2023 Book Awards

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 reopens for 2023 submissions.

There are two submission categories available:

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

SWCC will also be offering the Paradigm Prize for Underrepresented Perspectives in Science Writing. Eligible recipients include a first-time author, an author/illustrator from an equity-seeking or underrepresented background, and/or work published by a small press or independent publisher. The Paradigm Prize will be selected from the shortlist of finalists for the two main categories and can be held in tandem with one of the other awards. Please note that judges will only consider entries that self-disclose their eligibility for the Paradigm Prize.

The award for each of the two main categories is $1,000. The winner of the Paradigm Prize will also receive $500 in recognition of their achievement.

The results of the competition will be announced in the summer of 2024.

There is a $25 entry fee per title. Please contact the Book Awards Committee (bookawards@sciencewriters.ca) if the entry fee will pose a barrier to submission.

The entry form is available online: https://forms.gle/xiaCwbdD8JgqYcPb8

Entry forms must be received no later than December 8, 2023. For eligible entries, a confirmation email with instructions for book submissions will be provided within five (5) business days of completing the form. All books become the property of SWCC and must be received no later than December 22, 2023.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Authors must be a Canadian citizen or resident of Canada.
• Books must have been published during the 2023 calendar year. Re-prints of published works from previous years are not eligible.
• Entries can be published either in French or English.
• You do not need to be a member of SWCC to submit.
• Ghostwritten books are not eligible for the SWCC awards.
• Textbooks, reference books, and technical field guides are not eligible for the SWCC awards.
• Science fiction novels are not eligible for the SWCC awards.

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 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.
• The subject matter should be relevant to a broad audience and presented in such a way that it increases public awareness about a topic.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

• Submit a fully completed entry form. Please note that you will receive a confirmation email within five (5) business days once we have verified your eligibility.
• Link: https://forms.gle/xiaCwbdD8JgqYcPb8
• Pay the $25 entry fee as per the instructions in the confirmation email.
• Provide five (5) physical copies of the book for judging purposes as per the instructions in the confirmation email.
• Book copies should be received to the address provided by December 22, 2023.
• Failure to comply with any of these requirements will cause an entry to be disqualified.