Once a year the eyes of the Latino community and publishing insiders turn to the International Latino Book Awards honoring the best in Latino Literature. Latino Literacy Now is currently accepting submissions for their 15th Annual International Latino Book Awards. The awards, one of the oldest Latino literary award competitions and by far the largest, honored 148 authors and publishers during the 2012 awards.

The event, which is presented by Latino Literacy Now, begins with the call for submissions from Latino/Latina authors from around the world and culminates in the presentation of awards in New York City during BookExpo America.

Founded in 1997, Latino Literacy Now is a non-profit organization that promotes literacy and literary excellence in the Latino community.

In the past few years the International Latino Book Awards has grown to include more submissions and categories. This year over 20 new categories have been added including best Latino focused books, inspirational books, books in Portuguese, best sports/recreation books, a category for graphic novels, Fantasy/Sci-Fi, best books by multi authors and a category for best translations.

Last year also saw more judges than ever before including Pulitzer Prize winners, heads of national organizations, noted educators, media professionals, and past winners.

Once again the event will take place at the prestigious Instituto Cervantes at 211 E. 49th Street in New York City, with its theatre seating and wide screen projector, the evening of May 30, 2013. It is presented in conjunction with Las Comadres para las Americas and BookExpo America. A reception follows.

All entries must be received no later than February 15, 2013. For more information about the awards, please go to www.LBFF.us. Finalists will be announced the week of April 22, 2013 prior to the awards ceremony. The awards are overseen by Kirk Whisler with assistance from Nora Comstock, Annie Perez, and Jim Sullivan. For more information on sponsoring the awards contact Jim Sullivan by emailing jim@lbff.us