2027 Submission Guidelines & Award Criteria

In honour of Mary Sutherland

Criteria

This award is presented to a Saskatchewan author, or authors, for the best book judged on the quality of writing and the quality of presentation, including visual appeal, illustrations, and photography. Books in the following genres will be considered for this award:

• young adult literature – all categories of writing for young adults for ages 11 to 18
• drama – published plays
• fiction – all categories of fiction by a single author, including graphic novels
• poetry by a single author
• non-fiction – all categories of non-fiction writing except cookbooks, how-to books, directories or bibliographies of minimal critical content.

Awards

1. Prize money of $3,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the author(s).
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the author(s) and publisher.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2025, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors must have resided in Saskatchewan for the 12 months immediately prior to the date of publication of the book, or for four of the last five full calendar years. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. To be eligible, books must have an ISBN and no fewer than 49 interior pages.
4. A book of collected and/or selected works by a single author is eligible for Book of the Year even if books of poetry or short fiction contain material previously published in another book, which may have won a Saskatchewan Book Award in the past. This rule does not apply to other categories.
5. Books must be in English.
6. In the case of multiple authors, 50% must meet Saskatchewan residency requirements as in #2 above. For books with more than two authors, one or two of the authors should be designated as primary authors for submission purposes.
7. No anthologies will be accepted. Translators, photographers and editors are not eligible for this award. Illustrators are not eligible, unless they are the sole author of the title submitted, as in graphic novel format.
8. Revised editions are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a Foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
9. Publications in alternate media other than the formats mentioned in this document are not eligible in any category.

Criteria

This award is presented to a Saskatchewan author for the best book of fiction (novel or short fiction), judged on the quality of writing.

Awards

1. Prize money of $2,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the author(s).
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the author(s) and publisher.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2025, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors must have resided in Saskatchewan for the 12 months immediately prior to the date of publication of the book, or for four of the last five full calendar years. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. All works of fiction, including published plays and graphic novels, are eligible. Books may have been published anywhere in the world.
4. To be eligible, books must have an ISBN and no fewer than 49 interior pages.
5. A book of collected and/or selected works by a single author is eligible unless it contains previously published material contained in one or more books that have won a Saskatchewan Book Award in previous years.
6. Books must be in English.
7. This award is intended for a single author.
8. No anthologies will be accepted. Translators, photographers and editors are not eligible for this award. Illustrators are not eligible, unless they are the sole author of the title submitted, as in graphic novel format.
9. Revised editions are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
10. Publications in alternate media other than the formats mentioned in this document are not eligible in any category.

Criteria

This award is presented to a Saskatchewan author, or authors, for the best book of non-fiction, judged on the quality of writing.

Awards

1. Prize money of $2,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the author(s).
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the author(s) and publisher.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2025, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors must have resided in Saskatchewan for the 12 months immediately prior to the date of publication of the book, or for four of the last five full calendar years. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. To be eligible, books must have an ISBN with no fewer than 49 interior pages and may have been published anywhere in the world.
4. A book of collected and/or selected works by a single author is eligible unless it contains previously published material contained in one or more titles that have won a Saskatchewan Book Award in previous years.
5. Books must be in English.
6. In the case of multiple authors, 50% must meet Saskatchewan residency requirements as in #2 above. For books with more than two authors, one or two of the authors should be designated as primary authors for submission purposes.
7. No anthologies will be accepted. Translators, photographers and editors are not eligible for this award. Illustrators are not eligible, unless they are the sole author of the title submitted, as in graphic novel format.
8. Revised editions are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a Foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
9. Publications in alternate media other than the formats mentioned in this document are not eligible in any category.

In honour of Brenda MacDonald Riches

Criteria

This award is presented to a Saskatchewan author (or pair of authors) for the best first book, judged on the quality of writing. Books in the following genres will be considered:

• young adult literature – all categories of writing for youth ages 11 to 18
• drama – published plays
• fiction – all categories of fiction including graphic novels
• non-fiction – all categories of non-fiction writing except cookbooks, directories, how-to books or bibliographies of minimal critical content
• poetry by a single author.

