For Immediate Release — August 20, 2026

Christian Book Award® submissions open September 1st with new category

**Publishers invited to submit titles in 13 categories, including the new Relationships: Marriage, Family, and Parenting category**

CHANDLER, Ariz., Aug. 20, 2026 — The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) will open submissions for the 2027 Christian Book Award® program on September 1, introducing a new award category and a refined category name that reflect the breadth and growth of today’s Christian publishing landscape.

ECPA publishers may submit eligible titles from September 1st through 30 for consideration in 13 categories, including the new Relationships: Marriage, Family, and Parenting category. Developed in partnership with ECPA’s Recognition Committee, the category recognizes the growing number of outstanding books focused on marriage, parenting, family life, and relationships, including dating and friendships.

To better distinguish these titles, the longtime Christian Living category has been renamed Christian Living and Spiritual Formation, reflecting its continued emphasis on books that help individuals grow spiritually, mature in faith, and faithfully live out the Christian life.

Both category changes take effect with this year’s submission period for the 2027 program, with winners to be announced during the ECPA Awards Celebration on April 27, 2027, at the ECPA Leadership Summit in Nashville.

“Christian publishing continues to grow in both depth and diversity,” said Jeff Crosby, president of ECPA. “The addition of a Relationships category recognizes the outstanding work being published in marriage, family, and parenting, while the updated Christian Living and Spiritual Formation category more clearly defines the books it honors. We’re grateful to Dr. Devin Maddox and the members of our Recognition Committee for their thoughtful leadership in helping shape these updates.”

The 2027 Christian Book Award® submission categories are:

Audio
Bibles
Bible Reference Works
Bible Study
Biography & Memoir
Children (0–8)
Christian Living and Spiritual Formation
Devotion & Gift
Faith & Culture
Ministry Resources
Relationships: Marriage, Family, and Parenting
New Author
Young People’s Literature (9–16)

Complete submission guidelines, eligibility requirements, and category criteria will be available beginning September 1st in the Submissions menu at ChristianBookAwards.com.

About the Christian Book Award® program
Established in 1978 as the Gold Medallion Award, the Christian Book Award® program recognizes excellence in Christian publishing, including content, literary quality, design and impact. It is the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in religious publishing. ChristianBookAwards.com

About ECPA
ECPA is an international nonprofit trade organization comprised of member companies involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by providing networking, information and advocacy opportunities to help members effectively produce and deliver content that inspires and transforms lives. ECPA.org.

Media contacts:
Jeff Crosby, President — jcrosby@ecpa.org | 630-989-0222
Cindy Carter, Awards & Recognition Manager — ccarter@ecpa.org | 480-966-3998 ext. 806

Submit a News Item

Submit industry related news releases to rushtopress @ecpa .org for consideration. Rush to Press is sent every Monday and eligible releases must be received by end of day Friday prior to the Monday’s publication.

Career Posts

To announce a job opening in Rush to Press, post it first at the ECPA Career Center and your announcement will appear in the next issue.

To receive Rush to Press, along with other industry updates from ECPA, please follow the instructions here to create or modify your ECPA community profile. To subscribe to Rush to Press without using a profile, subscribe here.

Unsubscribe

If you would like to be removed from the Rush to Press distribution list, please edit your ECPA profile preferences or email info @ecpa .org.

Advertise

If you would like to reach over 3,300 industry subscribers and media contacts each week, consider advertising in Rush to Press. Contact sponsorship @ecpa .org for more information.