The John Wesley Dafoe Foundation is once again pleased to receive submissions for its annual Book Prize. The 2027 J.W. Dafoe Book Prize, valued at $12,000, will be awarded publication with a 2026 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 submission fee of $50 per entry is required. To nominate a book(s), publishers and individuals:
1) Submit five (5) 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 442 University College Building, 220 Dysart Road, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2M8;
4) Meet one of two submission deadlines: Deadline for submission (ie receipt of books) is November 14, 2026 for books published between January 1 and November 1 2026. For books published between November 1 and December 31, 2026, the deadline for submission is January 16, 2027; 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 Longlist, Shortlist, and winning book will happen in Fall 2027. 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