The Word Guild sponsors six writing awards programs, which are open to citizens or permanent residents of Canada who affirm The Apostles’ Creed.
With the exception of the God Uses Ink Awards, all awards are announced at the Awards Gala in June.
A. Awards for Unpublished Writers:
1. The God Uses Ink Novice Contest is designed to encourage never-before-published Canadian writers, including teenagers and young adults. Prizes are given in three age categories: 14 to 19; 20 to 39; and 40-plus. Winners receive free registration to Write! Canada or gift certificates from The Word Guild. Open until January 15th. Winners announced in March.
2. The Best New Canadian Author Award ran from 2002 to 2009. The contest was co-sponsored for its first five years by Augsburg Fortress Publishers Canada in partnership with its Castle Quay Books imprint. And then by Castle Quay Books Canada. Winning manuscripts were awarded a publishing contract and a $1,000 advance, or a $1,000 cash prize from Castle Quay Books. This competition also offered never-before-published authors a unique opportunity to obtain manuscript critiques (written comments) from two expert judges. This valuable feedback helped entrants to improve their writing and to make their manuscripts more marketable. Currently suspended.
B. Awards for Published Writers:
1. The Word Guild Canadian Christian Writing Awards are given annually in over 35 categories: fiction and non-fiction books, articles, columns, blogs, reviews, poems, song lyrics, scripts/screenplays, etc. Either the writer or publisher may enter. Open until January 15th. Winners announced in June.
2. The Grace Irwin Award is Canada’s largest literary prize for writers who are Christian. It will celebrate the best book published, in a given year, by a Canadian author who writes from a Christian worldview. All shortlisted finalists in fiction and nonfiction book categories in The Word Guild Canadian Christian Writing Awards will contend for the Grace Irwin Award. This $5,000 award was established in memory of Grace Irwin, one of Canada’s leading authors who wrote from a Christian faith perspective. Open until January 15th. Winners announced in June.
3. The Partnership Awardis presented periodically by The Word Guild to an individual or organization who has shown exceptional support and encouragement of Canadian writers and editors who are Christian. Nominations are accepted year-round. Recipients announced in June.
4. The Leslie K. Tarr Award celebrates a major career contribution to Christian writing and publishing in Canada. Nominations are accepted year-round. Recipients announced in June.
