Nominations open for 2026 Virginia Literary Awards

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Library of Virginia has announced that nominations are being accepted for the 2026 Virginia Literary Awards.

According to the Library's announcement on Wednesday, Oct. 29, nominations are open for the 2026 Virginia Literary Awards that honor excellence in fiction, nonfiction, poetry and children's literature. The deadline for submission is March 1, 2026.

Eligible books must have been written by a Virginia author, or, for nonfiction books, have a Virginia-related theme.

For the children's literature award, in partnership with William & Mary Libraries, picture books and middle-grade works for reading levels up to age 12 are eligible, according to the Library of Virginia. All books must have been published in 2025. 

The Library defines Virginia authors as being writers who meet one or more of the following qualifications: native-born Virginians, authors whose permanent residence is in Virginia, and authors who spent their formative years in Virginia and are widely identified as Virginians.

A few past winners include David Baldacci, Geraldine Brooks, Rita Dove and John Grisham.

Each award winner will receive a prize of $2,500.

The finalists will be selected in summer 2026, according to the Library. Winners will be announced in fall 2026 at the Virginia Literary Awards, an annual gala celebration.

For more information and to submit your nomination, visit the Library's website.