Guidelines

Everything You Need to Know About Entering the 2026 Axiom Awards

The Axiom Business Book Awards recognize the best business titles from independent and traditional publishers, authors, and illustrators. This page offers vital information regarding eligibility, the judging process, and how to submit your work. Find detailed submission guidelines, entry fees, deadlines, and all the essential information you need to navigate the awards process below.

Enter Online
Enter By Mail

Submit Your Entry

Via online form or mail-in entry.

Mail or Upload Your Books

All books must be uploaded or postmarked by January 29, 2026. 

Your Book Will Be Checked-In

Our team processes entries by hand, so please allow a few business days for processing. You’ll receive an email confirmation once it’s complete.

 

Judging Starts

Judging starts on February 12, 2026. 

Medalists Announced

Medalists will be announced via email on March 19, 2026 by 4 PM ET.

Celebration

All medalists are invited to a virtual celebration on April 9, 2026.

WHO MAY ENTER

Authors, illustrators, publishers, and self-publishers around the world who write and publish in English may enter.

ELIGIBILITY

Books that are published with a 2024-2026 copyright. While the contest is for published books, an ISBN is not required. Galley copies may be submitted if finished copies are not yet available.

eBooks are eligible in all general categories (excluding category 29. Audiobooks - Business), where they will be judged alongside print books.

The use of AI is discouraged and may factor into the judges’ final decision.

HOW TO ENTER

There are two ways to enter the awards:

1. Online: Enter and pay by credit card at here.

2. By Mail: Print and fill out the entry form, then send it with your payment by check.

Once you submit your entry, we'll confirm it via email and keep you updated with judging progress and results announcements. So, be sure to provide a valid email address and add info@axiomawards.com to your contacts.

FEES & DEADLINES

You may submit a title in multiple categories, but an entry fee is required for each category entered.

Entry Deadlines:

  • Early-Bird Deadline 1: August 13, 2025 - $79 per entry
  • Early-Bird Deadline 2: September 17, 2025 - $89 per entry
  • Final Deadline: January 29, 2026 - $99 per entry

All entries must be submitted online or postmarked by the final entry deadline of January 29, 2026. There is a ten-day grace period for books to arrive after the entry deadline, and judging begins on February 12, 2026.

WHAT TO SEND

Submission requirements vary by category entered.

  • General Categories: Choose the submission method that best showcases your work:
    • Option 1 - Mail a Physical Copy: Send one copy of your title per category entered to the shipping address below. Be sure to print this page and include it with your book(s). If you are shipping your book(s) directly from a distributor, the printed page is not required. We will match your book to your entry in our system. Judges will only see the book itself, so please don’t send any press kits, reviews, bookmarks, etc.
    • Option 2 - Upload files (PDF only) after entry
  • eBook Categories: Upload files (PDF only) after entry (physical will not be accepted).
  • Audiobook Categories: Enter a gift code from your platform of choice after entry (audio files will not be accepted).
  • International Submissions: We strongly recommend submitting an eBook over mailing a physical book to help avoid shipping delays and additional fees. All physical international shipments must be sent DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). Any package sent with duties or taxes due on delivery will be refused or returned to the sender.

Mail submissions to:
Jenkins Group
1129 Woodmere Ave - Suite B
Traverse City, MI 49686

If you have an issue with your upload, please email your PDF to digital@axiomawards.com with your order number in the subject line.

All books submitted become the property of Jenkins Group and will be donated after each award cycle. eBook files will be deleted after judging and the announcement of results.

JUDGING PROCESS & ANNOUNCEMENT

Judging will be based on content, originality, design, and production quality, with an emphasis on innovation and creativity. Our judging panel includes experts from the fields of business, finance, reviewing, and book selling. Three to five medalists per category (gold, silver, and bronze) will be announced via email on March 19, 2026 by 4 PM ET. Official results will go live on our website on March 25, 2026 at 2 PM ET.

MEDALIST PACKETS

Each medalist receives a medal, a personalized certificate, and 20 seals to get started. Additional award seals are available in rolls of 250 and 1,000. High-resolution versions of the seal artwork are also available for purchase for book covers and promotional materials. View merchandise here.

AWARDS CEREMONY

All medalists are invited to join the awards ceremony that will be held virtually on April 9, 2026.   

When I wrote The Waymakers, it was for every leader who wants to lead all people well. I see equitable and inclusive leadership as the future of leadership in general, not as some special version of it. That’s why I was so excited to learn that The Waymakers won the 2023 GOLD medal for best business book in the Leadership category by Axiom Business Book Awards. Honored. Humbled. Grateful.
 

Tara Jaye Frank

Author and 2023 Gold Medalist

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