In a publishing landscape where recognition often comes with steep price tags or industry gatekeeping, Bookshelfie is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative that puts writers first. The inaugural Bookshelfie Awards launches today as the first truly accessible literary competition where talent—not financial means or industry connections—determines who gets recognized.
A Free Contest in a Pay-to-Play World
“We’ve watched talented authors struggle for years with the impossible choice: pay substantial fees they can hardly afford for a chance at recognition, or remain invisible in a crowded marketplace,” says Maria Ashford, head reviewer at Bookshelfie. “Something had to change.”
Most established literary awards operate on one of two exclusionary models. Some require submissions from literary agents or publishers, immediately disqualifying the vast majority of independent and emerging writers. Others charge entry fees ranging from $50 to well over $250 per submission—creating a significant financial barrier that disproportionately affects marginalized voices and writers from lower-income backgrounds.
The Bookshelfie Awards eliminates these obstacles entirely. Entry is completely free, with no hidden costs or mandatory purchases at any stage of the process.
Celebrating Literature That Pushes Boundaries
The Bookshelfie Awards seeks exceptional writing that might not find champions in traditional publishing channels—work that takes creative risks, introduces unique perspectives, or defies easy categorization.
“We’re specifically looking for literature that pushes boundaries,” explains the awards committee. “We want to discover and amplify voices that challenge conventions, whether through experimental structures, unconventional subjects, or perspectives historically underrepresented in mainstream publishing.”
A More Equitable Literary Landscape
The initiative represents Bookshelfie’s commitment to democratizing literary recognition. By removing financial barriers, the awards aim to discover extraordinary talents who might otherwise remain in obscurity due to economic constraints or lack of industry connections.
“Great literature can come from anywhere,” the team emphasizes. “When you eliminate arbitrary barriers to entry, you create space for genuine discovery. We believe readers deserve access to the best writing, not just the most marketable or the most well-connected.”
Winners will receive a gift card, promotional support through Bookshelfie’s social media and website, and opportunities to connect with readers passionate about authentic literary voices. Most importantly, they’ll gain recognition based solely on the quality of their work.
How to Enter
Submissions open today and will remain open through November 29th, 2025. Submission is technically free, but only books submitted for a guaranteed review are assured consideration. Authors may submit any works published within the last two years that were self-published or published by independent publishers. The selection process prioritizes transparency, with a diverse panel of judges evaluating entries based on artistic merit, innovative approach, and excellence in craft. Results will be announced in December 2025.
“We invite writers everywhere to submit with nothing to lose but obscurity,” says the Bookshelfie team. “This is about creating a literary meritocracy where extraordinary writing rises based on quality alone.”
Join the Literary Revolution
The Bookshelfie Awards represents just the beginning of a larger mission to transform how literary value is determined and recognized. By prioritizing accessibility and artistic merit over financial barriers, the initiative hopes to discover remarkable works that might otherwise never find their audience.
“We believe this model can change publishing for the better,” the team concludes. “When you remove financial gatekeeping from literary recognition, everyone benefits—writers gain fair opportunities, and readers discover voices they might never have encountered.
To submit your book, Visit here.