Relevant central and state ministries and commissions, key publishing groups, and universities:

　　The year 2018 is the first year of comprehensively implementing the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress, and marks the 40th anniversary of the inception of the reform and opening-up. This year is also very crucial in securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and implementing the 13th Five-Year Plan. To select and recommend suitable candidates for the Special Book Award of China, and honor those writers, translators and publishers (foreign nationals or Chinese nationals of foreign origins) who have made outstanding contributions in introducing contemporary China to the rest of the world, or promoting Chinese culture or publications, is of vital importance to enhancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world, building the capacity for better international communication, and introducing China’s publications overseas. Now the notice is hereby given on the recommendation and selection of the candidates for the 12th Special Book Award of China in 2018.

　　1. General Requirements

　　Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the process must fully comply with the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress and adhere to the principles of selecting those who hold correct values, enjoy recognition of the circle and have broad influence. Multi-candidate competitive recommendation mechanism must be strictly followed so as to select best writers, translators and publishers (foreign nationals or Chinese nationals of foreign origins) who have done tremendous work in promoting and disseminating Chinese culture, providing talent pool and intellectual support for Chinese culture to be better understood by the world.

　　2. Aims and Objectives

　　To provide necessary support for international friends, Sinologists, writers, translators and publishers who have strong interest in and deep insights into Chinese culture; to give needed help to those in the cultural industry and famous personages as they engage in the promotion of Chinese culture; and to pool the strengths of experts and scholars who have global influence in publishing.

　　3. Qualifications

　　Any writer, translator or publisher (foreign national or Chinese national of foreign origin) who has made outstanding contributions in the promotion and communication of Chinese culture can be recommended as a candidate.

　　3.1 Candidates for the Special Book Award of China must meet the following qualifications:

　　3.1.1 Above 40 years old.

　　3.1.2 Outstanding work in writing, translating or publishing books about China, or introducing, promoting and advancing Chinese culture.

　　3.1.3 Writing, translating or publishing books which give an objective portrait of the development in contemporary China, and present the country in an authentic and comprehensive way.

　　3.1.4 Writing, translating or publishing books (works) of high quality, impressive sales, wide readership and broad overseas influence.

　　3.1.5 Achieving high attainment, professionalism and a renowned reputation in a specific area.

　　3.2 Candidates for the Award for Young Professionals of Special Book Award of China must meet the following qualifications:

　　3.2.1 under 40 years old (including 40); having been writing, translating or publishing books about China for over 3 years.

　　3.2.2 Positive work in writing, translating or publishing books about China, or introducing, promoting and advancing Chinese culture.

　　3.2.3 Writing, translating or publishing books which give an objective portrait of the development in contemporary China, and present the country in an authentic and comprehensive way.

　　3.2.4 Good professional competence, innovative, and widely acclaimed in a specific area.

　　4. Recommendation Demands

　　4.1 Relevant departments shall attach great importance to the recommendation and selection by adopting strict criteria, regulating the procedures, and laying emphasis on the organizational recommendation and candidate verification process so as to ensure the selection of the best candidates.

　　4.2 Relevant departments shall select those writers, translators and publishers who identify with Chinese culture, and have played important roles and made outstanding contributions in the publishing of China and promoting better understanding of Chinese culture, in light of your departments’ experience in promoting Chinese culture and long-term cooperation with personages in this regard.

　　5. Recommendation Materials

　　The required recommendation materials include candidate’s recommendation form, CV, list of works, outstanding achievement, etc. Both paper and electronic formats of these materials shall be submitted. The paper format of the recommendation form and other materials of each candidate shall be put together, while the electronic format, in conformity with the paper format, shall be sent to the email of contact persons by the department which recommends the candidate. All the materials shall be submitted before March 15, 2018.

　　State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television will launch the appraisal of candidates for Special Book Award of China in April 2018. Winners will be officially announced at the Awarding Ceremony of the 12th Special Book Award of China to be held in August 2018.

　　Contact persons: Wei Qun and Liu Yingchen

　　Tel: 010-65012068, 010-83138752

　　Fax: 010-65069207

　　Email: weiqun@bibf.net

　　State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television

　　January 11, 2018