CMA Book Awards

CMA Book Awards — 2026 Program

Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Catholic Media Association Book Awards. Details for planning your entries are below.

The CMA Book Awards recognize outstanding works that resonate with Catholic values, promote faith and inspire reflection and understanding—across theology and spirituality, history, children’s literature and more.

Award winners receive heightened visibility through our website, social media and The Catholic Journalist. Honors are presented at the Catholic Media Conference (CMC) in June 2026.

Join us in celebrating the impact of Catholic publishing. Submit your work and be part of this tradition.

2026 Key Dates & Info

Dates

  • Open Submission Period: Nov. 3, 2025 - Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT
  • Extension Period: Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT
  • Hard Copy Materials Due: Feb. 10, 2026
  • Payment Deadline: Feb. 10, 2026

Entry Fees

  • CMA Members: $38.00 per entry during Open Submission Period; $48.00 during Extension
  • Non-Members: $79.00 per entry during Open Submission Period; $89.00 during Extension

Ship books to:
Catholic Media Association
10 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 875
Chicago, IL 60606

Judging

Book judges include editors, authors, academics, and professionals familiar with Catholic publishing. If you are interested in judging the 2026 season, please email awards@catholicmediaassociation.org.

Questions?