Awards Participation Guidelines & Prizes

Last updated : 24th Jul 2023

Eligibility requirements

Published works by writers published on or after the eligibility year (Jan 1st, 2020). Unpublished works are eligible too.

Category One : Full-length books of non-fiction in English. It must be your original work of not less than 8000 words. Eligible to apply to compete for the Golden Door Non-Fiction Award).
Category Two : Non-fiction essay or blog (in English) of your original work which are at least 1000 words and a maximum of 3000 words. Eligible to apply to compete for the Golden Door Essay/Blog Award.
Category Three : A poem (in English) of not less than 12 lines and not more than 20 lines. The poem should reflect the Author's truth or a golden truth. Eligible to apply to compete for the Golden Door Poetry Award.
NEW* Category Four : Full-length books of fiction (in English) based on true life stories. It must be your original work of not less than 8000 words. Eligible to apply to compete for the Golden Door Fiction Award).
COMING UP IN 2025 onwards* Song : A song with lyrics (in English), or it could be purely instrumental with no vocals, or a'cappella with only voices. It must be your original work with a maximum duration of 3.5 minutes. eligible to apply to compete for the Golden Door Song Award).

The following are not eligible :

Unedited works
Any works which have been written by a ghost-writer/s.
Non-English titles.
Works which have been translated into English. This is because Translated Literature has not yet been added as a Category in the Golden Door Awards.
Any works by writers published before the eligibility year (Jan 1st, 2020).
Any works by writers that do not fit within the 4 categories listed above.

You can submit multiple entries from different categories, but please ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements.

In the event of a dispute as to eligibility, the Board of the Golden Door Awards will decide whether the entry is eligible, and the decision made will be binding.

FAQs

I missed the entry form deadline but would like to enter a book or manuscript. Is this possible?
Unfortunately, no entries can be submitted once the entry form deadline has passed.

What should I do if galley copies of an entered title won’t be available before the deadline?

We accept both published and unpublished works. Finished copies may be sent to the Golden Door Awards when they become available and if we ask for them.

Are graphic novels and graphic memoirs eligible for the Golden Door Awards?

Yes, provided they meet the eligibility requirements stated above.

Can a writer submit their own book/manuscript for consideration?

Yes. The entry form can be completed by the writer or a publisher (on behalf of a writer) in order for a book or manuscript to be considered.

How will I know if the Golden Door Awards has received the books I mailed?

Only shortlisted participants will be asked to submit hard copies of their books (max 3). We will notify you via email. Otherwise, only soft copies are required.

When will I be notified if an entry I entered for consideration is on the Shortlist?

If your entry is chosen for the Top 20, the contact person who submitted the manuscript will be notified.

Am I required to attend the Awards?

All participants who have been shortlisted are required to attend the awards event in-person or virtually..

Shortlist

There will be a panel of four (4) Judges in the categories of Non-fiction Book, Fiction Book, Non-fiction Essay / Blog, Song and Poem.

The Golden Door Awards will announce the Top 20 from each or a combination of the 4 categories in Feb/Mar 2024.

Consequently, there will be another round of judging before the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize Winners in each category are announced at the Golden Door Awards on the 23rd March 2024.

If you have been shortlisted, you are required to attend the Awards convention, which can be attended virtually or in-person.

Authors or Publishers must complete the online entry form and submit payment.

All registrations must be made through the "Submit Your Entry" segment.

For unpublished manuscripts : Please double-space your submission and use Times New Roman 12 pt font.
Multiple submissions : We allow multiple submissions.
Entry fee : There is a USD 25 entry fee for each non-fiction or fiction book submission, USD 15 for each essay / blog submission, and USD 12.50 for each poem submission. Entry fees are non-refundable regardless of any reason or circumstance.
Modes of payment : Accepted forms of payment include PayPal or credit card. Please be prepared with payment information before you begin the online submission process. Check payments will not be accepted.
Ineligibility : Publishers and Authors whose submitted entries for any of the categories are deemed ineligible by the Golden Door Awards will still be subject to the stated entry fee.
Call-in titles : The Chief Judge may “call in” titles through the Golden Door Awards office that have not been submitted by the Publisher or Author. The Golden Door Awards then asks Publishers or Authors to submit these titles for consideration, assuming they meet eligibility requirements. Publishers or Authors may submit at their own discretion. The relevant fee applies to all call-in titles.
Consent : Each Author must be made aware of and consent to the entry of his/her book or manuscript for the Golden Door Awards.
Additional note for Publishers submitting on behalf of Authors: Each Publisher must designate one person to coordinate all Golden Door Award-related matters with the Golden Door Awards throughout the Awards process. This person will be contacted in the case that a title becomes part of the Longlist. If this person is new to the process, please make sure they are familiar with these guidelines and deadlines.