Categories

Best British Book

Exemplifying the highest standards of book design, production and printing, this category is open only to books that are published, printed, designed and bound in Great Britain and should serve as a celebration of the British Print Industry.

Best Student Book

This category is open to anyone studying in full or part time education on a recognised publishing, printing or design-based course within the UK and Ireland (there is no entry fee for this category). Please note that a signed letter from the student’s course professor must be included with the entry stating course, college and course dates.

Fine Binding

Entries in this category should be a binding of excellent standard of craftmanship, alongside concept and design innovation. This category showcases the skills and fine detail applied to the book- binders art.

Brand / Series Identity

A minimum of four books needs to be submitted for this category with at least one book published in the relevant year. Each book should reflect and promote the series whilst extending the value of the ‘collection’.

Self-Published Books

This category celebrates and recognises authors who have worked tirelessly to bring their own stories to life - sourcing their own means and resources to design, print and publish their books independently.

Entries are welcome across all subject areas, but must be accompanied by a written submission of up to 500 words, outlining how you self-promoted your book – for example:

How you marketed or advertised the book
Where and how it’s being sold
Any events, online promotion or media coverage
How you reached your readers

Please send the written submission to [email protected]

Exhibition Catalogues

These need to have been produced to the highest standards of print quality, with fully documented entries and illustrations.

Photographic Books

These need to have been produced to the highest standards of print quality photos.

Art & Architecture Monographs

This category is suitable for the highest quality of image reproduction that should create something visually stunning for the high-end market.

Trade Illustrated

General non-fiction featuring a combination of illustrations and text that informs and educates the reader.

Lifestyle Illustrated

Living and lifestyle activities e.g. cooking, DIY, gardening with particular attention being given to consistently high standards of design and production.

Literature

Fiction, poetry, biography and letters – both hardback and paperback.

Educational Books

This applies to educational books produced for schools, colleges and universities. The ability to capture and retain the readers’ attention is important in this category.

Scholarly, Academic & Reference Books

For example atlases, research studies, should include clean designs, exceptional finishing and can be complimented with photography.

Children’s Trade

Children’s literature is divided into two categories age 0-8 and 9-16. One winner will be chosen from each age category.

Best Jacket/Cover Design

Full colour or monochrome book jackets. Attention should be given to the visual impact, creativity and design.

NEW! Excellence in Print Production

This award celebrates books that demonstrate impeccable print production – with a focus on innovation, quality, pre-press, sustainability and supply chain practices.

To be eligible for this award:

All aspects of the book production (including pre-press, printing, binding and finishing) must be completed within the UK
You must submit evidence of a book that supports your application and addresses the questions below
The book must have been produced between August 2024 and November 2025

Please submit a written response (maximum 1000 words) addressing the following questions:

How is your organisations book production process innovative and progressive?
What makes your book production sustainable?
How do you influence the supply chain to support better choices in design, pre-press and finishing?