Tag: Literary Fiction Awards

  • The 2025 Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards are Live! Enter the CIBAs Today!

    The 2025 CIBAs are in full swing!

    Your book deserves to be discovered!

    First off, congratulations again to all the winners of the 2024 CIBAs! Those who entered received regular promotion throughout the year as they advanced from the Long List all the way through the Tiers of Achievement to become First Place Category Winners, Division Grand Prize Winners, and, of course, the honor only afforded one author, our Overall Grand Prize Winner Reenita Malhotra Hora, who took home the $1,000 cash grand prize!

    In addition to the promotion on our high traffic website, social media, and newsletter blasts, all winners will be receiving the coveted Chanticleer Blue Ribbon. Division Grand Prize winners receive, on top of all this, a Chanticleer Editorial Review and an opportunity to participate in a Chanticleer interview. The Grand Prize Winners will have their books featured year-round on their division awards page, and they will be featured for the next five years in their respective Hall of Fame posts. Congratulations again to all winners and all who participated in the 2024 CIBAs!

    Who will be the next winners in the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards?

    You know you want it…

    Does your book have what it takes? Join the authors who have taken the leap to have their work professionally vetted by one of the industry’s most respected awards programs. Each stage of the CIBA journey—from entering the Award to finding your eventual tier of achievement—is worth crowing about and celebrating with your following.

    Whether you’re an established author with a dedicated readership or a writer with a manuscript hoping to improve your chances of catching the right publisher’s eye, the CIBAs are well-worth the effort! Our multi-tiered advancement system ensures that every qualified entry receives multiple opportunities for recognition and promotion throughout the year.

    The CIBA Difference: Real Impact on Author Success

    What sets the Chanticleer International Book Awards apart is our commitment to creating genuine, lasting promotional opportunities for authors. When we say we help increase your digital footprint, we mean it!

    Authors who have participated in our awards program consistently report:

    • Increased visibility on retail platforms
    • Higher conversion rates when potential readers discover their CIBA achievement
    • Enhanced credibility with readers, reviewers, and industry professionals
    • Valuable connections within the Chanticleer community of authors
    • Improved confidence in their writing career

    More Than Just Book Awards

    At Chanticleer, we understand that every author’s journey is unique. That’s why we go beyond the standard awards process to provide personalized attention and support. Our dedication to authors includes:

    • Individual consideration of each submission, with options to move books to more appropriate divisions when it could improve your chances of winning
    • Free judging notes by request for finalists and above, providing valuable feedback directly from our expert readers
    • Open communication throughout the process, ensuring you’re never left wondering about your book’s status
    • Certificates upon request to celebrate your achievement
    • Generous deadline flexibility when authors need a little extra time

    This commitment to personal attention is what truly distinguishes the CIBAs from other book awards. We don’t just evaluate your book—we champion its success.

    An endless sea of blue ribbons to hand out

    As Levar Burton says, you don’t have to take our word for it:

    Thank you for this exciting news! I really appreciate all the hard work you and your team put into the awards! – D.V. Chernov, author of Commissar: A Novel of Civil War Russia

    A Gold Ribbon dividing this section from the next

    I am so excited and honored to be included as a finalist with this amazing group of authors. Thank you Chanticleer Book Reviews & Media! – Tracy Cram Perkins, I&I 1st Place Winner of Dementia Home Care

    A Gold Ribbon dividing this section from the next

    To Everyone at Chanticleer,

    Your passion for storytelling and your dedication to those that tell them is second to none! Not even a global pandemic could stop you. Thank you for all that you do to promote and support independent authors, such as myself.

    –Ryan Young, author of The Shepherd’s Burden, a First Place Winner in Paranormal Awards

    A Gold Ribbon dividing this section from the next

    Thank you for all the hard work you put in. This is such a great contest, and the support you provide to authors is incredible. – E. E. Burke, Laramie Grand Prize Author of Tom Sawyer Returns

    Tangible Benefits That Make a Difference

    The CIBAs aren’t just about prestige—they provide concrete benefits that help authors succeed:

    • $1,000 Cash Prize for the Overall Grand Prize Winner
    • Promotional Stickers that catch readers’ eyes and boost sales at book events
    • Digital Badges for your website, social media, and marketing materials
    • Blue Ribbon Packages to display proudly
    • Editorial Reviews and Featured Interviews for Division Grand Prize Winners
    • Five Years of Promotion in our Hall of Fame for Grand Prize Winners

    These tangible benefits translate directly into increased visibility, credibility, and sales opportunities for authors at every level of recognition.

