Recognising the excellence and craftsmanship of the British book design and production industry, the awards are open to all books published or produced in the UK between 1 July 2023 and 1 August 2024.

Attracting around 400 entrants across 17 categories, the Book Awards have now been running for around 15 years. This year's entry deadline is 31 August 2024.

Inviting book printers, binders, and producers of all kinds to get involved, the BPIF marketing executive Heena Bulsara told Printweek that attention to detail was key to a good entry.

“We want to show of these UK companies’ amazing design and print: they’re going the extra mile to make their books stand out,” Bulsara said.

“We love getting everyone together, too, and we display all the shortlisted books on the night. It’s amazing, because it’s a big job for our judges to whittle it down to the 100 or so that make it to the shortlist: they have to look at every little detail that goes into the book. It’s not just about judging the book by its cover.”

While most categories are for professionals already in the business, the awards reserve one for students, who produce their books with no budget at all.

“They have no budget, but they design these incredible books,” Bulsara said.  “It’s amazing work.”

The British Book Design & Production Awards 2024 will take place 29 January 2025 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London, now there for the third year.

“We’re looking forward to being back there – it’s a beautiful venue,” Bulsara said.