The Minnesota Book Awards is a year-long program that connects readers and writers throughout Minnesota with the stories of our neighbors.
The process begins in the fall with book submissions and continues through winter with two rounds of judging. Winners are announced at the annual Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony each spring. Woven throughout the season are various activities and events that promote the authors and connect the world of Minnesota books – writers, artists, illustrators, publishers, editors, and more – to readers throughout the state.
Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony
Tuesday, May 7 | Ordway Center for Performing Arts
345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Emcee: Nur-D
A celebration of the state’s best books at the 36th annual Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Education Minnesota. Readers, writers, and booklovers from acrossMinnesotaare invited to gather andcelebrate the stories of Minnesotans that inspire and connect us.
Watch the recording of the livestreamed event here.
In recognition of the Minnesota Book Awards and its other statewide programs and services, the Library of Congress has recognized The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library as the state’s designated Center for the Book.
The 36th annual Minnesota Book Awards season kicks off August 14 with the opening of submissions for books published in 2023.
Books are reviewed in a two-part process by 54 qualified judges from around the state. The preliminary round judges (three in each category) begin reviewing the submitted books in September and come together in late January to determine the four finalists in each category.
In February, a new set of judges reviews the finalist books and convenes in early March to determine the category winners. All winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony in Spring 2024.
The 2024 Minnesota Book Award includes:
$500 cash prize
Minnesota Book Award glass sculpture and recognition at the Awards Ceremony
Opportunities for programs and exhibits at Minnesota libraries
Statewide publicity surrounding announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards
Branded promotional materials for all winners and finalists
Please direct all questions to David Katz. [email protected] / 651-366-6492.
Be the work of a Minnesota author or primary artistic creator (must maintain year-round resident status in the state as defined by the Department of Revenue).
Have a 2023 copyright
Have a valid ISBN
Books by writing or creative teams are eligible if at least one member is a current Minnesota resident. Note, however, that only Minnesota residents are eligible to win the award. Co-authors or illustrators of eligible books who do not live in the state will not be presented with an award should the book be selected as a winner.
Books written by deceased authors will be accepted only if the author was still living at the commencement of the eligibility year (January 1, 2023).
Self-published books are accepted, provided that they meet all eligibility requirements.
The following are NOT eligible:
Anthologies containing work written by multiple authors
Advance reading copies and galleys. If a book’s 2023 release date is after the submission deadline, the author or publisher must contact The Friends prior to November 17, 2023 to discuss a submission plan.
Books by deceased authors who were not living at the commencement of the eligibility year (January 1, 2023).
Books containing previously published material UNLESS at least 50% of the book’s content is new (further documentation will be required)
Books originally written in languages other than English
E-books
Plays or screenplays
Reprints of books originally published in another year (including print versions of previously published e-books)
Books written by staff or trustees of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
The final decision on a book’s eligibility is made by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, and this decision will be binding.
Please read eligibility requirements carefully. Refunds will not be processed for ineligible books.
Children’s Literature: picture book for young children (authors and illustrators are both eligible in this category)
General Nonfiction: book of nonfiction, including, but not limited to, history, biography, science, nature, and cookbooks
Genre Fiction: a book of fiction written in a popular genre or style, including mystery, detective, fantasy, romance, and science fiction
Memoir & Creative Nonfiction: primarily autobiographical book of nonfiction, or book with a significant amount of personal material and/or imaginative reworking
Middle Grade Literature: a book written for a middle grade audience, generally ages 8-12 (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and graphic novels are eligible)
Minnesota Nonfiction: a book of nonfiction with a topic on Minnesota history, nature, social customs, or nostalgia
Novel & Short Story: a novel, novella, or short story collection
Poetry: a book-length single poem or collection of poetry (minimum of 30 pages in length)
Young Adult Literature: a book written for a teen audience (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and graphic novels are eligible)
Books may be submitted in only one category. The final decision on a book’s category placement will be determined by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.
