Books in this category are action-packed and often centered around a trip, journey, or quest, usually in an unfamiliar or dangerous environment.

Books in this category include any collection of selected writings or short stories by one or more authors.

Books in this category include magical, mythical, fairy tales, supernatural creatures or beings, and/or other unusual characters, settings, or experiences that lack scientific explanation.

This category is reserved for works of fiction that do not fit the description of any other Adult Fiction category in this contest and are not eligible for entry in another Adult Fiction category.

Books in this category draw the reader into a fictional experience based on real people or events of the past.

Books in this category create suspense through the unknown and are usually centered around solving mysteries or crimes through investigation. Tension and apprehension are created by unpredictability.

Books in this category showcase a central love story where two characters overcome adversity in an attempt to obtain their happily ever after.

Books in this category involve other-worldly or futuristic societies, time and space

Books in this category are thrilling, scary, or terrifying, or include an action-packed plot and seemingly impossible situations. May include violence and gore.

Books in this category are true stories relevant to readers ages 13–18.

Books in this category include any Young Adult fictional story, including sci-fi/fantasy, romance, historical fiction, etc., relevant to readers ages 13–18.

Books in this category are 200 to 1,500-word easy-to-read books with illustrations, simple words, and short sentences (words stand on their own, but pictures help tell the story), relevant to beginning readers ages 5–8. Winning medals will be awarded to the author and the illustrator.

Books in this category are 1,500 to 15,000-word stories using language and content relevant to readers ages 6–12 and divided into short chapters. May contain illustrations to enhance the story. May be fiction or nonfiction.

Books in this category are 50 to 1,000-word narratives told in a visual and verbal book format (pictures are necessary to propel the story) intended to be read to children ages 2–4 or read by children ages 5–8. Winning medals will be awarded to the author and the illustrator.

This is the cover design category for any adult book genre. Winning medals will be awarded to the author and the cover designer.

This is the cover design category for any Young Adult book genre. Winning medals will be awarded to the author and the cover designer.

This is the cover design category for any genre of Middle Grades book. Winning medals will be awarded to the author and the cover designer.

This is the cover design category for any genre of children's book. Winning medals will be awarded to the author and the cover designer.

Books in this category are 15,000 to 50,000-word fictional stories including age-appropriate, imaginary content and characters relevant to readers ages 9–12. May be divided into longer chapters or sections and/or include some illustrations to engage or entertain the reader.

Books in this category present real-world facts and information relevant to readers ages 9–12. May contain illustrations or photographs that help to explain concepts.

Books in this category explain topics such as visual art, film, music, and dance histories, critiques, materials, methodologies, etc.

Books in this category recount a true story of the author's life or a portion of the author's life.

Books in this category chronicle a true story about another real person's life, career, or accomplishments.

Books in this category focus on organizing and improving business operations, utilizing technology, and/or business leadership.

Books in this category detail pedagogy, methods, and techniques of teaching,
theoretical aspects of education, or practical advice for parents, teachers, or administrators.

Books in this category encompass ideas, plans, or breakthroughs regarding diet/weight loss, exercise, mental health, medical advancements, or other related topics.

This category is reserved for nonfiction works that do not fit the description of any other nonfiction category in this contest and are not eligible for entry in another nonfiction category.

Books in this category describe factual accounts about events or people of the past.

Books in this category include guidance, advice, and encouraging or uplifting messages or stories about self-development or relationships.

Books in this category address current political situations or other newsworthy events.

Books in this category pertain to religious or spiritual topics.

Books in this category deal with any of the sciences (physics, biology, astronomy, etc.) or the natural world (animals, plants, rivers, etc.).

Books in this category discuss teams, rules, techniques, or sports histories and/or individual and group activities involving competitive games or physical recreation.

Books in this category contain travel guides, reviews of destinations, travel hacks, or detailed information about specific places.

Books in this category have aesthetically pleasing covers, ideal for display on a table.
Contents include photographs, images, and/or stand-alone chapters. Coffee Table Books may be fiction,
nonfiction, or a combination of both, and may be intended for children or adults.

Books in this category consist of pages for adults or children to color or
complete word games, puzzles, or other activities. Coloring/Activity Books may be fiction, nonfiction, or a
combination of both and may be intended for children or adults.

Books in this category include recipes, gardening, or other related topics,
and may be intended for children or adults.

Books in this category instruct readers on how to do a craft, hobby, or other
specific task, and may be intended for children or adults.

Books in this category are funny or comical narratives and may include parody, irony,
jokes, gags, etc. Humor/Comedy Books may be fiction, nonfiction, or a combination of both, and may be
intended for children or adults.

Books in this category primarily consist of poems by one or more authors. Poetry Books may
be fiction, nonfiction, or a combination of both, and may be intended for children or adults.

Books in this category use sequential art to tell a story. They are generally stand-alone
stories with complex plots or collections of short stories.