PubWest Book Design Awards Categories for 2023

1. Adult Trade Book—Illustrated

The illustrations are a primary focus of the book, with the text playing an equal or secondary role. Note: Please submit non-art books in this category (for art books, see category 12).

2. Adult Trade Book—Non-illustrated

Examples include, but are not limited to, traditional 6” x 9” or similar-size tomes that are primarily text and are meant to be read cover to cover, including fiction and nonfiction. If images are included, they should be limited to illustrations for chapter openers, occasional photos or artwork throughout text, and/ or special sections.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Children's Young Adult

Books in this category are targeted for the 12-18 age group, and vary as to image content. Note: graphic novels where the story relies on imagery should be submitted in the next category.

6. Graphic Novel

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.

7. Academic / Reference / Non-Trade

Books intended for students or 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.

8. Guide / Travel

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

9. How-to / Crafts

Examples include books that are intended to instruct readers on different methods and techniques relative to a specific project/craft.

10. 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.

11. Photography / Art / Design

A book whose subject matter is photography, art, or design.

12. Health & Wellness

These books can be instructional, informational, or motivational in content. There is no restriction on the ratio of photography/artwork to text.

13. 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.

14. Gift / Holiday / Specialty Book

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

15. 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.

16. Limited / Deluxe Edition

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

17. Adult Sidelines / Novelty

Entries in this category are non-book designed items. Examples include, but are not limited to, cards, stationery, journals, calendars, and more.

18. 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.

19. 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. 

** Special! If you are submitting a title into another category, you can select "Cover Add On" as your registration type when entering that same title into a Cover category. If you are ONLY entering the a Cover category, then proceed with the regular member/non-member fee.