Categories | Self Ink It Awards

We have three categories for you to enter your book into for the 2023 awards year. If you are an illustrator you have an opportunity to submit your work in the Illustrator award category. Click on one of the categories below to read more about it and to make sure your book is eligible for the competition.

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Categories for the 2023 Self Ink It Awards

What makes the Self Ink It Awards so special?

The Self Ink It Awards honors, celebrates and recognizes exceptional books self-published by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) authors, in order to strengthen the community and facilitate access for this thriving group.
What are the categories for this year's award?

There are 4 categories for the 2023 award year Children's Picture Books Easy Readers Books Middle Grade Books Children's Book Illustrator Award For more details click here
Are E-Books Eligble?

E-books are not eligble this year but may be in the future.
Will I be notified even if I don't win or do not place as a Finalist?

No. Only Winners and Finalists will be notified. A complete list of Winners and Finalists will be available to view online at www.selfinkit.com in April.
What forms of payment are accepted to pay the Entry Fees?

You can pay by credit card via PayPal.
What are the Entry Fees for the 2023 Self Ink It Awards?

$25 Entry fee for your book. Each additional category is $10. $20 Entry fee for illustrations only.
How does the judging work?

Entries will be judged based on: story-telling ability ability to engage the reader transitions, hooks, and pacing movement of the story author’s skill with voice, character, dialogue, narrative, grammar, and punctuation
When are submissions being accepted and what is the deadline for entry?

Submissions start November 1st for the 2022 Self Ink It Awards. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2022; all books must be postmarked by December 31, 2022. Any books postmarked after the December 31, 2002 deadline date will automatically be entered in the 2024 Awards program. No late entries will be returned or refunded.
Will I receive confirmation that my books have been received and, if so, when will I receive confirmation?"

Yes, we will send you an email confirming receipt of your books only once we have processed your books in our system. If you are tracking your book shipment, although it may show your books have arrived, please allow 7-14 days for processing before expecting an email acknowledging receipt of your books.
What happens to my books after the contest is over?

Little Aiden Press will donate books to organizations that we select. Our goal is to make sure that children in underserved communities have access to diverse books with characters that look and represent who they are.
How many titles can I enter in the 2023 Self Ink It Awards?

You can enter multiple books in the 2023 Self Ink It Awards.
Is there sponsorship opportunities for the 2023 Self Ink It Awards?

Yes, you can learn more about our sponsorship opportunities by downloading the package below.
How can I be on the reveiw panel?

Judges are very important to this process and your help would be appreciated. Please keep in mind that this is volunteer only you will not be paid. Learn more here.
What is the registration fees used for?

Submission fees will go towards: website hosting and design domain name award and seal award printing award shipping grand prize winner(s) future awards and opportunities for participating authors. future scholarship fund
Who will see my electronic book file?

The electronic file(s) will only be seen by the host and judging panel. Your files will not be shared or distributed outside of the host and judging panel. The physical copy of your book will be donated to an organization of our choice after the panel has finished all reviews.