For over 20 years, the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC) has recognized outstanding contributions to science writing with the annual SWCC Book Awards. On November 6th, the SWCC Book Awards reopened for 2020 submissions. 

There are two submission categories available:

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

Our finalists from previous competitions have entertained the judges with a diverse range of topics, including atmospheric science, adaptations in nature, mental health, space exploration, and quantum physics. Last year’s winner, Lost Feast by Lenore Newman, explored the relationship between historical extinctions and our current food systems. Whether you’re an author or publisher, SWCC wants to see your best science writing from the 2020 calendar year! 

Authors must be Canadian citizens or a resident of Canada. Entries can be written in French or English. For more information on what qualifies as science writing, please see the judging criteria below. You do not need to be a member of the SWCC to submit. 

The prize for each award is $1,000. Winners are typically announced in the summer of 2021. 

JUDGING CRITERIA

• 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.
• Books will be judged on literary excellence, as well as scientific content and accuracy. Specific judging criteria will include initiative, originality, clarity of interpretation, and value in promoting greater understanding of science among readers.
• Books must be understandable to the layperson or children, with appropriate clarification of medical and scientific terminology, and an orderly marshalling of facts.
• The subject matter should be significant and relevant to the majority of the public or children and presented in such a way that it increases public awareness about a topic.

RULES FOR SUBMISSION

• Complete an entry form for each submission: English or French.
• Send completed entry forms, along with a brief biography of the author(s) and/or illustrator(s), to bookawards@sciencewriters.ca.
• Mailing instructions will be sent upon receipt of the completed entry form.
• 5 copies of the book are required for judging purposes. 
• The entry must have been published in Canada during the 2020 calendar year. 
• Ghostwritten books are not eligible for submission.
• Entries must be received by January 15, 2021. 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 cause an entry to be rejected. For more information or questions, please email us at bookawards@sciencewriters.ca. 

Entry Forms

English     FRENCH