A complete online entry form for each title submitted
A submission fee of $45 per entry (payable by credit/debit card or check)
Six (6) copies of each submitted title
Checks should be made payable to “The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.”
Publishers submitting more than four books are eligible to receive a discount beginning with the fifth book. (First four books: $45 each / All books after that: $20 each). Click here for the submission for 5+ books.
Deadline: The submission form, entry fee, and book copies must be received by the deadline: Friday, November 17, 2023 at 5 p.m. If your book will not be released in time for the November 17 deadline, please contact us to work out a submission plan.
Send Books To: The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, attn: Minnesota Book Awards, 332 Minnesota Street, Suite W1420, Saint Paul, MN 55101
In-Person Dropoffs: If desired, books may also be dropped off in person on select days at our offices in downtown Saint Paul (First National Bank Building). Please contact Programs & Services Coordinator Wendy Werdin ([email protected], 651-366-6497) to arrange a drop-off time.
Contact: Please contact David Katz with questions regarding eligibility, category placement, or the submission process. Email: [email protected] / Phone: 651-366-6492.
Please note: Copies of submitted books become the property of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library and will be donated to communities throughout Minnesota following the judging process.
Disclaimer: Members of the staff and current Board of Trustees of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library are not eligible to submit books, serve as judges, or receive any other recognition by the Minnesota Book Awards.
Needs-Based Fee Waiver:
Publishing is one of many spheres of influence where the voices we hear do not always reflect the diversity in backgrounds and points of view found in our communities. This is a long-standing and multifaceted problem, and one that cannot be reversed by any one organization. Instead, it is incumbent on everyone operating in this space to do what is in their power to ensure that historically marginalized voices are heard and celebrated.
As one means toward this end, the Minnesota Book Awards offers a needs-based fee waiver option for authors. We recognize that a $45 fee is a significant barrier for some Minnesota writers. If this describes you, you may opt out of this requirement – no questions asked. Additional details on this option will be provided towards the end of the submission form.
Notes: Only author-submitters are eligible for the waiver. As always, publicists and agents are welcome and encouraged to put forward nominees; however, the $45 entry fee is still required in such cases.
Please also note that, even if you take advantage of the waiver opportunity, the program still requires six (6) physical copies of each book entered into consideration. This stipulation is nonnegotiable.
I am a Minnesota native but currently reside in another state for my job. I still visit several times per year and consider Minnesota my home. Am I eligible for the Minnesota Book Awards?
Unfortunately, our eligibility criteria require that the author maintain a year-round, legal residence in Minnesota. We appreciate your interest, but cannot accept books from individuals who do not live in the state.
I was living in Minnesota while writing my book, but moved to another state shortly after it was published. Can I still submit?
Yes, if you were still living in Minnesota at the commencement of the eligibility year (January 1), but relocated prior to the submission deadline, the book is considered eligible. Please explain the situation when submitting your entry.
My book will not be released in time for the submission deadline. Can I still submit it this year?
Yes. If the book will be available by December 31, we can make arrangements for a late submission. Please email [email protected] to discuss a submission plan.
My book has a printed 2024 copyright date, but will be released by the end of 2023. Can I submit it this year?
Yes. If the book will be available to the public by the end of 2023, we will accept it this year.
My publishing company has a new book of previously unpublished material written by a deceased author. Can you tell me if this will be eligible?
Unfortunately, we are only able to accept books under these circumstances if the author was living at the commencement of the eligibility year (January 1) and met all other eligibility requirements at that time. If the author passed away prior to January 1, we are unable to accept the book.
I’d like to submit a book written by a team of three authors. I know anthologies are not eligible, but are there any restrictions for author teams?
Books written by teams of authors who collaboratively created all content are considered eligible if at least one member of the team is a Minnesota resident. Anthologies compiled by an editor with separate, credited sections written by different individuals are not eligible.
Submission Process
My publisher has agreed to submit my book for consideration. How can I confirm that you have received the entry?
As submissions are completed and processed, we’ll add them to our website. Please check there weekly to verify your submission. You are also welcome to email [email protected] if you are concerned about the status of your entry.
