Book Support Award
Call for Applications: The BSA Book Support Award
Deadline 31 October 2026
The Publications Committee of the Bibliographical Society of America welcomes applications for a new pilot program: the Book Support Award. This award reflects the BSA’s longstanding commitment to book publications in this expansive, multidisciplinary field.
About the Award
The Book Support Award is a three-year pilot program meant to encourage and prepare for publication new book projects in the field of bibliography.
One recipient each year will be awarded both a publishing subvention and a manuscript workshop.
The subvention totals $3000 and may be used to support publication with university or trade presses, self-publishing, or other publication production costs.
The workshop will include the author and other experts assembled by the Book Publications Committee. These may include two or three invited respondents, other interlocutors from the field, and potentially press editors. Authors will receive intensive feedback on their manuscripts in a supportive, seminar-like environment. Depending on participants’ physical circumstances, the workshop may be conducted in-person in New York City in April 2027 timed in conjunction with the New York Antiquarian Book Fair, or remotely. The subvention may then be used for up to 2 years after receipt of the award.
Applications and eligibility
Applicants must be or become active members of the Society in order to receive this award. Join or renew now. Applicants are not limited to a particular genre or format of writing. The Committee welcomes applications from writers at all career stages and on all professional paths. The manuscript is not required to be the author’s first book. Participants must agree to have a completed draft of their manuscript at least one month in advance of the workshop date.
The Committee seeks applications from authors with projects that are well-defined and well underway, with clear timelines for completion in order to make use of the subvention within the prescribed timeframe. Authors will be expected to have conducted preliminary discussions with others in the field about their path towards publication.
We especially welcome applications from those on non-traditional bibliographic paths or pursuing understudied topics.