CMA Book Awards

Categories and Descriptions

Church Life

B101: Pilgrimages/Catholic Travel

This category is for books about taking a pilgrimage, pilgrimage sites, or sites of special interest to Catholics.

B102: Pope Francis

This category is for books about his life, travels, or teachings. Submissions may also include books that include his writings.

B103: Spirituality Classical

This category is for books on spiritual life and practice: meditation, Christian life, mysticism, etc. Please submit books about prayer or books that are collections of prayers, devotionals, or retreat books to B105.

B104: Spirituality Contemporary

This category is for books on spiritual life and practice including topics such as meditation, Christian life, mysticism, etc. covering topics subsequent to the Second Vatican Council. Please submit books about prayer or books that are collections of prayers, devotionals, or retreat books to B105.

B105: Prayer and Devotional Books UPDATED

This category is for books about prayers, collection of prayers, devotionals, or retreat books.

B108: Liturgy or Worship (NEW)

This category is for books on the celebration of the Sacraments or Preaching.

B109: Pastoral Ministry – Parish Life

This category is for books on parish life and ministries within the parish setting including but not limited to the following topics:

Marriage
Family life
Marriage preparation
Social concerns
Outreach
Peace and Justice Initiatives
Aging and counseling
Homebound circumstances
Hospital or nursing home care
Healing and grieving

B110: Pastoral Ministry - Catechetical

This category is for books about Pastoral ministry or Catechetical themes. Submissions in this category including but not limited to the following topics:

Faith formation
Religious Education
OCIA (formerly RCIA)
Adult and continuing education
CCD
Textbooks
Newest volume in a series
Workbooks
Manual or supplementary books used in a classroom or group faith development that provide an understanding of the Church’s teaching or practices.

B111: Pastoral Ministry: Youth & Young Adult

This category is for books on topics such as youth and young adult ministry. Some examples may include teachings, journey of ministry, and life as a youth minister.

B112: Church Professional (UPDATED)

This category is for Church Professional books. Books in this category provide knowledge and professional growth for those involved directly in Church ministry and Church-related work.

B151: Newly Canonized Saints or Those in the Process (MULTI–YEAR)

This category is for books covering topics such as saints canonized or in the process of canonization within the past ten years. Submissions should be published between 2019 and 2024.

Education

B201: Popular Presentation of the Catholic Faith

This category is for books suitable for a broad Catholic audience that present a particular aspect or a summary review of Catholic faith, life, history, the Bible, Apologetics, etc.

B202: Theological and Philosophical Studies

This category is for books about general theological and philosophical studies.

B203: History of Theology, Church Fathers and Mothers

This category is for books that include topics on the history of theology and/or Church Fathers and Mothers.

B204: Morality, Ethics, Mariology, Redemption, etc. (UPDATED)

This category is for books that include topics on morality, ethics, Mariology, redemption, etc.

B205: Scripture – Popular Studies

This category is for books on popular Scripture studies. For volumes that are a part of a series, please enter B1654.

B206: Scripture – Academic Studies

This category is for books on academic Biblical Studies. For volumes that are a part of a series, please enter B1654.

B207: History

This category is for books providing brief or extended historical studies of Catholic eras, movements, or events.

B208: Biography

This category is for biographies of persons that resonate with Catholic values.

B209: Reference/Academic Studies

This category is for books providing in-depth resources for church professionals in dictionaries, almanacs, encyclopedias, or other formats. An example might be a book suited for the professional’s library.

B210: Faith and Science

This category is for books that encourage and enhance the respectful and constructive conversation between science and faith.

B211: Faith Formation

This category, formerly known as religious education, includes any book meant for systematic education in the Catholic faith within a catechetical context. Historical educators of the Catholic faith may be entered here. Please note, this category excludes lesson plans.

B212: Jesus – Christology (UPDATED)

This category includes Jesus in any aspect. Some subject matters may include Jesus as Savior, Jesus as a historical figure, and His journey through His life.

B213: Sacraments

This category is for books about one or more of the seven sacraments (Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick).

Family Life

B301: Children's Book Non-Reader

This category is for books for children that have a Catholic faith context. Ages 0-5. For series, please enter B1652.

B302: Children's Book Reader

This category is for books for children that have a Catholic faith context. Ages 6-11. If your work is targeted for teens, please enter B351. For series, please enter B1652.

