The California Book Awards have often been in the vanguard, honoring previously unknown authors who go on to garner national acclaim. Since 1931, the awards have honored the exceptional literary merit of California writers and publishers. Each year, a select jury considers hundreds of books from around the state in search of the very best in literary achievement.

This year The Commonwealth Club is proud to announce a significant increase in the monetary value of the award: gold award winners will receive $5,000 and silver award winners $2,500. This is made possible by a bequest of Martha Cox, a long-time fiction jury member and stalwart advocate—especially for emerging talent.