Awards

1. Prize money of $2,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the author(s).
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the author(s) and publisher.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2025, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors must have resided in Saskatchewan for the 12 months immediately prior to the date of publication of the book, or for four of the last five full calendar years. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. In the case of multiple authors, 50% must meet Saskatchewan residency requirements as in #2 above. For books with more than two authors, one or two of the authors should be designated as primary authors for submission purposes.
4. To be eligible, the book must be the first published book by the author, have an ISBN and no fewer than 49 interior pages. If a book is co-authored, it must be the first published book for each of the authors.
5. Books must be in English and may have been published anywhere in the world.
6. A book of collected and/or selected works by a single author is eligible unless it contains previously published material contained in one or more books that have won a Saskatchewan Book Award in previous years.
7. No anthologies will be accepted. Translators, photographers and editors are not eligible for this award. Illustrators are not eligible, unless they are the sole author of the book submitted, as in graphic novel format.
8. Publications in alternate media other than the formats mentioned in this document are not eligible in any category

Criteria

In recognition of the vitality of the literary community in Regina, this award is presented to a Regina author (or pair of authors) for the best book, judged on the quality of writing. This is a multi-genre category.

Awards

1. Prize money of $2,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the author(s).
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the author(s) and publisher.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2025, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors must have been residents of the City of Regina for the 12 months immediately prior to the date of publication of the book, or four of the last five full calendar years. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. To be eligible, books must have an ISBN with no fewer than 49 interior pages and may have been published anywhere in the world.
4. A book of collected and/or selected works by a single author is eligible unless it contains material previously published in one or more books that have won a Saskatchewan Book Award in previous years.
5. Books must be in English.
6. In the case of co-authors, both of the authors must meet Regina residency requirements per #2 above.
7. No anthologies will be accepted. Translators, photographers and editors are not eligible for this award. Illustrators are not eligible, unless they are the sole author of the title submitted, as in graphic novel format.
8. Revised editions are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a Foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
9. Publications in alternate media other than the formats mentioned in this document are not eligible in any category.

Criteria

In recognition of the vitality of the literary community in Saskatoon, this award is presented to a Saskatoon author (or pair of authors) for the best book, judged on the quality of writing. This is a multi-genre category.

Awards

1. Prize money of $2,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the author(s).
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the author(s) and publisher.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2025, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors must have been residents of the City of Saskatoon for the 12 months immediately prior to the date of publication, or four of the last five full calendar years. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. To be eligible, books must have an ISBN with no fewer than 49 interior pages and may have been published anywhere in the world.
4. A book of collected and/or selected works by a single author is eligible unless it contains material previously published in one or more titles that have won a Saskatchewan Book Award in previous years.
5. Books must be in English.
6. In the case of co-authors, both of the authors must meet Saskatoon residency requirements as in #2 above.
7. No anthologies will be accepted. Translators, photographers and editors are not eligible for this award. Illustrators are not eligible, unless they are the sole author of the book submitted, as in graphic novel format.
8. Revised editions are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a Foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
9. Publications in alternate media other than the formats mentioned in this document are not eligible in any category.

In honour of Anne Szumigalski

Criteria

This award is presented to a Saskatchewan author, or authors, for the best book of poetry judged on the quality of writing.

Awards

1. Prize money of $2,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the author(s).
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the author and publisher.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2025, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors must have resided in Saskatchewan for the 12 months immediately prior to the date of publication, or for four of the last five full calendar years. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. To be eligible, books must have an ISBN with no fewer than 49 interior pages and may have been published anywhere in the world.
4. A book of collected and/or selected works by a single author is eligible unless it contains material previously published in one or more books that have won a Saskatchewan Book Award in previous years.
5. Books must be in English.
6. In the case of co-authors, 50% must meet Saskatchewan residency requirements as in #2 above.
7. No anthologies will be accepted. Translators, illustrators, photographers and editors are not eligible for this award.
8. Revised editions are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a Foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
9. Publications in alternate media other than the formats mentioned in this document are not eligible in any category.

Criteria

This award is presented to an Indigenous Saskatchewan author or authors for the best book judged on the quality of writing.

