Book Contest

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Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
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Special Till Dec 31, 2025 - Get a FREE Basic True Voice Review with your entry!

Texas Authors Book Contest

Texas Association of Authors created the Best of Texas Book Awards at the end of 2011. They held their contest through 2019 until they merged with Indie Beacon and created the Authors Marketing Guild. AMG then became an international organization helping authors around the world.

Texas Authors Institute of History, Inc., did not want to lose the continuation of honoring Texas Authors, so in 2020, they took over the awards program. Below are links to each year that TAIH continues to honor the best in Texas books.

We hope that authors will continue to submit their books and be part of a great collection of award-winning books and authors.

 

How to Enter

Any Texas author who has a book published in this calendar year (December 15, 2024, to December 1, 2025) may enter the book contest.  

Entries are accepted for all genres.

The entry fee is $50 per title.

To begin the entry process, email a cover of the book you are entering, along with the PDF file of the book to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Once we receive the entry, we will send you an invoice that you can pay with a CC/Debit card.

Winners will be announced by April 2026. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 

Judging Guidelines

The following are the guidelines that the librarian judges will use to score your book entry.

1. Characterization: Does the author create believable, memorable characters with the uniqueness, complexity, and individuality of real people? Do you respond to the characters either positively or negatively? Does the main character respond to and influence events? Does the dialogue contribute to rich, vivid, unique characterization?

2. Plot: Has the author constructed a clear, convincing and compelling storyline with a recognizable arc of conflict, crisis, and resolution? Are obstacles to be overcome sufficiently challenging to the protagonists? Do you feel the tension mounting in the story? Is the resolution innovative, credible, and authentic?

3. Theme: Does the story contain a central or dominating theme? Does the author make this idea concrete through the characters and their actions? How well is the message integrated into the story? Is the story an agenda-driven platform?

4. Setting and Atmosphere: Are historical and geographic details sufficiently and accurately developed to give the story a realistic or appropriate atmosphere and setting? Can you visualize the places being described? Does the story contain anachronisms?

5. Mechanics: Are there errors present in spelling, grammar, paragraphing, and punctuation? Are words used incorrectly? Do typographical errors mar your enjoyment of the story?

6. Writing Quality: Does the quality of the author’s prose and deftness in handling point-of-view enhance the story? Do specific details appeal to your senses and hold your attention? Does the author use precise, active verbs? Does the rhythm of the prose enhance the meaning? Are metaphors and similes skillfully employed?

7. Passion: Does this story engage your emotions? Have you come to care deeply about the characters and what happens to them? Is your mind and spirit stimulated and enlightened by the experience of reading this story?

Below is the suggested concept of the scoring of points from 1 to 10


1 – this should have never been written
5 – it’s ok, but…
10 – this is fantastic

Texas Authors Success Center (TASC)

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Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
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- Cyber Monday Sale ALL month of DEC. 50% Off Level 3 & 4 Memberships only.

Elevate Your Author Journey with the Texas Authors Success Center (TASC)

TASC is the working-lab division of the Texas Authors Museum—built to help real Texas writers learn, grow, market, and sell more books through practical training, guided assessments, trusted verification, targeted promotion, and community.

Financial aid to cover Level 2 dues is available.
Apply for Financial Aid

 

Level 1 — Free Author Membership

Unleash the power of visibility. This level does not include book sales on the Texas Bookshelf Shop.

What you get

  • Author listing with photo, bio, and website link (museum directory)

  • Access to select TASC announcements, opportunities, and community updates

How to join

Need support? Low-income grants are available.
Request Low-Income Grant Info

Level 2 — Author & Success Center Supporter — $75/year

Step into hands-on exposure and growth.

