General Criteria
Eligibility Criteria for Book Submissions
To qualify for submission, books must meet the following requirements:
(Criteria in PDF format)
Published Format
Self-published refers to a book that is written, produced, and distributed by the author — without the involvement of a traditional or hybrid publishing house. In self-publishing, the author retains full creative control and financial responsibility for every aspect of the publishing process, including:
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Editing and proofreading
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Cover design and layout
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ISBN registration
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Printing and distribution
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Marketing and promotion
Self-published books are often distributed through platforms such as Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or directly via the author’s website or independent channels. While self-publishing allows for complete autonomy and a higher royalty share, it also places the burden of quality assurance and outreach entirely on the author or their hired team.
Small Press books are titles published by independent publishing houses that typically operate on a smaller scale (2- 10 Titles annually and from multiple authors) than major (or “Big Five”) publishing companies. These presses often focus on niche genres, underrepresented voices, literary quality, or mission-driven content. Small press books often reflect a high level of literary merit, creative risk-taking, and cultural significance, making them strong contenders in awards programs like Nautilus.
Hybrid publishers are publishing companies that blend elements of traditional and self-publishing. In a hybrid model, the author typically contributes financially to the publication process, but the publisher provides a suite of professional services—offering more support and structure than self-publishing, while granting more creative control and rights retention than traditional publishing.
At Nautilus, we recognize high-quality books from all publishing paths, including hybrid models, as long as the work aligns with our core values and meets our eligibility standards.
Traditional (Large) Publishers—also known as trade publishers or commercial publishers—are well-established publishing houses that operate on a large scale, often releasing hundreds or thousands of books each year across multiple genres and imprints. These include the major industry leaders often referred to as the "Big Five" (or their current consolidations), as well as other long-standing publishing firms with national or international reach.
The Nautilus Book Awards recognizes excellence in books from all publishing models, including traditional large publishers, as long as the submission aligns with our mission and values and meets our eligibility requirements.
Nautilus Values
The core values of the Nautilus Mission play a significant role in the assessment process. Each Reviewer Team carefully considers these aspects when recommending Finalists for each category, and the Final Review Team references them to select outstanding books as Award Winners.
While a book does not need to embody all four qualities of the Mission to win an award, books that are infused with two or more of these values typically receive higher ratings.
Our dedicated Reviewers focus on recognizing books that radiate care, hope, collaboration, and creativity—qualities that help bring more love into the world. We take pride in celebrating the authors who share these values with their readers!
For an overview of past award-winning books, visit our Nautilus Winners pages and the Winners Archive
DURING EACH SEASON, WE ACCEPT ENTRIES IN 35+ GENRE CATEGORIES.
We accept entries in 35 subject categories, including a few with A and B segments and Special Focused Topics (see the Categories webpage). Eight of these categories are specifically designed for Children, Mid-Grade Teens, and Young Adults.
We accept Entries from Self-publishers, Small Presses (2-10 Titles annually and from multiple authors), Hybrid Publishers, and traditional larger publishers (more than ten books annually) in the English language.
Each year, the Nautilus Book Awards presents honorary awards that we acknowledge and recognize in a variety of categories depending on the books submitted in the season.
Please note: A book cannot be entered for these Special Honors. All qualified, paid submissions become candidates for the "Best of and/or Special Focused Topics..." awards.
Stewardship of Earth & All Living Systems
We honor works that awaken ecological awareness, promote regenerative practices, and inspire care for the interconnected web of life. Stewardship is more than conservation — it is the active guardianship of Earth’s lands, waters, atmosphere, and biodiversity, undertaken with humility, responsibility, and respect for all living beings.
Wellness, Love & Beauty
We celebrate works that nourish the body, uplift the heart, and inspire the mind. These books remind us that wellness is more than the absence of illness — it is the active cultivation of vitality, joy, and balance. Love, in all its forms, is the thread that binds people and communities, while beauty — whether found in nature, art, or human connection—has the power to awaken wonder and restore hope.
Spiritual Growth & Inner Transformation
We recognize works that illuminate the spiritual journey, nurture wisdom, and inspire deeper connection to the self, the sacred, and the mystery of existence. We uphold the importance of works that advance spiritual and religious insight, honor sacred traditions, and encourage respectful engagement across beliefs. By recognizing these contributions, we affirm the enduring role of faith in shaping ethical, compassionate, and interconnected communities.
Social Justice & Transformative Change
We honor works that address inequality, champion human rights, and empower readers to build more just, equitable, and compassionate communities. We honor works that confront injustice, illuminate systemic inequities, and amplify voices often left unheard. These books inspire action, inviting readers to imagine and create societies rooted in fairness, dignity, and compassion. Transformative change is more than reform; it is the bold reimagining of structures, systems, and relationships to foster true equity and belonging for all.