Awards

1. Prize money of $2,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the author(s).
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the writer and publisher.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2025, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors must have resided in Saskatchewan for the 12 months immediately prior to the date of publication of the book, or for four of the last five years. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. To be eligible, books must have an ISBN with no fewer than 49 interior pages and may have been published anywhere in the world. Anthologies and graphic novels will be accepted.
4. Collected and/or selected works by a single author will be accepted.
5. There are no restrictions on the number of authors for book eligibility; in the case of multiple authors, 50% must be Indigenous and from Saskatchewan; the prize will be awarded only to Indigenous authors who meet SBA’s Saskatchewan residency requirements.
6. Submissions may be in any Indigenous language used in Saskatchewan or French or English.
7. SBA recognizes the systems of colonization that have categorized Indigenous peoples. The SBA recognizes three Indigenous groups within Canada as stated in the Canadian Constitution, Section 35.2: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Please note the following:
8. Authors and editors must self-declare that they are either First Nations, Inuit, or Métis, and indicate to which Saskatchewan community they are affiliated.
9. Publishers submitting on behalf of the author/editor must have the author/editor complete the Declaration portion of the Entry Form prior to submission. A signed declaration can be emailed directly to the SBA office.
10. Revised editions are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a Foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
11. Publications in alternate media other than the formats mentioned in this document are not eligible in any category.

Criteria

This award is presented for the best contribution in book form to scholarly work. The submitted book must use high-quality research to establish findings that are original and significant and be written in a manner that is accessible to a general reading audience.

Works in the following categories will be considered:

• peer-reviewed publications AND/OR
• reference works AND/OR
• translations and critical editions to which the translator or editor has contributed 49 pages or 25,000 words in the form of an introduction, notes and/or commentary.

Awards

1. Prize money of $2,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the author(s ).
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the author(s) or contributing editor and publisher.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2025, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors, translators and contributing editors must have resided in Saskatchewan for the 12 months immediately prior to the date of publication, or for four of the last five full calendar years. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. To be eligible, books must be in English, have an ISBN with no fewer than 49 interior pages and may have been published anywhere in the world.
4. A book of collected and/or selected works by a single author will be accepted, unless it contains previously published material contained in one or more books that have won a Saskatchewan Book Award in previous years.
5. In the case of multiple authors, at least 50% of the authors and contributing editor(s) combined must meet Saskatchewan residency requirements as in #2 above.
6. Illustrators and photographers are not eligible for this award. Translators and editors of critical editions who have contributed 49 pages or 25,000 words of original material in the form of an introduction, notes and/or commentary are eligible.
7. Revised editions and translations are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a Foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
8. Publications in alternate media other than the formats mentioned in this document are not eligible in any category.

Criteria

Young Adult Literature, for ages 11-18, alternates from year to year with Children’s Literature, for ages 10 and under. A book can be entered in only one of the components, not both.

In 2027, this award will be presented to a Saskatchewan author or pair of authors, or to a Saskatchewan author and a Saskatchewan illustrator, for the best book of young adult literature, for ages 11-18, judged on the quality of the writing and illustration.

Awards

1. Prize money of $2,000 will be offered, pending sponsorship, to the author(s).
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the author(s) and publisher.
4. A specially designed seal for display on award-winning books upon request.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2024 and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors must have resided in Saskatchewan for the 12 months immediately prior to the date of publication, or for four of the last five full calendar years. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. To be eligible, books must be in English, have an ISBN and may have been published anywhere in the world. Young Adult literature in any genre is eligible and have no fewer than 49 interior pages.
4. Collected and/or selected works by a single author are eligible unless they contain previously published material contained in one or more books that have won a Saskatchewan Book Award in previous years.
5. In the case of co-authors (no more than two), one of the authors must meet Saskatchewan residency requirements as in #2 above.
6. No anthologies will be accepted. Translators, photographers and editors are not eligible for this award. Illustrators are not eligible, unless they are the sole author of the book submitted, as in graphic novel format.
7. Revised editions are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a Foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
8. Publications in alternate media such as CD-ROMs, multi-media publishing, kits, brochures, etc. are not eligible in any category.

