Tired of Rejection Letters?
Win a Hybrid Publishing Award — Bring Your Book to Life with Crane Books
Crane Books is awarding select authors a Hybrid Publishing Grant (valued at $4,500) toward editing, design, and publishing services.
With over 20 years of publishing experience—both self-publishing and traditional—we know how to transform manuscripts into professional, market-ready books.
What You Win
Awardees receive:
- Full Editing Package (developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading)
- Professional Book Design (custom cover + interior layout)
- ISBN & Copyright Registration (in your name, not ours)
- Publishing & Distribution Setup (Amazon KDP + IngramSpark)
- Launch Support (metadata optimization, marketing consultation, 25 complimentary author copies)
Award Value: $8,500
Your Cost as an Awardee: $3,500–$4,500
Contest Details
Who Can Apply: Authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, memoir, children’s, poetry).
How to Enter: Submit a 500-word synopsis + 1 sample chapter via our entry form.
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Winners Announced: February 13, 2026
Why Enter?
- Save over 50% off standard hybrid publishing costs.
- Work with an experienced publisher who has launched dozens of books across multiple genres.
- Get the best of both worlds: author ownership + professional publishing expertise.
Selection Criteria
Our editorial board will evaluate based on:
- Writing quality
- Market viability
- Originality of concept
- Author’s passion and commitment
Awards
Grand Prize (1 winner): $8,500 full publishing package, awarded at only $3,500–$4,500 cost to the author.
Finalists (3–5 authors): Discounted publishing package starting at $4,500–$5,000.
All entrants: May be offered feedback and special Crane Books author opportunities.
Contest Terms & Conditions
Crane Books Hybrid Publishing Contest
Official Terms & Conditions
December 29, 2026
By entering the Crane Books Hybrid Publishing Contest (the “Contest”), you agree to the following Terms & Conditions:
1. Eligibility
- The Contest is open to writers age 18 or older.
- Entries must be in English.
- Employees, contractors, or affiliates of Crane Books, as well as their immediate family members, are not eligible.
- Both previously unpublished manuscripts and works-in-progress are eligible.
2. Submission Requirements
- Each entry must include:
- A 500-word synopsis of the book.
- One sample chapter (no more than 5,000 words).
- Submissions must be the entrant’s original work and not infringe on any copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights.
- Multiple entries are allowed but each must be submitted separately.
3. Deadlines
- Submission Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Winner Announcement: February 13, 2026
- Crane Books reserves the right to extend or modify deadlines.
4. Selection of Winners
- Entries will be reviewed by the Crane Books Editorial Board.
- Judging will be based on writing quality, originality, market viability, and author commitment.
- Final selection of winners is at the sole discretion of Crane Books and is not subject to appeal.
5. Prizes & Author Contributions
- Grand Prize Winners (1–2 authors): Receive a Hybrid Publishing Award valued at $8,500, covering editing, design, publishing, and distribution. Author contribution is $3,500–$4,500.
- Finalists (3–5 authors): May be offered discounted hybrid publishing packages ranging from $4,500–$5,000.
- All awardees will enter into a separate publishing agreement with Crane Books outlining services, deliverables, and timelines.
- No cash value is awarded. Prizes are not transferable.
6. Publishing Rights
- Entrants retain full copyright and ownership of their work.
- By submitting, entrants grant Crane Books a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to review the manuscript for judging purposes only.
- Winners must sign a publishing contract with Crane Books to receive the award.
7. Payment Terms for Awardees
- Awardees are responsible for their portion of publishing costs as outlined above.
- Payment schedules will be included in the publishing agreement.
- Failure to make payments may result in forfeiture of the award.
8. General Conditions
- Crane Books reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the Contest in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
- Crane Books is not responsible for technical failures or lost submissions.
- Decisions made by Crane Books are final and binding.
9. Publicity Release
- By entering, winners agree that Crane Books may use their name, likeness, book title, and excerpts for promotional purposes without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.
10. Limitation of Liability
- By participating, entrants release Crane Books and its affiliates from any liability related to participation in the Contest, publishing outcomes, or use of submitted materials.
11. Governing Law
- These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of California, USA.
12. Contact
For questions about the Contest or these Terms & Conditions, please contact:
📧 info@cranebooks.com