Straight off the website:

"This exciting new book awards program is accepting entries until August 22nd, 2009 for books with 2008 or 2009 copyrights or that were released in 2008 or 2009, and is open to authors, illustrators, and publishers of children’s books written in English or Spanish and intended for the North American market."

I won't repeat everything on their page here. I'll just give the basic info, then send you there. http://www.moonbeamawards.com/

It's not free, or even cheap ... but maybe you can split the entry fee between author/illustrator or even author/illustrator/publisher. The sooner you enter, the less it will cost.

Enter Now!
$75 per book, per category - until March 21, 2009
$85 per book, per category -  March 22, 2009 until June 20, 2009
$95 per book, per category -  June 21, 2009 until August 22, 2009

There are 36 different categories in which you can enter, but keep in mind that the fee is charged for each. You may enter up to five categories per title. I hope to enter State of Wilderness & possibly State of Quarries, but only if I come up with some unexpected cash ... lol. My other dilemma is which category is best to enter.Vanity says 'Best Illustrator', but I've seen past winners and don't see myself ranking that high ... lol. My professors always told me I was super critical of my own work.

Good Luck to all who enter!

Board Book/Cloth Book
Alphabet/Counting Book
Pop-up/Cut-out
Activity Book 1 – Games, Arts & Crafts, etc.
Activity Book 2 – Educational, Science, History
Book with Music/Theatrical
Picture Book - Preschool
Picture Book - 4-8 Year Old
Picture Book - All Ages
Juvenile Fiction – Early Reader/1st Chapter books
Pre-Teen Fiction – General
Pre-Teen Fiction – Fantasy
Pre-Teen Fiction - Historical/Cultural
Young Adult Fiction - General
Young Adult Fiction – Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Young Adult Fiction – Horror/Mystery
Young Adult Fiction – Historical/Cultural
Young Adult Fiction – Religion/Spirituality
Young Adult Fiction – Mature Issues
Children’s Poetry
Non-Fiction – Picture book
Non-Fiction - Young Adult
Multicultural – Picture book
Multicultural Non-Fiction – Young Adult
Comic/Graphic Novel
Religion/Spirituality
Holiday
Book with Merchandise (plush toy, etc.)
Spanish Language Book
Environmental Issues
Health Issues
Mind-Body-Spirit/Self-Esteem
Reading Skills/Literacy
Best First Book – Picture Book
Best First Book – Chapter Book
Best Illustrator

Until next time ...

Aidana WillowRaven
WillowRaven Illustration & Design Plus
http://willowraven.weebly.com
willowraven.illustration@yahoo.com
When you think of a gift, think of a book!