WHAT BOOKS ARE ELIGIBLE?

In order to be eligible for the award, a book must be written by a Vermont writer and published between January 1 and December 31 of the year prior to the award. Self-published books are ineligible, as are books written by staff, trustees, and current students of VCFA.

WHO NOMINATES BOOKS?

A committee of independent booksellers of Vermont nominates books in four categories: Children’s Literature, Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, and Poetry. Publishers may also nominate books. Nominations are open each year from January 1 to March 1.

WHO ARE THE JUDGES?

Each year, VCFA selects judges in each of the four genre categories. Judges are Vermont writers, teachers, librarians, and passionate supporters of literature in Vermont. VCFA staff takes no part in the judges’ deliberations, except to verify a nominee’s eligibility.

HOW ARE THE FINALISTS CHOSEN?

The judging panel reads the nominated books and selects finalists from each category, to be announced in the summer.

HOW IS THE WINNER CHOSEN?

The judging panel selects one winner from amongst the finalists. Books are judged on literary excellence. No one, not even VCFA staff, learns who the Winner is until the evening of the Vermont Book Award Gala, which takes place in the Fall at Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier.

WHAT DOES THE AWARD ENTAIL?

The Winner of the Vermont Book Award receives a prize of $5,000 and a one-of-a-kind award statue crafted by a local artist. The winner is announced at the Vermont Book Award Gala, a celebratory evening of music, literature, and creative culture.

Contact

For gala-related inquiries:
Angela Paladino
Marketing Communications Manager
[email protected]

For award-related inquiries:
Miciah Bay Gault
Vermont Book Award Coordinator
[email protected]