PubWest Book Design Awards Categories for 2024

1. Adult Trade Book – Illustrated

The illustrations are a primary feature of the book*, with the text playing an equal or secondary role.
*Note: this category is for non-art books. Please submit books whose subject matter is art in the Art/Design or Photography categories.

2. Adult Trade Nonfiction – Non-illustrated

Examples include, but are not limited to, traditional tomes that are primarily text and are meant to be read cover to cover. If images are included, they should be limited to illustrations for chapter openers, occasional photos or artwork throughout text, and/ or special sections.

3. Adult Trade Fiction – Non-illustrated

Examples include, but are not limited to, traditional tomes that are primarily text and are meant to be read cover to cover. If images are included, they should be limited to illustrations for chapter openers, occasional photos or artwork throughout text, and/ or special sections.

4. Children's Picture Book

Books in this category are for non-readers and emergent readers, with images and art as the primary focus of the book.

5. Children's Middle Grade

A children’s book targeted to the 8-12 age group that is primarily text and may contain illustrations for chapter openers, occasional photos or artwork throughout text, and/or special sections.

6. Young Adult – Fiction & Nonfiction

Books in this category are targeted for the 12-18 age group, may contain illustrations for chapter openers, occasional photos, or artwork throughout text, and/or special sections. Note: graphic novels where the storytelling relies on imagery should be submitted in the Graphic Novel/Manga category.

7. Graphic Novel / Manga

A story told with graphics or images, much like a comic book with a number of panels on each page and text within the image panels.

8. Academic / Reference / Non-Trade

Books intended for students or for use in an academic setting, or whose purpose is to provide information in an organized manner (they may have trade appeal as well). Entries will include elements such as reference sections, footnotes, and bibliographies.

9. Travel / Guidebooks

Examples include identification guides on a variety of topics and regions as well as field and travel guides.

10. How-to / Crafts

Examples include books that are intended to instruct readers on different methods and techniques relative to a specific project/skill/craft such as photography, quilting, woodworking, graphic design, etc.

11. Cookbook

Entries in this category should have the intent of aiding readers in cooking or preparing food. Books can be one- to four-color and may or may not include illustrations/photography.

12. Photography

A book whose subject matter is works of photography.

13. Art / Design

A book whose subject matter is works of art or design.

14. Body, Mind, and Wellness

These books can be instructional, informational, or motivational in relation to physical and mental health, spirituality, lifestyle, fitness, and more. There is no restriction on the ratio of photography/artwork to text.

15. Short Stories / Poetry / Anthologies

Entries in this category generally contain collections of writings by either a single author or multiple authors. Front and back matter may include contributor biographies, further readings, chronologies, and permissions.

16. Gift / Holiday / Specialty Book

Entries in this category are books that have unique subject matter, design elements, and bindery that are not standard to general trade books.

17. Kids – Special Format

Books for young people with unique subject matter, design elements, and bindery that are non-standard, e.g. board books, pop-ups, gift packs, etc.

18. Limited / Deluxe Edition

Entries in this category are special-bound or small-run volumes crafted from high-quality materials. This includes limited editions and other specialty publications intended for collectors and other targeted markets. The books in this category generally sell for high dollar and have few budget constraints.

19. Adult Sidelines / Novelty

Entries in this category are designed non-book items. Examples include, but are not limited to, cards, stationery, bookmarks, journals, calendars, puzzles, decks, and other non-book materials typically sold in bookstores.

20. Cover – Small Format (6 x 9 inches or smaller)

Books of any genre/category with strong shelf appeal and use of design, photography, artwork, and/or typography to enhance the subject matter. Unique and appealing nonfiction, YA, and other general book entries welcomed.

21. Cover – Large Format (larger than 6 x 9 inches)

Books of any genre/category with strong shelf appeal and use of design, photography, artwork, and/or typography to enhance the subject matter.