Refunds & Dispute
Clarifying the processes
ACABA (African Christian Authors Book Award) exists to celebrate, promote, and strengthen Christian authorship across Africa.
While the annual Book Award Gala is a key highlight, our mandate goes beyond awarding — we run author mentorships, training sessions, reading campaigns, translation initiatives, and networking opportunities.
All registered authors are considered part of the broader ACABA community, not merely participants in a competition.
No. Submission and registration fees are non-refundable.
These fees cover administrative costs, judging coordination, and program logistics that commence once an author’s book is submitted.
However, in exceptional cases where the ACABA Secretariat deems it necessary to maintain goodwill, a discretionary refund may be offered.
Such cases are handled individually and are not to be construed as a change of policy.
Once a book is submitted:
It is distributed to judges and remains in circulation throughout the judging cycle.
Books are not returned to authors because they are used for assessment, commentary, and future reference.
When the judging process concludes, the books are archived in the ACABA library.
Participation in the broader ACABA ecosystem is not optional — it directly contributes to the award evaluation process.
Here’s how the ACABA Awarding works:
Weighting:
(a) 60% – Judges’ Feedback: Independent assessment based on ACABA’s judging criteria — craft, clarity, impact, theology, and overall excellence.
(b) 20% – Reviews (Readers' Engagement Badge): Genuine reader feedback and commendations posted on your ACABA author webpage.
(c) 20% – Nominee Engagement (Engaged Author): Your proactive involvement throughout the season — participation in author groups, social media activity, speaking engagements, inviting reader reviews, sharing updates, and attending virtual Round Tables.
Being part of the community reflects your commitment to your message and readers.
At ACABA, we believe an author’s journey goes beyond writing — it includes connecting, learning, and growing with others.
Therefore, joining “for the award only” will affect your overall score, as engagement is an integral part of our holistic evaluation.
ACABA upholds biblical principles of reconciliation and integrity in all dealings.
If an author feels aggrieved:
- They should submit a written concern to the ACABA Secretariat within 14 days of the issue.
- The Secretariat will review and respond within 10 working days.
- If unresolved, the matter may be escalated to the ACABA Dispute Resolution Committee, whose decision shall be final.
All parties are encouraged to communicate in good faith, in the spirit of Christian brotherhood and mutual respect.
Yes, an author may choose to withdraw participation.
However:
- Submission fees remain non-refundable.
- Books already distributed to judges cannot be recalled.
- Any public communication regarding the withdrawal should be made through the Secretariat to maintain professionalism and unity within the community.
Each book is:
- Judged independently by a panel of qualified judges from across Africa.
- Evaluated against clearly published criteria at https://africanauthors.net/judges-and-criteria/
- Scored anonymously — meaning judges do not know the authors personally.
We strive to ensure the process remains objective, transparent, and honouring to God.
All correspondence should be directed to:
info@africanauthors.net
📞 +254 (0) 707 463 007
or through the official ACABA Secretariat contact form on our website.
Please avoid airing grievances publicly before engaging the internal resolution process — we are committed to listening, mediating, and maintaining peace in our literary community.
We are guided by Matthew 18:15–17, which reminds us to resolve issues first privately, then through witnesses, and finally through the community of believers if needed.
Our goal is always restoration, not rivalry — because we believe that in God’s Kingdom, literature is a ministry, not a battlefield.
