The Washington State Book Awards honor works of outstanding literary merit by Washington authors. An award is given based on the strength of the publication’s literary merit, lasting importance and overall quality. We are particularly interested in prioritizing excellent works created by authors of communities that have been historically marginalized and excluded.

The Washington State Book Awards are a partnership of The Washington Center for the Book (an affiliate of The Library of Congress Center for the Book administered by Washington State Library) and The Seattle Public Library.

How are finalists and winners selected?
A panel of judges comprised of librarians, booksellers, and authors evaluate every book submitted. They determine the list of finalists and winners. 

How do I submit a book for consideration?
A book is eligible if it is written by a Washington state author and published between January 1 and December 31 of the year prior to the award. For instance, the 2023 WSBA is for books published in 2022.  Please see the submission guidelines to make sure that both you and your book meet the eligibility requirements. You’ll also find the online entry form on that same page.

The final deadline to submit a 2022 for consideration for the 2023 awards is January 16, 2023.

Questions? Contact Sara Peté at the Washington State Library, [email protected].

We are grateful to the Amazon Literary Partnership for their generous support of the
Washington State Book Awards.