Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition.

1. What is the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition?
The Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition is an annual contest hosted by Shelf Media that celebrates the best in self-published, independently published, and small press books. The competition runs from January 1st to October 1st each year, with winners announced in November.

2. What year of publication is eligible for entry?
We accept entries from books published in any year. Whether your book was published recently or several years ago, it is eligible for the competition.

3. What genres are accepted in the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition?
The competition is open to all genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, fantasy, science fiction, romance, thrillers, and more. However, please note that we do not accept children’s picture books.

4.Does my book qualify if it was published by a small academic press?
Yes, your book qualifies for the competition if it was published by a small academic press. We accept entries from small presses, as well as self-published and independently published books.

5. What is the deadline for entries?
The deadline for submitting entries is September 30, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Make sure your entry is received, and the fee is paid by this date to be considered.

6. When will the winners be announced?
Winners of the competition will be notified by November 15, 2024, and featured in the December/January issue of Shelf Unbound.

7. What are the prizes for the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition?
The top five books will receive editorial coverage in Shelf Unbound. The Best Self-Published Book winner will also receive a year’s worth of full-page ads in the magazine, providing significant exposure.

8. Can I submit more than one book to the competition?
Yes, you can submit multiple books to the competition. Each entry requires a separate $100 entry fee and must be submitted separately.

9. Is there a word count requirement for entries?
There is no specific word count requirement for entries. We accept books of varying lengths as long as they are complete and meet the genre requirements.

10. Are there any restrictions on author nationality or location?
There are no restrictions on author nationality or location. The competition is open to indie authors worldwide, allowing for a diverse range of entries.

11. How are the winners chosen?
Winners are selected by the editors of Shelf Unbound based on criteria such as creativity, writing quality, originality, and overall impact.

12. Can previously published books be submitted?
Yes, previously published books are welcome to enter the competition as long as they are independently published, self-published, or from a small press.

13. Do I retain the rights to my book after entering the competition?
Yes, authors retain all rights to their work after entering the competition. Shelf Unbound does not claim any rights to the books submitted.

14. Can I submit a book published through a company like Page Publishing?
Yes, books published through companies like Page Publishing or other similar publishing services are eligible for the competition. As long as your book is not from a major traditional publisher, it can be entered.

15. Are hybrid publishing models accepted in the competition?
Yes, we accept entries from hybrid publishing models. If your book is published through a hybrid publisher, it qualifies as long as it fits within the indie, self-published, or small press category.

16. How can I determine if my publisher qualifies as a small press?
If your publisher operates independently and is not affiliated with a major publishing house, it likely qualifies as a small press. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us at contest@shelfmediagroup.com for clarification.