2025 Next Generation Indie Book Award Winners

Why We Hold The Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Why We Believe in The Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA)

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA) was created to recognize excellence in independent publishing and to support the diverse voices shaping the future of books.

Now in its 18th year and proudly entering its 19th, NGIBA is the largest international book awards program dedicated to indie publishing. Each year, the awards highlight outstanding independently published books—works that might otherwise go unnoticed in a market flooded with millions of new titles.

Authors and publishers who enter NGIBA are passionate about their work and serious about sharing it with a wider audience. They’re committed to quality, originality, and reaching readers in meaningful ways.

Our judging panel includes professionals from both traditional and independent publishing who bring deep industry insight and a shared love of great storytelling. Their expertise helps surface books that truly deserve broader recognition.

We look forward to honoring our 2025 Winners and Finalists at the Gala Awards Reception in June at The Notary Hotel in Philadelphia, held during the American Library Association Annual Conference. It’s a night dedicated to celebrating the very best of indie publishing—and the talented creators behind the books.

Call for Judges

for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards

We are seeking leaders in the book publishing industry to join the prestigious group of judges for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the largest international awards program honoring exceptional independently published books.

Judges for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards are all actively involved in the publishing industry. They include literary agents, editors, book reviewers, writing teachers, publishing executives, best-selling authors, and experts in the various areas of judging including book design.

We welcome applications from individuals who have expertise with book publishers of any size. While many of our judges have worked with successful independent publishers, our judges also include individuals who have worked with major publishing houses such as Simon & Schuster, Harper Collins and many divisions of the Penguin Random House Publishing Group and Avon Books, among others.

For more information about our judges, please visit: www.indiebookawards.com/judges.php.

Judges for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards are paid a modest honorarium. We are looking for judges for both fiction and non-fiction categories.

To put your name forward to become a judge, please email us at info@indiebookawards.com

The Next Generation INDIE BOOK AWARDS

is the largest International awards program for indie authors and independent publishers. Now celebrating its 18th year of operation for the 2025 awards year!

Message

from Founder and Co-Chair, Catherine Goulet

It fills me with pride to congratulate all Winners and Finalists of the 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA)! As we prepare to gather in Philadelphia for our annual celebration of literary excellence, this recognition represents far more than an accolade—it symbolizes your creative resilience, artistic vision, and entrepreneurial spirit in independent publishing.

Standing as the largest international awards program for self-published authors and indie publishers, NGIBA continues to showcase the remarkable talent flourishing outside traditional publishing paths. To everyone who submitted their literary works this year: your courage to share your voice enriches our cultural landscape. Behind every submission, our extraordinary panel of judges undertook the challenging task of evaluating each entry with care— their expertise and dedication deserve our deepest appreciation.

The heart of NGIBA beats stronger thanks to my co-founder Marilyn Allen, whose 30+ years in publishing—including her tenure as Senior Vice President at Harper Collins and other major houses—brings invaluable wisdom to our mission. Marilyn’s passionate championship of independent voices and her infectious JOY have been cornerstones of our success. I treasure her not just as a partner and co-founder, but as a dear friend who shares this vision.

Our accomplishments would be impossible without Co-Chair Cathy Teets, whose tireless dedication to independent publishing extends beyond those she directly publishes to embrace the wider community through promotional opportunities and marketing guidance. Cathy, your generosity of knowledge continues to transform authors’ journeys.

Special recognition must go to our exceptional awards coordinator, Shelley Anderson. Her behind-the-scenes dedication ensures the seamless operation of our program, infusing it with both professionalism and heart. Shelley, you truly are irreplaceable

My sincere gratitude extends to our entire NGIBA team—Anushka, Ashley, Beth, Chris, Heidi, John, Karen, Logan, Lolly, Meghan, Mike, Peter, Ray, and my business partner Tag, whose early support proved instrumental in launching this program. Your collective commitment transforms our vision into reality, and I consider it a profound privilege to collaborate with each of you on this meaningful work.

To all our winners and finalists: your creative achievements now join the distinguished legacy of NGIBA honorees. I look forward to celebrating with you in June! (Catherine Goulet)

Message from Co-Founder, Marilyn Allen

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is now in its 18th year and has become one of the largest international awards programs for indie authors and independent publishers in the world.

It’s an honor for me to be a part of this since the onset. I extend my congratulations to all the winners and finalists this year and in the past. I hope your writing dreams are coming true and that this award adds to your publishing success and personal joy.

(Marilyn Allen)

Message from Co-Chairperson, Cathy Teets

It is my honor to serve as co-chair of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, which acknowledges the best of independent authors and publishers around the globe. An Indie Book Award brings your book to the forefront of the immense competition each year for sales in the marketplace.

Catherine Goulet inspires small and large publishers and independent authors worldwide through the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Her dedication to this program celebrates and elevates all the winners and finalists with the recognition they deserve. I am excited to be part of this amazing program! (Cathy Teets)

Catherine Goulet

Marilyn Allen

Cathy Teets

THE WINNERS AND FINALISTS for the 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards are:

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS

Fiction

FIRST PLACE WINNER ($1,500 PRIZE)

Boy With Wings, by Mark Mustian

Non-Fiction

FIRST PLACE WINNER ($1,500 PRIZE)

The Warehouse: A Visual Primer on Mass (Koehler Books) Incarceration, by James Kilgore and Vic Liu, Illustrated by Vic Liu (PM Press)

SECOND PLACE WINNER ($750 PRIZE)

SECOND PLACE WINNER ($750 PRIZE)

Gentle Hugs, by Lily Guzman, Illustrated by Cherokee History and the Spirit Family, Dorota Rewerenda (Self-Published) by James Barnes (University of North Georgia Press)

THIRD PLACE WINNER ($500 PRIZE)

Told Ya! Stories, by Peta-Gaye Nash

THIRD PLACE WINNER ($500 PRIZE)

It’s Not (All) Your Fault: Self-Help and the (Tamarind Tree Books) Individualization of Oppression, by Sharon Podobnik (Manuscripts LLC)

CATEGORY WINNERS AND FINALISTS

(*All Winners and Finalists are listed in alphabetical order)

ACTION/ADVENTURE (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Big Feet: The Story, by Mike Rubel, Illustrated by Vinh Ha (FriesenPress)

• Relentless: A Gripping International Thriller (Kate Preacher Thriller Series Book 1), by Michael Maloof (Golden Oak Writer’s Guild, LLC)

FINALISTS:

• Beyond The Flames, by Gregory Lee Renz (Three Towers Press)

• Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom, by Lena Gibson (Black Rose Writing)

• Road to Eden, by Tim Twombly (KDP)

• Shanghai Sunset The Great Adventures of Breeze Lee (Book 1), by Sharon Barnes, Illustrated by Chris Ross (S & D Publishing)

• The Question: Our Soul Never Dies: Its Journey Just Begins, by Greg Siofer (Zukit Publishing)

ACTIVITY BOOKS (ALL AGES)

WINNER ($100):

• I Love My Community Kids Activity Book, by Tammy Gerhard, Illustrated by Hiruni Kariyawasam (Anavah Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Doodles Help Handwriting: Spacing, by Sarah Muldoon (Doodles Help Handwriting)

• Doodles Help Pre Handwriting: Shapes and Dino Fun, by Sarah Muldoon (Doodles Help Handwriting)

• The Monster-Building Handbook: A Creative Writing Activity Book by Cosmic Writers, by Cosmic Writers, Illustrated by Cynthia Zhou (Cosmic Writers)

• The Puzzler’s Guide to California: Games, Jokes, Fun Facts & Trivia about the Golden State, by Jen Funk Weber (Turner Publishing Company (imprint: Alaska Northwest Books))

• The Puzzler’s Guide to Oregon: Games, Jokes, Fun Facts & Trivia about the Beaver State, by Jen Funk Weber (Turner Publishing Company (imprint: Alaska Northwest Books))

AFRICAN AMERICAN (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Kin: Practically True Stories, by V Efua Prince (Wayne State University Press)

FINALISTS:

• Pieces, by Sondra Hardy (Book Marketeers)

• Sisters of Gavinville, by John Warner Smith (Between the Lines Publishing)

• The Restless Crucible: A Novel, by Yaw Agawu-Kakraba (Mt Nittany Press, an imprint of Eifrig Publishing)

AFRICAN AMERICAN (FICTION)…continued

• The Weight of Forgiveness, by Elizabeth Ray (Self-Published)

• The Well, by R Chapman Wesley (High Top Publishing)

AFRICAN AMERICAN (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Long Ride Home: Black Cowboys in America, by Ron Tarver (George F. Thompson Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction, Edited by Eugen Bacon (Bloomsbury Academic)

• Midnight Train from Georgia, by Dhyana Ziegler (Austin Macauley Publishers)

• Shattered, by Jenell Jones (AuthorHouse)

• The Velvet Hammer: Judge Belvin Perry, Jr.’s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir, by Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. and Amy Mitchell (Post Hill Press)

• Triumph in the Trenches: Navigating Success for Black Professionals, by Multiple Authors (Elona Washington)

ANIMALS/PETS

WINNER ($100):

• The Mind of a Horse. Science Meets Comics, by Helena Telkänranta, Illustrated by Maija Karala, Ville Sinkkonen (Arador Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Charlie and Sophie’s Great Escape, by Farial English, Illustrated by Patrizia Donaera (Miriam Laundry Publishing)

• Foster’s Leash, by Sarah Sommer, Illustrated by BulankinaKa (Mascot Kids)

• I Really Want A Puppy, by Judy DykstraBrown, Illustrated by Isidro Xilonzóchitl (Self-Published)

• It’s Not The DOG We’re TRAINING, by Katie & Dean Shannon, Illustrated by Johnny Divine (Rainwater Collections)

• Mitchie the Service Dog Gets a Job, by Diane Petrozzo, Illustrated by Lauren Zurcher (Spring Cedars LLC)

ANTHOLOGY

WINNER ($100):

• Wandering in American Deserts: Discovery, Visions, Redemption, by Multiple authors (Wanderland Writers)

FINALISTS:

• Animate(d) Architecture: A Spatial Investigation of the Moving Image, by Vahid Vahdat, Illustrated by Vahid Vahdat (Liverpool University Press)

• Divergent Realms: Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories About Neurodivergence, by Multiple Authors (Self-Published)

• Even Flowers Know That Water Is Useless Without Roots: Poetry, Essays, and Stories, by Gloria D. Gonsalves, Illustrated by Gloria D. Gonsalves (AuthorHouse UK)

• Fumptruck: Open Letters, Essays, Fiction, Poetry, Artwork & Other Creations for & Inspired by the 47th President of the Divided States of America, by Multiple Authors (Written Backwards)

• Season’s Readings: More Sweet, Funny, and Strange Holiday Tales, by Multiple Authors (Bethlehem Writers Group, LLC)

ART

WINNER ($100):

• POETRY OF THE CLAY: POESÍA DEL BARRO, by Charmayne Samuelson (Wood Duck Publishers)

FINALISTS:

• Animate(d) Architecture: A Spatial Investigation of the Moving Image, by Vahid Vahdat, Illustrated by Vahid Vahdat (Liverpool University Press)

• ART U.S.A.: One Hundred Works on Paper, 1925-1950, from the Collection of the Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga University, by Paul Manoguerra (Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga University)

