Any novel published in during the previous year (2009)and written by an LDS writer can be nominated. Books that receives five nominations, it will be considered by the judges, and anyone can nominate a novel. To nominate a qualifying novel, go to the Whitney website at go to http://www.whitneyawards.com and enter the title, author and publisher.
Keep in mind that you can only nominate the same book once, and pulbishers and authors cannot nominate thier own novels. So if you've read a book this year that you think is exceptional, nominate it for a Whitney Award.