Submit a book for the City of Vancouver Book Award

Eligibility criteria 

The book may be:

• Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama written for adults or children
• An exploration of any aspects of the city such as its history, geography, diverse communities, current affairs, or the arts
• Written or published anywhere in the world
• Published in 2022

A book is ineligible if it is a reissue of a prior edition, text book, or previously submitted.

Evaluation criteria

The book must 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

The book must excel in one or more of the following: 

• Content
• Illustration
• Design
• Format

If no book deemed worthy of this award is submitted, the prize will not be awarded.

How to submit a book for the award

1. Submit an online entry form through VanApply:

• If you submitted in 2021 or 2022, you already have an account with VanApply and can log in with the same account.
• If you applied with our previous system, or have not previously applied, you will need to set up a profile in VanApply. VanApply does not have past application information. 

How to apply in VanApply

1. Create your individual profile:
   • If you have an account, log in and proceed to step 2.
   • If you do not have an account, select register to set up an account.
2. Complete your eligibility profile:
   • From your individual account, select "view programs" then "complete your eligibility profile".
   • Select "individual" when asked if you are completing the profile as an individual or organization.
     • Do not select "I'll do this later" or you will not be able to access the program.
3. Start your submission:
   • Click on “Programs” to find Vancouver Book Award (VBA).
   • Complete the form and upload a digital copy of the book. (optional)

2. Mail or deliver in person the following items for each book submitted:

• Four copies of the book
• $20 entry fee (payable by cheque to the City of Vancouver)
  Important note Payment cannot be made electronically or over the phone.

To:

• City of Vancouver
  Attn: Miko Hoffman, Cultural Services  
  310-814 Richards Street
  Vancouver, BC V6B 3A7

3. If selected as a finalist, you will be asked to provide five additional copies of the book.

Important note Submission deadline is Friday, April 14, 2023, at 4pm.