2026 Southwest Book Design & Production Awards
New Mexico Book Association is pleased to offer this award program
for authors, book designers, publishers, authors, editors, printers, and more!
NMBA Members receive discounts (Become a Member)
for authors, book designers, publishers, authors, editors, printers, and more!
NMBA Members receive discounts (Become a Member)
You are invited to enter the 13th annual Southwest Book Design and Production Awards (SWBDA)!
SWBDA recognizes creativity and quality in book design and distinction in production.
The awards are designed to showcase excellence in book design and publishing — and to help raise the standards of book design and production — throughout the Southwest.
Books are judged on the principles and elements of design, including industry–accepted format, visual appeal, and consistency.
SWBDA recognizes creativity and quality in book design and distinction in production.
The awards are designed to showcase excellence in book design and publishing — and to help raise the standards of book design and production — throughout the Southwest.
Books are judged on the principles and elements of design, including industry–accepted format, visual appeal, and consistency.
|
Categories
|
|
Eligibility To be eligible, a title:
Deadline: June 19, 2026 All books, entry forms, and checks/payment must be received by June 19, 2026. Send one (1) copy of each title with the entry form and pay online or by check. Mailing Address Send books and checks to: Anna Sochocky 7 Avenida Vista Grande B7-490 Santa Fe, NM 87508 Checks payable to: New Mexico Book Association |
10. Body, mind, spirit
11. Poetry 12. Gift books (special format) 13. Children’s 14. Young adult 15. LGBTQ+ 16. Bilingual (any category, any two languages) 17. Art 18. Photography Entry Fees
May 8, 2026: Early Bird Discount
Criteria Criteria include interior and exterior book design, industry-accepted format, consistency, typography, choice of paper and cover stock, illustrations (if any), the quality of printing and binding, and the visual appeal of the book. For more information on criteria, see SWBDA Judging Criteria. Judging Judges are industry professionals selected for their experience in book design, production, and book sales. Judges reserve the right to move an entry to a category more appropriate for that entry. Finalists will be notified and invited to attend the NMBA Summer Gala, where an awards ceremony will announce the winners. The time and place of the Gala remains to be announced. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What books can I submit?
Those published from 2023 to 2026.
Will my book arrive by the deadline?
You are allowed a grace period of one week beyond the deadline. Books must be received by then for your book to be judged.
What category is appropriate for submitting my novel?
Any novel that does not fit within categories 2–4 (Mystery, thriller; Romance; Science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction) should be submitted for category 1 (general fiction).
Can I re-submit a book that didn't win an award in prior years?
Yes, as long as it meets the criteria.
Can I submit a self-published book?
Yes. Books can come from the the general book trade, including books published by major presses, independent presses, and by their authors.
To Enter Online:
7 Avenida Vista Grande
B7-490
Santa Fe, NM 87508
- Submit an entry form for each title you are submitting.
- After your entry form is submitted, you will be prompted to pay. You can pay online or send a check payable to New Mexico Book Association.
- Be sure to send one (1) copy of each title (along with your check, if paying by check) to:
7 Avenida Vista Grande
B7-490
Santa Fe, NM 87508
