2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Catalog of Winners & Finalists

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 19th year and proudly entering its 20th, 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 2026 Winners and Finalists at the Gala Awards Reception in June at the Newberry Library in Chicago, 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, HarperCollins 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 19th year of operation for the 2026 awards year!

Message from Founder and Co-Chair, Catherine Goulet

It is my great pleasure to congratulate the Winners and Finalists of the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Each year, I am reminded that independent publishing is much more than an alternative path to publication. It is a vital part of our literary culture, bringing forward stories, ideas, histories, questions, and perspectives that might not otherwise find their way into the world. At a time when thoughtful, courageous, diverse, and original voices feel more important than ever, your books remind us what literature can do: open minds, build understanding, preserve truth, offer comfort, and spark change.

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards were created to recognize excellence in independent publishing and help outstanding books reach the readers, reviewers, booksellers, librarians, and industry professionals they deserve. To everyone who entered this year’s awards, thank you for trusting us with your work, and to our judges, thank you for the care, expertise, and thoughtful attention you bring to this program each year.

I am especially grateful to my Co-Founder, Marilyn Allen, whose decades of publishing experience and deep belief in independent authors helped shape this awards program from the beginning. Marilyn’s wisdom, energy, and joy continue to be central to the spirit of NGIBA, and I am fortunate to call her both a partner and a dear friend.

My sincere thanks also go to Co-Chair Cathy Teets, whose generosity, insight, and commitment to helping authors succeed have made a lasting difference to this community; to Shelley Anderson, our exceptional Awards Coordinator, whose professionalism, organization, and heart keep this program running smoothly; and to our entire NGIBA team: Anushka, Ashley, Beth, Chris, Heidi, John, Karen, Logan, Lolly, Meghan, Mike, Peter, Ray, Taylor, and my business partner Tag. Your dedication and steady support help bring this international celebration of independent publishing to life.

To this year’s Winners and Finalists: congratulations. Your books now join the distinguished legacy of Next Generation Indie Book Awards honorees. I hope you take pride not only in this recognition, but in the work that brought you here.

I look forward to celebrating your achievements.

Message from Co-Founder, Marilyn Allen

My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists in this year’s contest. It’s an enormous amount of work to write and publish a book. To be recognized by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards as a winner or finalist for the 2026 awards year is an amazing achievement and validates your talent and hard work. The NGIBA is one of the most highly respected book contests in all of publishing. Think about it.... you are an award-winning author! Share this great news far and wide!

Going on twenty years ago, when Catherine Goulet first proposed we start an annual award program to celebrate great writers published by small and independent publishers I was honored and excited to be involved. I had no idea it would be so much fun and develop into one of the world’s largest and most respected book award contests. I am so grateful to Catherine and the entire fun, kind, contest team for all their hard work in growing the NGIBA while maintaining such high standards. It’s a great personal achievement to be a part of this venture. I treasure working with everyone on the team, making new relationships with writers and industry professionals and of course the great books!

I look forward to meeting many of you at the awards ceremony and reviewing your books. I raise my glass to all of you!

Message from Co-Chairperson, Cathy Teets

It is my honor to serve as co-chair of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, which recognizes the best independent authors and publishers from around the globe. An Indie Book Award elevates your book in the retail market and signals excellence to the world.

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 very excited to be part of this amazing program!

Catherine Goulet

Marilyn Allen

Cathy Teets

WINNERS AND FINALISTS

for the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards are:

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS

FICTION

FIRST PLACE WINNER ($1,500 PRIZE)

Alice Anyway, by Brenda K. Thompson (Self-Published)

SECOND PLACE WINNER ($750 PRIZE)

Red and Me, by Terry Lee Caruthers (Star Bright Books)

THIRD PLACE WINNER ($500 PRIZE)

Writer-in-Residence, by J.A. Hoskins (Nom de Plume Publishing)

NON-FICTION

FIRST PLACE WINNER ($1,500 PRIZE)

Of Bloodlines and Blue Notes: Lyrics, Album Notes and Critical Essays, by Terry Blade (Blade Arthouse Media)

SECOND PLACE WINNER ($750 PRIZE)

Flora of the Orinoco: Aquatic and Semi-Aquatic Plants, by Ivan Mikolji (Mikolji Corp)

THIRD PLACE WINNER ($500 PRIZE)

