GUIDELINES
​What are the FIRE & Embers Book Awards?
​
The FIRE Book Awards serve as a beacon for independently published books, illuminating exceptional literary works that may otherwise go unnoticed. This prestigious recognition honors not only the skillful craftsmanship of writing but also the intricate development of characters, the intricacy of plot, and various other elements that elevate a book from good to outstanding.
​
In addition to celebrating contemporary achievements, the FIRE Book Awards extend their reach through the Embers Book Awards. This award bestows recognition on books published with copyright dates from 2020 through 2024 that exhibit enduring excellence deserving of renewed attention and acclaim. By shining a light on both new releases and hidden gems from recent years, the FIRE & Embers Book Awards collectively contribute to fostering a vibrant literary landscape — where quality and creativity are celebrated, and deserving voices find their rightful place in the literary canon.
​
Embracing a holistic approach, the FIRE & Embers Book Awards also acknowledge the importance of visual appeal by considering factors such as publishing standards, cover design, description, and overall presentation, because the team recognizes that these things play a crucial role in captivating readers' attention as well as those who buy books for the retail market.
Why are the FIRE & Embers Book Awards Different?
To the FIRE & Embers Book Awards every book entered should be celebrated and as such all books are promoted. We give the entries as much marketing education and knowledge as possible to help them in getting their books in front of readers. One of those ways is via the Books on FIRE Podcast where we interview authors weekly. Also, starting in the summer we will be posting weekly interviews with educators and professionals in the independent publishing arena to help the indie author learn more about the industry. Another valuable tool which the FIRE & Embers Awards will have available for all of the entries in the competition is access to the "definitive" Book Promotion Directory, now in its 4th Revised edition. ​We believe that if a book can pass muster to the point that it becomes an award winner it deserves to be showcased and marketed as vigorously as the Grand Prize Winner that gets the big prize money.
​
​​
What is the Judging Process Like?
​
Judges will select a Gold Medal Winner in each category including the Design Award Categories listed.
Each entry must be available for sale as both a PRINTED book and an eBook no later than December 31, 2025. Although the FIRE & Embers Book Awards are open globally, the book must be published in the English language.
After you submit the Entry Form you will receive an email with instructions on how to send the hard and digital copies for evaluation. Once we receive your package with the hard copy of the book (with the Entry Form enclosed inside the front cover), you will receive an email letting you know we have received your submission. ONLY the person entering the award competition will received the email notification.
One judge will score your book content including story, writing style, punctuation, etc. on a Judge’s Evaluation Form. In some cases a second ebook copy may be needed to send to a second judge. More ebook copies may be requested via email depending on how high up in the elimination process your title goes. All Gold Medal Winners will be chosen based strictly on their evaluation scores.
A second judge will independently score your printed book based on its professionalism, graphic design, print quality, and adherence to publishing standards.
All Gold Medal Winners from both the FIRE & Embers Book Awards will be announced and posted on our website the first week in December 2025. The Grand Prize Winner of both the FIRE & Embers Awards will be announced the first week in January 2026.
​
Once the Grand Prize Winners are announced, kthe Evaluation Forms will be emailed to all of those who have entered the competition. This is done in hopes of giving you direction to make you a better author and/or publisher for future projects.
Is Your Book Eligible?
Your book project is eligible for inclusion in The FIRE Book Awards if it holds a copyright date for the year 2025 and is in printed form. All books published with a 2020 to 2024 copyright date are also eligible for the Embers Book Awards. Your entry must be independently published* by one of the following:
​
-
Independent press
-
Small press
-
Hybrid press
-
Self-published author
-
University press
​​
*If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us at admin@FIREBookAwards.com. Please put "Question About Publisher" in the subject line.
​
Your book must also adhere to these rules and guidelines listed below:
​
-
English language books ONLY
-
Only books for sale before December 31, 2025
-
Project must include PRINTED books
-
eBook ONLY projects ARE NOT ELIGIBLE
-
Books must be in hard copy as well as ebook format
-
Fees payable in US Dollars only
-
NO ARCs or Galleys (ONLY PRINTED books are eligible)
-
Must be 18 years of age to enter.
​
Also, please check out the Terms and Conditions as well as the Frequently Asked Questions for more specifics before completing the entry form for the competition. If you have any questions about eligibility, please don't hesitate to email us.
​
When Will the Winners Be Announced?
The Gold Medal Winners of both the FIRE & Embers Book Awards will be announced the first week in December 2025. This will give the author/publisher time to utilize the winning of the award in their marketing awareness before the end of the year, and help with sales for the all-important holiday gift season.
​
​
The Grand Prize Winners for the FIRE & Embers Book Awards
Will Be Announced the First Week in January 2026
​
What Do the Winners Receive?
-
Grand Prize Winner of the 2025 FIRE Book Award will receive $1,500 Grand Prize Money.
-
Grand Prize Winner of the 2020-2024 Embers Book Award will receive $250 Grand Prize Money*.
-
Spotlight Interview for all Gold Medal Winners on Books on FIRE Podcast & YouTube Channel.
-
Only the Gold Medal Winners from each category will be posted and available on the FIRE & Embers Book Award Website.
-
All Gold Medal Winners will have a link available on the awards website where their books can be purchased.
-
A Generic Press Release to use in marketing and PR endeavors.
-
All Entries whether or not they are Gold Medal Winners will receive an ebook copy of the "Revised 2025 4th Edition" of Book Promotion Directory of Blogs, Podcasts & Promoters to utilize in their marketing efforts.
-
Digital Sticker to place on both the paperback and ebook covers to utilize in their marketing.
- 50 Foil Stickers if requested to place on books which are sold at the back of the room**
-
Access to Top Rated "Author Talk Podcast" to promote their book.
-
Access to both of the Judge's Evaluation Forms in January of 2026***.
*Only one Grand Prize for the 2020-2024 Embers Book Award will be given.
**Additional stickers are available at a nominal cost.
***All entries will receive access to the Judge's Evaluation Forms toward the end of January 2025.
What Are the Categories?
This link will take you to the categories and additional design awards. While the entries for specific categories/genres are chosen by evaluation scores, the winners in the additional design awards will be chosen by the competition personnel.
​