A pile of books

Your book’s time to shine: submissions now open for the 2025 City of Vancouver Book Award

January 22 2025 –

Calling all authors, publishers, photographers and designers. Submissions are now open for the 2025 City of Vancouver Book Award! 

The winning contributor(s) will receive a $3,000 award to be presented at a celebratory event in the fall. 

All genres of books are welcome. To be eligible, books must have been published in 2024, contribute significantly to an appreciation and understanding of the city of Vancouver, and heighten awareness of one or more of the following:  

  • Rich diversity and culture, including Vancouver’s place on the unceded homelands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations 
  • Vancouver’s history  
  • Vancouver’s unique character   
  • The achievements of Vancouver’s residents 

“Each year, the City of Vancouver Book Award recognizes the exceptional contributions of our writers, editors, photographers, designers, and illustrators who bring diverse stories about Vancouver's history and culture to life,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “Supporting our cultural sector is key to making Vancouver more than just a beautiful city - it’s what helps create a vibrant, creative community for everyone who lives, works, and plays here.” 
 
“It was an incredible honor to receive the City of Vancouver Book Award, especially alongside such esteemed and insightful authors whose works hold deep cultural significance,” said Henry Tsang, who authored the 2024 winning book White Riot: The 1907 Anti-Asian Riots in Vancouver.” My book is based on 360 Riot Walk, a 360-degree video walking tour that retraces the history and path of the mob that attacked the Chinese Canadian and Japanese Canadian communities following the demonstration and parade organized by the Asiatic Exclusion League. The book also features essays by contributing writers who provide insight into issues of that era and their lasting impact on our lives today. This award not only helps raise awareness of the 1907 anti-Asian riots but also acknowledges the exclusionary attitudes and practices that have shaped parts of our city’s past. Most importantly, it underscores the ongoing need for dialogue and reflection on who has the right to live and belong in Vancouver—then, now, and in the future.” 
 
The selection committee, representing a variety of perspectives and experiences, will select the winning book and finalists based on excellence in content, illustration, design, or format.  

Previous winners of the City of Vancouver Book Award include Henry Tsang for White Riot (2024), Chelene Knight for Junie (2023); Karen Duffek, Bill McLennan and Jordan Wilson for Where the Power Is: Indigenous Perspectives on Northwest Coast Art (2022); and Michelle Good for Five Little Indians (2021).  

The City of Vancouver Book Award has been recognizing authors of excellence of any genre since 1989. The $3,000 prize is funded by the City’s Publishing Reserve, established in 1977 as a permanent legacy for Vancouver writers and publishers. 

The submission deadline is March 5, 2025 at 4pm. For full information and submission guidelines visit: vancouver.ca/bookaward.