What happens to the six copies of each submitted book at the end of the selection process?
The majority of submitted books are donated to Minnesota communities in the month following the Awards Ceremony. Some copies of the finalist and winning books are loaned to libraries and used for promotional purposes by the Minnesota Book Awards.
Why is there a $45 fee to submit a book?
Up to four staff members of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library are involved in the processing of each book submission. The $45 fee primarily defrays the cost of staff resources and also covers the shipping costs incurred in the distribution of books to the judges.
Needs-Based Fee Waiver:
Publishing is one of many spheres of influence where the voices we hear do not always reflect the diversity in backgrounds and points of view found in our communities. This is a long-standing and multifaceted problem, and one that cannot be reversed by any one organization. Instead, it is incumbent on everyone operating in this space to do what is in their power to ensure that historically marginalized voices are heard and celebrated.
As one means toward this end, the Minnesota Book Awards is introducing a needs-based fee waiver option for authors. We recognize that a $45 fee is a significant barrier for some Minnesota writers. If this describes you, you may opt out of this requirement – no questions asked. Additional details on this option will be provided towards the end of the submission form.
Notes: Only author-submitters are eligible for the waiver. As always, publicists and agents are welcome and encouraged to put forward nominees; however, the $45 entry fee is still required in such cases.
Please also note that, even if you take advantage of the waiver opportunity, the program still requires six (6) physical copies of each book entered into consideration. This stipulation is nonnegotiable.
Judging
Who judges the books submitted each year?
A total of 54 judges are selected from a large pool of qualified applicants each year by staff of the Minnesota Book Awards. Three judges are assigned to each category in both the preliminary and final rounds with an effort to represent the greatest possible diversity in professional background, education, ethnicity, age, sex, and location of residence in the state. All judges must have professional experience, volunteer experience, or in-depth knowledge related to the category to which they are assigned and may include authors, publishers, booksellers, educators, librarians, etc. Please visit our judging section for more information.
Could you explain the judging process?
All submitted books are first screened by staff of the Minnesota Book Awards to confirm eligibility and to ensure appropriate category placement.
Once books have passed the screening process, they are distributed to the preliminary round judges for review. A total of 27 qualified judges (three in each category) review all of the books submitted in their assigned category over the course of a four-month reading period. At the end of January, the judges meet via videoconference to select the four finalists in each category.
Following the finalist announcement, the three final round judges in each category receive the books selected in January and spend approximately one month reviewing these titles. The judges then meet via videoconference in early March to determine the winners. Winning titles are kept confidential until the Awards Ceremony in May.
Other Submissions
Nominations for the Kay Sexton Award are open. Submission deadline: Friday, December 15, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
Nominations for the Book Artist Award are open. Submission deadline: Monday, January 8, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Nominations for the Hognander Award are open. Submission deadline: Friday, January 12, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Click on the award name to the right for forms and deadlines.
The Kay Sexton Award is presented annually to an individual or organization in recognition of longstanding dedication and outstanding work in fostering books, reading, and literary activity in Minnesota.
Nomination Process
Write a brief (1-2 page) nomination narrative and gather a minimum of three written letters of support from individuals who are familiar with the nominee’s work.
Complete the online nomination form for each individual or organization being nominated. Space is provided for you to upload your narrative and letters of support directly to the form.
The Kay Sexton committee, made up of previous winners and others part of Minnesota’s literary community, may also choose to nominate individuals or organizations and seek out letters of support from those connected with the nominated party.
Deadline: December 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
Note: Although this is not an award for writing, writers and authors are eligible for nomination.
Click here to see the full list of past Kay Sexton Award recipients.
The award winner is determined by the Kay Sexton Award panel through careful review and consideration of all nominations. Kay Sexton, a book buyer for many years at Dayton’s and B. Dalton Bookstores in the Twin Cities, was the first recipient of the award in 1988.
