PW Star Watch, now in its 11th year, is dedicated to honoring and promoting up-and-coming publishing professionals. Individuals working within the U.S. or Canadian book publishing and bookselling industries who will be younger than 40 years of age as of Sept. 1, 2025, are eligible for nomination. Honorees will be featured in the Nov. 3, 2025, issue of PW. Four finalists will each receive a $500 cash prize, and one Superstar will be awarded $2,500. The deadline for nominations is July 25.

The program highlights talent from across the industry, including but not limited to art and production professionals, editors, publicists, marketers, publishers, agents, sales reps, distributors, and booksellers. Our goal is to recognize the innovators, changemakers, and trailblazers who are positively impacting the book business, and to bring recognition to them on a global scale.

To nominate someone, please use this form.

If you wish to learn more about how you can participate in the program by way of sponsorship, contact Cevin Bryerman or Joe Murray

See the 2024 Star Watch finalists and honorees here.

FAQ

What is the deadline for nominations?
July 25.

Who is eligible?
Anyone who works for a U.S. or Canadian book publisher, bookseller, literary agency, or service vendor/provider and will be younger than 40 years of age as of Sept.1, 2025.

Can I nominate myself?
No.

Are writers eligible?
No. This award is for those who work in book publishing and bookselling.

Is there a fee to nominate someone?
No.

I was a Star Watch honoree in a previous year. Can I be nominated again?
No.

I was nominated in a previous year but was not selected. Can I be nominated again?
Yes, and we encourage that!

Will nominees be contacted?
PW may contact nominees to confirm basic information about a nomination or to follow up with additional questions.

Who do I contact with technical questions about the nomination form?
Please email service@publishersweekly.com with any technical questions about the submission form.