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–Editorial
The International Latino Book Awards is now accepting submissions for its 2026 competition, inviting authors and publishers to submit works by and about Latinos across a broad spectrum of genres and languages.
Established to celebrate the richness and diversity of Latino storytelling, the awards program features 87 categories spanning fiction, nonfiction, poetry, children’s literature, young adult titles, memoir, history, and more. Eligible books may be written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, with submissions welcomed from major publishing houses, independent presses, and self-published authors in the United States and abroad.
Organizers say the program was created to elevate Latino voices within the publishing industry and to expand the visibility of books that reflect Latino histories, cultures, traditions, and contemporary experiences. Since its inception, the awards have recognized more than 4,000 books, honoring both internationally acclaimed literary figures and emerging writers whose work contributes to the evolving narrative of Latino identity.
Past honorees include globally renowned authors such as Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, Pam Muñoz Ryan, and Victor Villaseñor. The awards have also recognized prominent public figures who have contributed to literature, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, entertainer George Lopez, music icon Gloria Estefan, and guitarist Carlos Santana.
In addition to the annual competition, organizers provide access to the Empowering Latino Futures Book Club, a free initiative designed to promote Latino literature and foster connections between readers and authors. The program seeks to encourage greater engagement with Latino-authored books in classrooms, libraries, and community spaces.
The awards are produced by Empowering Latino Futures and supported by the International Society of Latino Authors, an organization that offers professional development resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for writers at various stages of their careers. The program also collaborates with major cultural institutions, including the Feria Internacional del Libro Guadalajara, one of the world’s most prominent Spanish-language publishing events, which reported attendance of 971,512 in 2025.
Organizers describe the International Latino Book Awards as the largest Latino literary awards program in the United States, reflecting a growing demand for diverse narratives in the national and international marketplace. By recognizing excellence across genres and languages, the awards aim to broaden access to Latino literature while strengthening representation within the publishing industry.
The submission deadline for the 2026 competition is March 15, 2026. Complete eligibility requirements and entry guidelines are available on the program’s official website. Organizers say the awards will continue working to expand recognition of Latino authors and publishers while supporting the ongoing development and global reach of Latino literature.