The 2024 Kay Sexton Award includes:
$1000 cash prize
Minnesota Book Award glass sculpture and recognition at the Awards Ceremony
Statewide publicity surrounding announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards
The biennial Book Artist Award recognizes a Minnesota book artist or book artist collaborative group for outstanding new work in the book arts during the last two years.
Presented in collaboration with Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA)
The 2024 Minnesota Book Artist Award includes:
$750 cash prize
Minnesota Book Award glass sculpture and recognition at the Awards Ceremony
Public display of work and artist program
Statewide publicity surrounding announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards
Eligibility Requirements
The following are eligible:
Individual artists and collaborative groups
Current Minnesota residents
Artists who are able to provide work samples during a one-week period in mid-January for review by the selection jury.
Artists who are able to participate in an April public program and May 7, 2024 Awards Ceremony
Previous award recipients are eligible to apply again after two years. (2022 award recipients are not eligible for the current award cycle)
Minnesota Center for Book Arts staff and board members are ineligible for this award.
Five (5) images of submitted work (created since November 2021; JPG only, maximum image size 2 MB)
Image list (include title, year, dimensions, and materials used)
Artist’s statement (1-2 pages)
Artist Bio
Selection Process
The primary selection criteria are: demonstrated excellence and innovation of artistic work through a new piece of work, created between November 1, 2021 and November 1, 2023.
The Minnesota Book Artist Award winner is selected by jurors based on written submission and work sample provided. Jurors are accomplished artists, educators, and curators selected by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library and MCBA for their knowledge of the book arts community. Anyone submitting work for the Award may not serve as a juror for the year in which they are being considered.
About Book Arts
Book arts is a dynamic discipline within the larger landscape of contemporary art. At Minnesota Center for Book Arts, the definition of book arts is broad. Though book arts often utilize bookbinding, printing, or papermaking to come to fruition, contemporary book artists use these traditional book art practices and others in surprising and exciting new ways. The creative evolution of book arts is limitless. For more information, please visit www.mnbookarts.org.
The biennial Hognander Minnesota History Award recognizes the most outstanding scholarly work related to Minnesota history published during the preceding two years. The award, funded by the Hognander Family Foundation, will be presented in 2024. Nominations for the next biennial cycle are now open.
This award stems from the Hognander family’s belief in the importance of studying and preserving history. As Joe Hognander notes, “We established this award because of our relationship with the Minnesota Historical Society. Its commitment to excellence is noteworthy in promoting scholarly research and writing. We hope this award will inspire more activity by recognizing and rewarding the finest work in the field.”
The Minnesota Book Awards is able to host this award through the generous support of the Hognander Family Foundation. Judging criteria include quality and originality of scholarship, accuracy and clarity, and the book’s contribution to the field of Minnesota history.
Eligibility Requirements
The following are eligible:
Books of new scholarship about Minnesota history by an author or author team (must have bibliography and/or footnotes/endnotes)
Books published in 2022 or 2023
Works of oral history, if context is provided
Biographies of non-living subjects
The following are NOT eligible:
Anthologies containing work written by multiple authors
Pictorial narratives, guide books, and encyclopedic compendia
Books originally written in a language other than English
Reprints of books published in a previous award year
Autobiographies and memoirs
NOTE: Authors do not have to be Minnesota residents to be considered for this award. A book is eligible even if that same book has been nominated for and/or won another Minnesota Book Award.
Nomination Process
Nominations may be submitted by the book’s author, publisher, or agent.
Complete a nomination narrative of no more than 500 words. (Summarize the publication, describe its impact on the field of state and local history, identify intended audiences, and describe how they were reached.)
Submit one letter of critical review from an unbiased reviewer. (The letter should address the entry’s scholarship of work, quality of sources, and contribution to its field of state and local history.)
Submit two (2) copies of the book. These books become the property of the Minnesota Book Awards and will be donated to Minnesota public libraries following the judging process. Mail to: The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library; 332 Minnesota St. Suite W1420 Saint Paul, MN 55101.