• Femina Lucida: The Art of Nancy Mee, by Matthew Kangas (Utopian Heights Studios)

• Lattice Labyrinth Tessellations: Bold Art from Modest Mathematics, by David Mitchell (Scarthin Books)

• The Shenandoah Valley’s Interstates: Plein-air Paintings along I-81, I-66, and I-64, by Andrei Kushnir (George F. Thompson Publishing)

AUTOBIOGRAPHY/BIOGRAPHY

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• The Alterations Lady: An Afghan Refugee, an American, and the Stories that Define Us, by Cindy Miller, with Lailoma Shahwali (Apollo Publishers)

• The White Peril: A Family Memoir, by Omo Moses (Beacon Press)

FINALISTS:

• Above All, We Are Jews: A Biography of Rabbi Alexander Schindler, by Michael A. Meyer (CCAR Press)

• Dandy Don Meredith: The First Dallas Cowboy, by Dave Lieber (Yankee Cowboy Publishing)

• From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall, by David Singer (Palmetto Publishing)

• Guajira, the Cuba Girl, by Zita Arocha, Illustrated by Mark GIvens (Inlandia Institute)

• The Callas Imprint: A Centennial Biography, by Sophia Lambton (The Crepuscular Press)

BEST COVER DESIGN (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Sour Apples: A Novel For Those Who Hate to Read, by Paul Jantzen (Black Rose Writing)

• The Goddess of Weaver Street, by Joy Ross Davis (Wyatt-MacKenzie)

FINALISTS:

• Autumn, by Marc MacDonald (FriesenPress)

• Gee, That Was Fun: 7 Days of Mayhem, 1983, by Robert Fromberg, Illustrated by Claire Stamler-Goody (Trunk of My Car)

• In Her Mind a Darkness, by L.S. Johnson, Illustrated by Alex Eckman-Lawn (Traversing Z Press)

• Little Fortified Stories, by Barbara Black (Caitlin Press)

• Parrot Prose: A Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery, by DL Mitchell (Black Rose Writing)

• To End Every War: A Mystery Fantasy, by Raymond W. Wilkinson, Illustrated by Miblart (Kathy J. Productions)

BEST COVER DESIGN (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Long Ride Home: Black Cowboys in America, by Ron Tarver (George F. Thompson Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Anxious Children in an Anxious World: Facing Fears and Finding Brave, by Dr. Mary O’Kane (Self-Published)

• Bold Trust: 6 Steps to Unravel the Long-Term Effects of Gaslighting, Unapologetically Trust Yourself and Heal Anxiety, by Tricia Easter (TGH Publishing)

• GAME CHANGERS: How The Greatest Players, Matches, And Controversies Transformed Tennis, by Paul Fein (Coaches Choice)

• In & Out of Season: Thriving in Life’s Transitions, by Evelyn Johnson-Taylor Ph.D. (Elk Lake Publishing)

• Mommy, Am I Indian Today?, by Sheeba Varghese, Illustrated by Tori Tilahun (Self-Published)

• No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth, by Kate Grant (She Writes Press)

• This Stops With Me: Recovering from the abuse of a narcissistic mother and making sure you don’t become one, by Louise Grayhurst (Cisticola Publishing)

BEST OVERALL DESIGN (FICTION) (DIGITALLY SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)

WINNER ($100):

• Carquinez Review 2024, by Multiple Authors, Illustrated by Multiple Illustrators (Benicia Literary Arts)

FINALISTS:

• Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control, by Brandon Moore, Illustrated by Mick Marcellana (Self-Published)

• Contraptions, by Jeffrey Weinzweig (Nexus Press)

• Dreams and Illusions: A Gabrielle Dorian Mystery, by Rebecca Olmstead, Illustrated by Cherie Foxley (Thunder and Fire Press)

• The Ghosts of Lille, by Kimberly Kocken (FriesenPress)

• Tree Pose, by Susan Rogers and John Roosen, Illustrated by Tess McCabe, Susan Rogers, John Roosen, Nicholas Roosen, Pooja Khatri (G-EMS PTY LTD and PS LLC - An imprint of Yoga Mat Mysteries)

BEST OVERALL DESIGN (FICTION) (PRINT BOOK SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)

WINNER ($100):

• The Puppy Prophet, by David Cary Lane, Illustrated by Patrick Atkins (Kindle Direct Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Dancing with Dragons, by Jenni Ogden (Sea Dragon Press)

• O is for Pig, by Mariah Clark Skewes, Illustrated by Terri Einer (Li’l Hedgehog Publishing)

• The Great Animal Escape, by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh (Linda F. Radke, Story Monsters Press)

BEST OVERALL DESIGN (FICTION) (PRINT BOOK SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)…continued

• The Mermaid of Lake Superior, by Aurora Lothbrok, Illustrated by Jill Myer (Beaver’s Pond Press)

• Under the Black Flag - Piracy Is Not a Victimless Crime, by Jim Guigli, Illustrated by Jim Guigli (Labrador (Jim Guigli))

• Wish Upon A Streaming Star (Season 1 Volume 1), by Krissi Dallas (Thunderfly Productions)

BEST OVERALL DESIGN

(NON-FICTION) (DIGITALLY SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)

WINNER ($100):

• Bowerbirds!, by Donna L. Huntriss, Illustrated by Donna L. Huntriss (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Conversations with Psyche: A Dreamer’s Guide to Soul-Stirring Creativity, by Victoria Rabinowe, Illustrated by Victoria Rabinowe (Bright Shadow Press)

• Indian-Jewish Food: Recipes and Stories from the Backstreets of Bondi, by Elana Benjamin (Sydney Jewish Museum)

• Under the Influence, by Stephen St. John (Self-Published)

• Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899, by Norman Jetmundsen, Jr. and Karin Dupree Fecteau, Illustrated by Ernie Eldredge; Jim Trusilo (Shakerag Hollow Press)

• Whole-Food, Plant-Based Meal Planning: Transition into a Health Transformation, by Lois Lynn (Self-Published)

BEST OVERALL DESIGN (NON-FICTION) (PRINT BOOK SUBMITTED

FOR JUDGING)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• A Whisper of Cardamom: 80 Sweetly Spiced Recipes to Fall In Love With, by Eleanor Ford (Apollo Publishers)

• Women of Jewelry, by Linda M. KozloffTurner (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Behind The Door: Profiles of a Peninsula, by Kevin O’Donnell (Glenham Publishing)

• Breaking Through the Mist, In Search of the Meaning of Life, by Thomas Burns, Illustrated by Thomas Burns (Antipolis Press)

• Eversharp: Cornerstone of an Industry, by Jonathan A. Veley (Self-Published)

• Lights, Camera, Lionel Trains! A Photo History of an American Icon, by Roger Carp (Project Roar Publishing)

• Sneaker Law V2 (All You Need to Know About the Sneaker Business), by Kenneth Anand & Jared Goldstein (Sneaker Law LLC)

• The Landers: Biography of a Theater, by Kara DeBacker (Pearson Creek Publishing)

BIPOC (BLACK, INDIGENOUS AND/ OR PERSONS OF COLOR)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Cherokee History and the Spirit Family, by James Barnes (University of North Georgia Press)

• Crossing Waiyaki Way: A True Story of Poverty, Prayer, and Politics in Kenya, by Robin Okumu and Gordon Okumu (Angels of Africa Press)

FINALISTS:

• Mommy, Am I Indian Today?, by Sheeba Varghese, Illustrated by Tori Tilahun (Self-Published)

• Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Exalting Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective Care, by Nawal Qarooni (Routledge imprint of Stenhouse)

• Our Creative Realidades: A Nonfiction Anthology, by Multiple Authors (Somos En Escrito Literary Foundation Press)

• Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz’s Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States: A Graphic Interpretation, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, Illustrated by Paul Peart-Smith (Beacon Press)

• The Book Binder, by C.A. Cordova (Parrotlet Press LLC)

• This Way To Hope: The Challenges, Hard Truths, and Triumphs of Working with Critically At-Risk Students, by Donna Dukes (Optimiste Publications)

BUSINESS

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• The Emotional Overdraft: 10 simple changes for balancing business success and wellbeing, by Andy Brown (Practical Inspiration Publishing)

• The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation, by Duncan Wardle (Amplify Publishing Group)

FINALISTS:

• Price Writer: The nine-step method to becoming a highly successful general insurance pricing leader, by Jeremy Keating (Rethink Press)

• Star Quality Hospitality: The Key to a Successful Hospitality Business, by Monica Or (Rethink Press)

• Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat: Serial Entrepreneurs’ Secrets Revealed!, by Colin C Campbell (Forbes Books)

• The 365 Day Leader: Recalibrate Your Calling Every Day, by Dick Daniels (The Leadership Development Group)

• The Startup CTO’s Handbook: Essential skills and best practices for high performing engineering teams, by Zach Goldberg (World Changers Media)

• The Trusted Learning Advisor: The Tools, Techniques and Skills You Need to Make L&D a Business Priority, by Keith Keating (Kogan Page)

CAREER

WINNER ($100):

• At Ease: The Guide to a Smooth and Successful Military Transition, by Emily King Grandinetta (Fullcourt Press)

FINALISTS:

• How We Choose to Show Up: Nature’s Playbook for Creating a Meaningful Life and the World We Want, by Marcy Axelrod (Amplify Books)

• Outsmart the Learning Curve: How Ordinary People Can Achieve Extraordinary Success, by Joe Sipher (Koehler Books)

• The Freelancer’s Compass: Navigate Your Way from Corporate Cog to Solopreneur Star, by Rodika Tollefson (Audacia Press)

• The Productive Perfectionist: A Women’s Guide to Smashing the Shackles of Perfectionism, by Kathryn C Mayer (Collaborative Competition Press)

• V.I.P.E.R. Improvement: Fire/EMS Department Leadership and Management, by Dr. David Hupp (Self-Published)

• Your Grass is Greener: Use What You Have. Get What You Want. At Work and In Life., by Jason Silver (Ideapress Publishing)

CHICK LIT (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Exception, by Marian Bruno (Little Forest Books)

FINALISTS:

• All the Broken Angels, by Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman (Green Grotto Press)

• DM Me for Murder, by Sarah E. Burr (Level Best Books)

• The First Love Myth, by Casey Dembowski (Red Adept Publishing)

• The Mystery in the Margins: A Cozy Mystery (Havenwood Paranormal Cozy Mysteries Book 1), by L.L. Gray (Heroic Rose Publishing)

• Tree Pose, by Susan Rogers and John Roosen, Illustrated by Tess McCabe, Susan Rogers, John Roosen, Nicholas Roosen, Pooja Khatri (G-EMS PTY LTD and PS LLC - An imprint of Yoga Mat Mysteries)

CHILDREN’S EDUCATIONAL PICTURE BOOK (6 YEARS AND UP)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• ABC... Yes, You Can!, by Florence Mudzongo, Illustrated by Josiah Taundi (Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing)

• Who Pooped in the Park? Rocky Mountain National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids, by Gary D. Robson, Illustrated by Robert Rath (Farcountry Press)

FINALISTS:

• Foster’s Leash, by Sarah Sommer, Illustrated by BulankinaKa (Mascot Kids)