What you get

  • Author listing upgraded with book covers, each linked to the retailer/site of your choice

  • One 30-minute video interview for your media kit

  • Quarterly social posts across TASC/Museum channels (Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, Telegram)

  • Three complimentary eBooks from the Top Ten for Authors series (Pre-Publishing, Publishing, Marketing)

  • One complimentary audiobook from the Top Ten for Authors series (your choice of group)

  • One featured book per month is promoted across our social system, connected to the Texas Bookshelf Shop

  • Personal website & social links on your profile page

Join Level 2

Level 3 — Authorpreneur Membership — $150/year

Build momentum with monthly promotion and pro-grade visibility.

What you get

  • Featured article in Texas Authors Magazine

  • Author listing with photo, bio, books + links

  • One 30-minute video interview plus 4 quick-hit social Q&As for ongoing promotion

  • Monthly social posts for 12 months

  • One New Book Release or Event spotlight

  • One True Voice Review - Basic Plan

  • Six complimentary eBooks per year from the Top Ten for Authors series (2 each: Pre-Publishing, Publishing, Marketing)

  • Two complimentary audiobooks per year from the series (your choice)

  • 20% discount on TASC/TAMIH classes, workshops, and sessions

  • 10% discount on entry fees for TASC/TAMIH contests and programs

  • One featured book per month is promoted via our social system connected to the Texas Bookshelf Shop

  • Personal website & social links on your profile page

Join Level 3

Level 4 — Elite Author Membership — $250/year

High-impact visibility, pro assets, and premium support.

What you get

1 . Featured Author Spotlight

  • Homepage feature for one month

  • Full-page magazine placement (book sales one-sheet format)

2. Advanced Social Promotion

  • Monthly multi-platform campaigns (Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Facebook, X/Twitter)

  • Custom graphics for selected campaigns

3. Professional Book Trailer

  • 30-second AI-produced trailer

4. True Voice Review – Package 2

  • One full True Voice Reviews Package 2 editorial review each membership year

  • Includes an in-depth long-form review, a concise short review, and pull quotes suitable for marketing

  • Review positioned to serve readers first while giving you professional, quotable credibility

  • Sharable digital assets you can use on your website, social media, and sales pages

5. Podcast / Webinar Opportunities

  • Guest feature to discuss your work and journey

6. Event Promotion & Support

  • Priority placement at TASC/TAMIH-sponsored programs (e.g., Lone Star Festival, World Record events)

  • $50 event discount on TAMIH-sponsored events valued at $100+

7. Advertising Credit

  • $100 credit toward TASC/TAMIH publications or partner outlets

8. Personalized Marketing Consultation

  • One-hour strategy session with a TASC marketing expert

9. Exclusive Discounts

  • 30% off all TASC/TAMIH classes, workshops, sessions

  • 15% off entry fees for TASC/TAMIH events

10. Enhanced Educational Resources

  • Quarterly eBooks from Top Ten for Authors (total 4/year)

  • Quarterly audiobooks from the series (total 4/year)

11. Networking & Collaboration

  • Elite-only community access

  • Invitation to an annual Elite networking event

12. Priority Author Listing

  • Premium placement in the directory

Upgrade or Purchase Level 4

Trust & Growth Programs are also Available to Paid Level 4 Members at no additional cost:

  • VTAP — Verified Texas Author Program: human-authorship verification and author identity protection

  • ReadSafe Ratings: transparent, voluntary content ratings for libraries, retailers, and families

  • Texas Authors Press: priority submission windows for members

  • Texas Authors Magazine: features and ad opportunities tied to your membership tier

Questions?
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Donations

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Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
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General Donation Program


Thank you for supporting the Texas Authors Institute of History, Inc., museum. The only museum in the country that supports a state's authors group in all genres.

Your support will help us to continue our various programs, but also help us to build a museum and cultural center that will allow for writing programs & events, safe storage of the rich history of Texas Authors, and inspire the future of Texas writers.

Our goal is to have the museum built and opened by March 2, 2036, the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of Texas as a republic. A very appropriate day to open this unique museum.

You can select to make a monthly donation or an annual donation from the two PayPal options below.

Thank you again for your support!

 

For Single Donation Amount of Your Choice, click here.
   
 

2023 IRS Form 990

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Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
Category: Uncategorised
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