B303: All Children’s Books

This category is for books for children that have a Catholic faith context. Ages 0-11. For series, please enter B1652.

B304: Family Life

This category is for books on any aspect of family life, parenting, or grandparenting that have a faith context.

B305: The Sacrament of Marriage

This category is for books on any aspect of marital relationships or explanation of Church teachings on the sacrament of marriage.

B351: Book for Young Adults (Ages 12-18) (MULTI-YEAR)

This category is for books for young adults that resonate with Catholic values. Submissions should be published between 2019 and 2024. For series, please enter B1653.

Lifestyle

B401: Coffee Table Book (UPDATED)

This category is for coffee table books. A "coffee table book" is a book that is intended to sit on a coffee table or similar surface in an area where guests sit and are entertained. All submissions in this category must resonate with Catholic values.

B451: Cookbooks (MULTI-YEAR)

This category is for books that are a collection of recipes for food or drinks, etc. from a Catholic perspective. Books should be published anytime between 2019-2024.

B452: Lifestyle Books (MULTI-YEAR)

This category is for books that discuss or portray any lifestyle topics including but not limited to the following topics: gardening, healthy living, decoration and home decor, minimalism, etc. Books should be published anytime between 2019-2024.

Social Issues

B501: Inclusion in the Church

This category is for books that address diversity, equity, inclusion, disability, gender issues, women in the Church, and multicultural engagement.

B502: Catholic Social Teaching (UPDATED)

This category is for books that engage contemporary social justice (including, but not limited to, immigration, environmental care, and other concerns) within the context of faith and the gospel in contemporary society.

B503: Religion in the Public Square

This category is for books that discuss contemporary political issues from a faith perspective.

B505: Ecumenism or Interfaith Relations (UPDATED)

This category is for books about ecumenism or interfaith relations or dialogues. Some examples of this might include: Our God Is the Same, Seeking Unity with the Church of the East, and Catholic Teachings on other Faiths.

B506: The Future of the Church

This category represents books dealing with discussions regarding the future of the Catholic Church, the issues the future Church faces, and how Catholics will be affected by these changes.

B507: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

This category is for books that include any of the subjects included in the consistent ethic of life: life of the unborn, death penalty, nuclear arms, euthanasia, sexual abuse, child abuse, and elder abuse.

Individual Excellence Awards

B601: First Time Author: Children's Book

This category is for first-book authors on children’s books.

B602: First Time Author: Novel

This category highlights first-book authors for novels.

B603: First Time Author: Biography

This category recognizes first-book authors of biographies.

B604: First Time Author: Poetry, Essays, or Short Stories

This category is for poetry, essays, or short stories by a first time author. Submissions in this category include first-book authors of essays, poetry, and short stories.

B605: First Time Author of Theological Subject Matters

This category recognizes the first-book authors on any topic of theological interest.

B606: Author of the Year

This category recognizes an individual’s writing and exemplary service to the Catholic community. The author’s work may be produced by different publishers, including self-publishing, but at least one book must be published by a commercial publisher. Entry samples can be of any subject matter. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness.

An entry consists of three to five books that showcase the author's writing. You may also submit a PDF file or a Word Document listing URLs if the samples are available online.

A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual’s success notable. The letter should focus on how the author’s work contributes to the Catholic community. One or more books may have previously won a book award for its single entry. All books submitted must be published in English between 2019 and 2024. At least one book must be published in 2024.

B607: Self-Published Author of the Year

This category recognizes an individual's writing and exemplary service to the Catholic community. Entry samples can be of any subject matter, but all books must be self-published. Judging will focus on demonstrated talent, creativity, thoroughness, and effectiveness.

An entry consists of three to five books that showcase the author's writing. You may also submit a PDF file or a Word Document listing URLs if the samples are available online.

A letter may be submitted to explain circumstances that made the individual’s success notable. The letter should focus on how the author’s work contributes to the Catholic community. One or more books may have previously won a book award for their single entry. All books submitted must be published in English between 2019 and 2024. At least one book must be published in 2024.

Diocesan/Parish Publications

B701: Diocesan/Parish Directory

This category is for a diocesan or parish directory. Judges will look at the perspective of content, organization, design, and accessibility.

