The Nautilus Book Award is a prestigious annual accolade that honors books promoting spiritual growth, conscious living, sustainability, high-level wellness, and positive social change. Established in the United States in 1998, the award has recognized works by notable authors such as the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, Barbara Kingsolver, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Desmond Tutu.
History and Origin
The Nautilus Book Award was founded in 1998 with the goal of celebrating books that inspire and make a difference in the world. The award is named after the nautilus shell, symbolizing wisdom and growth. Over the years, it has become a significant honor in the literary world, attracting submissions from both renowned and emerging authors.
Award Categories
The Nautilus Book Award recognizes books in various categories, including:
Adult Categories: These encompass genres such as self-help, psychology, health, ecology, and social change.
Children’s and Young Adult Categories: These focus on works that inspire young readers and promote positive values.
Each category aims to highlight books that contribute meaningfully to personal and societal transformation.
Judging Process
The selection process for the Nautilus Book Award is rigorous and conducted in three tiers:
Initial Review: Books are evaluated for their content, relevance, and alignment with the award’s mission.
Detailed Assessment: Qualified judges, including editors, professors, writers, librarians, publishers, schoolteachers, and bookstore owners, assess the books based on criteria such as literary quality, originality, and impact.
Final Deliberation: A consensus is reached among the judges to determine the winners. In some years, due to the stringent criteria, no awards are given in certain categories.
This thorough process ensures that only books of exceptional merit receive the Nautilus Book Award.
Notable Winners
Over the years, the Nautilus Book Award has honored numerous distinguished authors. Some of the notable winners include:
The Dalai Lama: Recognized for works that promote compassion and global understanding.
Deepak Chopra: Awarded for contributions to holistic health and consciousness.
Barbara Kingsolver: Honored for literary works that explore themes of community and environment.
Thich Nhat Hanh: Celebrated for writings on mindfulness and peace.
Desmond Tutu: Acknowledged for works advocating for justice and reconciliation.
These authors, among others, have been recognized for their contributions to literature that inspires and educates.
Recent Winners
The 2023 Nautilus Book Award winners showcase a diverse range of topics and authors. Notable winners include:
Gold Winner in Death & Dying/Grief & Loss: Soulbroken by Stephanie Sarazin, exploring the complexities of grief beyond traditional loss.
Gold Winner in Social Change: Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey, advocating for the liberating power of rest in combating systemic oppression.
Silver Winner in Children’s Picture Books: The World of Coral Reefs by Erin Spencer, offering an accessible introduction to marine ecology for young readers.
These selections highlight the award’s commitment to recognizing works that address contemporary issues and promote positive societal change.
Submission Process
Authors and publishers interested in submitting their works for consideration can do so through the Nautilus Book Awards’ official website. The submission season typically begins in September, with winners announced in May of the following year. Detailed guidelines and categories are provided to assist applicants in ensuring their submissions meet the award’s criteria.
Benefits of Winning
Receiving a Nautilus Book Award offers several advantages:
Increased Visibility: Award-winning books gain heightened recognition in the literary community and among readers.
Marketing Opportunities: Winners often experience enhanced marketing and promotional support, leading to increased sales and readership.
Prestige: Being associated with the Nautilus Book Award adds credibility and prestige to an author’s work.
Networking: Winners become part of a network of authors, publishers, and professionals dedicated to positive change through literature.
Conclusion
The Nautilus Book Award stands as a beacon of excellence, celebrating literature that inspires, educates, and drives positive change. By honoring works that align with values of wisdom, growth, and societal betterment, the award continues to foster a literary culture committed to making a difference. For authors and readers alike, the Nautilus Book Award represents a commitment to quality, integrity, and transformative storytelling.