• Fungi Are... More Than Mushrooms, by Alisha Gabriel, Illustrated by Vivien Sarkany (Tielmour Press)

• Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives? All you need to know about food allergies and how to deal with them, by Davina Steel, Illustrated by Davina Steel (Rethink Press)

• Jackson’s Wilder Adventures Vol. 1: Habits & Habitats, by Sarah Davidson, Illustrated by Sarah Davidson (Mad Cave Studios/ Papercutz)

• Me, the Dodo? Memoirs of a Dodo, by Anders Roseberg, Illustrated by Alex Preyzener (Babooky)

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK (0-5 YEARS)

WINNER ($100):

• My Bunny Lies Over the Ocean, by Bill Richardson, Illustrated by Bill Pechet (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)

FINALISTS:

• A Is for Abstract: The Creative Kids Colorful Alphabet Book of Animal Rhymes, by EB Mackie, Illustrated by CK Mackie (World Changers Press LLC)

• Grandma Gogo - The Little Book of Encouragement, by Margot Bain, Illustrated by Hiruni Kariyawasam (Self-Published)

• O is for Pig, by Mariah Clark Skewes, Illustrated by Terri Einer (Li’l Hedgehog Publishing)

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK (0-5 YEARS)

…continued

• Rainbow Bear, by Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson, Illustrated by Nathalie Beauvois (Brown Books Publishing Group)

• The Enormous Egg, by Victoria Forsyth, Illustrated by Victoria Forsyth (Moon Star Books)

• The Hesitant Hedgehog, by Meredith Maltby Jao, Illustrated by Chishan Jao (Jao Design Studio)

• You Can Throw a Party!, by Jan Gniffke, Illustrated by Rebeca J. Pintos (Brown Books Publishing Group)

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK (NON-FICTION) (ALL AGES)

WINNER ($100):

• Wolf Matriarchs of Yellowstone, The Beginning of the New Wolf Era, by Sylvia M. Medina and Douglas W. Smith, Illustrated by Andreas Wessel-Therhorn (Green Kids Club)

FINALISTS:

• Addison Mizner, Visionary Architect, by Robert L. Forbes, Illustrated by Barbara McClintock (Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach)

• Medieval Monsters and Other Creatures, by Timothy Ide, Illustrated by Timothy Ide (MidnightSun Publishing)

• Miss Dorothy’s Garden: 9 BEE Attitudes to Grow By, by Gwendolyn Faye, Illustrated by Robin Swaby (Myriad Press)

• Mommy, Am I Indian Today?, by Sheeba Varghese, Illustrated by Tori Tilahun (Self-Published)

• My Body Safety Rules: Educating and empowering children with disability about body boundaries, consent and body safety skills, by Jayneen Sanders, Illustrated by Farimah Khavarinezhad (Educate2Empower)

• The Puzzle Piece: A Children’s Book About Authenticity and Self-Love, by Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez, Illustrated by Rita Nilson (Wholesome Children Books LLC)

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK #OWNVOICES

WINNER ($100):

• Oh No! Chinese School!, by Crystal Murakami, Illustrated by Jon Kenzo Okeya (East West Discovery Press LLC)

FINALISTS:

• A Kids Book About Diwali, by Chhavi Arya Bhargava (A Kids Book About Inc.)

• Kuekuatsheu Creates the World, by Annie Picard, Illustrated by Elizabeth Jancewicz (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)

• Mandeep’s Cloudy Days, by Kuljinder Kaur Brar, Illustrated by Samrath Kaur (Annick Press)

• Miss Dorothy’s Garden: 9 BEE Attitudes to Grow By, by Gwendolyn Faye, Illustrated by Robin Swaby (Myriad Press)

• Rabbit’s Song: A Cherokee Story, by Brad Wagnon, Illustrated by Alex Stephenson (Rowe Publishing)

• Stars on My Knees, by Michelle Murchison, Illustrated by Ana Stretcu (Robogirl, LLC)

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK ILLUSTRATION (BEST ILLUSTRATOR)

WINNER ($100):

• Kuekuatsheu Creates the World, by Annie Picard, Illustrated by Elizabeth Jancewicz (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)

FINALISTS:

• A Is for Abstract: The Creative Kids Colorful Alphabet Book of Animal Rhymes, by EB Mackie, Illustrated by CK Mackie (World Changers Press LLC)

• Agnes’s Garden, by Lori Doody, Illustrated by Lori Doody (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)

• All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings (Children’s edition), by Gayle Boss, Illustrated by Sharon Spitz (Paraclete Press)

• Mandeep’s Cloudy Days, by Kuljinder Kaur Brar, Illustrated by Samrath Kaur (Annick Press)

• My Bunny Lies Over the Ocean, by Bill Richardson, Illustrated by Bill Pechet (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)

• The Magic Hat, by Donna Seim, Illustrated by Susan Spellman (FriesenPress)

CHILDREN’S/JUVENILE (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Gentle Hugs, by Lily Guzman, Illustrated by Dorota Rewerenda (Self-Published)

• The Falls, by Janet R. Macreery (Outskirts Press)

FINALISTS:

• A Story About a Father & Son, by Sachiko Otohata & Brendyn Zachary, Illustrated by Sachiko Otohata (Self-Published)

• Bog Myrtle, by Sid Sharp (Annick Press)

• Ezra and the Great Bin Jah Meen, by R. D. Stevens, Illustrated by Juliette Caron (Dreamsphere Books)

• Frankie & Chair, by Johan Ingler (Self-Published)

• Jackson’s Wilder Adventures Vol. 1: Habits & Habitats, by Sarah Davidson, Illustrated by Sarah Davidson (Mad Cave Studios/ Papercutz)

• T(h)ree of My Grandma’s Lives, by Jessica Heintz, Illustrated by Anabela Tasevska (Imajey Creations)

• The Missing Children of Blackwood, by Brian Starr, Illustrated by Dee Nugraha (Amazon)

CHILDREN’S/JUVENILE (NON-FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Addison Mizner, Visionary Architect, by Robert L. Forbes, Illustrated by Barbara McClintock (Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach)

• BE A SCRIBE! Working for a Better Life in Ancient Egypt, by Michael Hoffen (Callaway Children’s Classics)

FINALISTS:

• First Ladies Make History, by Anita McBride and Giovanna McBride, Illustrated by John Hutton (The White House Historical Association)

• Maestra with Joy: An Introduction to Great Women Composers, by Suzanne Brown, Illustrated by Romi Caron (Self-Published with Suesings Music Services)

• Out of the Tub: President and Chief Justice William Howard Taft, by Carol A. Josel, Illustrated by Gavrielle Kestenbaum (Austin Macauley Publishers)

• Rocco Keeps the Beat! Music at the White House, by Rocco Smirne, Illustrated by John Hutton (The White House Historical Association)

• Where Are the Women? The Girl Scouts’ Campaign for the First Statue of Women in Central Park, by Janice Hechter, Illustrated by Janice Hechter (Red Chair Press)

CHILDREN’S/JUVENILE EARLY READERS/CHAPTER BOOKS (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Little Adventures of Erig the Earwig, by Andy Evans, Illustrated by Lucy Fleming (Grosvenor House Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Adele and the Whispering Garden, by Polly Richards (Ceallaigh Publishing, LLC)

• Lina and the Octopus Arms, by Y. Renbert, Illustrated by Y. Renbert (Happy Dumpling Books)

• Millie & Marty Muldoon Miss Out, by R.S. Prinzo, Illustrated by Sathomi Ekanayake (Glenforest Publishing Company)

• Sienna & the Magical Adventure Park, by Donald Schaeffer, Illustrated by Zoe Ranucci (Circle Originals LLC)

• The Wolf and The Wind (Adventures in Gaeldor Book 1), by Katie Spina, Illustrated by Victoria Murray (Awesome Authors Kids)

• Where’s Johnny? The Adventures of a Lost Cat, by Lori Burton, Illustrated by Wendi Nordell (Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing)

• Why Can’t My Brother Be More Like My Cat?, by Allia Zobel Nolan, Illustrated by Lee Wildish (AlliaWrites)

CHRISTIAN (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Magda Revealed, by Ursula Werner (She Writes Press)

FINALISTS:

• ‘Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season, by Chris Posti (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.)

• The Lost Rose, by Victoria Lynn, Illustrated by August Buehrer (Glory Writers Press)

• When Jesus Calls, by Martha Gayle (Faith Is Believing)

• When Jesus Leads - A Sequel to When Jesus Calls, by Martha Gayle (Faith Is Believing)

• Where Darkness Dwells, by Andrea Renae (Self-Published)

CHRISTIAN (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Treasure: A Pearls of Promise 52-Week Devotional, by Lisa Burkhardt Worley and Lane Jordan Burday (Pearls of Promise Ministries)

CHRISTIAN (NON-FICTION)…continued

FINALISTS:

• Awakened: A 52-Week Progressive Christian Devotional, by Caleb J Lines (Chalice Press)

• Clinging to the Spirit’s Feathers ... through Fire, Flood, and Faith, by Rev. Sandee D. Kosmo, Illustrated by Hannah Ferguson, Lisa Kosmo (Allegra)

• Severed Sacredness: The Miraculous Journey of Jessie Boone, by Lisa Boone (Saved by Story Publishing)

• The Biblical Path to Financial Freedom: A Reflective Guide to Managing Your Finances According to God’s Word, by Seth Jones (Self-Published)

• Underground: Serving the Lord as Chief of Smuggling Operations—for Secret Church Leadership Training 1983-1990, by Al Baanna (Emmanuel Publishing)

COFFEE TABLE BOOK/ PHOTOGRAPHY

WINNER ($100):

• A Hot Night in Rome, A Cold Night in Paris, by Melissa David (IngramSpark Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Black in Fashion: 100 Years of Style, Influence & Culture, by WWD, Tonya Blazio-Licorish and Tara Donaldson (Union Square & Co.)

• Somewhere in Another Place, by Mike Vos (Buckman Publishing)

• The Endless Sphere of Time, by Geir Jordahl (True North Editions)

• The Long Ride Home: Black Cowboys in America, by Ron Tarver (George F. Thompson Publishing)

• The Taste of Ambiance: Luxury Wine Cellar Designs, by Al Fuentes (Brown Books Publishing Group)

COOKBOOKS/HEALTHY EATING/NUTRITION

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• A Whisper of Cardamom: 80 Sweetly Spiced Recipes to Fall In Love With, by Eleanor Ford (Apollo Publishers)

• Our South: Black Food Through My Lens, by Ashleigh Shanti (Union Square & Co.)

FINALISTS:

• Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store, by Paola Velez (Union Square & Co.)

