Many publishers do not nominate books for awards, which leaves authors responsible for getting their work into consideration. If you are an author of Black Fat Femme or a similar title that uplifts Black and queer voices, here are awards worth submitting to with current deadlines and prize amounts.

Awards Centered on Black and Queer Voices

Randall Kenan Prize for Black LGBTQ Fiction (Lambda Literary)

• Award Amount: $3,000 cash prize
• Submission Period: March 2-May 16, 2026
• Eligibility: Black LGBTQ writers of fiction who explore Black LGBTQ life, culture, and history. Must have published at least one book and show promise for continued work.
• Focus: Strong choice if your book is fiction that captures the depth and complexity of Black LGBTQ experiences.

Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian/Queer Nonfiction (Lambda Literary)

• Award Amount: $2,500 cash prize
• Submission Period: March 2-May 16, 2026
• Eligibility: Lesbian/queer-identified women and trans/gender non-conforming nonfiction authors. Must have published at least one book.
• Focus: Perfect for memoir or personal essays that engage deeply with queer life and culture.

Stonewall Book Awards (American Library Association)

• Award Amount: $1,000 cash prize plus commemorative plaque
• Submission Period: Book suggestions accepted until December 1, 2025 (for books published in 2025)
• Categories: Three awards - Adult Literature, Adult Nonfiction, and Children's/Young Adult Literature
• Focus: One of the oldest LGBTQ literary awards, honoring works of exceptional merit related to the LGBTQIA+ experience.

Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards

• Award Amount: No cash prize specified, but significant industry recognition
• Submission Period: April 10-December 31, 2025 (for books published in 2025)
• Categories: Fiction, poetry, memoir/autobiography, and general nonfiction
• Focus: Celebrates works that contribute to understanding racism, diversity, and social justice. Excellent fit if your book addresses intersectionality and Black queer identity.

Broader Awards Open to Many Authors

Next Generation Indie Book Awards

• Award Amount: $100 cash prizes per category winner, plus gold medals and promotional opportunities
• Entry Fees: Early Bird Special (until September 30, 2025): $80 for first two categories, $65 for additional categories. Regular price starts October 1, 2025.
• Submission Deadline: February 13, 2026
• Focus: Largest international awards program for indie and self-published authors with 80+ categories. Offers maximum exposure including possible literary agent representation.

Nautilus Book Awards

• Award Amount: No specific cash amounts mentioned, but provides significant promotional value
• Entry Fees: Early Bird (until November 30, 2025): $95 first category, $50 additional categories. Regular entry: $135 first category, $75 additional categories
• Submission Period: September 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026
• Focus: Recognizes books that inspire social change, wellness, and justice. Good fit if your work connects personal story with broader cultural impact.

BookFest Book Awards

• Entry Fees: Vary by number of categories (check current pricing on their website)
• Submission Deadline: September 16, 2025 (for books published between January 1, 2020 - September 16, 2025)
• Focus: Accepts traditionally, independently, and self-published works. Offers award seals and promotional opportunities that add credibility and help with marketing.

BCALA Self-Publishing Literary Awards

• Award Amount: $2,500 per genre winner
• Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026
• Eligibility: Self-published works by African American authors in Fiction and Poetry genres
• Focus: Hosted by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Acknowledges outstanding achievement in presenting cultural, historical, and sociopolitical aspects of the Black Diaspora. Strong recognition from libraries and academic institutions.

Lambda Literary Awards (Main Awards)

Lambda Literary Awards (The "Lammys")

• Entry Fees: Big 4 publishers: $115 per title; Small press/independent publishers and individual authors: $65 per title (1-10 titles), $55 per title (11+ titles)
• Submission Period: September 15-November 21, 2025 (for books published in 2025)
• Categories: 26 categories spanning various genres and identities
• Awards Ceremony: October 4, 2025 (virtual ceremony for 2025 winners)

Important Submission Tips

Timing Matters

• Lambda Literary has changed their submission schedule: Beginning in 2025, main Lambda awards submissions open January-March for books published in the previous year
• Special Prizes (like Randall Kenan and Córdova prizes) open in March of the award year
• Many awards offer "Early Bird" discounts for submissions received by certain dates

What You'll Need

• Digital copies of your book (PDF or ePub preferred)
• Some awards still require physical copies
• Professional author bio and book description
• Entry fees (varies by award)
• Proof of publication and distribution

Why This Matters

Awards not only recognize excellence but also give your book visibility. A nomination can expand readership, attract media coverage, and help place your book in libraries and bookstores. Black and queer stories deserve to be celebrated, and awards are one way to ensure they reach wider audiences while building credibility for future publishing opportunities.

The landscape of literary awards continues to evolve, with many organizations expanding their recognition of diverse voices and independent publishing. For 90 years, awards like the Anisfield-Wolf have championed fearless, groundbreaking literature that challenges the status quo, ignites dialogue, and shapes a more just and inclusive world.

Note: Submission deadlines, entry fees, and award amounts are subject to change. Always verify current information on each award's official website before submitting.