CONTESTS
AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
DEADLINE: 12/1/2026
PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARDS
AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
DEADLINE: 12/31/2026
2026 AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
ONE ENTRY
A single book submission qualifies an author for consideration on the Longlist, as a Category Winner, and as Author of the Year—along with eligibility for the grand prize: the 2026 Luminary Prize in Fiction or Nonfiction.
$49 per title
(Example: One book in two categories equals $98.00--requires separate $49 transactions)
*AWARD TIMELINE*
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 12/1/2026
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS: 12/21/2026
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
• Submit your entry fee online.
• Email a copy of your completed entry form, along with a PDF copy of your book (including the cover), to "admin@personsoftheyear.com."
• Attach an author bio and any previous press releases or marketing materials for each title (if available).
2026 PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARDS
One-Category Nomination
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
- Process your entry fee online ($39 per nominee/category)
EACH CATEGORY HAS ITS OWN DEGREE OF COMPETITION. NOMINEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENTER MULTIPLE CATEGORIES FOR INCREASED ODDS AT WINNING.
- E-mail “admin@personsoftheyear.com” a copy of your filled-out entry form (FOUND BELOW) and a 300-word or less submission bio. Also include, but not required, a picture or head shot, any confirming materials, such as links to websites, newspaper articles, awards received, or other promotional items you feel would help in our committee's decision making.
- 2026 Category Winners and Person of the Year will be announced January 17, 2027.
- “PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARDS” should appear on your credit card/PayPal statement.
- A full list of categories can be found below or on page one of the nomination form.
- SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 12/31/2026
2026 CATEGORIES
Arts and Entertainment
- Actor/Actress
- Artist
- Creator
- Director
- Entertainer
- Model
- Musician
- Photographer
- Producer
- Writer/Author
- Illustrator/Animator
Business and Professional Excellence
- Businessperson
- Emerging Business Professional
- Entrepreneur
- Fashion Designer
- Innovator
- Technologist
- Engineer
- Website
Civic and Social Impact
- Activist
- Community Leader
- Cultural Preservationist
- Humanitarian
- Nonprofit Leader
- Social Worker
- Volunteer
- Youth Advocate
Education and Mentorship
- Coach
- Educator
- Mentor
- Teacher
Everyday Heroes
- First Responder
- Healthcare Advocate
- Hero
- Military Member
- Parent/Guardian
- Public Servant
- Service Worker
Healthcare and Wellness
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Mental Health Professional
- Fitness Professional
Media and Communication
- Influencer
- Media Member
- Podcaster
Science, Technology, and Environment
- Scientist
- STEM Worker
- Environmental Advocate
- Inventor
Sports and Recreation
- Athlete
- Sports Official/Referee
- Team
Special Recognition Categories
- Explorer/Adventurer
- Chef
- Traveler
- Kid
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:600,cg:true)
2027 POTY BOOK AWARDS
One-Category Entry
A single-category book submission qualifies an author for a category prize as well as the prize of "Book of the Year." A full list of categories is available below or on page 2 of the entry form.
$39 per title/per category
(Example: One book in two categories equals $78.00--requires separate $39 transactions)
*AWARD TIMELINE*
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 7/11/2027
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINALISTS: 8/8/2027
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS: 8/15/2027
ANNOUNCEMENT OF BOOK OF THE YEAR: 8/22/2027
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
• Submit your entry fee online.
• Email a copy of your completed entry form, along with a PDF copy of your book (including the cover), to "admin@personsoftheyear.com."
• Attach an author bio and any previous press releases or marketing materials for each title (if available).
About The POTY Book Awards
OUR MISSION
The mission of the POTY Book Awards is to recognize and honor outstanding achievements in literature while promoting diversity, inclusivity, and the exploration of different perspectives. We aim to celebrate authors who captivate readers with their unique voices, thought-provoking narratives, and contributions to the literary world.
At the heart of the POTY Book Awards is a passionate and dedicated team of individuals committed to the celebration of literary excellence and diversity. The team brings together diverse talents and expertise, united by a shared love for literature and a belief in the transformative power of storytelling.
Inaugural Year: 2024 - A Celebration of Stories Begins
*AWARD TIMELINE*
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 7/11/2027
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINALISTS: 8/8/2027
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS: 8/15/2027
ANNOUNCEMENT OF BOOK OF THE YEAR: 8/22/2027
2027 CATEGORIES
FICTION
Adventure
Animals/Pets
Anthologies
Children's
Cover Design
Drama
Dystopian
Fantasy
General
Grief
Historical
Horror
Humor
Inspirational
Legacy (books older than 2021)
LGBTQ
Multicultural
Mystery
New Age
Novella
Poetry
Religion
Romance
Science Fiction
Spirituality
Sports
Suspense
Thriller
Women's
Young Adult
NON-FICTION
Academic
Animals/Pets
Art
Biography
Business
Children’s
Cooking
Cover Design
Death and Dying
Drama
Educational
Family
General
Health
History
Hobbies
Humor
Inspirational
Journalism
Law
Legacy (books older than 2021)
LGBTQ
Memoir
Multicultural
Music
Poetry
Politics
Religion
Self-Help
Social Change
Spirituality
Sports
Travel
True Crime
Women's
Young Adult
BOOK REVIEW SERVICE