Deadline: January 12, 2024.
Evaluation Criteria
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
Quality of scholarship
Factual accuracy and clarity of expression
Original thinking
Significance of the topic and overall contribution to the knowledge of Minnesota history
The 2024 Hognander Minnesota History Award includes:
$1000 cash prize
Minnesota Book Award glass sculpture and recognition at the Awards Ceremony
Opportunities for programs at Minnesota libraries
Statewide publicity surrounding announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards
Apply to Be a Book Awards Judge
Judge applications are now closed.
The Minnesota Book Awards is committed to having a broad base of experience on judge panels. Judges are selected from across the state to include a diversity of professional experience, educational background, ethnicity, age, and gender. Previous judges are welcome to apply.
Application deadline: Friday, September 15, 2023, 5:00 p.m. CDT
Have professional experience, volunteer experience, or in-depth knowledge related to the category for which you are applying
Be available to attend the selection Zoom videoconference (Preliminary: January 27 / Final: March 9)
Do not have a book in competition for the category you are seeking to judge (though judges may have titles in contention in other Book Awards categories during the same competitive cycle).
Not be a member of the staff, board, or committees of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
Employees of publishers may only serve as judges for categories in which the publisher is not submitting a book that year.
Books nominated in each of the nine award categories will go first to a panel of three Preliminary Round judges specific to that category. Between October 2023 and January 2024, judges will individually read and assess all entries in that category. They will then convene as a panel (over Zoom) on Saturday, January 27 to pick a slate of four finalists.
Final Round
Once the Preliminary Round judges select a slate of four finalists in their category, their counterparts in the Final Round will receive copies of these titles. They will read and evaluate each between early February and early March. Judges will then convene as a panel (over Zoom) on Saturday, March 16 to pick the winner in their category. Selections will be kept secret until the May announcement ceremony.
The three overarching criteria, for all categories of submissions, are:
1) Craft/Craftsmanship (50%): Quality of writing should receive primary consideration in judging. In addition, the illustration, editing, and craft involved in the book’s creation may be important criteria in certain categories.
2) Originality (30%): Originality in concept and execution is a primary consideration in selecting finalists. Finalist titles should demonstrate innovative artistic qualities, which in many cases will be specific to their genre or category.
3) Audience Appeal (20%): An award winner should have strong appeal to its target audience. The book should be judged on its effectiveness in engaging that particular readership.
These criteria, in addition to other considerations, are listed in the judging handbook.
Preliminary Round judges will be compensated through a $750 stipend. Final Round judges will receive a $500 stipend for their participation. (This difference in compensation is a reflection of the higher workload associated with reading and reviewing during Preliminary Round judging.)
All judges will be acknowledged in the Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony program.
Assignment Duration: October 2023 through January 27, 2024
Available Positions: Three preliminary round judges will be assigned to each of nine categories for a total of 27 positions to be filled.
Summary of Assignment: The preliminary round judges read all of the titles submitted for consideration in their category, then convene with their panel to select four finalists in that category. The number of books submitted varies from category to category and from year to year. There is a stipend of $750 offered to each judge.
Depending on their assigned category, judges can expect to review between 20 and 40 books during the October-January reading period.
The Minnesota Book Awards is committed to having a broad base of experience on the panels including diversity of professional experience, educational background, ethnicity, age, sex and location of residency in the state. Previous judges are welcome to apply as are qualified candidates new to judging.
Preliminary round judge candidates should have experience and a comfort level with reviewing a large volume of books within a relatively short period of time.
Support Provided to Judges:
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library provides judges with returnable copies of all of the books that have been entered. These books will be distributed to judges in batches as they are submitted to us by authors and publishers. The Friends will do its best to ensure judges receive all of the titles in their category well in advance of the panel session in January. Judges can expect special communications from organizers around any “late arrivals.”
A detailed handout, including the criteria for evaluating books, is provided to all judges at the time they receive their first set of books.