Criteria

This Award is presented to the Saskatchewan publisher of the best book, based on literary or artistic value, the quality of editing, book design, production and content.

Awards

1. Prize money of $2,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the winning publisher for publication of the best book.
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the writer and publisher.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2025, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors may reside anywhere in the world. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. Books must be published by a Saskatchewan based publisher. If a book is co-published, 50% of the publishers must meet Saskatchewan residency requirements.
4. To be eligible, books must have an ISBN and no fewer than 49 pages (with the exception of children’s books).
5. Anthologies and graphic novels will be accepted.
6. Collected and/or selected works by a single author will be accepted.
7. Revised editions are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a Foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
8. Publications in alternate media other than the formats mentioned in this document are not eligible in any category.

Criteria

The Indigenous Peoples Publishing Award is presented to the Saskatchewan publisher, or Saskatchewan indigenous publisher, of the best book authored or edited by a person of Indigenous descent. The Award will be based on significant Indigenous content, literary and artistic value, editing, book design, and production.

Awards

1. Prize money of $2,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the winning publisher for publication of the best book.
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the author and publisher.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2025, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors or editors may reside anywhere in the world. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. To be eligible, books must be published by a Saskatchewan-based publisher, have an ISBN and no fewer than 49 interior pages (with the exception of children’s books).
4. Anthologies and graphic novels will be accepted.
5. Collected and/or selected works by a single author will be accepted.
6. Submissions may be in any Indigenous language used in Saskatchewan, French or English.
7. SBA recognizes the systems of colonization that have categorized Indigenous peoples. The SBA recognizes the following Indigenous groups within Canada as stated in the Canadian Constitution, Section 35.2: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Please note the following:
8. Authors and editors must self-declare that they are either First Nations, Inuit, or Métis, and indicate to which Saskatchewan community they are affiliated.
9. Publishers submitting on behalf of the author/editor must have the author/editor complete the Declaration portion of the Entry Form prior to submission. A signed declaration can be emailed directly to the Saskatchewan Book office.
10. Revised editions are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a Foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
11. Publications in alternate media other than the formats mentioned in this document are not eligible in any category.

Criteria

This Award is presented to the Saskatchewan publisher of the best book produced as an educational resource, based on its value to educators at primary, secondary or post-secondary levels; literary or artistic value; the quality of editing; book design; production and content.

Awards

1. Prize money of $2,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the winning publisher for publication of the best book.
2. There shall be only one award given in this category.
3. Commemorative certificates for the author and publisher.

Eligibility

1. Books must be published on or after November 1, 2025, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. Authors may reside anywhere in the world. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. Books must be published by a Saskatchewan-based publisher.
4. To be eligible, books must have an ISBN and no fewer than 49 interior pages (with the exception of children’s books).
5. Anthologies and graphic novels will be accepted.
6. Collected and/or selected works by a single author will be accepted.
7. Submissions may be in any language used in education in Saskatchewan.
8. Revised editions are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a Foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
9. Publications in alternate media other than the formats mentioned in this document are not eligible in any category.
10. .

Criteria

This award is presented every other year to an author or authors living in Saskatchewan for the best original French language book, or to a Saskatchewan editor of an anthology of original French language literary work by Saskatchewan authors.  French language translations are not eligible for this award.

Awards

1. There shall be only one award given in this category. Prize money of $2,000, pending sponsorship, will be presented to the author(s) or to the editor of the winning book.
2. Commemorative certificates for the author(s) or editor and to the publisher.

