SCWC Notable Book Awards competition accepting submissions from Christian authors

The 2022 SCWC Notable Book Awards, an annual competition sponsored by the Southern Christian Writers Conference, are now open for submissions. The awards recognize outstanding published work by Christian authors during the previous year and include categories for both self-published and traditionally published works of fiction, nonfiction, children’s and young adult books, devotionals and e-books.

Three finalists in each category will be announced on Jan. 14, with winners announced in a formal ceremony on Feb. 4, 2023. The deadline to enter a book in the competition is Dec. 28.

Southern Christian Writers Conference coordinator Cheryl Wray said that the awards, which debuted in 2018, offer a unique way to recognize authors.

“We wanted to do something to recognize quality books that have been written and published by both traditional publishers and authors themselves,” she said. “There are a lot of wonderful books being written today, and we want to draw attention to them.”

Encouraging writers

Wray’s organization, which works in partnership with TAB Media, was founded in 1991 as a way to both educate and encourage writers of faith throughout the Southeast. Its book awards extend that goal of encouraging writers.

“This is our way of validating authors’ calls from God to serve and witness through their writing,” Wray said.

All Christian authors are encouraged to enter, and membership in the Southern Christian Writers Conference is not required.

Books are judged by SCWC staff members and professionals in each contest category. Winners receive a cash prize, certificate and marketing kit to promote their writing. All finalists and their families are invited to attend the SCWC Notable Book Awards Ceremony.

Rules for entry

The following rules apply to all entrants:

1. Books must have been published in 2022.
2. Books don’t have to be published by a religious publisher, but they should be inspiring and reflect a Christian mindset.
3. Books can be entered in any of these categories: Fiction (traditionally published), Fiction (self-published), Nonfiction (traditionally published), Nonfiction (self-published), Devotional (any type of publisher), Children’s/young adult (any type of publisher) and E-book.
4. A submission fee of $10 must be included with each entry. Email scwritersconference@gmail.com to get information on how to pay by Venmo, PayPal, credit/debit card or check.
5. If you’re submitting an e-book, email a link to the ebook or a PDF copy to scwritersconference@gmail.com
6. If you’re submitting a printed book, mail a copy to SCWC, PO Box 3057, Hueytown AL 35023
7. Please include the following information with your correspondence: Name, email address, phone number and category entering.
8. Books can be submitted by either authors or publishers.

2022 winners

• Self-published fiction: Theresa Wilson, “The Bachelorettes of the Bible.”
• Self-published nonfiction: Alan Johnston, “Goodnight Sweetheart.”
• Traditionally published fiction: Grace Hitchcock, “My Dear Miss Dupre.”
• Traditionally published nonfiction: Candy Arrington, “Life on Pause.”
• Devotional: Tracy Crump, “Health, Healing, and Wholeness.”
• Children’s and young adult: Peggy Wirgau, “Stars in April.”

For more information, contact Cheryl Wray at scwritersconference@gmail.com