Please read all the Q and A before submitting a book or nominating an author.
Who can apply for these awards?
The awards are strictly for nonfiction authors whose books focus on transformation, thought leadership, business growth, and real-world impact.
Does my book have to be a bestseller or viral hit to win?
No. We intentionally celebrate "slow-burn" books that create deep, meaningful change in people's lives and businesses, not just overnight viral successes.
What are the publication dates and language requirements?
Timeline: Books must be published in 2021 or later (with preference given to newer releases).
Language: Open globally, but the books must be printed or published in English.
What is your policy on AI-generated content?
Books must be rooted in original human thought, experience, and expertise. Fully AI-generated books are not eligible for submission.
Do illustrated, memoirs, or non-traditional nonfiction books qualify?
Not for this inaugural year. To keep the judging process laser-focused, we are sticking strictly to traditional text-based nonfiction (business, self-help, coaching, and niche expertise) across our nine categories.
Can I submit a book if it has co-authors?
Yes. Co-authored books are fully welcome, provided the content fits into one of our nonfiction categories. Any digital assets or physical awards will be issued to the primary applicant.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes. Anyone can nominate an author, and self-nominations are fully encouraged.
Is there a fee to enter the Inkfluence Awards?
Yes. To maintain a high-standard evaluation process and fund the extensive visibility campaigns for nominees, there is no free entry tier. Submission details and promotional upgrade options will be clearly outlined on the registration page.
Can I nominate more than one book?
Yes. If you have published multiple nonfiction books since 2021 that fit different categories, you may submit separate applications for each title.
When do applications open and where do I apply?
The official application landing page goes live at the end of July 2026. Keep an eye on our website and LinkedIn updates for the live link.
How does the judging process work?
We use a hybrid system to ensure both expert curation and community love:
75% of the score comes from public Reader's Choice voting.
25% of the score comes from our specific award sponsors and an internal committee executing a structured review process.
What specific criteria are the judges looking for?
There is no single formula. Each category rewards a different type of excellence, focusing on:
Originality of the idea and execution.
Transformational essence and reader impact.
Thought leadership and long-term legacy.
Community involvement and social impact.
What are the nine categories?
The nine specific nonfiction categories are tied directly to the core themes of the Bookmas campaign and will be formally unveiled on our website when applications open at the end of July. Click here for the list.
What do winners and shortlisted authors actually get?
Because visibility should compound, the perks focus heavily on strategic growth:
Shortlisted Authors: Dedicated visibility opportunities and promotional spotlights to get your book in front of new audiences before the ceremony even happens.
Winners: Digital badges, physical recognition assets, and high-value placements in business masterminds, feature workshops, media interview opportunities, and community-wide network spotlights.
When and where is the actual awards ceremony?
The grand finale and awards ceremony will take place virtually in January 2027, allowing our global community of authors, readers, and sponsors to attend and celebrate together live.
Do I have to attend the live virtual ceremony to win?
While we highly encourage attendance to maximize your networking and visibility, winners who cannot attend due to timezone conflicts will still receive their awards and full promotional perks.