Contact us
Email bookawards@aperture.org with questions.
By submitting your work to the Paris Photo-Aperture PhotoBook Awards, you are found to be in agreement of the terms and conditions. Click here to read the terms and conditions.
What constitutes a photobook?
A book that situates photography at its core.
Where do I enter my submission?
You can complete your submission here.
Once I finish my submission, where do I ship my book(s)?
Books should be sent to:
Aperture
ATTN: PhotoBook Awards
548 W 28th Street, Floor 4
New York, NY 10001
All books must be received before September 8, 2023.
Can I drop off my book(s) at Aperture's office?
Yes, you may drop off your book at Aperture's offices. Please note, Aperture employees are currently working remotely which means the office may not be open every day. To ensure someone is in the office on the day you'd like to drop off your book please email bookawards@aperture.org
All books must be received before September 8, 2023.
Are self-published books eligible in all categories?
Yes, but books entered in the PhotoBook of the Year category must have been printed in a minimum edition of one hundred copies. Seeing Judging Criteria for more information.
What if I “self-published” my book via a print-on-demand book service? Is it eligible?
Yes, in the First PhotoBook category, so long as the book has been made available to the public for sale in physical form. It is also eligible in the PhotoBook of the Year category, providing it has been printed in a minimum run of one hundred physical copies.
I self-published a book a couple of years ago, and it’s now been picked up by a publisher and released for a broader audience. Is the publisher’s edition of my book eligible for the prizes?
Yes. If your self-published book has been picked up by a trade publisher and rereleased under their imprint, the trade edition is still eligible for the First PhotoBook prize.
I self-published several books in the past, and I did a book with my gallery last year, prior to having my new book published this year by a publisher. Is my new book eligible for the First PhotoBook category?
Yes. If your self-published book has been published by a gallery or other publisher and rereleased under their imprint, it is still eligible for the First PhotoBook prize.
Can I submit the same book in all categories?
If the book meets the criteria for all categories, it may be entered separately, with applicable entry fees to each prize. Books will only be juried within the context of the category to which they have been submitted. Please note, you must submit a physical copy of the book for each category, even if it is the same book. For example, if you submit the same book to both the First PhotoBook and PhotoBook of the Year categories then you need to mail us two (2) copies of the book.
I have put a book proposal together using a print-on-demand service, and people can go on to the service and print it out. Is that enough for my book to be considered available in physical form, and hence eligible for the First PhotoBook award?
Yes, it is. However, you must submit a physical copy of your book in order to be considered.
What should be included in my submission packet?
The packet of submission materials sent to Aperture should include the book(s) for entry and a printed, completed application form for each entry, which you will print out after filling in the online application form.
What happens to the books chosen to be shortlisted?
Once an entry has been chosen for the shortlist, an Aperture staff member will contact the applicant. Three additional copies of each shortlisted title will be requested, in order for the book to be exhibited to its best advantage at Paris Photo. Thirty-five shortlisted entries in total will be exhibited, and the award winners will be announced, at Paris Photo, November 10, 2023.
Do I have to be in Paris to win the prize in either category?
No, but it might be fun. We encourage all shortlisted entrants to attend if possible. Unfortunately, Paris Photo and Aperture cannot be responsible for any travel expenses required for you to attend, but you will gain free entry to the fair.
I have less than three copies of my book, can I still submit to the First PhotoBook award?
Yes, providing the book meets the criteria in all other regards. Please tell us this when you enter. What this means, however, is that if your book is shortlisted / wins, it will have limited visibility when exhibited.
Will I get my book(s) returned if I am not shortlisted?
No. Aperture is not responsible for the return of submissions. All books submitted to the awards remain the property of Aperture and will become part of the Aperture library. This is not negotiable.
What if I run out of time?
No exceptions will be made for late submissions. Please allow for ample time to complete your entry and mail your book.
Can I submit a book to the Photography Catalog of the Year category that was published to accompany a gallery or festival exhibition?
Yes. Any book published to accompany a gallery, festival, museum, or other public exhibition can be submitted to the new category.
Can I submit a book of essays or a book that is primarily text, with the inclusion of just a few illustrations, to the Photography Catalog of the Year category?
No. It is important that each catalogue submitted is image-driven. The unique design challenges involved in creating the structure and informational architecture of such a volume—integrating text and images—are an important part of the criteria for this category.
Can I submit a book to the Photography Catalog of the Year category even if the material has not been exhibited?
If the material included in the book focuses on research or the presentation of material that is part of an institutional collection, even if it has not been exhibited at the time of publication, the book can be submitted to this category.
I'm having trouble with my Picter account, who should I contact?
You can email support@picter.com.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
You can email bookawards@aperture.org with any other questions.
