Awesome Indies Book Awards (AIBA) operates as a volunteer-led initiative supported by members of the independent writing and publishing community.
Standard Submission Allowance
Authors may submit one book for assessment per calendar year. This helps ensure that all submissions are managed fairly, given the limited availability of volunteer assessors.
Assessor Contribution, Recognition, and Perks (from 2026 until further notice)
Authors and community members who choose to contribute as volunteer assessors play an important role in supporting AIBA’s operations.
Applicants must first meet AIBA’s eligibility criteria for assessors before they can participate in the assessment process.
Recognition and Privileges
As a gesture of appreciation for their contributions:
- Active contributors may receive a digital Certificate of Appreciation if they have completed at least one (1) valid AIBA assessment within the calendar year
- Assessors who complete assessments from 2026 onwards may be granted priority processing or additional submission opportunities for their own book
- Specifically, one (1) priority assessment request spot may be granted for every four (4) valid AIBA assessments completed
- Suitably qualified professionals who have completed at least ten (10) valid AIBA assessments from 2026 onwards may have themselves or their services listed on the:
- AIBA Manuscript Services page, or
- Other Evaluation Services page
(subject to eligibility and applicable guidelines)
Important Notes
- Priority processing and additional submission opportunities may be granted based on the level and consistency of contribution
- All assessments remain independent and unbiased, and these recognitions do not influence assessment outcomes
- The above perks and privileges are subject to change, and may be reviewed and updated from time to time in order to meet AIBA priorities, policies, and circumstances.
Independence and Fairness
All assessments remain:
- Independent
- Unbiased
- Based solely on AIBA’s assessment criteria
Contributing as an assessor does not guarantee approval of any submitted work.
Participation as an assessor is entirely voluntary and is not required in order to submit a book.
Conflict of Interest
Assessors must not evaluate any submission where a personal, professional, or financial relationship with the author exists. All conflicts of interest must be declared.
Quality of Contributions
Only complete and good-faith assessments will be recognised for the purposes of priority or additional submission opportunities.
Purpose of This Policy
This approach allows AIBA to:
- Maintain a fair and sustainable system
- Encourage community participation
- Continue offering free submissions without compromising standards
AIBA is sustained through voluntary contribution, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to recognising quality independent publishing.
Be an AIBA Assessor
To apply to become an AIBA assessor, click here.
