The SC Center for the Book Awards were formerly a single award known as the Palmetto Book Award. In 2008, the Palmetto Book Award has expanded to honor excellence in:

• Writing: SC writer of any genre whose work has been published in the last year (2007)
• Teaching: SC teacher of the literary or language arts (at any level or type of school)
• Advocacy: SC person or organization that works to promote the literary arts and to foster a creative atmosphere in the state

The criteria for nominees are:

• The nominee must be a living South Carolina resident or an active South Carolina organization.
• The nominee must be a published writer, a current teacher, or an active promoter of the literary arts in South Carolina, as described in a one page nomination letter.

Nominees for the 2008 Awards are due by March 25, 2008.