• Celebrating Comfy, Cozy Foods from North America: Cooking for Halflings & Monsters, Volume 3, by Astrid Tuttle Winegar (Multitudes Press)

• Fresh Grown: Essential Guide to Use, Store, and Make the Most of Your Vegetables, by Andrea Kristin, Illustrated by Andrea Kristin (Self-Published)

• Indian-Jewish Food: Recipes and Stories from the Backstreets of Bondi, by Elana Benjamin (Sydney Jewish Museum)

• The Coo Coo Vegan: Simple And Delicious Vegan Recipes That Will Inspire You To Eat Healthier, by Shayaa Muhammad (Gourmand Eats, LLC)

CURRENT EVENTS

WINNER ($100):

• Judicial Soup, by Shannon Bohrer (Loyola University Maryland’s Apprentice House Press)

FINALISTS:

• America, Why? Money. Party. Politics. What Happened to Our Democracy?, by Jill Shea (Self-Published)

• Mission Out of Control, by Dr. Charles J. Camarda (Headline Books)

• Priceless: Curing the Healthcare Crisis (Second Edition), by John C. Goodman (Independent Institute)

• Prompting Originality: The A.I. Handbook for Humans, by Norty Cohen and Delaney Ehrhardt (Ideapress Publishing)

• The Random Factor: How Chance and Luck Profoundly Shape Our Lives and the World Around Us, by Mark Robert Rank (University of California Press)

E-BOOK (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Tabula Rasa, by Paul L. Centeno, I llustrated by Paul Pederson, Chris Bines (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Because She Was Called: From Broken to Bold Book 2: A Novel of the Early Church, by Elaine Ricker Kelly, Illustrated by Paul Schultz (KDP)

• By Rook or By Crook, by Nancy A. Hughes (Headline Books)

• In Harm’s Way, by Thomas M. Wing (Acorn Publishing, LLC)

• Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge, by Robert B. O’Connor (OKPI)

• Lioness of Broceliande, by Gloria Prunty (Self-Published)

E-BOOK (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Innovative Guide to Fashion and Beauty 2025, by Murielle Gagné (RedCallas)

FINALISTS:

• Broken Water: An Extraordinary True Story, by Barbara Lane (Barbara Lane, LLC)

• Our Global Crisis: “We’ll Never Run Out!”, by Brian D McLean (Tellwell Talent)

• Prioritize Us: Unlock Lasting Love with One Simple, Proven Test, by Nick Brancato (Self-Published)

• Seasons of Life, by Susan McLeod (Atmosphere Press)

• The Heroine’s Labyrinth: Archetypal Designs in Heroine-Led Fiction, by Douglas A. Burton (Silent Music Press)

EDUCATION/ACADEMIC (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Breathe--Move--Learn With Young Children: 70 Activities in Mindfulness, Brain-Friendly Movement, and Social-Emotional Learning, by Marcia Lee Unnever (Brookes Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Democracy and Solidarity: On the Cultural Roots of America’s Political Crisis, by James Davison Hunter (Yale University Press)

• The Infourge Compendium of Models and Theories for Coaches, Facilitators, and Consultants, by Max Palomeque (Infourge Leadership)

• The Playbook for Self-Directed Learning, by Tyler Thigpen, Caleb Collier, Amber Bryant, Brittney Toles (Eye On Education)

• The Warehouse: A Visual Primer on Mass Incarceration, by James Kilgore and Vic Liu, Illustrated by Vic Liu (PM Press)

• This Way To Hope: The Challenges, Hard Truths, and Triumphs of Working with Critically At-Risk Students, by Donna Dukes (Optimiste Publications)

FANTASY

WINNER ($100):

• Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver, by D. Wallace Peach (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• All That Shimmers, by Kady Ambrose (Anqa Press)

• Grover Wilcox Goes to the Circus, by Martin Lastrapes (Cannibal Press)

• No One Will Save Us: A Novel, by Julie L. Brown (JAB Press)

• Remnants of a Scarlet Flame: The Last Draegion Saga Book 1, by Cindy L Sell (Aether and Ash Press)

• Spark of the Divine: The Kalaraak Chronicles, #1, by Louise Holland (Self-Published)

FIRST NOVEL

(40,000 TO 70,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Her Empty Chair: She left without a trace... not even a crumb, by Sunna Coleman (Inspired By Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Flooding the River, by Kehinde Winful (WiseInk Creative Publishing)

• The Deceived Ones, by Judith Krummeck (Loyola University Maryland’s Apprentice House Press)

• The Faraway Mountains, by Radu Guiasu (Histria Books)

• The Light Of Faded Stars, by Francis-Adrien Morneault, Illustrated by Marie-Line Morneault (FriesenPress)

• The Reflections of Andre Alfonz, by Christian Gutierrez (Christian Gutierrez)

• The Weight of Forgiveness, by Elizabeth Ray (Self-Published)

• Zing!, by Gina A. Hagler (KidWrite Publishing LLC)

FIRST NOVEL

(70,000 TO 90,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Brooklyn ‘76: A Novel, by Anthony Ausiello (South Allen Street Press)

FINALISTS:

• Big Music, by Gillian Wills (Hawkeye Publishing)

• In the Garden of Sorrows, by Karen Jewell (MindStir Media)

• Love and Horror Movies: A Novel, by Jordy Charles (Self-Published)

• The Shutdown List, by Sharon Dukett (SharKen Publishing)

• Zone Trip, by Kitty Turner (Independent under author imprint, Daily House)

FIRST NOVEL (OVER 90,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Where the Sun Sets, by Donna Litt, Illustrated by Maria Laguna (Self-Published)

FIRST NOVEL (OVER 90,000 WORDS)

…continued

FINALISTS:

• A Hard Darkness, by Ray Turner (Self-Published)

• Hermit of Paradise, by Kim Sanders (Brown Books Publishing Group)

• Plagued Lands, by Nikki Brooke (Crow Knight Film & Publishing Realm)

• The Frontrunner, by Brad Fawley (Green Writers Press)

• The Martha Odyssey, by Bonny Gable (Luminare Press)

• The Reed, by Jordan Musen (Blackbird Books)

• Trailing Darkness (Savior of the Light Book 1), by A. L. Gordon (Self-Published)

FIRST NOVEL (UNDER

50,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Blood Dragon: The Dragon Prince of Ijlal, by Micah Johnson (Glass Spider Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Notes From Star to Star, by Brian Dolan (Root Park Press)

• Pineville Trace, by Wes Blake (Etchings Press)

• The Dream To End All Dreams, by Rebecca Ryder (Amazon/Ingram Spark)

• The Lost Amulet, Stone Bearer Series (Book 1), by Mary Farrugia (WP Lighthouse)

• The Writing Box, by Allison Ali (Cobblestone Books)

GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL

(70,000 TO 100,000 WORDS)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• From Tickhill, 1348, by Pamela Taylor (Black Rose Writing)

• Vatican Daughter, by Joni Marie Iraci (Collective Ink/Roundfire Books)

FINALISTS:

• Dotted Lines, by Stephanie Cesca (Guernica Editions)

• Legacy of The Enchanted, by JC Brennan, Illustrated by The Book Khaleesi (Self-Published)

• Swim: The Astonishing Tale of Lucy Morton, by Lisa Brace (Blue Pier Books)

• The Buoyant Letters of Mimsy Bell, by Laurel Dodge (Littoral Books)

• The Lost Canvas, by Julie D. Simmons (Palmetto Publishing)

• The Paperboy and The Spinster, by Gustaf Berger (Self-Published)

• The Voice of the Dog, by David Benjamin (Last Kid Books)

GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL (OVER 100,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Boy With Wings, by Mark Mustian (Koehler Books)

FINALISTS:

• Easter at The Three Coins Inn, by Kimberly Sullivan (Self-Published)

• Secrets at the Aviary Inn, by MaryAnn Clarke (Nymphaea Press)

• The Reed, by Jordan Musen (Blackbird Books)

• The Utopia, by Christian Jerry Marchioni (FriesenPress)

• Thing That I Am, by Paul Warburton (Dream Cast Publishing LLC)

GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL

(UNDER 70,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Nathan’s Journal: A Novel, by Thom Ring (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Everything Happens to Me, by Peter Cherches (Pelekinesis)

• Peace Like a River, by Scott Gould (Regal House Publishing)

• The Ballad of Walker Owens, by Greg M. Dodd, Illustrated by Greg M. Dodd (Rolos Tuesday Publishing)

• The Deceived Ones, by Judith Krummeck (Loyola University Maryland’s Apprentice House Press)

• The Faraway Mountains, by Radu Guiasu (Histria Books)

• Things that Cause Inappropriate Happiness, by Danila Botha (Guernica Editions)

GENERAL NON-FICTION

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• It’s Not (All) Your Fault: Self-Help and the Individualization of Oppression, by Sharon Podobnik (Manuscripts LLC)

• Outsmart the Learning Curve: How Ordinary People Can Achieve Extraordinary Success, by Joe Sipher (Koehler Books)

FINALISTS:

• 28 Bags of Sprouts - Storytelling with Impact, by Jamie Mackenzie ( Jamie Mackenzie)

• Eversharp: Cornerstone of an Industry, by Jonathan A. Veley (Self-Published)

• Healing Healthcare: Evidence-Based Strategies to Mend Our Broken System, by Sharon M. Weinstein and Dina Readinger (Amplify Publishing Group)

• Mission Possible: How to Graduate From College Debt-Free, by Dr. Juan Phillip Chisholm (Greenlight Books & Publishing, LLC.)

• The Best Care for Those with the Least: An Empowering Guide to Bridge the Socioeconomic Gap in Medical Care, by Kristen DavisCoelho, PhD (Platypus Publishing)

• The New American Anti-Semitism: The Left, the Right, and the Jews, by Benjamin Ginsberg (Independent Institute)

• The New Being: Preparing for the Emergence of a New Humanity, Volume I, by Joel Bryant (Word in Season Publications)

GIFT

WINNER ($100):

• Celebrate the Joy! Poems and Reflections for the Christmas Season, by Robin Halverson (ShareHisGift Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Moments In Time 2.0: Stories About Artists And Songs Of The 60s, 70s, And 80s. For Fans Of Music ... From A Music Fan, by Tom Locke, Illustrated by Kristy Twellmann Hill (Hub Consulting Services)

• The ABCs of Hope & Healing, by Mariah Clark Skewes (Li’l Hedgehog Publishing)

• The Official White House Christmas Ornament: Collected Stories of a Holiday Tradition, by Marcia Anderson (The White House Historical Association)

• Word Search of Nova Scotia: Volume One, by Nick Cranford (Flanker Press Ltd.)

