Welcome

The Eric Hoffer Book Award honors the memory of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by highlighting salient writing, as well as the independent spirit of small publishers. Since its inception, the Hoffer has become one of the largest international book awards for small, academic, and independent presses. (learn more)

The Prizes

A grand prize of is awarded annually. In addition, Eric Hoffer Book Award honors include various prizes within twenty-four all-inclusive categories, separate press distinctions, the Montaigne Medal, the da Vinci Eye, First Horizon Award, and the Medal Provocateur. (learn more)

Book Nomination

Books are submitted to the Hoffer Award through our easy nomination process by our annual deadline and according to guidelines. A single category registration qualifies a book for all prize consideration. The early discount registration deadline is , . The final registration deadline is January 21, . (learn more)

International Registrants: How to avoid shipping, customs/tariff costs.

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News

[Mar 9, 2026] Montaigne Medal Finalists: The 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award Montaigne Medal Finalists for thought-provoking works.

[Mar 2, 2026] da Vinci Eye Finalists: The 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award da Vinci Eye Finalists for superior cover art.

[Feb 27, 2026] Schedule Announcement: The 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award schedule has been posted.

[Feb 1, 2026] Grand Prize now $7,500: The 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award grand prize is now $7,500.

[Sept 1, 2025] International Registrants: Avoid high shipping/customs/tariffs.

[May 15, 2025] Eric Hoffer Book Award Results: The 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award Honorees have been announced.

[February 1, 2025] The 2026 Award Registration is Now Open: Early discount registration until December 10, 2025. (register now)

News Archive

[July 16, 2025] Jane Friedman: I Won a Writing Award. Does It Matter?

[November 11, 2022] Eric Hoffer Award Advance Registration: Send your book(s) from a separate source by pre-registering your award entries in advance.

[June 28, 2021] Beware of Award Scams: Learn more here.

[[August 28, 2020] Discount Early Registration: A discount early registration fee is available until .

[January 1, 2021] The Authority of Book Awards: Our Chairman provides helpful guidelines for selecting a book award.

[October 10, 2015] Horse of a Different Color: Book Edits discusses the Hoffer Award.

[December 17, 2007] Inside the Hoffer: Award Chairman Christopher Klim speaks with Library Juice.