Colorado’s landscapes have inspired countless books, so it’s no surprise some of the best authors choose this state as the backdrop for their nonfiction lives. Every year, the Colorado Book Awards honors local authors across fifteen categories. Organized by Colorado Humanities, the awards are judged by a diverse panel of local professionals and literary enthusiasts.
I’ve served as a judge in multiple categories, including thriller, pictorial, and short stories, with other judges ranging from avid readers and librarians to teachers and government officials. Our discussions, always the highlight of the process, are like an insightful book club meeting with a purpose—to determine the best in each category. In 2024, Colorado Humanities introduced a short story category, while the novel category, previously divided into literary and general fiction, merged into one. Romance, which debuted the year before, remained. This year, no new categories were introduced because there were so many entries in existing ones, Valerie Eddy, program coordinator for the Colorado Center for the Book at Colorado Humanities, says.
The awards celebrate and elevate Colorado’s literary scene, creating recognition and community for local authors. A new partnership with the Colorado State Library allows Denverites to check out a Booktasting Kit featuring the 2024 Colorado Book Award winners. Finalists and winners are also invited to participate in the Author Talks program, which provides libraries and civic centers with access to authors for workshops, book clubs, and readings—offering authors both exposure and compensation for their time and travel.
Additionally, Eddy says, the program has expanded partnerships with The Bookies Bookstore, which hosted an author meet-and-greet on Small Business Saturday, and Stories on Stage, which frequently features award-winning authors in live performances. “We have an upcoming show with them in May that’s all about Colorado authors. More details will be out soon,” she adds.
The 2024 Colorado Book Awards ceremony will take place July 26 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House Studio Loft. It sells out every year, so be sure to grab your ticket when they go on sale in June.
