• Self-published books are eligible.

• Books that contain other media (e.g., photos, graphics, maps, illustrations) in addition to text as a major focus are eligible. These representations should facilitate and enhance the reader’s engagement with the subject or could be the focus of the historical research. 

Collected or selected works are eligible provided at least 50% of the material is previously unpublished.

• Revised editions will be considered when the following conditions are met:

  • The book has not been previously submitted to the HSA for consideration for the Heritage and History Book Award

  • In the opinion of the HSA Book Award Committee, the book contains new material to the extent that it is not merely a re-issue of a previous publication.


• Current members of the HSA Book Award Committee are not eligible for the Heritage and History Book Award.

• Books sponsored or otherwise financially supported by the HSA are not eligible.

• HSA reserves the right not to present the award in any year.

Assessment Process

There is no formal submission procedure. HSA's Book Award Committee carefully considers potentially eligible works of history as they are published in the designated two-year period, with a short-list selected from these books. Publishers and authors are encouraged to contact the HSA office to ensure that the committee is aware of publications that they think fit the award criteria.  

Assessment of all eligible books will be adjudicated by an independent jury recruited and facilitated by the HSA. The paramount considerations are excellence in historical research and an accessible presentation to a reading public. 



Jurors must disclose any conflict of interest. HSA defines conflict of interest in terms of whether a juror stands to gain any financial benefit through association with a submitted title, or if the juror stands to gain from any moral or intellectual rights, or if the juror has a significant personal relationship with the author of a submitted title. If there is a conflict of interest, the juror will be asked to step aside. 



The independent jury will submit a shortlist of three to five books, and ultimately a winning book from that shortlist to the HSA Board. The decision made by the HSA Board is final. 

The 2024 Honourable Edward Roberts History Book Awards Winner

A richly illustrated history the North Atlantic Giant Squid with particular emphasis on sightings and landings in and around Newfoundland. Thoroughly researched and including more more than 130 images and pull-out facsimile documents, the result is a book that, in equal parts, informs and delights