The Reader Views Literary Awards
for Independent Authors and Small Presses
OPENS MAY 1, 2025
About the Program
Reader Views shines a spotlight on the most innovative and captivating self-published books of the year. As a premiere recognition program in the industry, we offer independent authors a unique opportunity to gain visibility, credibility, and recognition for their literary achievements. Whether you're a debut author or a seasoned wordsmith, the Reviewers Choice Awards invites you to showcase your work on a respected platform that champions independent literature.
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 people 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 ever indie or small press author!"
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."
Author of "Love Dazzles in Sapphire"
"A best friend for readers and writers!"
Author of "The Day of the Ravens"
"Honored to receive a Reader Views award for my Thriller/Suspense novel."
Author of "A Change in Destiny: Dark Choices"
"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."
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!"
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!"
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!"
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 per title (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.
THE 2025 PROGRAM OPENS MAY 1ST!
© 2025 Reader Views