African-American Women Who Began A Movement: 100 Visionaries of Freedom, Justice, and Equality, by Michael A. Carson, Matthew A. Carson, Shenika H. Carson (Double Infinity Publishing)

CATEGORY WINNERS AND

FINALISTS

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

ACTION/ADVENTURE (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Garbage Town, by Ravi Gupta (Greenleaf Book Group)

• Southern Stock, by Gena Elliott (Greenleaf Book Group)

FINALISTS:

• Stealing Stealth, by Brian L. Reece (Waffle Ink Press)

• The Return of the Flying Boat, by Dale Morton (Headline Books)

• The Road Unveiled, by Tim Bishop (Open Road Press)

• The Terror of Roan: A Romantic Medieval Adventure, by Jodi Bowersox (Self-Published)

• Time for Sale, by Fiona Stoffer (Self-Published)

• Warrior Pose, by Susan Rogers and John Roosen, Illustrated by Tess McCabe, Susan Rogers, John Roosen, Nicholas Roosen, Pooja Khatri (G-EMS PTY and PS)

• What Lies Through The Smoke, by C.C. Ford (UK Book Publishing)

ACTIVITY

BOOKS (ALL AGES)

WINNER ($100):

• Secret Stitches: Underground Railroad Quilt Activity Book for Children and Adults, by Edith Younger Edmunds and Amy Edmunds (BookButler Publishing Company)

FINALISTS:

• Christmas Traditions Around the World, by Bibi LeBlanc, Illustrated by Culture to Color (Culture to Color)

• Coloring the White House, by Kyle Dugdale (The White House Historical Association)

• Haiku For You: Coloring & Activity Book, by Anthony J. D’Amato (ToDiMiJo & Co.)

• Handwritten Notes for Kids: An Activity Book to Teach Gratitude, Kindness, and Connection, by Carrie Pierce (Hiccup Press)

• Mooky & Me, by Pebbles Wireman, Illustrated by Pebbles Wireman (Elk Lake Publishing)

AFRICAN AMERICAN (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Have You Seen Him, by Kimberly Lee (Butterfly Effect Press)

FINALISTS:

• Bend, Don’t Break, by Julie L. Brown (JAB Press)

• ESOWU, by S. Brian Jones (Thomasina Publishing)

• Fox Creek, by M. E. Torrey (Sly Fox Publishing)

• Justice For Emerson: A Murder Mystery, by Karen E. Osborne (Black Rose Writing)

• Rhythm and Design, A Platinum Chocolate Romance, by LongTemple (LongTemple)

AFRICAN AMERICAN (FICTION)…continued

• The Krewe: House of Lazuliè, by E. Lane Redmond (Classic XVII Publishing)

• The Sun Sets in the Sea, by Ursula C. Rance, Illustrated by Amelina Jones (Mascot Kids)

AFRICAN AMERICAN (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• African-American Women Who Began A Movement: 100 Visionaries of Freedom, Justice, and Equality, by Michael A. Carson, Matthew A. Carson, Shenika H. Carson (Double Infinity Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• An Unusual Path: Three Generations from Slavery to the White House, by John Wrory Ficklin (The White House Historical Association)

• Dark Agent, The Memoirs of L.W. Kwakou Casselle: Global Service & Sacrifice, by L.W. Kwakou Casselle (Hunter Entertainment)

• In Black and White: 20 yrs to Life, by Theresa Granville (Infinite Possibilities 4 Life)

• It’s Not You, It’s Me: A 20-Week Journey Into Accountability and Emotional Honesty, by Robert M. Botts, Illustrated by Mark Thomas (Kitchen Table Books)

• The Golden Mansaic Age: The Legendary Malian Empire, by Woody R. Clermont (Woody Clermont Book Publications)

• The Reggie Warford Story: Integrating Basketball At The University Of Kentucky, by Scott Brown (University Press Of Kentucky)

ANIMALS/PETS

WINNER ($100):

• Unleashing the Bond: Harnessing the Power of Human-Animal Interactions, by Rustin M. Moore, DVM, PhD (Manuscripts Press)

FINALISTS:

• A Sheepdog Named Oscar: Love and Companionship in Rural Ireland, by Dara Waldron (DoppelHouse Press)

• Octopus Acrobatics, by Sue Fliess, Illustrated by Gareth Lucas (Albert Whitman & Company)