B702: Best Book Published by a Diocese (MULTI–YEAR)

This category is for a book specifically published by a diocese. Entry types include: historical reference guides, diocesan directories, cookbooks, etc. Books should be published anytime between 2019-2024.

B703: Best Book Published by a Parish (MULTI–YEAR)

This category recognizes books that are published by a parish include historical reference guides, directories, or cookbooks, etc. Books should be published anytime between 2019-2024.

Novels/Short Stories

B801: Catholic Novel

This category is for books whose underlying theme involves Catholic faith, Catholic imagination, the Catholic story, the power of grace, the struggles of life on all levels, the gifts of the Spirit, and God's closeness in the struggles of faith, in times of loss and sadness, and in times of joy.

B802: Faith–Based Novel (UPDATED/MULTI-YEAR)

This category is for books whose underlying theme involves faith, imagination, the faith-based story, the power of grace, the struggles of life on all levels, the gifts of the Spirit, and God's closeness in the struggles of faith, in times of loss and sadness, and in times of joy. Books should be published anytime between 2019-2024.

B803: Teen and Young Adult Novels (NEW/MULTI-YEAR)

This category is for books whose underlying theme involves faith, imagination, the faith-based story, the power of grace, the struggles of life on all levels, the gifts of the Spirit, and God's closeness in the struggles of faith, in times of loss and sadness, and in times of joy. The intended audience for these books would be teens and young adults. Books should be published anytime between 2019-2024.

B804: Science Fiction Novels (NEW/MULTI-YEAR)

B805: Christian Romance (NEW/MULTI-YEAR)

This category is for books whose underlying theme involves faith, imagination, the faith-based story, the power of grace, the struggles of life on all levels, the gifts of the Spirit, and God's closeness in the struggles of faith, in times of loss and sadness, and in times of joy and love. Books should be published anytime between 2019-2024.

B806: Fiction Short Story Collections (NEW/MULTI-YEAR)

This category is for short stories whose underlying theme involves faith, imagination, the faith-based story, the power of grace, the struggles of life on all levels, the gifts of the Spirit, and God's closeness in the struggles of faith, in times of loss and sadness, and in times of joy. Books should be published anytime between 2019-2024. Books in this category must all be written by one author. For multiple author collections, please enter category B1501.

Grief/Self-Help

B901: Healing and Self Help

This category is for books that provide readers with understanding, support, and practical help. The book may be intended for the reader (and/or someone the reader knows, loves, or supports) who are encountering pain, illness, and suffering. More specifically, subjects might include broken relationships, aging, dying, depression, cancer, loneliness, self-care, etc. The book will emphasize physical and emotional help, with special emphasis on spirituality. Please enter books on Grief and Bereavement in category B902.

B902: Grief and Bereavement

This category is for books that provide understanding, support, and practical help. The book may be intended for the reader (and/or someone the reader knows, loves, or supports) who is encountering pain or bereavement. The book will emphasize physical and emotional help, with special emphasis on spirituality.

International/In Translation

New in 2025: For submission in this division, Ebook entries are required. Submissions must be in an unprotected electronic format (PDF, plain text, etc). This allows our judges to be able to read submissions on multiple devices.

B1101: International Publication - Novel or Short Stories (EBOOK UPLOAD)

This category is for books that are published in English outside of the U.S. and Canada. This category is for international novels and short stories from a Catholic faith perspective.

B1102: International Publication - Poetry (EBOOK UPLOAD)

This category is for books that are published in English outside of the U.S. and Canada. This category is for international poetry from a Catholic faith perspective.

B1103: International Publication - General Theological Subject Matter (EBOOK UPLOAD)

This category is for books that are published in English outside of the U.S. and Canada. Submissions in this category are international works on general theological subjects from a theological perspective.

B1104: International Publication - Biography (EBOOK UPLOAD)

This category is for books that are published in English outside of theU.S. and Canada. Submissions in this category include biographies from a Catholic perspective.

B1151: English Translation Edition (EBOOK UPLOAD/MULTI-YEAR)

This category represents translated work from non-English publications. There is no required original publication date parameter, but the book must be published in English between 2019 and 2024. Books may have multiple authors. The book must be a full translation of a previously published book where the original format is in another language. Only English-translated edition copies are required as hard copies.