    2025 CIBA Calendar: Key Dates to Remember

    Calendar, red, black

    Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in these prestigious awards! Here’s the complete calendar of upcoming CIBA deadlines for 2025:

    You can see the full list of CIBAs here as well

    Division Submission Deadline
    Cygnus Awards for Science Fiction June 30, 2025
    Ozma Awards for Fantasy Fiction June 30, 2025
    Shelley Awards for Paranormal Fiction June 30, 2025
    Global Thriller Awards for High Stakes Suspense July 31, 2025
    Clue Awards for Thriller/Suspense July 31, 2025
    M&M Awards for Cozy and Not-so-Cozy Mysteries July 31, 2025
    Book Series Awards for Fiction & Non-Fiction July 31, 2025
    SEA Shorts Awards for Short Stories, Essays, and Novellas  July 31, 2025
    NEW: Collection and Anthology Awards July 31, 2025
    CCDA: Chanticleer Cover Design Awards for Fiction July 31, 2025
    CCDA: Chanticleer Cover Design Awards for Non-Fiction July 31, 2025
    Laramie Awards for Americana Fiction August 31, 2025
    Chaucer Awards for Early Historical Fiction August 31, 2025
    Goethe Awards for Late Historical Fiction August 31, 2025
    Hemingway Awards for 20th c. Wartime Fiction August 31, 2025
    Nellie Bly Awards for Longform Journalistic Non-Fiction August 31, 2025
    Journey Awards for Overcoming Adversity in Non-Fiction August 31, 2025
    Hearten Awards for Uplifting & Inspiring Non-Fiction August 31, 2025
    Military & Front Line Awards for Service to Others Non-Fiction August 31, 2025
    Dante Rossetti Awards for Young Adult Fiction September 30, 2025
    Gertrude Warner Awards for Middle Grade Fiction September 30, 2025
    Little Peeps Awards for Early Readers September 30, 2025
    I&I Awards for How-To and Self Help Non-Fiction September 30, 2025
    Harvey Chute Awards for Business & Finance September 30, 2025
    Mind & Spirit Awards for Well-Being and Enlightenment September 30, 2025
    Chatelaine Awards for Romance and Women’s Fiction October 31, 2025
    Humor & Satire Awards October 31, 2025
    Somerset Awards for Literary & Contemporary Fiction October 31, 2025

    Keep in mind that these deadlines can be flexible. If enough authors reach out for an extension, we are happy to move them or make an exception. Please reach out to info@ChantiReviews.com with any questions related to deadlines or submission guidelines.

    We love our CIBA badges!

    With 28 divisions, there’s something for everyone!

    The CIBAs are a labor of love carefully organized for maximum breadth while staying focused and competitive. Our judges come from all around the world, hold degrees in higher education, have worked in the publishing industry for years, and love great books.

    What truly sets the CIBAs apart is our commitment to authors at every stage. Unlike many other contests, we provide:

    • Multiple tiers of advancement with promotional opportunities at each level
    • Digital badges for your marketing materials
    • Professional foil stickers for your book covers
    • Personalized judging notes (by request for finalists and above)
    • A supportive community through The Roost platform
    • Year-round promotion for winners across multiple channels

    Why Choose the CIBAs?

    The 2024 CIBA Grand Prize Winners who attended CAC25! Congratulations to all!

    In an increasingly crowded book marketplace, professional vetting and third-party recognition have never been more important. The Chanticleer International Book Awards have established themselves as a trusted source for identifying excellence in independent and traditionally published books across genres.

    When readers, bookstore owners, and industry professionals see the CIBA seal on your book, they know it has been thoroughly evaluated and stands among the best in its category.

    Your book deserves to be discovered. Enter the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards today!

    Blue button that says Enter a Writing Contest

    Don’t Delay! Enter Today!

    Have questions about which division is right for your book? Contact us at info@ChantiReviews.com, and our team will be happy to help guide you to the perfect match for your work.

  • SOMERSET Book Awards for Contemporary and Literary Fiction 2020 CIBA Award Winners

    SOMERSET Book Awards for Contemporary and Literary Fiction 2020 CIBA Award Winners

    The SOMERSET Book Awards recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of Literary and Contemporary Fiction. The Somerset Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).

    Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring contemporary stories, literary themes, adventure, magical realism, or women and family themes. These books have advanced to the Premier Level of Achievement in the 2020 CIBAs.

    The 2020 SOMERSET Book Awards First Place Category Winners and the SOMERSET Grand Prize Winner were announced by Gail Noble-Sanderson on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the Hotel Bellwether and broadcast via ZOOM webinar and Facebook Live.

    It is our privilege and profound honor to announce the 1st in Category winners of the 2020 SOMERSET Awards, a division of the 2020 CIBAs.

    This is the OFFICIAL 2020 LIST of the SOMERSET BOOK AWARDS First Place Category Winners and the SOMERSET Grand Prize Winner.

    Congratulations to all!

    • Sara Stamey – Pause
    • Gregory Erich Phillips – A Season in Lights 
    • Candi Sary – Magdalena
    • Kathleen Reid – Sunrise in Florence
    • T P Graf – As the Daisies Bloom
    • Julie Weary – Knowing Marjorie Thane
    • Barbara Linn Probst – Queen of the Owls
    • Jennifer Gold – Keep Me Afloat
    • Lainey Cameron – The Exit Strategy
    • Susan Wingate – How the Deer Moon Hungers

    The Grand Prize Winner for the CIBA 2020 SOMERSET Awards is:

    Gregory Erich Phillips for

    A Season in Lights

    Cover for A Season in Lights by Gregory Erich Phillips

    Blue and Gold Grand Prize 2020 Somerset Winner Badge for A Season in LIghts by Gregory Erich Phillips

    The 2021 SOMERSET Book Awards winners will be announced at CAC22 on April 10, 2022. Save the date for CAC22, scheduled April 7-10, 2022, our 10 year Conference Anniversary!

    Submissions for the 2021 SOMERSET Book Awards are open until the end of November. Enter here!

    Don’t delay! Enter today! 

    A Note to ALL the WINNERS: The coveted CIBA Blue Ribbons will be mailed out starting in July. We will contact you with an email to verify your mailing address and other items. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

  • The 2020 Finalists for the SOMERSET Book Awards for Literary and Contemporary Fiction CIBAs

    The 2020 Finalists for the SOMERSET Book Awards for Literary and Contemporary Fiction CIBAs

    Somerset Awards over a picture of Somerset, a white man smoking a pipe

    The SOMERSET Book Awards recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of Literary and Contemporary Fiction. The Somerset Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).

    Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring contemporary stories, literary themes, adventure, magical realism, or women and family themes. These books have advanced to the next judging rounds. The best will advance. Which titles will be declared as winners of the prestigious Somerset Book Awards?

    These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from the 2020 SHORT LIST to the SEMI-FINALIST POSITION and have now progressed to the 2020 FINALISTS.  

    These titles are in the running for the Finalist positions of the 2020 SOMERSET Book Awards for Literary and Contemporary Fiction. Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.

    • Sara Stamey – Pause
    • Gregory Erich Phillips – A Season in Lights
    • Candi Sary – Magdalena
    • Kathleen Reid – Sunrise in Florence
    • T P Graf – As the Daisies Bloom
    • Katherine Johnson – Grit & Granite
    • Jennifer Gold – Keep Me Afloat
    • Catherine Hamilton – Victoria’s War
    • John Danenbarger – Entanglement: Quantum and Otherwise
    • Julie Weary – Knowing Marjorie Thane
    • Kathleen M. Rodgers – The Flying Cutterbucks
    • Abbe Rolnick – Founding Stones
    • Liana Gardner – Speak No Evil
    • Susan Wingate – How the Deer Moon Hungers
    • Jessica O’Dwyer – Mother Mother
    • Lainey Cameron – The Exit Strategy
    • Judy Keeslar Santamaria – Jetty Cat Palace Cafe
    • Joanne Kukanza Easley –Sweet Jane
    • Barbara Linn Probst – Queen of the Owls
    • Nancy H. Wynen – We Did What We Could

    NOTE: Some titles have been transferred to the Mark Twain Book Awards for Satire, Allegory, Humor, and Alternative Histories (non-SciFi).

    These titles are in the running for the First Place Category Winners of the 2020 Somerset Book Awards for Contemporary and Literary Fiction. 

    The 2020 CIBA FINALISTS were announced at VCAC21 – April 21 – 24, 2021. 

