Submissions Open for 2020 + 2021 City of Vancouver Book Award

Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun: Unceded Territories. | Image: National Gallery of Canada.

Submissions are now open for the 2020 and 2021 City of Vancouver Book Award that recognizes books that deepen our understanding of Vancouver.

Authors and publishers of books of all genres are encouraged to submit entries that reflect Vancouver’s unique character, rich diversity, culture, history and residents.

To be eligible, books must have been published in either 2019 or 2020 and should demonstrate excellence in content, illustration, design, or format. Submitted books will also increase our understanding of Vancouver, including its place on the traditional, unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and the people from across the world who have infused Vancouver’s cultural landscape with the qualities, landmarks, and stories that make our city recognizable and distinct.

To ensure equity in the review process, and that the titles speak to the rich diversity, culture and history of Vancouver, over half of the selection committee members who will be selecting the winning book will be from underrepresented communities.

Underrepresented communities include xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and people who identify as Indigenous; Black people and people of African descent; people of colour and racialized people; people with disabilities, disabled people, and people who live with mental health challenges; Deaf and hard of hearing people; LGBTQ2+ and gender diverse people; low-income people; refugees, newcomers, and undocumented people; minority language communities; women and girls; and, youth and seniors.

The authors of the winning books will each receive a $3,000 award to be presented at a celebratory event tentatively planned for November at the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch.

The deadline for submission is Friday, June 18, 2021, 4 pm. For more information about submission guidelines visit: https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/submit-a-book.aspx.