Only English language and Spanish language books with an eligible copyright date will be accepted.

Important information about copyright date eligibility: If you are purchasing this option the same year as the copyright date on your book, you are eligible. If you are purchasing it the year after your copyright date, the submission option will be valid for the following year.

The Independent Book Publishers Association’s annual Benjamin Franklin Awards are among the most respected Book Awards in the country. The awards recognize excellence in both editorial and design. The specific genre categories are judged by three industry professionals, coming from the library, bookstore, reviewer, designer, publicity and editorial markets.  Entrants receive direct feedback from all judges.

All finalists will be notified in early spring.  Finalists will receive a certificate of excellence; winners will receive a Benjamin Franklin Award trophy. Winners and finalists will also be featured on the IBPA website, among other places.