• You’re Something Else, by Gene Kruckemyer (Middle River Press)

GRAPHIC NOVEL

WINNER ($100):

• The Rez Doctor, by Gitz Crazyboy, Illustrated by Veronika Barinova, Azby Whitecalf, Toben Racicot (HighWater Press)

FINALISTS:

• Apple and Grape, Volume 4: Plight of the Pizza Party, by Chaz, Illustrated by Chaz (Lulu Press)

• Jackie and the Magical Guys, by Amy Linsamouth, Illustrated by Hamons (Monster Candy Publishing)

• Little Moons, by Jen Storm, Illustrated by Ryan Howe, Nickolej Villiger, Alice RL (HighWater Press)

• Revolution by Fire: New York’s Afro-Irish Uprising of 1741, a Graphic Novel, by Marcus Rediker, Illustrated by David Lester (Beacon Press)

• The Mind of a Horse. Science Meets Comics, by Helena Telkänranta, Illustrated by Maija Karala, Ville Sinkkonen (Arador Publishing)

HEALTH/WELLNESS (NON-FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Quiet Hour: Easy Ways to Reduce Stress and Relax in Nature, by Heather Chase and Ken Beller (LTS Press)

• You Need a (Better) Vacation: How Smarter Breaks Can Boost Your Health, Happiness, & Productivity, by Jennica Day (Vacation House)

FINALISTS:

• Create the Vitality You Crave: Epigenetics 101 to Unlock Your Healing Power, by Lori Finlay, MSN, NP, BCC (Women Wisdom & Wellness)

• Healing Healthcare: Evidence-Based Strategies to Mend Our Broken System, by Sharon M. Weinstein and Dina Readinger (Amplify Publishing Group)

• Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work, by Susan Ni Chriodain (Practical Inspiration Publishing)

• The Emotional Overdraft: 10 simple changes for balancing business success and wellbeing, by Andy Brown (Practical Inspiration Publishing)

• Whole-Food, Plant-Based Meal Planning: Transition into a Health Transformation, by Lois Lynn (Self-Published)

HISTORICAL (FICTION) (PRE 1900’S)

WINNER ($100):

• From Tickhill, 1348, by Pamela Taylor (Black Rose Writing)

FINALISTS:

• Arden: The astonishing untold story of Shakespeare’s first play, by GD Harper (Ginger Cat)

HISTORICAL (FICTION) (PRE 1900’S)

…continued

• Asayi: An Autistic Teen’s Journey to Topple a Shogun in Medieval Japan, by Sharon Curcio, Illustrated by Craig Gundry (Self-Published)

• Blue Hawk, by Chloe Turner (Deixis Press)

• Caravan of Specters, by Carlos García Saúl (St. Petersburg Press)

• Daughters of Green Mountain Gap, by Teri M Brown (Atmosphere Press)

• Discretion is Valor: A Novel of Factual History Pertaining to the Chihenne and Mescalero Apache, by J Hoolihan Clayton (Dog Soldier Press)

• Divinity Undone, by Michelle Elliott (Self-Published)

HISTORICAL (FICTION) (1900’S)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Boys, by Roger Newman (KoehlerBooks)

• Retreat from the Precipice, by Duke Southard (Wheatmark)

FINALISTS:

• Never Just Anybody...Alice’s Story, by Barbara McCarthy (Olympia)

• Scatterings, by Elena Storer (Loma Chiquita Press)

• Stumbling Stones, by Bonnie Suchman (Black Rose Writing)

• Swim: The Astonishing Tale of Lucy Morton, by Lisa Brace (Blue Pier Books)

• The Last Whaler, by Cynthia Reeves (Regal House Publishing)

• The Martha Odyssey, by Bonny Gable (Luminare Press)

• The Paperboy and The Spinster, by Gustaf Berger (Self-Published)

HISTORICAL (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Disturbing the Sleeping Buffalo: 23 Unexpected Stories that Awaken Montana’s Past, by Sally Thompson (Farcountry Press)

FINALISTS:

• Looking for Legends: Let Us Take You Somewhere You’ve Never Been Before, and Introduce You to Our Friends, by Barbara Scott and Thomas Tarantino (Whole Wide World Publishing)

• No Ordinary Journey: Stories of Men on the Overland Trails, by Mary Barmeyer O’Brien (Farcountry Press)

• Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town - A Memoir, by Ana Hebra Flaster (She Writes Press)

• The Way It Used To Be, by Diane Solie Smith (Fathom Publishing)

• Wake Island Wildcat: A Marine Fighter Pilot’s Epic Battle at the Beginning of World War II, by William L. Ramsey (Stackpole Books)

HORROR

WINNER ($100):

• False Bodies, by J.R McConvey (Breakwater Books Ltd.)

FINALISTS:

• Rest Stop, by Nat Cassidy (Shortwave Publishing)

• Tab’s Terrible Third Eye, by Isaac Thorne (Lost Hollow Books)

• The Eater of Flies, by Richard Gadz (Deixis Press)

• The Inhabitants, by Beth Castrodale (Regal House Publishing)

• Whispers of Apple Blossoms, by Brett Mitchell Kent (Lethe Press)

HUMOR/COMEDY

WINNER ($100):

• Everything Happens to Me, by Peter Cherches (Pelekinesis)

FINALISTS:

• A Good Day and Other (Mostly) Humorous Stories and Lists, by Radu Guiasu (FriesenPress)

• GETTING SAUCED: How I Learned Everything I Know About Food from Working in TV, by Karen S. Katz (Morgan James Publishing)

• I FAILED: A Hilarious and Cautionary Tale About Entrepreneurship, by Whitney Linscott (Self-Published)

• Max and the Musicians, by Jack Cazal (MeadwoodCreative)

• Space Rabbit’s Secret Notebook of Human Behavior, by Kun-I Chang & Shih-Wen Lin, Illustrated by Kun-I Chang (Self-Published)

ILLUSTRATIONS

WINNER ($100):

• Conversations with Psyche: A Dreamer’s Guide to Soul-Stirring Creativity, by Victoria Rabinowe, Illustrated by Victoria Rabinowe (Bright Shadow Press)

FINALISTS:

• Flowers, Plants and Fascinating Facts / Maua, Mimea na Ukweli wa Kuvutia: Bilingual English-Kiswahili, by Gloria D. Gonsalves, Illustrated by Gloria D. Gonsalves (AuthorHouse UK)

• H.P. Lovecraft’s Commonplace Book: Weirdly Illustrated, by H.P. Lovecraft, Illustrated by Michael Bukowski (Lethe Press)

• Silent Night, by S. Ichiro Hayashi, Illustrated by Sean Ichiro Hayashi (Stallion Studio)

• Space Rabbit’s Secret Notebook of Human Behavior, by Kun-I Chang & Shih-Wen Lin, Illustrated by Kun-I Chang (Self-Published)

• Spirit of Place: Snapshots of travels through poetry and images, by Helen Rosemary Wood, Illustrated by Helen Rosemary Wood and Bernadette Harrison (Self-Published)

INSPIRATIONAL (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Time and the Tree: A Novel, by Róisín Sorahan (Imbolc Books)

FINALISTS:

• Ahoti: A Story of Tamar, by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh, Eva Marie Everson (Paraclete Press)

• Boy With Wings, by Mark Mustian (Koehler Books)

• The Making of BRIO McPRIDE, by R.A.Ruegg (Aventus / LMI)

• The Sower of Black Field: Inspired by the True Story of an American in Nazi Germany, by Katherine Koch (Mindstir Media)

• This, by Lazaros Zigomanis (MidnightSun Publishing)

INSPIRATIONAL (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• YOUR LIFEPATH: How to Make Each Stage of Your Life Exceptional, by Neal Engstrom (Foothills Media Group LLC)

FINALISTS:

• Be BOLD Today: Unleash Your Potential, Master Your Mindset and Achieve Success, by Leigh Burgess (The Collective Book Studio)

• Elk Love: A Montana Memoir, by Lynne Spriggs O’Connor (She Writes Press)

• Exquisitely Aligned: A Pocket Guide to Your Magnificent Future, by Gina Maier Vincent (World Changers Media)

• Re-story, Restore, Restart: Leave Limiting Beliefs Behind and Move Forward, by Koralia Timotheou (Rethink Press)

• Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future, by Simon T Bailey, Illustrated by Kendra Cagle (Amplify Publishing)

LGBTQ+ (LESBIAN/GAY/BISEXUAL/ TRANSGENDER/QUEER+)

WINNER ($100):

• Istanbul Crossing, by Timothy Jay Smith (Leapfrog Press)

FINALISTS:

• Adrift, by Sam Ledel (Bold Strokes Books)

• Because She Was Called: From Broken to Bold Book 2: A Novel of the Early Church, by Elaine Ricker Kelly, Illustrated by Paul Schultz (KDP)

• Excuse Me Sir! Memoir of a Butch, by Shaley Howard (Good Dog Productions)

• Memoir of a Mangled Mind: How Concealing My Dissociative Identity Disorder Unleashed Multiple Personalities, by Steven Simmons Shelton, MA, JD (Self-Published)

• The Ballad of Robin and King Richard, by Artúr Faye (BNF Publishing House LLC)

• The Making of BRIO McPRIDE, by R.A.Ruegg (Aventus / LMI)

LIFESTYLE/HOME/HOW TO

WINNER ($100):

• Pump or Bust: A New Mama’s Guide to Office Politics, Breast Health, and Pumping on the Road!, by Karlee Vincent (Praeclarus Press)

FINALISTS:

• Buddha’s Closet, Cleaning as a Path to Enlightenment, by Kerri Scott (Kerri Scott Books)

• Quiet Hour: Easy Ways to Reduce Stress and Relax in Nature, by Heather Chase and Ken Beller (LTS Press)

• Re-story, Restore, Restart: Leave Limiting Beliefs Behind and Move Forward, by Koralia Timotheou (Rethink Press)

• The Non-Obvious Guide to Drawing Your Future: Solve Problems, Explain Ideas, Sell Anything, by Patti Dobrowolski (Ideapress Publishing)

• The Oratory Project: Unlocking Effective Communication in a Rapidly Evolving World, by Matt Eventoff (Speak with Style Books)

MEMOIRS (CAREER)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Can’t Tame a Mongoose: Memoir of a Genomics Entrepreneur, by Stan Rose, PhD (Miles Pond Press)

• The Fine Art of Camouflage, by Lauren Kay Johnson (MilSpeak Books)

MEMOIRS (CAREER)…continued FINALISTS:

• A Very Narrow Bridge: Reflections of a Psychologist, by Rickey Miller (Self-Published)

• Go Far, Give Back, Live Greek: A Memoir, by George E. Danis (Amplify Publishing Group)

• Overcoming Ordinary Obstacles: Boldly Claiming the Facets of an Extraordinary Life, by Nesha Pai (SPARK Publications)

• Remembery, by Elizabeth K Geary, PhD (Book Baby)

• Stable: A Therapist and the Healing Nature of Horses, by Emily Swisher (Self-Published)

• True Hospitality: Lessons Learned from Behind the Concierge Desk, by Jamie Cooperstein (GFB)

MEMOIRS (HISTORICAL/LEGACY)

WINNER ($100):

• My Grandfather’s Clocks: The True Story of a Grandson’s Search for an American Inventor’s Lost Collection, by Gregory Gerard Allison (The Big Brick Review)

FINALISTS:

• Dr. Beare’s Daughter: Growing Up Adopted, Adored, and Afraid, by Janice Jones (Lou-Jan Press)

• Looking Back At Ninety, by Daniel Tyler (Spring Cedars LLC)

• Moving Mountains: Creating the Nurse Practitioner and Rural EMS, by Marie Osborn ARNP and John Osborn MD (Caxton Press)

• Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill TownA Memoir, by Ana Hebra Flaster (She Writes Press)

• The Ghosts on the Wall: A Grandson’s Memoir of the Holocaust, by Kenneth D. Wald (Amsterdam Publications)

MEMOIRS (OTHER)

WINNER ($100):

• From Elephants to Ethiopia: Travels in Africa, by Dorothy Podmore (Amazon)

FINALISTS:

• All You’ll See is Sky: Resetting a Marriage on an Adventure Through Africa, by Janet A Wilson (She Writes Press)

• Autumn Faith...An Unexpected Blessing, by Gracie Lynne (Self-Published)

• Dog Love Stories: The Canines Who Changed Me, by Patricia Eagle, Illustrated by Tom Laetz (She Writes Press)

