante, Managing Editors of Reader Views, emphasized the importance of evaluating various non-fiction categories—such as memoirs, business books, and histories—on their own merits, allowing reviewers to focus on the authors’ intentions and achievements.
Every entry will undergo a comprehensive professional review, evaluated on a 20-point scale tailored specifically for non-fiction. Assessment criteria include clarity of purpose, credibility, research quality, insight, structure, reader connection, and practical value.
Reviews will be featured on Reader Views’ platforms and circulated through its social media, while notable titles will receive exposure on sites like Goodreads and BookBub. Additionally, each book will enjoy a one-week showcase in the Author Showcase and be mentioned in the newsletter's recent reviews. All entries will be considered for finalist and winner distinctions, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors accompanied by cash awards.
The awards are open to independent, small press, and self-published authors across 26 categories reflecting BISAC classifications, such as memoir, history, true crime, and self-help. Children's non-fiction entries must be submitted through the Fiction Awards due to categorization guidelines.
Sponsors for this year’s Non-Fiction Awards include Book Launchers and the Women in Publishing Summit. The list of sponsors can be found on the Reader Views website.
Key dates include an entry opening on September 1, 2026, and a closing date of March 31, 2027, with Early Bird pricing available until December 31, 2026. Winners will be unveiled in late May 2027.
Further information, including categories and entry guidelines, is available on the Reader Views website.