Reader Views launches dedicated non-fiction awards program

Reader Views has opened entries for its first awards program devoted entirely to non-fiction, splitting its Literary Awards into separate fiction and non-fiction tracks for the 2026-2027 cycle. The new program gives memoir, business, history, and other non-fiction books their own judging criteria, timeline, and recognition.

Why it matters: - Reader Views is giving independent non-fiction books their own awards lane instead of competing against novels, poetry, and children’s books. - The shift creates a separate review process for a genre that is judged on different standards, from research and credibility to practical value. - The program gives indie, small press, and self-published authors another path to visibility, finalist placement, and cash prizes.

What happened: - Reader Views opened entries for the 2026-2027 Reader Views Non-Fiction Awards. - The program is the first in Reader Views’ history devoted entirely to non-fiction. - The awards split begins with the 2026 cycle, creating separate Fiction and Non-Fiction programs. - Each program has its own entry window, review timeline, and judging process.

The details: - Every entry gets a full professional review. - Reader Views uses a 20-point evaluation built for non-fiction. - The scoring system weighs clarity of purpose, credibility and research, insight, structure, connection with readers, and practical value. - Reviews will appear across Reader Views websites and social channels. - Books may also be featured on Goodreads and BookBub when available. - Each title gets a one-week placement in the Author Showcase. - Each entry also gets a mention in the newsletter’s recent reviews section. - All entries are eligible for finalist and winner recognition. - Gold, Silver, and Bronze Grand Prize honors include cash awards. - The program is open to independent, small press, and self-published authors. - Reader Views is offering 26 categories aligned with BISAC classifications. - Categories include memoir and biography, history, true crime, business, self-help, science, health and fitness, religion and spirituality, travel and nature, humor, and writing and publishing. - Every entry also receives complimentary Regional and Global category consideration. - Children’s non-fiction titles are entered through the Fiction Awards under age-based children’s categories. - Current sponsors include Book Launchers and the Women in Publishing Summit. - The full sponsor list is available in the sponsor page. - Categories, guidelines, and entry details are available in the non-fiction awards page.

Between the lines: - Reader Views is signaling that non-fiction needs a different judging lens than creative categories. - The separate program could help authors market books that rely on authority, usefulness, and research rather than narrative style alone. - The added visibility across reviews, showcase placement, and social distribution makes the awards as much a publicity platform as a competition.

What's next: - Entries remain open through March 31, 2027. - Early Bird pricing is available through December 31, 2026. - Winners will be announced in late May 2027. - Reader Views will continue promoting entries and finalists through its review and publicity channels until the awards conclude.