• In the Wake: An 80 Day Canoe Odyssey Into Canada’s Northern Wilderness, by James McNamara (Tumpline Books)

• Scattershot: My Journey from the Projects to Paris to Rodeo Drive, by Larry Chrysler (Acorn Publishing)

• We Ran Away to Sea: A Memoir and Letters, by George Kent Kedl and Pamela Thompson Kedl (Jacana Press)

MEMOIRS (OVERCOMING ADVERSITY/TRAGEDY)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Severed Sacredness: The Miraculous Journey of Jessie Boone, by Lisa Boone (Saved by Story Publishing)

• Teachings From State U: What I Learned In Prison, by Eric Henderson, Illustrated by Liz Mrofka (WhatIfPublishing.com)

FINALISTS:

• Beyond Terminal: Processing Childhood Trauma to Reclaim Self, by Megan Lindahl Goodrich (Wise Ink Creative Media)

• Counting Bones: Anatomy of Love, Lost and Found, by Ellen Anderson Penno (NeWest Press)

• Paris Lost and Found, by Scott Dominic Carpenter (Travelers’ Tales)

• The Village That Betrayed Its Children, by Karen Elizabeth Lee, Illustrated by Chanelle Poupart (AOS Publishing)

• What My Brother Knew, by Kristina Amelong (She Writes Press)

MEMOIRS (PERSONAL STRUGGLE/HEALTH ISSUES)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• An Impossible Life: A True Story of Hope and Mental Illness, by Rachael Siddoway and Sonja Wasden (A Possible Life, LLC)

• Suitcases from Heaven: A Mother’s Journey of Hope Through Her Daughter-in-Laws Cancer, by Cindy Seaton Henson (Redemption Press)

FINALISTS:

• Disintegrating Into Adulthood: My journey through the abyss of anorexia and alcoholism, and how I walked, and wrote, myself well, by Louise Wilhelmiene Hayes (Amazon KDP)

• Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser Essays, by Amy Wilson (Zibby Publishing)

• Memoir of a Mangled Mind: How Concealing My Dissociative Identity Disorder Unleashed Multiple Personalities, by Steven Simmons Shelton, MA, JD (Self-Published)

MEMOIRS (PERSONAL STRUGGLE/HEALTH

ISSUES)…continued

• Slaying the Dragon: A South African Billionaire’s Battle to Conquer Opioid Addiction, by Antonio Iozzo (Elite Online Publishing)

• The Miles We Run, by Alison Beder Solway (Tellwell Talent)

• TOO MUCH: The gripping true story of a woman driven to the brink, by Cindy Lee Neighbors, MD (CLN Publishing LLC)

MILITARY

WINNER ($100):

• Wings of Freedom: A Tribute to the Berlin Airlift | Flügel Der Freiheit - Eine Hommage an die Berliner Luftbrücke, by Bibi LeBlanc (Culture to Color)

FINALISTS:

• All Roads Lead to Rome: Searching for the End of My Father’s War, by Bill Thorness (University of Nebraska Press)

• Boys, by Roger Newman (KoehlerBooks)

• Central America in the Crosshairs of War: On the Road from Vietnam to Iraq, by Scott Wallace (George F. Thompson Publishing)

• Pirates of the Slave Trade: the Battle of Cape Lopez and the Birth of an American Institution, by Angela C. Sutton (Prometheus Books)

• Sacrifice: The Final Chapter, by Ron Farina (Lagrange Books)

MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT

WINNER ($100):

• Conversations with Psyche: A Dreamer’s Guide to Soul-Stirring Creativity, by Victoria Rabinowe, Illustrated by Victoria Rabinowe (Bright Shadow Press)

FINALISTS:

• Age Like a Yogi: A Heavenly Path to a Dazzling Third Act, by Victoria Moran (Monkfish Publishing)

• Breathe--Move--Learn With Young Children: 70 Activities in Mindfulness, Brain-Friendly Movement, and Social-Emotional Learning, by Marcia Lee Unnever (Brookes Publishing)

• Dear G_d, by Nancy W. (Outskirts Press)

• Shout It Out! Yoga Therapy for Emotional Resilience, by Loraine Rushton and Adele Vincent, Illustrated by Andrew McIntosh (Little Steps Publishing)

• The Animal In The Mirror: Evolving Beyond Our Emotional Programming, by Arnie Benn (Quicycle Books)

• The Feminine Way: Reclaim Your Feminine Energy to Create a Life of Pleasure, Aliveness, and Vitality, by Amy Natalie Pamensky (WorldChangers Media)

• The Ripple Effect: Healing Ourselves, Healing Our Planet, by Andrea Revell (Koehler Books)

MOTIVATIONAL

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future, by Simon T Bailey, Illustrated by Kendra Cagle (Amplify Publishing)

• Trapped! The Responsible Man’s Guide to Personal Freedom and Happiness, by Nathan Joblin (Modern Wisdom Press)

FINALISTS:

• Grief Sucks (But Your Life Doesn’t Have To), by Brooke Carlock (Mourning Coffee Press)

• Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss, by Rohit Bhargava and Ben duPont, Illustrated by Scott Ward (Ideapress Publishing)

• Soothing Stories for Grown-up Hearts: When I Know My Worth..., by Laura Linn Knight, Illustrated by Paola Cifuentes (Self-Published)

• Soothing Stories for Grown-up Hearts: When I Remember..., by Laura Linn Knight, Illustrated by Juan Pablo Caceres (Self-Published)

• Sunbeams Through Blankets: An Inspirational Guide to Surviving Familial Sex Trafficking, by Adira James (Adira James Enterprises)

• Unrecognizable: There’s No Going Back, by Liv Vienne (Liv Vie Books)

MULTICULTURAL (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Told Ya! Stories, by Peta-Gaye Nash (Tamarind Tree Books)

FINALISTS:

• Cinnamon Beach, by Suzanne Kamata (Wyatt-Mackenzie Publishing)

• Malipolitan, by Christopher Dainton (Self-Published)

• Mother of Red Mountains: A Novel of a Woman’s Journey Through Revolutionary China, by Apple An (Voices Heard Publishing, LLC)

• Pescadero: A Novel, by Hollis Brady (Palo Alto Publishing)

• The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel, by Evy Journey (Self-Published)

MYSTERY

WINNER ($100):

• A Place for Good and Evil (An Old City Mystery), by Stacey Horan (Ghost Bridge Press)

FINALISTS:

• Beyond Hate, by Michael McGrath (Self-Published)

• Last I Saw Him: An Amoret Novel, by Arthur Herbert (Walkabout Press LLC)

• Molly’s Milestone, by Marlys Beider (Wheatmark)

• Those Who Live, by Bonnie MacDougall (Austin McCauley)

• Your Move. The Girl in the Park, by Warwick Wood (Tellwell)

NEW AGE

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• The Western Mysteries Revealed - Volume 1 - Kabbalah Unveiled, by Imre Vallyon (Sounding-Light Publishing)

• The Western Mysteries RevealedVolume 2 - Esoteric Tarot, by Imre Vallyon (Sounding-Light Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Empathic Evolution: An Invitation from the Council of We, by Jennifer Elizabeth Moore, Illustrated by Jennifer Elizabeth Moore (Des’Tai Press - A division of Modern Medicine Lady LLC)

• Magdalene’s Journey, Mary Magdalene’s Untold Story & Teachings, by Renee Blodgett, Anthony Compagnone, Illustrated by Dunja Kacic-Alesic (Blue Soul Publishing)

• Spirit Animals of the Star Signs (SPIRIT ANIMALS AND ASTROLOGY): Power Animals of the Zodiac, by Grace Gabriella Puskas (Self-Published)

• The New Energy Guide To Numerology, by Jeanne Prosser (Picardie PressCarolyn McAndrew)

• Waking Up in Heaven: Living with Purpose through Afterlife Wisdom, by Ellen Wier (Fearless Books)

• Wild & Wise Witch: Daily Meditations to Open Your Path, by Terri Clifton & Bev Adamo (Wild & Wise Women)

NOVELLA (UNDER 40,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• The Bayrose Files, by Diane Wald (Regal House Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Featherless, by A.G. Mojtabai (Slant)

• In Her Mind a Darkness, by L.S. Johnson, Illustrated by Alex Eckman-Lawn (Traversing Z Press)

• Losing is Democratic: How to Talk to Kids About January 6th, by Kitty Felde (Chesapeake Press)

• The Cracked Potter, by Izzy Abrahmson (Light Publications)

• The Lemon Golf Diary: An Adventure of Imagination with a Neurodivergent Heroine, by Christine Foster (Buddha Press)

PARANORMAL

WINNER ($100):

• Unremembered, by Christine Mager Wevik (Burlwood Press/KDP)

FINALISTS:

• Forever Boy, by Michael J Bowler, Illustrated by Sanusi Emmanuel (Self-Published)

• The Aurora Revelations: A Paranormal Mystery Novel, by Michael Walker (BookBaby)

• The Death of Clara Willenheim, by Charlotte M. Lesemann (The Gothic Literary Society, LLC.)

• The First Time I Saw Her, by Jae Mazer (HellBound Books)

• Trailing Darkness (Savior of the Light Book 1), by A. L. Gordon (Self-Published)

PARENTING/FAMILY (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Back Pocket for Parents: Tools to Help Nurture Their Teens’ Mental Health, by Shaney Andler (Back Pocket Books)

FINALISTS:

• Anxious Children in an Anxious World: Facing Fears and Finding Brave, by Dr. Mary O’Kane (Self-Published)

• Back Pocket: Tools for Teens to Nurture Their Mental Health, by Shaney Andler (Gatekeeper Press)

• Pathbreaker Parenting: New Conversations to Engage Your Teen and Empower Self-Directed Thriving, by Seth Marlowe (SPARK Publications)

• Raising Badass Kids: The Savvy Parents’ Guide to Predator-Proofing Tweens & Teens, by CJ Scarlet (Hybrid Global Publishing)

• What’s Eating Our Kids? A Parent’s Guide to Food Allergy, Intolerance, and Toxicity, by Julie A. Wendt (Julie A. Wendt, MD, PLLC)

POETRY

WINNER ($100):

• Journey Beyond the Veil: Awakening the Heart to Love, by Wanda W. Jerome, Illustrated by Jasmine Tritten (Kindle Direct Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• A Tender and Wildfire Body, by Lauren Eve (Self-Published)

• Emerging Through the Shadows: The Journey of a Writer - poetry & musings, by A. N. Tipton (A. N. Tipton)

• Heartbreak Love: Guided Poetry Journal, by Ricky Liorti (Life To Paper)

• Orphic Wonder, by KB Eliza (Ponderings Publications)

• Sonnets to Orpheus, by Rainer Maria Rilke, translated by Mark S. Burrows (Monkfish Publishing)

REGIONAL (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Boys, by Roger Newman (KoehlerBooks)

• The Paperboy and The Spinster, by Gustaf Berger (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Caravan of Specters, by Carlos García Saúl (St. Petersburg Press)

• Shyla’s Initiative, by Barbara Casey (Speaking Volumes Publishing)

• The Last Whaler, by Cynthia Reeves (Regal House Publishing)

• The Light Of Faded Stars, by Francis-Adrien Morneault, Illustrated by Marie-Line Morneault (FriesenPress)

