Question: Do you accept self-published books?
Answer: Yes. However, per our guidelines, we do not accept self-nominations. To be eligible, a self-published book must be nominated by someone other than the author. For example, an editor, another author, or subject-matter expert who finds the work worthy may nominate a self-published book.

Q: According to the guidelines, a “first book-length work” is eligible for the Colby Award. What if it is a multi-author work (two or more authors), with one as a first-time author accompanied by one or more authors with previously published books? Does the book still qualify?
A: Yes, if the first-listed author is also the first-time author.

Q: If the book is ghost-written, do we need to disclose that?
A: It would be appreciated but is not required.

Q: If the book was originally published in a non-English language and an English translation exists, does the book qualify for the Colby Award?
A: Yes, as long as the original publication is the author’s first book-length work.

Q: Does poetry qualify for the Colby Award?
A: Yes. A book-length work of poetry, whether a single, long poem or a collection of poems, qualifies for the award.

Q: Do you accept graphic novels?
A: Yes.

Q: Do novellas qualify for the Colby Award?
A: Yes.

Q: Will I be notified if the nominated title is not selected?
A: Norwich University will contact the top finalists around late spring. Unfortunately, we are not able to individually contact nominees who have not advanced to the later rounds of review.

Q: What is the review process for the Colby Award?
A: The Colby Award includes a two-step review process. In the first round, a team of volunteer reviewers reads all eligible submissions. In the second round, the top five finalists move on to our selection committee, made up of six former Colby Award winners and chaired by noted historian and New York Times–best-selling author, Alex Kershaw. The selection committee chooses the winning title.

Q: Do I need to be present to receive the award?
A: Yes. The Colby Award recipient must be present at the Military Writers’ Symposium at Norwich University and participate in an appearance at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago based upon the author’s schedule.

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