|
|
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023/24 |
VLA Graphic Novel Diversity Awards: Embracing Diversity
Purpose
- To increase the chance for diverse readers to see themselves within the page
- To increase the visibility of diversity in graphic novels
- To recognize quality graphic literature promoting subjects or characters of diversity
- To support the role of libraries to educate and promote reading
Nominations
- Feature a diverse protagonist (casual or issue-based), a diverse supporting character that impacts the story, or a diverse subject
- Published in English by a North American “publisher” in the year that will be honored. Self-published nominations are accepted.
- Be a stand-alone or a story arc. The last volume of a story arc must have been published in the year being honored.
- Are submitted for only one of these age categories: Youth (ages 6-17) or Adult (ages 18 and up)
Definition of Diversity
Differences both visible and invisible that may separate an individual from the story’s mainstream. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect.
Eligible diversity groups may include color/race, ethnicity/nationality, disability whether mental or physical, feminism, ageism, religion, forced minority and LGBT/sexual orientation.
Definition of Groups
Color/Race/Ethnicity/Nationality – Character(s) are recognizably portrayed as a member of a specific race, color or nationality through the art, dialogue, narrative. The character shows flaws and strengths in dealing with life as a member of a specific race, color or nationality.
Disability (visible and invisible) – Character lives a normal life despite any limitations placed on by the disability, whether mental or physical
Feminism – A female is surviving in a male-dominated environment or breaking free from gender norms.
Ageism – Character is being diminished due to the character’s age. The story should reflect how the character succumbs to or overcomes age barriers.
Religion – Character is of a specific faith and may deal with persecution because of religion or faith.
Forced Minority – The main character, although not normally a minority, through circumstances becomes a minority.
LGBTQ+/Sexual Orientation/sexual identity/Intersex – Character is LGBTQ+ or identifies as non-heteronormative and is coming to terms with this identity or dealing with discrimination.
The reviewing panel is the Graphic Novel Diversity Award Committee, which will consist of five judges, the Diversity Award Chair, and an Age Category Co-Chair. Once publishers fill out the nomination form, it will be accessed by the Committee Chair for the current year.
Publisher's Nomination Form
Please submit nominations here. The deadline for entries is January 31, 2026.
Upon approval of the nominations, the Chair will contact the publisher to request that copies of each submitted title be mailed to the seven addresses provided. If the publisher is unable to provide physical copies, digital copies will be accepted. Publishers will fill out the nomination form (which will be accessed by the Committee Chair for the current year.
FAQs
Is there a cash award for the winning title?
The winning title of each category will receive $500.00.
Who receives the cash award, the writer or the artist?
Both or all of the creators receive the cash award to split.
Are nonfiction graphic novels eligible?
Yes, entries can be fiction or nonfiction. There is no separate award for either.
Can anyone nominate a title for the award?
Only publishers can submit a title, since they are responsible for submitting a package to each member of the judging committee. If you feel strongly about a particular title, contact the publisher and let them know to submit the title for the award.
Does the author or artist have to be a citizen of a North American Country?
No. The entry is being viewed on its merits. The nomination has to be written in English and published by a North American publisher. If a Japanese Manga has been translated and published by a Publisher like DC Comics or Fantagraphics, the translated version is eligible if the translation was published in the year being honored..
Are digital/web comics or graphic novels eligible for submission?
Not currently. We may look at adding them later if we can resolve issues pertaining to publication dates and permanence. Downloadable graphic novels are eligible. See the next question.
I published my graphic novel as a downloadable only. Is it eligible?
Since more and more self-publishers are making the decision to publish electronically, a downloadable graphic novel is eligible because it fits the criteria of being in print just not in the traditional sense. A downloadable differs from a web-based comic which is not eligible. To nominate a downloadable graphic novel, the publisher must add two more pieces of information: 1. proof that the downloadable was first available for purchase in the year being honored; 2. libraries should be able to purchase the graphic novel for the electronic collection to circulate for their users. Libraries may have platforms which allow them to add self-published materials for checkout.
Can a title be submitted for both age categories if the story is for all ages?
No, the submitter must choose the age category that best suits the age of the prominent readership.
Our title focuses on diversity but does not fit any of the categories listed. Can we still nominate this title?
Yes, the judges can determine if the title fits our broader definition of Diversity.
What will the cover images of the books be used for?
The images will be used for our web page and other publicity to announce the winners and honor books.
Can you explain the story arc?
Some series break their story arcs between several volumes. In some cases, the reader must begin at the first volume and read to the end to understand and enjoy the story. Some volumes are not complete on their own. In the case of such a story arc, the whole arc must be submitted for review as long as the last volume was published in the year being honored. If a single volume can stand on its own without reading the whole series or arc, then this volume may be submitted on its own.
What countries are considered part of North America?
According to the CIA World Factbook, the following countries, Bermuda, Canada, Clipperton Island, Greenland, Mexico, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and United States, are part of North America. We are currently abiding by this definition. Any North American publisher of English language graphic novels is eligible to submit to the award. Translations of foreign language graphic novels into English are eligible if the translation were published by North American publishers in the year being honored.