    The Somerset Book Awards 2020 First Place and Grand Prize Winner will be announced at the hybrid CIBA Ceremony that will take place on Saturday, June 5th, 2021 at the Hotel Bellwether. More details will be posted in early May.  

    Which of these works will move forward in the judging rounds for the 2020 Somerset Book Awards for Contemporary and Literary Fiction?

    Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.

    The First Place Category Winners, along with the CIBA Division Grand Prize winners, will be selected from the 23 CIBA divisions Finalists. We will announce the 1st Place Category Winners and Grand Prize Division Winners the CIBAs Ceremonies June 5th, 2021 virtually (Free) and LIVE at the luxurious Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, Wash.

    VCAC21 laurel wreath

    Register today!

    We are now accepting submissions into the 2021 Somerset Awards Book Awards. The deadline for submissions is November 30th, 2021. The winners will be announced in April 2022.

    Please click here for more information.

    Don’t Delay! Enter Today! 

    As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at Info@ChantiReviews.com.

     

     

  • The 2020 SOMERSET Book Awards for Literary and Contemporary Fiction – the Semi-Finalists for the SOMERSET Division of the 2020 CIBAs

    The 2020 SOMERSET Book Awards for Literary and Contemporary Fiction – the Semi-Finalists for the SOMERSET Division of the 2020 CIBAs

    Somerset Awards over a picture of Somerset, a white man smoking a pipe

    The SOMERSET Book Awards recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of Literary and Contemporary Fiction. The Somerset Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).

    Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring contemporary stories, literary themes, adventure, magical realism, or women and family themes. These books have advanced to the next judging rounds. The best will advance. Which titles will be declared as winners of the prestigious Somerset Book Awards?

    These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from the 2020 Somerset Book Awards LONG LIST to the 2020 SHORT LIST and now have progressed to the 2020 SEMI-FINALISTS. 

    Congratulations to the following titles who have advanced to the 2020 SOMERSET Book Awards SEMI-FINALISTS!

    • Susan Dobson – Boomerang
    • Sara Stamey – Pause
    • R Barber Anderson – Jumeau
    • Gregory Erich Phillips – A Season in Lights
    • Candi Sary – Magdalena
    • Kathleen Reid – Sunrise in Florence
    • T P Graf – As the Daisies Bloom
    • Patrick M. Garry – The Donor
    • Katherine Johnson – Grit & Granite
    • Jennifer Gold – Keep Me Afloat
    • Catherine Hamilton – Victoria’s War
    • Pierce Koslosky Jr. – A Week at Surfside Beach
    • John Danenbarger – Entanglement: Quantum and Otherwise
    • Julie Weary – Knowing Marjorie Thane
    • Dan V. Jackson – Rainbow Bridge
    • Kathleen M. Rodgers – The Flying Cutterbucks
    • Abbe Rolnick – Founding Stones
    • Liana Gardner – Speak No Evil
    • Susan Wingate – How the Deer Moon Hungers
    • Lainey Cameron – The Exit Strategy
    • Barbara Linn Probst – Queen of the Owls
    • Judy Keeslar Santamaria – Jetty Cat Palace Cafe
    • Joanne Kukanza Easley –Sweet Jane

    NOTE: Some titles have been transferred to the Mark Twain Book Awards for Satire, Allegory, Humor, and Alternative Histories (non-SciFi).

    These titles are in the running for the Finalists of the 2020 Somerset Book Awards for Contemporary and Literary Fiction. 

    The 2020 CIBA FINALISTS will be announced at VCAC 21, April 22 – 24, 2021. 

    Which of these works will move forward in the judging rounds for the 2020 Somerset Book Awards for Contemporary and Literary Fiction?

    Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.

    The Semi-Finalists’ works will compete for the First Place Winner positions, and then all will be recognized in the evenings at VCAC21 April 22-24th from 6-8 p.m. PST.

    The First Place Category Winners, along with the CIBA Division Grand Prize winners, will be selected from the 23 CIBA divisions Finalists. We will announce the 1st Place Category Winners and Grand Prize Division Winners the CIBAs Ceremonies June 5th, 2021 virtually (Free) and LIVE at the luxurious Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, Wash.

    VCAC21 laurel wreath

    Register today! 

    We are now accepting submissions into the 2021 Somerset Awards Book Awards. The deadline for submissions is November 30th, 2021. The winners will be announced in April 2022.

    Please click here for more information.

    Don’t Delay! Enter Today! 

    As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at Info@ChantiReviews.com.