• The Rodeo Road, by Johny Weber (Hildebrand Books an imprint of W. Brand Publishing)

• Water Finds a Way, by Meghan Perry (Delphinium Books)

• We Shall Not All Sleep, by Tony Woodlief (Slant)

REGIONAL (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Behind The Door: Profiles of a Peninsula, by Kevin O’Donnell (Glenham Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways: First State, Solid-State, by Dave Tabler (Self-Published)

• Exploring Wine Regions - México, Discovering México’s Quality Wines and Phenomenal Cuisine, by Michael C. Higgins, PhD (International Exploration Society)

• Made in California Volume 2, by George Geary, Illustrated by Amy Inouye (Prospect Park Books an Imprint of Turner Publishers)

• The Landers: Biography of a Theater, by Kara DeBacker (Pearson Creek Publishing)

• Threshold to Valley Forge: The Six Days of the Gulph Mills Encampment, by Sheilah D. Vance (Brookline Books)

RELATIONSHIPS (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Prioritize Us: Unlock Lasting Love with One Simple, Proven Test, by Nick Brancato (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Fire It Up: Four Secrets to Reigniting Intimacy and Joy in Your Relationship, by Carolyn Sharp (Flashpoint)

• How We Choose to Show Up: Nature’s Playbook for Creating a Meaningful Life and the World We Want, by Marcy Axelrod (Amplify Books)

• I Am The Real Runaway Bride: Hope and Encouragement As You Wait For The Right One, by Debbie Engle (Leaf Chaser Books)

• Inside Voices: A Prison Choir, My Mother, and Me, by Amy Kolen (Ice Cube Press, LLC)

• The Good Daughter Syndrome: Help for Empathic Daughters of Narcissistic, Borderline, or Difficult Mothers Trapped in the Role of the Good Daughter, by Katherine Fabrizio (Makers Mark Press)

RELIGIOUS (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Sower of Black Field: Inspired by the True Story of an American in Nazi Germany, by Katherine Koch (Mindstir Media)

FINALISTS:

• Color of Ash, by Abigail L. Wilkes (Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)

• Magdalene’s Journey, Mary Magdalene’s Untold Story & Teachings, by Renee Blodgett, Anthony Compagnone, Illustrated by Dunja Kacic-Alesic (Blue Soul Publishing)

• Today In Paradise, by Andrew Corin, Illustrated by Duane Moyle, Dean Ellery (Cornerstone Ventures New Zealand)

• When Jesus Calls, by Martha Gayle (Faith Is Believing)

• When Jesus Leads - A Sequel to When Jesus Calls, by Martha Gayle (Faith Is Believing)

ROMANCE (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Comes in Waves, by Ana Hartnett (Bold Strokes Books)

FINALISTS:

• Attraction & Repulsion, by Maloree E Anderson (Self-Published)

• Finding Maisy, by K.D. Elledge (Emerald Moon Publishing)

• Lady Wallflower in Love, by Emma G. Sutton (GS Books)

• Love and Horror Movies: A Novel, by Jordy Charles (Self-Published)

• The Game: A Hot Friends to Lovers Romance (The Techboys Series), by Eve M Riley (Snugrox)

ROMANTASY

WINNER ($100):

• A Dagger in the Ivy, by Dorothy Dreyer (Crimson Fox Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash (Kingdom of Gods Series, Book1), by J.F.Johns (independent publisher)

• A Trial of Fate, by J.E. Larson (Self-Published)

• Forged of Immortal Blood, by V. M. Nelson, Illustrated by Alrun Maget (VMNelson Books LLC)

• Stormvalor, by Starr Z. Davies, Illustrated by Kateryna Vitkovskaya (Character Assassin Books)

• The Pirate Queen’s Revenge, by Dani Hall (Self-Published)

SCIENCE FICTION (OFF EARTH)

WINNER ($100):

• Mushroom Blues, by Adrian M. Gibson (Self-Published with The Kinoko Book Co.)

FINALISTS:

• Comets of Omen: The Presser Arc, by Charles Weindorf (Mudsox Publishing)

• L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 40, by Multiple Authors, Illustrated by Dan dos Santos (Galaxy Press)

• Light in the Abyss, by Bennett R Coles (Promontory Press)

• Moon Dust in My Hairnet, by JR Creaden (Mythic Roads Press)

• The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel, by Nicholas Ponticello (Self-Published)

SCIENCE FICTION (ON EARTH)

WINNER ($100):

• Glimpses: A collection of 100 flash fiction stories that start out very short, by Frances Goodey (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 40, by Multiple Authors, Illustrated by Dan dos Santos (Galaxy Press)

• Olympus Bound, by Zoë Routh (Inner Compass Australia Pty Ltd)

• The Passing Fracture, by Uriah Ward (Kindle Direct Publishing)

• The Tongue Trade, by Michael J. Martineck (EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing)

• Unnaturally Selected, by Deo Rey (Self-Published)

SCIENCE/NATURE/ENVIRONMENT

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Space for Birds: Patterns and Parallels of Beauty and Flight, by Dr. Roberta L. Bondar (Figure 1 Publishing)

• Three Hearts: An Anthology of Cephalopod Poetry, by Sierra Nelson (World Enough Writers)

FINALISTS:

• Acorn Adventures, by Shane Svorec, Illustrated by Vivien Sarkany (SGS Consultants)

• Mission Out of Control, by Dr. Charles J. Camarda (Headline Books)

• Paddling into a Natural Balance: Stories of Kayaking and Conservation Around Channel Islands National Park, by Chuck Graham (Self-Published)

• Preserving Our Sacred Lands: Where the Wolves Still Howl, Warblers Sing, and Whippoor-wills Grace the Night Skies, by Jimmy Videle (Self-Published)

• The Bee Mother: Mothers of Xsan, Book 7, by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson), Illustrated by Natasha Donovan (HighWater Press)

SECOND NOVEL

WINNER ($100):

• The Paperboy and The Spinster, by Gustaf Berger (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Blindspot, by Maggie Smith (Puzzle Box Press)

• Blue Miracle, by Blair Harton (Blair Harton Writes LLC)

SECOND NOVEL…continued

• My Year of Casual Acquaintances, by Ruth F. Stevens (Black Rose Writing)

• The Carver and the Queen, by Emma C. Fox, Illustrated by Amy Grimes (Cover Artist) (Owl’s Nest Publishers)

• We Are Human Still: a novel, by M. L. Bell (Kindle Direct Publishing)

SELF-HELP (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Inner Field Trip: 30 Days of Personal Exploration, Collective Liberation, and Generational Healing, by Leesa Renée Hall (Row House Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• An Impossible Life: A True Story of Hope and Mental Illness, by Rachael Siddoway and Sonja Wasden (A Possible Life, LLC)

• At Ease: The Guide to a Smooth and Successful Military Transition, by Emily King Grandinetta (Fullcourt Press)

• How to Age Gracefully: Essays about the Art of Living, by Barbara Scoblic (She Writes Press)

• On Healing: Finding Wholeness Beyond the Limits of Medicine, by Amitha Kalaichandran, Illustrated by Kaitlin Walsh (Heliotrope Books)

• Purposeful: Harnessing the Power of Meaning to Transform Self and Society, by Rodney L. Kelley (Self-Published)

SERIES (FICTION) MINIMUM THREE BOOKS, ONE MUST BE WITHIN CURRENT YEAR GUIDELINES

WINNER ($100):

• The Hook & Jill Saga, by Andrea Jones (Reginetta Press)

FINALISTS:

• Angelfyre, by Lydan Francis (Self-Published)

• Sunset Bay Series, by Crissi Langwell (North Coast Stories)

• The Cousins Series, by Jessica Levine (She Writes Press)

• The Nikki Garcia Mystery Series, by Kathryn Lane (Tortuga Publishing)

• Variety Tales: Aubrey’s Dream, Brooks’ Dream, Kaden’s Dream, Maddox’s Dream, by Jonathan Alexander, Beth Snider, Tamara Dever, Lorri Stanislav, Illustrated by Beth Snider (Self-Published)

SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS

WINNER ($100):

• The Calamity of Desire and Other Stories, by Judith Dancoff (Finishing Line Press)

FINALISTS:

• Blue Runaways, by Jann Everard (Stonehewer Books)

• Not Down in Any Map, by P.A. Callaro (Epigraph)

• Short-term Parking: 65 Micro Stories, by Seth Edgarde (Blackbird Books)

• The Holy Ghost and Other Spooky Stories, by Bernie Brown (Gravelight Press)

• The Woman by the Lake: Stories of Life, by Jeff Ingber (Atmosphere Press)

• Told Ya! Stories, by Peta-Gaye Nash (Tamarind Tree Books)

SOCIAL CHANGE

WINNER ($100):

• Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come From--And the ScienceBacked Method to Unravel Them, by Anu Gupta (Hay House)

FINALISTS:

• It’s Not (All) Your Fault: Self-Help and the Individualization of Oppression, by Sharon Podobnik (Manuscripts LLC)

• Out of Focus: Why Gen Z’s Mental Health Crisis is More Complex Than You Think, by Aly Vredenburgh (Aly Vredenburgh)

• South Korea: The Price of Efficiency and Success, Second Edition, by John Gonzalez and Young Lee, Illustrated by Enrique Arredondo (Self-Published)

• The Best Care for Those with the Least: An Empowering Guide to Bridge the Socioeconomic Gap in Medical Care, by Kristen DavisCoelho, PhD (Platypus Publishing)

• The Empathy Evolution: Preventing Violence, Racism, Political Corruption, and Mental Illness by Creating More Caring People, by Ronald Goldman, PhD (Authors on Mission)

• The Transformative Power of the 3 C’s: Growing Compassion, Creativity & Connection, by Bill C. Myers (Red Cardinals Flight Publishing, LLC)

SOCIAL JUSTICE

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• It’s Not (All) Your Fault: Self-Help and the Individualization of Oppression, by Sharon Podobnik (Manuscripts LLC)

• The Warehouse: A Visual Primer on Mass Incarceration, by James Kilgore and Vic Liu, Illustrated by Vic Liu (PM Press)

FINALISTS:

• Becoming a Good Relative: Calling White Settlers Toward Truth, Healing, and Repair, by Hilary Giovale (Green Writers Press)

• Books through Bars: Stories from the Prison Books Movement, Edited by Moira Marquis and Dave “Mac” Marquis (University of Georgia Press)

• Exit Velocity: A Novel, by Barbara Gregorich (BookBaby/PhilBar)

• Immorality Act, by Berend Mets (The Book Guild Ltd)

• No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth, by Kate Grant (She Writes Press)

SPECIALTY/NOVELTY BOOK

WINNER ($100):

• Little Boos Feel the Groove, by Mark Waters, Illustrated by Laura Borio (Hazy Dell Press)

FINALISTS:

• Folly Journal Issue 002, by Multiple Authors, Illustrated by Multiple artists and illustrators (The Wellington Writers Studio)

• Heart Felt, Live From Your Heart, by Tricia Sybersma, Janice M Puta, Illustrated by HeartWorks Horses (Tricia Sybersma)

• I Love My Community Kids Activity Book, by Tammy Gerhard, Illustrated by Hiruni Kariyawasam (Anavah Publishing)

