The John Wesley Dafoe Foundation is once again pleased to receive submissions for its annual Book Prize. The 2026 J.W. Dafoe Book Prize, valued at $12,000, will be awarded to a publication with a 2025 imprint “. . . for distinguished writing by Canadians, or authors resident in Canada, that contributes to the understanding of Canada, Canadians, and/or Canada’s place in the world.” Co- or multiple authored books are eligible, but not edited books consisting of chapters from many different authors.
A nominal submission fee of $50 per entry is required. To nominate a book(s), publishers and individuals:
1) Submit four copies of each book nominated;
2) Provide the appropriate submission fee ($50 per title) in cheque form payable to the J.W. Dafoe Foundation;
3) Send books and fees to Dr. Andrea Rounce, Honorary Secretary, The J.W. Dafoe Foundation, c/o 635 Oakenwald Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 1M3;
4) Meet one of two submission deadlines: Deadline for submission (ie receipt of books)
is November 14, 2025 for books published between January 1 and November 1 2025. For books published between November 1 and December 31, 2025, deadline for submission is January 16, 2026; and
5) Send an email with the publisher’s contact information (name/email/phone number) and
the book title(s) being nominated to Dr. Andrea Rounce at dafoefoundation@gmail.com
6) You will be notified when the title(s) submitted (with payment) have been received.
Formal announcement of the short list will happen in spring 2026, followed by the announcement of the winner. The Prize will be formally awarded to the author(s) at the Annual J.W. Dafoe Book Prize dinner.
Questions about submission eligibility or process can be sent to Dr. Andrea Rounce at dafoefoundation@gmail.com.