APPROVED RULES

Eligibility:

The Story Monsters Approved! book designation program is open to printed children’s books published in any calendar year and in any country. Books entered must be printed in English and available for purchase. Authors ages 17 and younger must have parent or guardian permission to enter. Provided they adhere to the above criteria, we accept books from authors, illustrators, publishers, and self-publishers located in any country.

Submission Guidelines:

Participants may submit a title to multiple categories but must complete a separate entry form for each book. You will receive a confirmation email once you've completed your order. Books will not be returned.

Printed books: Mail one (1) copy of each book for each category in which it is entered. Along with the book, send one (1) printed copy of the email confirmation for each category entered. When submitting more than one book, all entries may be sent in the same envelope. Mail books to:

Story Monsters LLC
ATTN: STORY MONSTERS APPROVED
4696 W. Tyson St.
Chandler, AZ 85226

Entry Fees:

Contest entries accepted in 2 formats: printed book or ebook.

A printed entry that is submitted on or before November 1, 2023, is $70 per category.
After November 1, 2023, the printed entry fee is $75 per category.

An eBook entry that is submitted on or before November 1, 2023, is $60 per category.
After November 1, 2023, the eBook entry fee is $65 per category.

We accept payment by credit card and PayPal. There are no refunds.

Judging Process:

Judging will be based on content, originality, and overall readability, with emphasis on messages that inspire, inform, teach, or entertain. Every entry will be read by judges comprised of industry experts and students. Our judging panel includes industry experts in specific fields as well as experts in education and publishing. Any entry not conforming to the guidelines will be disqualified without author notification. There will be no refund for disqualified entries.

Winning an Award:

Books entered compete only against themselves and are judged on their own merit. Awards are presented only to entries earning the appropriate amount of judges’ points. Not every book will earn a Story Monsters Approved Seal of Approval.

All titles earning a Story Monsters Approved designation will be considered for Story Monsters Approved Book of the Year. This book must be outstanding in content, readability, message, and overall production and is truly a book worth devouring! One book will be chosen for this honor.

Announcement of Winners:

Contest winners will be notified during the last week of March for each year’s contest.