Guidelines
Everything you need to know.
The Living Now Book Awards celebrates the finest lifestyle books from independent and traditional publishers, authors, and illustrators. This page provides essential information about eligibility, the judging process, and how to submit your work. Discover the submission guidelines, entry fees, deadlines, and everything you need to know about the awards process below.
WHO MAY ENTER
Authors, illustrators, publishers, and self-publishers around the world who write and publish in English may enter.
ELIGIBILITY
Books published with a copyright date between 2023-2025 are eligible. Any book published since 2000 is eligible for the five Evergreen categories. The contest is for finished books only, as we judge on cover design, layout, etc. eBooks are eligible in our eBook categories and can also be entered in regular subject categories, where they will be judged alongside print books.
HOW TO ENTER
There are two ways to enter the awards:
1. Online: Enter and pay by credit card at here.
2. By Mail: Print and fill out the entry form, then send it with your payment by check.
DEADLINE
All entries must be submitted online or postmarked by the final entry deadline of June 26, 2025. A ten day grace period allows books to arrive at our office by July 10, 2025, which is the start of judging.
SUBMISSION & FEES
You may submit a title in multiple categories, but an entry fee is required for each category entered. Please send one copy of the title for each category.
Mail submissions to:
Living Now Awards
1129 Woodmere Ave - Suite B Traverse City, MI 49686
Entry Deadlines:
- Early-Bird Deadline 1: January 15, 2025 - $79 per entry
- Early-Bird Deadline 2: March 12, 2025 - $89 per entry
- Final Deadline: June 26, 2025 - $99 per entry
Once you submit your entry, we'll confirm it via email and keep you updated with judging progress and results announcements. So, be sure to provide a valid email address and add info@livingnowawards.com to your contacts.
WHAT TO SEND
Include your online registration receipt or completed entry form and check (in U.S. funds) with your books, unless they are shipped directly from a distributor.
Submission Requirements:
- Submit one copy of the title per category entered
- eBook files (PDF only please) can be uploaded after entry or sent as a gift from your distributor to info@livingnowawards.com with your order number in the subject line.
- Audiobooks must be entered as a gift from your platform of choice (please do not send files). Entries and gifts can be sent to info@livingnowawards.com with your order number in the subject line.
All books submitted become the property of Jenkins Group and will eventually be donated to local libraries or charities. eBook files will be deleted after judging and announcement of results. Judges will only see the book itself, so please don’t send any press kits, reviews, bookmarks, etc.
JUUDGING PROCESS
Judging will be based on content, originality, design, and production quality, with emphasis on innovation and creativity. Our judging panel includes experts from the fields of editing, design, reviewing, bookselling, and library. Three to five medalists per category will be named on August 7, 2025.
AWARDS & PRESENTATION
Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded in each category. Each winning book receives a medal, a personalized certificate, and 20 sample seals. Additional award seals are available for medalists in rolls of 250 and 1,000. High-resolution versions of the medalist artwork are also available for purchase for book covers and promotional materials.
AWARD CEREMONY
All medalists are invited to join the awards ceremony that will be held virtually on September 11, 2025.
