Respecting literature from the past;
Honoring literature from the present;
Inspiring literature for the future.
Our Mission
The Boston Authors Club is organized to further literary purposes and to promote community, discourse and fellowship among authors.
“The Boston Authors Club: Defending books in the age of distraction.”
Our History
In 1899, the newly launched Boston Authors Club included both men and women, somewhat of a novelty among organizations at the turn of the century. Julia Ward Howe was elected the first president. Boston was, as it is today, a “very literary city.” Over the years, the Boston Authors Club has counted among its members many well-known writers, including: Louise Chandler Moulton, Mark Twain, and Willa Cather, among many others.
Today, BAC’s membership consists of published authors, librarians, editors, illustrators and people who just love books.
BAC News
Submissions Are Open for the Julia Ward Howe Award:
Publishers with 2023 titles meeting the BAC Awards criteria are encouraged to submit their books to be considered for Julia Ward Howe prizes. To enter the competition, publishers must submit two copies of each eligible title, along with a fee of $35 dollars per title. Checks should be made out to the Boston Authors Club or funds may be submitted electronically at the bottom of this page.
The submission deadline for qualified books published in 2023 is January 31, 2024. Please send your books and checks to: Boston Authors Club, Attn. Julie Dobrow, 103 Conant Road, Lincoln, MA, 01773.
Criteria for the Julia Ward Howe award include:
The books must be published the year prior to the award being given.
Authors must live or work within 100 miles of Boston the year their books are published.
Books published in print are eligible unless otherwise noted in the criteria. Edited books, textbooks, and reference books are not qualified. Self-published and digital-only books are not eligible.
Authors of the winning titles in each category will be honored at the annual Julia Ward Howe Awards event in the Fall of 2024. Additional outstanding books and authors in each category may be designated as Finalists and celebrated at the Awards program.
250
Published Authors
200+
Members
4 Awards
Given Annually
Get Involved
Interested in exclusive invitations to book presentations, featured author interviews, and access to BPL’s Rare Book Room? Members enjoy regular programs and panels, featuring renowned as well as début authors. We also invite literary agents and publishers to share their expertise with our members.