The 16th New Hampshire Literary Awards are now open for nominations. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding published works about New Hampshire as well as works by New Hampshire natives or residents.
All entries must be a first edition published within the eligibility period (January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024.) All submissions will be read and evaluated by a panel of judges vetted and assembled by the NH Writers’ Project Literary Awards Committee Chairperson.
All entries must be a first edition published within the eligibility period (January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024.) All submissions will be read and evaluated by a panel of judges vetted and assembled by the NH Writers’ Project Literary Awards Committee Chairperson.
The NH Writers’ Project reserves the right to forego an award in any category if there are insufficient submissions. Judges may also select multiple winners in a category if deemed appropriate.
The rules and submission guidelines for this year’s Literary Awards are as follows:
Books may be nominated in the following categories:
The submission process consists of two steps:
Step 1: Complete the Online Nomination Form
Step 2: Mail Submission Materials
After completing the form, print the emailed copy and mail it with the following materials:
Mail all materials together in one package to:
NH Writers’ Project
PO Box 10034
Bedford, NH 03110
PLEASE NOTE: OUR MAILING ADDRESS HAS CHANGED.
Submission Deadline: All nomination materials must be postmarked no later than June 6, 2025.
In addition to the judged awards, readers will have a chance to vote for their favorite books in each category
The announcement of finalists and details on how to vote will be shared closer to the voting period.
Join us to celebrate the winners
Stay tuned for information about 2025 NH Literary Award Ceremony tickets, which will be available in October. The list of finalist will be announced this summer and the winners will be revealed during the ceremony.
Our judges are teachers, librarians, and avid readers from across New Hampshire. They are independent of NHWP and not affiliated as staff or board members.
By submitting a nomination, you acknowledge that:
Questions? Contact us at literaryawards@nhwritersproject.org
Thank you for supporting New Hampshire’s literary community!
Nominations are open to anyone, including authors, publishers, organizations, and the general public. Self-nominations are welcome.
Books must have been first published between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024.
Yes, self-published books are eligible for nomination.
No, only printed books are eligible for submission. eBooks and photocopies are not accepted.
All nomination materials must be postmarked no later than June 6, 2025.
Yes, but each category nomination requires a separate submission form and $75 nomination fee.
No, all submitted books become the property of NHWP and will not be returned.
No. While the nomination form is completed online, all physical books and payment must be mailed.
All entries are read and evaluated by a panel of independent judges assembled by the NHWP Literary Awards Committee Chairperson. The NHWP reserves the right to forego an award in a category if there are insufficient submissions or to select multiple winners if deemed appropriate.
Finalists will be announced in Fall 2025.
If you need further assistance, please contact Claudia Decker the Literary Awards Committee Chairperson at literaryawards@nhwritersproject.org.
The New Hampshire Writers’ Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit literary arts organization funded by its members, as well as organizations and businesses, who support our region’s writers and literary heritage. The organization is run by a dedicated board of passionate volunteers.
Copyright © New Hampshire Writers’ Project. All rights reserved.
