Any book published within the calendar year is eligible for one of that year's Pulitzer Prizes in a literature category. The prize's submission deadline is Oct. 1, but books set to be published between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 are still eligible if they are submitted in page-proof or galley form by the submission deadline.
The rules governing literature Pulitzer Prizes require books to be published in hardcover or paperback format, thus eliminating e-books from eligibility. The Pulitzer's journalism categories have stayed on top of changing technology more efficiently, having recognized online journalism since 1997. It is possible the advisory board will expand regulations to include books solely published in digital format, but as of the date of publication, books need to exist in a physical, bound format for their authors to receive the $10,000 Pulitzer Prize.
The Pulitzer Prize is an American award and requires that all its recipients be American citizens. The sole exception is the history category, in which the author can be of any nationality but the subject of the book has to be American history.
Only books submitted with a complete application package received by Oct. 1 of the award year will be considered for nomination. Application packages require one biography and photograph of the author, four copies of the book and a $50 handling fee payable to Columbia University/Pulitzer Prizes.