The BookLife Prize - Enter Now
Each Entry Receives a Publishable Assessment by a Publishers Weekly Reviewer and a Chance to Win the $5,000 grand prize or the $1,000 category prize
"Contest entry fees are typically just a tax on naivete, but [with BookLife Prize], every submission receives something of value: a written evaluation by a Publishers Weekly reviewer." – The Washington Post
The BookLife Prize is an annual writing contest sponsored by BookLife and Publishers Weekly, designed to support independent authors and uncover outstanding books. The competition offers valuable exposure, professional feedback, and cash prizes to authors across various genres.
The BookLife Prize features two contests:
Fiction Contest
Now open through August 31, 2025.
Categories:
- Romance/Erotica
- Mystery/Thriller
- Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror
- General Fiction
- YA/Middle Grade
Nonfiction Contest
Entry period now closed. Next entry period begins October 1, 2025.
Categories:
- Memoir/Autobiography
- Self-Help
- Inspirational/Spiritual
- Business/Personal Finance
Why Enter the BookLife Prize?
All submissions are evaluated by Publishers Weekly reviewers, providing authors with invaluable professional critique and the opportunity to gain recognition in the publishing world.
Prizes & Benefits
Grand Prize Winners (Fiction & Nonfiction):
- $5,000 cash prize
- A featured author profile in Publishers Weekly
All Finalists Receive:
- A blurb from a bestselling/award-winning author or professional editor
- Mention in Publishers Weekly
- $1,000 in BookBaby’s Facebook + Instagram for Authors package
Every submission includes a Critic’s Report—a detailed evaluation from a Publishers Weekly reviewer, featuring a numerical score and written feedback to help authors refine their work. (Click here to see examples of Critic's Reports.)
See What Prize Winner T.J. Slee Says about the BookLife Prize
How To Enter
New users who have no BookLife account enter on this page.
BookLife members enter the BookLife Prize by logging in and going to project page for the book or manuscript they'd like to enter. Here are detailed instructions. Or watch this instructional video:
See What Prize Winner Christopher Hawkins Says about the BookLife Prize.
Complete Information
Click here for complete infomation about the BookLife Prize.
