To be considered for a Montana Book Award, nominations must meet each of the conditions below:
- The award-winning book may be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, art, photography, a graphic novel (comics in book form), or an anthology.
- Books must have been published between January 1 and December 31 of the award year.
- To be eligible, a title must be written or illustrated by someone who lives in Montana (at least part time), be set in Montana, or deal with Montana as a topic.
- Works of joint authorship or editorship are eligible.
- Books must display and be identifiable by a valid 13- digit ISBN.
- Books must be available U.S. direct and/or through a viable book wholesale distribution outlet.
- Book previously published must be significantly revised. Reprints will not be considered.
A committee of readers representing geographic distribution throughout Montana selects the winner. Authors, publishers, and members of the public are invited to submit nominations to the committee.