Eligibility

1. This award is presented biennially and is offered in 2027, pending sponsorship. Books eligible for the 2027 Le prix du livre français must be published on or after November 1, 2024, and no later than October 31, 2026.
2. The author(s) or the editor must have resided in Saskatchewan for the twelve months immediately prior to the date of publication, or for four of the last full five calendar years. In the event of an author’s death, the book will still be eligible if the death occurred no more than a year before the publication date.
3. Books may have been published anywhere in the world. All genres of books are eligible, including drama and children’s books.
4. To be eligible, books must have an ISBN and no fewer than 49 interior pages (with the exception of children’s books).
5. A book of collected and/or selected works by a single author is eligible unless it contains material previously published in one or more titles that have won a Saskatchewan Book Award in previous years.
6. Books must be in French.
7. In the case of collected works, 50% of the authors must meet the residency requirement as in #2 above. The editor of an anthology is eligible as long as he or she is not a salaried employee of the publishing house and that he or she meets the residency requirements.
8. Translators and photographers are not eligible for this award. Illustrators are not eligible unless they are the sole author of the book submitted, such as a graphic novel format.
9. Revised editions are eligible only if the majority of the work is deemed new, excluding a Foreword written by the author or editor. Republished or reprinted books with no new material are not eligible.
10. Publications in alternate media such as CD-ROMs, multi-media publishing, internet-based books, kits, brochures, etc. are not eligible in any category.

Critères

Ce prix biannuel est décerné à l’auteur(e) ou aux auteur(e)s de la Saskatchewan du meilleur livre original en langue française, ou au directeur de la Saskatchewan de la meilleure anthologie de récits créés en langue française. Les traductions ne sont pas admissibles pour ce prix.

Prix

1. Un seul prix sera décerné dans cette catégorie. 2,000$ à l’auteur, aux auteurs, ou au directeur d’anthologie (selon la clause 5 sous soumissions).
2. Certificats commémoratifs pour l’auteur, les auteurs ou le directeur, et pour l’éditeur.

Éligibilité

1. Ce prix sera offert à nouveau en 2027, sous réserve d’une commandite. Les livres admissibles au Prix du livre français 2027 doivent être publiés le 1er novembre 2024 ou après, et au plus tard le 31 octobre 2026.
2. Les auteur(e)s ou les directeurs d’anthologie doivent avoir été résidents de la Saskatchewan durant les douze mois immédiatement avant la publication, ou durant quatre des cinq dernières années. La période de résidence sera calculée à partir du 1er juin 2020. En cas de décès de l’auteur, le livre sera admissible à condition que l’auteur ne soit pas décédé plus de douze mois avant la publication.
3. Le livre peut avoir été publié ailleurs qu’en Saskatchewan. Tous les genres sont admissibles, y compris les pièces de théâtre et les livres pour enfants et pour jeunes adultes.
4. Les livres admissibles, sauf les livres d’enfants, auront un minimum de 49 pages à l’intérieur et un code ISBN et seront revus, reliées et publiés de façon professionnelle.
5. Les recueils et sélections des œuvres d’un seul auteur sont admissibles à moins qu’ils ne contiennent des écrits déjà parus dans un ou plusieurs livres qui ont reçu antérieurement un prix des Saskatchewan Book Awards.
6. Les livres présentés sont rédigés originalement en langue française.
7. Les œuvres collectives sont permises, pour autant que 50 p.c. des auteurs répondent aux critères de résidence énoncés au numéro 2. Le directeur d’une anthologie est admissible, à moins qu’il soit un employé salarié de la maison d’édition et pourvu qu’il réponde aux critères de résidence.
8. Les traducteurs, illustrateurs et photographes ne sont pas admissibles à ce prix.  Les illustrateurs ne sont pas admissibles, exception faite des illustrateurs qui sont les auteurs uniques d’un titre, tel un album BD.
9. Les rééditions sont Admissibles uniquement lorsque la majorité du contenu est neuf, à l’exclusion d’une nouvelle préface ou d’un avant-propos de l’auteur ou du directeur.
10. Les publications en d’autres médias tels les Cédéroms, publications électroniques, multi-médias, livres diffusés sur l’Internet, trousses, brochures, etc. ne sont pas admissibles.

Soumissions

1. Pour chaque titre soumis, la soumission comprendra une feuille d’inscription, quatre exemplaires de chaque livre, ainsi qu’un chèque ou un mandat postal de 60 $ pour la couverture des frais administratifs.
2. Les soumissions peuvent provenir des éditeurs ou des auteurs.
3. Une bourse sera offerte dans l’attente de commandite.