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Culture and society book awards
Recognition for books that examine how we live together, and what that reveals. Every book is read in full and measured against our published Standard of Excellence.
What this category recognizes
This category is for books making an argument about society. Social commentary and criticism, race and identity, class and inequality, media and technology’s effect on public life, community and belonging, politics examined rather than campaigned, and cultural analysis of any kind.
It is open to books from every perspective. What is assessed is the quality of the argument and the honesty with which opposing positions are handled, not whether the reviewer agrees with the conclusion.
Books principally about the past belong in History. Books principally about the author’s life belong in Memoir.
What the standard looks like here
The ten pillars apply to every category. This is how each one is read when the book is about culture and society.
The Writing
Voice, Tone and Style
Whether the author argues rather than asserts, and whether the register invites a reader who disagrees.
Craft and Technical Execution
Whether evidence and argument are woven rather than alternated.
Structure and Organization
Whether the case builds toward a conclusion the reader can follow.
The Substance
Originality and Concept Strength
Whether the book contributes a genuine perspective rather than restating a familiar position.
Depth of Content and Insight
Whether the strongest opposing argument is engaged with rather than caricatured.
The Reader
Audience Impact and Purpose Fulfillment
Whether the book reaches beyond readers who already agree.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Whether the reader feels the human stakes of the argument.
Overall Impact and Distinction
Whether the reader’s understanding of the subject is genuinely changed.
The Finished Book
Production Quality and Presentation
Trade-standard production, with accurate sourcing for factual claims.
Category Relevance
Whether society and how we live in it is genuinely the subject.
Questions about entering a culture and society book
Is my book too political for this category?
No. Books from every perspective are assessed against the same ten pillars, including on how fairly opposing views are handled.
Is a collection of essays eligible?
Yes, here or in Anthology if there are multiple contributors.
My book is about a cultural moment in the past. Which category?
History if the period is the subject. Here if the argument is about now.
Related categories
Submit your culture and society book
Entry is $79 for your first category. Your complete manuscript is read in full and measured against the ten pillars.