Each panel of judges at the January 27, 2024 selection meeting is assigned a facilitator who will be present throughout deliberation. The facilitator does not participate in the deliberation or selection process, but is there to ensure the discussion adheres to the Minnesota Book Awards criteria and guidelines and that a decision is made in a timely manner.
Eligibility Requirements for Judges:
To be considered for an assignment as a judge, applicants must have professional or volunteer experience which qualify them to be a sound evaluator of books in the award category they are interested in judging.
Judges must be available to attend the selection meeting the morning of Saturday, January 27, 2024. This meeting will be held via Zoom videoconference. Each panel of three judges will meet at this time to select the four finalists in their assigned category. Judges need to be well prepared, having thoroughly reviewed and taken notes on all of the submitted books in advance of this session.
Writers who have a book entered for the Minnesota Book Awards in a given year may not serve as judges in that same category. However, they are welcome to apply to judge any Book Awards categories in which they are not competing.
Employees of publishers may only serve as judges for categories in which the publisher in question is not submitting a book that year. Any other potential conflict of interest situations should be immediately brought to the attention of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.
Judges must agree to respect a policy of confidentiality (i.e. books under consideration are not to be discussed with anyone other than the other judges on the panel); keep the Minnesota Book Awards criteria in mind at all times (literary merit, originality, and audience appeal); read beyond their own preferences and personal tastes; and engage in respectful deliberation.
Assignment Duration: January 27, 2024 through March 16, 2024
Available Positions: Three final round judges will be assigned to each of nine categories for a total of 27 positions to be filled.
Summary of Assignment: Judges in the Final Round will read the four books selected as finalists in their category, and then engage in thoughtful deliberation with their panel to select one award winner. Final round judges need to be comfortable evaluating and considering books as the potential award winner that may not be the books they themselves would have selected as finalists had they been part of the Preliminary Round panel.
The Minnesota Book Awards is committed to having a broad base of experience on the panels including diversity of professional experience, educational background, ethnicity, age, sex and location of residency in the state. Previous judges are welcome to apply, as are qualified candidates new to judging. The overall make up of individual panels changes from year to year.
There is a stipend of $500 offered to each judge.
Support Provided to Judges:
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library provides judges with returnable copies of the finalist books. These books will be distributed to the judges during the first week of February and must be returned to The Friends at the conclusion of the judging cycle.
A detailed handout, including the criteria for evaluating books, is provided to all judges at the time they receive their books.
Each panel of judges at the March 16, 2024 panel meeting is assigned a facilitator who will be present throughout deliberation. The facilitator does not participate in the deliberation or selection process, but is there to ensure the discussion adheres to the Minnesota Book Awards criteria and guidelines and that a decision is made in a timely manner.
Eligibility Requirements for Judges:
To be considered for an assignment as a judge, applicants must have professional or volunteer experience which qualify them to be a sound evaluator of books in the award category they are interested in judging.
Judges must be available to attend the selection meeting the morning of Saturday, March 16, 2024. This meeting will be held via Zoom and will conclude no later than 2 p.m. Each panel of three judges will meet at this time to select the winner in their assigned category. Judges need to be well prepared, having thoroughly reviewed and taken notes on the four finalist books in advance of this session.
Writers who have a book entered for the Minnesota Book Awards in a given year may not serve as judges in that same category. However, they are welcome to apply to judge any Book Awards categories in which they are not competing.
Employees of publishers may only serve as judges for categories in which the publisher in question is not submitting a book that year. Any other potential conflict of interest situations should be immediately brought to the attention of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.
Judges must have the ability to respect a policy of confidentiality (books under consideration are not to be discussed with anyone other than the other judges on the panel, and the panel’s choice for the winning book must be kept strictly confidential until after the Awards Ceremony in May); keep the Minnesota Book Awards criteria in mind at all times (literary merit, originality, and audience appeal); read beyond their own preferences and personal tastes; and engage in respectful deliberation.
The year-round programs of the Minnesota Book Awards are made possible in part through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature to The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library as the Minnesota Center for the Book.
