INTRODUCTION
NOTE: THE CONTEST ENTRY FORM IS BELOW
~Two Grand Prize Winners (Fiction & Nonfiction categories) will receive prize packages worth over $2000 ~
These include:
Featured audio interview with rebroadcast on The Authors Show® site for 12 months
Fully licensed copy of The Authors Show® audio interview
News announcement to both digital and traditional media news sites, including AP Newsroom
Additional social media campaign - 12 months
Amazon book optimization service
Professional level video for the winning book based on The Authors Show audio interview
2 images for use in social media campaigns
20% discount voucher for future book cover design from Book Cover Hub
Feature article in Great Writers You Should Be Reading Magazine (based on the featured audio interview)
In addition, one winner will be chosen from each of the genre classifications and will receive a First Place winners seal that can be used online or printed for use on print books, and a 20% discount voucher from Book Cover Hub.
A book cover serves as the initial point of connection between the book and its readers. It creates a first impression and can significantly influence a reader's decision to pick it up or ignore it.
A visually appealing, professional cover implies that the content within is just as refined and captivating, and while the content of the book is ultimately what sustains a reader's interest, the cover plays a crucial role in attracting them in the first place. For these reasons, as well as others, your book cover should be well thought of and well designed.
WHY ENTER THIS CONTEST?
When you enter our contest, your book cover is evaluated on various criteria by our panel of judges, and the public can also vote on the overall appeal of your cover with a thumbs up. Both the judges and the public votes are combined in the final score. This evaluation can help you revise your current cover, if needed, and can help you with new cover design for your future works.
In addition, recognition and credibility come with winning awards, and awards are a great marketing vehicle. With recognition by others comes also the opportunity to let the world know about your work, something that can be done using press/media releases and social media postings, as the more your name and your titles appear out there, the more you increase your chances for your work to be found by book buyers.
SOME OF THE BENEFITS WINNING A BOOK COVER CONTEST CAN BRING
- Credibility and Prestige: winning adds credibility to your work, signaling to readers and industry professionals that your book meets high design standards, which can enhance your reputation as an author.
- Increased visibility: a winning cover can gain attention from readers, publishers, and the media.
- Marketing advantage: a winning cover can be a powerful marketing tool, making your book stand out in a crowded marketplace and potentially increasing sales.
- Networking Opportunities: success in a contest can lead to connections with industry professionals, including publishers, designers, and fellow authors.
Motivation and Confidence: Recognition from a panel of judges can boost your confidence and motivate you to continue pursuing high standards in your work.
CONTEST - STARTS September 15, 2026 and ENDS November 15, 2026
PUBLIC VOTING WINDOW - BEGINS September 30 and ENDS November 25, 2026
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED December 15, 2026