Science Writers and Communicators of Canada offers two annual book awards to honour outstanding contributions to science writing. Our categories are:

1. Children (up to age 12)
2. General public

Competitors must be Canadian citizens or residents of Canada, but need not be members of the SWCC. Entries, in either French or English, must have been published in Canada during the 2019 calendar year. 

The prize for each award is $1,000 and the presentations generally take place in the authors hometowns during Science Literacy Week.

Judging Criteria

1. Entries may deal with aspects of basic or applied science or technology, historical or current, in any area including health, social or environmental issues, regulatory trends etc.
2. Books will be judged on literary excellence and scientific content and accuracy. Specific judging criteria will include initiative, originality, clarity of interpretation and value in promoting greater understanding of science by the general reader.
3. Books must be understandable to a general audience or children (depending on the category you are applying for), with appropriate clarification of medical and scientific terminology, and an orderly marshalling of facts.
   
4. Also the subject matter should be significant and relevant for the majority of the public or children, and so presented that it increases public awareness.

Rules for Submissions

• Include a fully completed entry form with each submission: English or French.
• Submit a brief biography of the author(s) and/or Illustrator(s).
• 6 copies of your book are required for judging purposes.
• The entry must have been published in Canada during the 2019 calendar year (those published in late Dec 2018 may be eligible - please contact us for eligibility.)
• Entries should be received to the address on the form by Dec 13, 2019. If you believe your entry will not arrive in time, please contact us for instructions.

All entries become the property of the SWCC. Failing to comply with these rules will be rejected. For more information or questions, please email us at office@sciencewriters.ca.