Question 1

What kind of books are eligible?

Accepted Answer

Books must be explicitly Christian in content or purpose and fit an active award category. Eligible works include devotionals, Bible studies, Christian living, theology, discipleship, memoir, ministry, fiction, children's books, and other faith-driven genres.

Submissions may come from traditional publishers, ministries, indie presses, or self-published authors. We do not adjudicate denominational distinctives; however, works must be broadly consistent with historic Christian orthodoxy regarding the authority of Scripture and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Question 2

Are self-published books eligible?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we welcome self-published, hybrid, small-press, and traditionally published works. We recognize that excellence in Christian publishing often emerges outside large publishing houses, and our program is designed to honor that.

Applicants must be able to provide either a digital or print copy of their book for evaluation (format requirements vary by category).

Question 3

Can international submissions apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes — international entries are accepted, granted that the book is written in English. Books from outside the United States are evaluated under the same criteria and standards as domestic submissions. International applicants must also be able to provide a review copy (digital or print) that meets the submission requirements for their category.

Question 4

Is this a pay-for-an-award program?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. This is not a pay-for-placement model and recognition is never guaranteed. Award fees exist solely to cover administrative processing and evaluator honorariums for the professionals who read and assess each submission. Awards are merit-based, standards-driven, and grounded in integrity. Only books that meet or exceed our evaluative criteria receive distinction. Our program exists to uphold excellence within Christian publishing, not to offer vanity awards.

Question 5

Do you offer discounts for award fees?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We recognize that many Christian authors and ministry workers operate with tight budgets. To help make participation accessible, we offer a 15% discount for U.S. military members, veterans and first responders. This discount cannot be combined with the inaugural discount for the 2026 awards class. Discounts apply to award fees only and do not influence evaluation or award decisions.

Question 6

What does the judging committee look for in submissions?

Accepted Answer

While criteria vary slightly by category, evaluators look for books that demonstrate theological faithfulness, literary clarity, strong editorial craft, and meaningful contribution to Christian discipleship and thought. We value works that are pastorally helpful, well-structured, biblically grounded, and written with excellence for their intended audience. In short: the committee selects books that both honor Christ and serve the reader well.

Question 7

Are there any reasons a book may not be eligible to receive an award?

Accepted Answer

The Christian Book Excellence Awards maintains both literary and ethical standards. While we evaluate books generously across genre, style, platform size, and publishing path, certain factors may disqualify a book from receiving an award.

Books may be disqualified for reasons including:
Doctrinal or theological error that substantially departs from historic Christian orthodoxy
Content that belittles, mocks, or disparages Christ, Scripture, or His Church
Plagiarism or copyright infringement
Defamatory, abusive, or intentionally harmful content
Serious factual misrepresentation presented as truth
Illegal distribution or rights violations
Failure to meet basic eligibility rules (e.g., not actually a book for a Christian audience, no longer in print, etc.)
Additionally, authors who engage in public behavior that seriously dishonors the witness of Christ (e.g., scandal, abuse, or open moral disqualification) may be deemed ineligible for honors to protect the integrity of the award and the edification of the Church.

Please note: we do not disqualify books based on platform size, publishing method (traditional vs. indie), popularity, sales figures, marketing budget, or social status. Excellence can come from anywhere, and we exist to recognize and amplify it!

Frequently asked questions