atlanticbookawards

Atlantic Legacy Award

Congratulations to Stephen Kimber!!

This award honours individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the development of the literary arts in Atlantic Canada, people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and who have, through innovation, risk-taking, self-sacrifice, and/or creativity, provided opportunity or inspiration (or both) for those sharing Atlantic Canadian stories through writing and publishing.

Submissions and Guidelines

The Atlantic Book Awards Society seeks nominations for the 2027 Atlantic Legacy Award. This award honours individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the development of the literary arts in Atlantic Canada, people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and who have, through innovation, risk-taking, self-sacrifice, and/or creativity, provided opportunity or inspiration (or both) for those sharing Atlantic Canadian stories through writing and publishing.

The recipient might be from the field of publishing, writing, bookselling, or literary arts organizations, but people from all occupations, trades, and walks of life may be nominated—the most important consideration is that the person has made an extraordinary contribution to the advancement and encouragement of Atlantic books and writers. Particular consideration will be given to trailblazers, individuals whose work has had (or will have) a lasting impact. With this in mind, the award can be given posthumously.

If you would like to nominate someone, please send a brief biographical summary of the person, focusing on their contribution to the world of books and authors, and reasons why you feel they would be a worthy recipient of the Atlantic Legacy Award. Also include full contact information for your nominee. Send submissions to atlanticbookawardsfestival@gmail.com with the subject heading “Legacy Award Nomination” by April 16, 2027. Each nomination is assessed by a jury of industry professionals from the four Atlantic provinces.

Nominations

If you would like to nominate someone, please send a brief biographical summary of the person, focusing on their contribution to the world of books and authors, and reasons why you feel they would be a worthy recipient of the Atlantic Legacy Award. Also include full contact information for your nominee. Send submissions to atlanticbookawardsfestival@gmail.com with the subject heading “Legacy Award Nomination” by April 16, 2027. Each nomination is assessed by a jury of industry professionals from the four Atlantic provinces.

Congratulations!

A feature of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 Atlantic Legacy Award to Stephen Kimber.

Dean Jobb, one of the multiple people who nominated Kimber, said, “This fall one of Atlantic Canada’s best-known authors will release a new book, his thirteenth. Traitor’s Game is a detective novel, a mystery set in Halifax during the Second World War. But it’s no mystery why Stephen Kimber is this year’s recipient of the Atlantic Legacy Award for his contributions to building this region’s vibrant literary scene. In a writing career that has spanned more than five decades, he has published ten nonfiction books and the new novel will be his third. He’s a three-time winner of the Richardson Award for best work of nonfiction by a Nova Scotia writer and won or been a finalist for many more national and regional book awards.”  


He is an exceptional writer and teacher, a generous colleague, and a champion of democracy, the arts and education.” said Kim Pittaway as she presented the award to Kimber. To watch Stephen Kimber’s inspirational acceptance speech head over to our You Tube.

PAST RECIPIENTS

2025 Andrew Steeves and Gary Dunfield, Gaspereau Press

2024 Gloria Ann Wesley

2023 The Raddall family of Liverpool, NS

2022 Lesley Choyce