Publishing/Production

B1201: Design and Production

This category is for books that exhibit quality of design and total packaging including design from cover to cover, layout, format, typeface, white space, and graphics. The designer/artist will receive the award for their work. Please enter their name(s) under the bylines section of the submission form. Judges will not consider book content.

B1202: Design and Production: Children's Book

This category is for books that exhibit a quality of design and total packaging including, design from cover to cover, layout, format, typeface, white space, and graphics. The designer/artist will receive the award for their work. Please enter their name(s) under the bylines section of the submission form. Judges will not consider book content.

B1203: Front Cover Artwork

This category is for best book cover artwork. This category still requires hard copies of books so judges can look at content if needed to help judge. A PDF file of the artwork must be uploaded on the submission form.

B1204: Catalog (UPDATED)

This category is for the best example of a complete, trade, or seasonal announcement catalog.

B1205: Illustrations (NEW/MULTI-YEAR)

This category is for outstanding use of illustrations in any book. This book is for books published between 2019-2024.

Small Publisher

B1301: Best Book by a Small Publisher

This category is for a book produced by a publisher with gross sales under $500,000 per year. Books in this category can be on any topic of theological interest.

Self-Publisher

B1401: Self-Published Fiction Books

This category is for a self-published fiction book. This category recognizes books that are produced by a self-published author with gross sales under $500,000 per year, on any topic of Catholic interest. This category includes teen fiction (ages 12-18).

B1402: Self-Published Non-Fiction Books

This category is for a self-published non-fiction book. This category recognizes books that are produced by a self-published author with gross sales under $500,000 per year, on any topic of theological interest.

B1403: Self-Published Children’s Books

This category is for a self-published children’s book. This category recognizes books that are produced by a self-published author with gross sales under $500,000 per year, on any topic of theological interest. This category includes books intended for ages (0-11).

Special Collections

B1501: Anthology

This category includes books on collections of stories or essays in one book. The collection must not exceed 500 pages. A collection of stories and essays can be from one or more authors.

B1502: Memoir

This category is for a book that represents first-person accounts of conversion, formation, spiritual growth dealing with a crisis, or reversion to faith in a theological context.

B1551: Poetry (MULTI-YEAR)

This category is for books of poetry and poetry anthologies from a theological perspective. Books should be published anytime between 2019-2024.

B1552: Backlist Beauty (MULTI-YEAR)

This category is for books that are still actively published on any topic under Catholic interest. Books must be newly published between 2019 and 2024. Cumulative sales of the title may not exceed 50,000 copies.

Series

B1651: Religious Book Series(SERIES)

This category is for best religious book series. Best religious book series is a set of books with at least one or more volumes published in 2024. Book series may be of any religious theme. Series may have more than one author. One or more books may have previously won a book award for its single entry.

If your series is more than three volumes, please send the most recent three books.
Send two sets of hard copies for judging. These three must be consecutive. One of these three must be the book published in 2024.
Book must not have received a prior CMA Book Award or Honorable Mention for a series submission.

B1652: Children’s Book Series (SERIES)

This category is for best children’s book series. Best children’s book series is a set of books with at least one or more volumes published in 2024. Book series may be of any subject matter. Series may have more than one author. One or more books may have previously won a book award for its single entry.

If your series is more than three volumes, please send the most recent three books.
Send two sets of hard copies for judging. These three must be consecutive. One of these three must be the book published in 2024.
Book must not have received a prior CMA Book Award or Honorable Mention for a series submission.

B1653: Young Adult Book Series (UPDATED/SERIES)

This category is for best young adult book series, fiction or nonfiction. Best young adult book series is a set of books with at least one or more volumes published in 2024. Series may be of any subject matter of Catholic interest. Series may have more than one author. One or more books may have previously won a book award for its single entry.

If your series is more than three volumes, please send the most recent three books.
Send two sets of hard copies for judging. These three must be consecutive. One of these three must be the book published in 2024.
Book must not have received a prior CMA Book Award or Honorable Mention for a series submission.

B1654: Scripture – Series (SERIES)

This category is for books on scripture that are a part of a series. This category series is a set of books with at least one or more volumes published in 2024. Series may have more than one author. One or more books may have previously won a book award for its single entry. If your series is more than three volumes, please send the most recent three books.

Send two sets of hard copies for judging. These three must be consecutive. One of these three must be the book published in 2024.
Book must not have received a previous award for a series submission.

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