The Award

NEMBA was established in 1988 to recognize books that substantially represent northeastern Minnesota in the areas of history, culture, heritage, or lifestyle.

Prizes are currently awarded in four categories: (1) Fiction, Poetry, Drama; (2) Nonfiction, Memoir; (3) Art, Photography; and (4) Children's Literature. The winning author in each category will receive a cash prize of $300. The winning author and the honorable mention in each category will receive a plaque.

For purposes of the Awards, northeastern Minnesota is defined to include the following counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Pine, and St. Louis.

ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible for the 20th annual awards (presented in May 2008), books must have been originally released in 2007. Nominated books must substantially represent northeastern Minnesota in the areas of history, culture, heritage, or lifestyle. Eligible books are those written in English and published in bound paper format.