The Reader Views Literary Awards

For Independent Authors and Small Presses - All Genres Welcome

Includes a professional book review and detailed 20-point evaluation with every entry.

Submissions now open for the 2025 awards

First things first - what's in it for you?

Each entry receives the following:


BOOK REVIEW

We read every book! A thorough review of your book will be provided by one of our reviewers/judges. We’re one of the few programs that provide a review with your entry!


EVALUATION FORM

Discern the reviewer’s assessment of your performance in each awards criteria category in this 20-point evaluation.


GRAND PRIZE ENTRY

All entries eligible for one of our Grand Prizes totaling $2,500 Cash


WEBSITE AND BLOG POSTINGS

Review will be posted on our websites and blogs.


SOCIAL AND MEDIA PROMOTION

Review shared on social media as well as on Goodreads, Google Books and BookBub if your book is listed with these organizations.


SPOTLIGHT FEATURES

Review featured in our newsletter and on the AUTHOR SHOWCASE page of our website under Recent Reviews.

INTRODUCING OUR SPONSORS

Our valued sponsors offer prizes ranging from cash awards to valuable marketing opportunities, recognizing excellence across various genres and writing aspects, supporting authors at all career stages.

WHAT AUTHORS ARE SAYING...

"It's been a complete honor to have two of my books win awards with Reader's Views. I recommend entering their contest to every indie or small press author!"

Marisa Billions

Author of "Till Death Do You Part"

"I highly recommend Reader Views for self-published authors. I was happy that my book was reviewed by a knowledgeable and experienced reviewer. Reader Views provided a thorough and detailed review of my book, and I appreciated the insights and feedback from the reviewer."

Charmya Fleming

Author of "Love Dazzles in Sapphire"

"A best friend for readers and writers!"

Bradford Ingram

Author of "The Day of the Ravens"

"This contest was by far the best experience I've had as an independent author. They make celebrating the literary works their primary focus and offer so much in return for your entry as opposed to other contests. I would highly recommend giving it a shot!"

G.G. Boone

Author of "Wolves, All"

"Everyone at Reader Views represent the very epitome of literary professionalism. Not only do they offer Indie authors the opportunity to set off on a path to help them fulfill their literary dreams, but they do it in a very caring way."

James McKenna

Author of "An October's Journey"

"If you're looking for a literary competition that hits all the marks on excellence, Reader Views has it. Their awards program provides a high-quality professional review, opportunities to earn seals/stickers, greatly appreciated social media and website posts, and timely communication from organizers--all at a reasonable price. It's my favorite awards program to enter!"

Julia Ash

Author of "Find Them"

"Reader Views is the only Indie Literary Award program that provides a review of the book with entry fee. By reviewing the book I was assured that my entry was read. I can imagine that it's not an easy task to get this done but I truly appreciated it!"

Glenda Toews

Author of "Spinning on a Barstool"

"Reader Views’ Literary Awards Program has been a wonderful introduction to the new world of a first time self-published author. What a great jump start!"

Mike Fredericks

Author of "Busting Drug Dealers"

BEFORE YOU SUBMIT

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

For a successful submission, review all information in these sections.

LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?


The contest is open to all independent authors, regardless of residency, whose books are published in English. This includes books that are self-published or published by subsidy publishers, small presses, university presses, or independent book publishers. Books published by major publishers are not eligible. Books that are not published are not eligible.

Yes, submission of more than one title by an author is acceptable.

Resubmissions of books entered in previous events (unless it's a revised edition with a different ISBN) and books with racist or divisive themes are not accepted.

Books must have a 2025 copyright date for the main contest Division. Books with copyright dates prior to 2025 that have not participated in a previous Reader Views awards program are eligible for the "Classics" Division.

Books in a series or trilogy must be entered individually. Each book is read and reviewed on its own merit. You cannot submit an entire trilogy or series as one entry.

All entries include complimentary Regional (for US authors) and Global (for all authors) categories. These can refer to either the book's topic or the author's residency.

Initial judging is done by the Reader Views team of reviewers. Each book receives a review, which is sent to the author and posted on the Reader Views website. Finalists are determined by a points system, with final judging by a panel of judges.

Criteria include content, originality, presentation, design, innovation, social relevance, production quality, enjoyment/impact, plot/storyline, and resourcefulness.

$89 per title for the initial category (submissions through October 31, 2025), $99 after October 31, 2025, and $39 for each additional category.

EARLY PRICING DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 31, 2025. All entries must be submitted no later than December 15, 2025. For physical copies, books must be postmarked by this date.

Finalists and winners will be announced in March 2026.

YOUR WORDS. YOUR VISION. YOUR MOMENT.

CONTEST ENTRY

ENTER THE AWARDS!

Get started with your submission for the Reader Views Literary Awards. Complete the entry form and upload your materials below.

Need help? Contact us with any questions.