• Light of My Life, Love on Your Journey, by L Leigh Love (Bridge-of-Light Publishing)

• Marco the Great and the Mystery of Phaseville, by SK Bennett, Illustrated by Rylee Heavner (MathBait)

SPIRITUALITY

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Broken Water: An Extraordinary True Story, by Barbara Lane (Barbara Lane, LLC)

• Summoned by the Earth: Becoming a Holy Vessel for Healing Our World, by Cynthia Jurs (Prospecta Press)

FINALISTS:

• Dismantling the 3rd Dimension: Transforming Our Trauma on the Road From Tribe to Collective, by Antonia, Illustrated by Kristen Wise, Antonia (Real Chimera Books)

• Enter These Gates: Meditations for the Days of Awe, by Alden Solovy (CCAR Press)

• Journey Beyond the Veil: Awakening the Heart to Love, by Wanda W. Jerome, Illustrated by Jasmine Tritten (Kindle Direct Publishing)

• Journey Into the Bhagavad Gita: A Guide to Exploring the Timeless Principles of Transcendental Knowledge and Integrating Them Into Your Life, by Hari-kirtana das (Jagat-Mangala Press)

SPIRITUALITY…continued

• Magdalene’s Journey, Mary Magdalene’s Untold Story & Teachings, by Renee Blodgett, Anthony Compagnone, Illustrated by Dunja Kacic-Alesic (Blue Soul Publishing)

• The Place Beyond the Story: A Spiritual Adventure, by Bonnie Divina Maa (KDP)

• The Wisdom of the Hive: What Honeybees Can Teach Us about Collective Wellbeing, by Michelle Cassandra Johnson, Amy Burtaine (Sounds True)

SUSPENSE

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity, by Margaret Ann Philbrick (Ambassador International)

• The Goldilocks Genome, by Elizabeth Reed Aden (Spark Press)

FINALISTS:

• A Cold, Cold World, by Elena Taylor (Severn House)

• Blindspot, by Maggie Smith (Puzzle Box Press)

• Exposed, by John Hocking and Janelle Parmer (Self-Published)

• Murder Outside the Box, by Saralyn Richard (Palm Circle Press, LLC)

• The Have-Nots, by William Dean (Lonely Whale Press)

THRILLER

WINNER ($100):

• Muddy the Water, by Jessica Barrows Beebe and Matt Barrows (Koehler Books)

FINALISTS:

• Bone Pendant Girls, by Terry S. Friedman, Illustrated by Maryann Appel, David Goh, Enjoynz, George Peters, Vabadov, Val Iva, Yulia Plokhaya, Yulia Khvyshchuk (CamCat)

• Cheat, by David Benjamin (Last Kid Books)

• Numbers Don’t Lie, by Jane Honeck (Archway Publishing)

• The Missing Peace, by Tom Joyce, Illustrated by Tom Joyce (Heretic Publications)

• The Shutdown List, by Sharon Dukett (SharKen Publishing)

TRAVEL/TRAVEL GUIDE

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• A Hard Walk through Solitude: Living Among Alaska’s Volcanoes, by Gary Freeburg (George F. Thompson Publishing)

• Looking for Legends: Let Us Take You Somewhere You’ve Never Been Before, and Introduce You to Our Friends, by Barbara Scott and Thomas Tarantino (Whole Wide World Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Glacier Country: Montana’s Glacier National Park, by R.C. Bert Gildart, David Alt, C.W. Buchholtz, and Bob Frauson (Farcountry Press)

• Paris Lost and Found, by Scott Dominic Carpenter (Travelers’ Tales)

• The Travelling Ape: What Travelling (Nearly) Everywhere Taught Me about Humanity, Geopolitics, and Happiness, by Michael Mackay Richards (Fuzzy Flamingo)

• Walk With Me: A photographic journey throughout Italy, by Harry Giglio (Amazon)

• Wandering in American Deserts: Discovery, Visions, Redemption, by Multiple authors (Wanderland Writers)

TRUE CRIME

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Chained Birds: A True Crime Memoir of Justice, Survival, and Redemption Behind Bars, by Carla Conti (WildBlue Press)

• The Velvet Hammer: Judge Belvin Perry, Jr.’s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir, by Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. and Amy Mitchell (Post Hill Press)

FINALISTS:

• CONVOLUTED: The 1972 Durham Family Triple Homicide, by Terry L. Harmon (Self-Published)

• Fred “Killer” Burke: The Hunt for the Most Dangerous Man Alive, by Chriss Lyon (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing)

• Girl, Uncoded: A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal, and Eventual Blessings, by Brandi Dredge (She Writes Press)

• Judicial Soup, by Shannon Bohrer (Loyola University Maryland’s Apprentice House Press)

• Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy: Defending America’s Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row, by Karen Conti (Black Lyon Publishing)

• Lies and Consequences: Covering The Trials of Kerry Max Cook, by Vanessa E. Curry, Illustrated by James Denk (SPARK Publications)

• Vanished in Vermillion, by Lou Raguse (Post Hill Press)

WOMEN’S ISSUES (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Holocaust Heroines: Jewish Women Saving Jewish Children, by Beverley Chalmers (DSc (Med), PhD) and Dana Solomon (PhD) (Grosvenor House Publishers)

FINALISTS:

• Half Penny: A Memoir of Tangled Truths, by Lori L. Lee, Illustrated by Tracy Hetherington (Self-Published)

• I Will Be the Woman He Loved, by Tania Romanov, Matthew Félix (Solificatio)

• Journey Beyond the Veil: Awakening the Heart to Love, by Wanda W. Jerome, Illustrated by Jasmine Tritten (Kindle Direct Publishing)

• No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth, by Kate Grant (She Writes Press)

• Where Are the Women? The Girl Scouts’ Campaign for the First Statue of Women in Central Park, by Janice Hechter, Illustrated by Janice Hechter (Red Chair Press)

WOMEN’S LITERATURE (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• It Was Her New York: True Stories and Snapshots, by C.O. Moed, Illustrated by C.O. Moed (Rootstock Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Happiness is an Inside Job Playbook, by Ria Flanagan MA MFT, LISAC, CSAT, CMAT, Illustrated by Ellia Marcum (Balboa Press)

• Sit, Cinderella, Sit: A Mostly True Memoir, by Lisa Cheek (She Writes Press)

• The Fine Art of Camouflage, by Lauren Kay Johnson (MilSpeak Books)

• The Gift of Sensitivity: the extraordinary power of emotional engagement in life and work, by Elena V. Amber (Practical Inspiration Publisher (UK))

• Trail Magic: A Physician’s Journey Through the Appalachian Mountains, by JoDean Nicolette (Choeofpleirn Press)

YOUNG ADULT (FICTION) (12 YEARS TO 16 YEARS)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• The Stones of Burren Bay, by Emily De Angelis (Latitude 46)

• The Witchfinder’s Serpent, by Rande Goodwin (Greenleaf Book Group)

FINALISTS:

• Marit Unsanctioned, by L. Ryan Storms (RaineStorms Press)

• Nathan’s Journal: A Novel, by Thom Ring (Self-Published)

• Predestined, by Rachel Byrne (Humboldt Press)

• Stealing Time, by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs & Norman Birnbach (Linden Tree Press)

• The Adventures of Henry and Eulalie, by Mushin Knott, Illustrated by Kalpart (Strategic Book Publishing)

• The Carver and the Queen, by Emma C. Fox, Illustrated by Amy Grimes (Cover Artist) (Owl’s Nest Publishers)

• The Colors of Rain, by Abigail Hayven (Glory Writers Press)

YOUNG AUTHOR (WRITTEN BY UNDER AGE 25)

WINNER ($100):

• Hiders, by Yimiao Wang, Illustrated by Yimiao Wang (Self-Published) FINALISTS:

• A Symphony Of Words, by Siya Bhagat, Illustrated by Falgunni Shah (Vakils, Feffer and Simons Pvt Ltd)

• Duet Me Not, by Lilian Li (Self-Published)

• Growing up in Sydney, by Daniel Lo Surdo, Illustrated by Nick Low (Commercial Press)

• We Are Human Still: a novel, by M. L. Bell (Kindle Direct Publishing)

• Yesteryear’s Wish, by Zixiao Yu (Amazon)

YOUNG NEW ADULT (FICTION) (17 YEARS AND UP)

WINNER ($100):

• The Stones of Burren Bay, by Emily De Angelis (Latitude 46)

FINALISTS:

• A Chance To Be Happy, by Kate Butler (Self-Published)

• A Lie for a Lie, by Jane Buckingham (Greenleaf Book Group)

• Blue Miracle, by Blair Harton (Blair Harton Writes LLC)

• Secrets They Never Told, by Kayla Hicks (Beta Reader Connection)

• The Hedgehog of Fairy Glen, by Kayleigh Slone, Illustrated by Kayleigh Slone (Quill and Castle Books)

• The Maker of Worlds, by David Litwack (Evolved Publishing)

• The Witchfinder’s Sacrifice (Book 2 in The Witches of Windsor Series), by Rande Goodwini (Greenleaf Book Group)

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Presented by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group, this prestigious program is open to books written in English with a release or copyright date in 2024, 2025, or 2026. We welcome entries from self-published authors, e-book publishers, university presses, and small, mid-size, or large independent publishers from around the world.

considered for representation by a top New York literary agent.

Enter by February 13, 2026, at www.IndieBookAwards.com to take advantage of this exciting opportunity.

PLUS, the top 80+ books will be reviewed for potential representation by Marilyn Allen of Allen Literary Agency (formerly Allen O’Shea Literary Agency) or one of her co-agents. Representation opportunities may include distribution, foreign rights, film and television rights, and more.

With over 80 categories to choose from, this is your opportunity to win cash prizes, gain national and international recognition, be showcased at major industry events, and even be

Awards

are

With over 25 years of experience in the publishing industry, Marilyn Allen has held executive roles at HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Penguin Random House (formerly Penguin Books and Random House), and has worked with bestselling authors including Stephen King, Ken Follett, Barbara Kingsolver, John Gray, and Mary Higgins Clark.

given to both Finalists and Winners

Don’t miss your chance to be recognized as one of the top independently published books of the year!

CASH PRIZES AND TROPHIES

• $1,500 cash prize and trophy awarded to the Best Fiction Book

• $1,500 cash prize and trophy awarded to the Best Non-Fiction Book

• $750 cash prize and trophy awarded to the Second Place Fiction Book

• $750 cash prize and trophy awarded to the Second Place Non-Fiction Book

• $500 cash prize and trophy awarded to the Third Place Fiction Book

• $500 cash prize and trophy awarded to the Third Place Non-Fiction Book

• $100 cash prize and a Gold Medal awarded to the Winner of each of the 80+ categories

ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION

• Winners will be listed in the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards catalog, distributed to thousands of book buyers, media professionals, librarians, and others.

• Finalist Medals will be awarded to five finalists in each of the 80+ categories.

FINALISTS AND WINNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE:

• An invitation to the Gala Awards Ceremony

• Exposure for a full year on www.IndieBookAwards.com as a Winner or Finalist

• The opportunity to display Finalist or Winner gold award stickers on your book

• Additional benefits of having an award-winning book, such as enhanced visibility and potential increased revenue