Diverse Voices & Global Interconnection
We celebrate works that amplify underrepresented voices, honor cultural diversity, and deepen our understanding of one another across borders, identities, and beliefs. These books affirm that our shared humanity is richer than the differences that separate us and that storytelling can bridge divides, heal wounds, and build a more compassionate global community.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTRY
for eligible Nautilus Entries
We have an online Submission Process whereby each Entrant completes their registration with our online form and submits payment via credit card. During submission, you will be asked to upload a digital copy of your book (with front/ back cover or dust jacket image/s).
NOTE: We do not accept manuscripts, reader or sample copies, watermarked copies, or non-for-distribution copies. We review only books that the general public can purchase for reading.
**Please note that a physical copy is needed in addition to a PDF for the following categories:
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08 - Food, Cooking, & Healthy Eating
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09 - Gift & Specialty- including-Card Decks and Daily Wisdom Books
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21 - Photography & Arts
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30 A - Children's Picture Books / Fiction Ages 2- 6 Years (Preschool- Grade 2)
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30B - Children's Picture Books / Non-Fiction Ages 2- 6 Years (Preschool- Grade 2)
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31 A - Children's Illustrated / Fiction Ages 6- 9 Years (Grades 1- 4)
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31 B - Children's Illustrated / Non-Fiction Ages 6- 9 Years (Grades 1- 4)
Entry Fees and Deadlines
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Early Bird Entry: $95 (Available from September 8th to November 30th)
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Regular Entry: $130 (From December 1st to February 2nd, the final submission deadline)
Additional Categories:
There is an additional fee for each additional category entered (up to a maximum of 4 categories per book). $50 (Early Bird Entry) and $75 (Regular Entry)
Payment Methods:
All payments must be made via Credit or Debit Card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
There are 4 simple steps that the online process will guide you through:
1. Your Book Details 3. Upload your PDFs
2. Send Your Books 4. Entry Fee and Payment
We thank you for considering the Nautilus Book Awards for your treasured books!
Please click the link below to enter our 2026 Season.
How Winners Are Selected
As the Nautilus Book Awards opens its newest season, we invite authors and publishers to participate in a unique opportunity — one that goes beyond commercial success to recognize the deeper impact of a book’s message. Our process honors works not simply for their market appeal at launch, but for the enduring contributions they make to the collective conversation on social good, personal growth, and global well-being.
The Nautilus Awards employs a rigorous three-tier judging system designed to identify and elevate books that embody excellence and vision. Each title is carefully reviewed against a set of defined criteria that reflect the values we champion—books that inspire, challenge, and illuminate a path toward a better world.
Our comprehensive process involves three teams of dedicated, experienced reviewers whose diverse backgrounds include editing, writing, education, librarianship, parenting, psychology, health care, poetry, and bookselling. What unites them is a shared commitment to transformative literature and a belief in the power of books to shape hearts, minds, and societies.
Each book submitted is reviewed by at least two readers at every stage. In Phase Two, Team 2 nominates the top titles for Silver Awards. These finalists then move to our Final Review Team, where consensus determines the Silver, Gold, and Grand Award Winners. This year, we are pleased to accept digital/eBook submissions (PDF preferred). For select categories—Gift & Specialty (09), Photography & Arts (21), and Children’s Picture Books (30A/B and 31A/B)—we additionally request one printed copy to be mailed to our U.S. office.
The evaluation process is detailed and closely monitored. Reviewers use our structured Evaluation Form, assigning scores across a spectrum of qualities and offering written insights. Each Silver nominee must be supported by both reviewers, and final award decisions require full consensus at the highest level.
Most categories yield multiple Silver and one Gold Winner. However, awards are granted solely on merit, and some categories may have no Gold or only a few Silver honorees in a given year. In exceptional cases, two titles may share a Gold Award. Grand Winners are selected for outstanding achievement in Adult, Children/Mid-Grade/Young Adult, and special categories such as Best Self-Published and Best Small Press. Each Grand Winner receives both the distinguished Nautilus Seal and a cash prize.
All reviewers complete an in-depth training program and are thoughtfully selected through interviews and orientation. Each participates in an annual Reader’s Workshop — either in-person or online — and receives a modest honorarium in recognition of their time and expertise.
The Nautilus judging process continues to evolve with intention and care. Our mission remains the same: to discover, assess, and celebrate books that contribute meaningfully to the co-creation of a better world. We seek works that offer life-affirming possibilities, fresh insights, and the courage to imagine a new story for humanity.
It is our great privilege to uplift authors whose work nurtures spiritual growth, green values, wellness, conscious leadership, social change, social justice, art, and creativity. Thank you for allowing us to honor your contributions to this shared journey.