• Phoenix & the Farm of Second Chances, by Brittany Petish, Illustrated by Brittany Petish (Amazon)

• Skookumchoocher: An Inspiring Journey of a Life in Animal Welfare, by Sunny Weber (Pups & Purrs Press)

• The Know It Owl and the Beluga, by Terri Sabol, Illustrated by Paula Piechna (Burning the Midnight Oil Publishing)

ANTHOLOGY

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Afterbursts: Reliving World War II, by Lucy Colback (Borderless Publishing)

• Letters to Ms. 1000: Words of Wisdom from African American Women Architects, Vol. 1, by Christian Joosse and Multiple Authors, Illustrated by Ochuko Evwaraye (Paper Veil Studio)

FINALISTS:

• A Gathering of Voices: Stories from the Longwood Writers Workshop, by Multiple Authors, Illustrated by Robert Bernard (Longwood Publishing)

• Letters to Lilly: Lessons in Leadership & Loving Yourself, by Alexian Wines & Melissa Cohen (Thin Leaf Press)

• Pie in the Sky and Other Illusions We Live With, by R. Luce (Self-Published)

• REDress: Art, Action, and the Power of Presence, Edited by Jaime Black-Morsette (HighWater Press)

• Silly Socks and Other Stuff, by Bev Stone, Illustrated by Calvin Stone and Bev Stone (Snowpuppy)

• Women Speak Volume Eleven, by Multiple Authors (Sheila-Na-Gig Editions)

ART

WINNER ($100):

• The Female Gaze in Art and Photography: Volume 2, by Anita Selzer (Hardie Grant)

FINALISTS:

• Art & Love: My Life Illuminated in Egg Tempera, by Lora Arbrador (Sycamore Press)

• Bearing Witness: The Enigmatic Works of Nasim Moghadam, by Nasim Moghadam (True North Editions)

• Charles Whitfield Richards: The Artist and His Circle, by J. Michael Warner (University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press)

• Hannelore Baron, Edited by Halley K. Harrisburg and Francesca B. Leszynski (Michael Rosenfeld Gallery)

• Harold Cousins: Forms of Empty Space, Edited by Halley K. Harrisburg and Francesca B. Leszynski (Michael Rosenfeld Gallery)

• Native American and First Nation Figures in Sculpture: North American Monuments, Memorials and Statuary of 50 Artists, by Fred F. Poyner IV (McFarland & Company)

AUTOBIOGRAPHY/BIOGRAPHY

WINNER ($100):

• A China Story: Growing Up in Mao’s Cultural Revolution, by Ying Qian (Opening Line Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• A Fistful of My Sky: Memories of Jawhar, by Anand Gokani MD (Zorba Books)

• Beyond The Facade-A Memoir, by Robert L. Ooley (Tabby Cat Books)

• Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch, by Katia Ariel (Wild Dingo Press)

• Flying a Gooney Bird in Canada’s North: A Bush Pilot’s Adventures, by Dorrin Wallace with Deana J. Driver (DriverWorks Ink)

• Getting My Hands Dirty: A Memoir of Resilience and Transformation from the Gridiron to the Garden, by Chuck Hutchison (GFB)

• Native American and First Nation Figures in Sculpture: North American Monuments, Memorials and Statuary of 50 Artists, by Fred F. Poyner IV (McFarland & Company)

• The Grieving Eye: A Compendium of Love and Loss, by Lena Atoug (Deixis Press)

BEST COVER DESIGN (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Super Science Vol. 1, by N. Alessandro K., Illustrated by M.K. Perker (Interior), Bill Sienkiewicz (Cover) (The Lab Press)

• The Quest for Calinore, by Theresa Leyes, Illustrated by Theresa Leyes (Cover) (Theresa Leyes)

FINALISTS:

• A Puppy’s Tale, by Grant Merritt, Illustrated by Elena Ciolacu (Grant Merritt Publishing)

• Dearest Merv: A (Short) Novel in (Fan) Letters, by Robert Fromberg, Illustrated by Claire Stamler-Goody (Small Books)

• Isabela’s Way: A Novel, by Barbara StarkNemon (She Writes Press)

• Masquerade of Mirrors, by Samantha Hartwood, Illustrated by Maria Spada (Cover) (Self-Published)

• Red and Me, by Terry Lee Caruthers (Star Bright Books)

• The Gridd: Perils of the Lightholder, by J. L. Marrain (Amazon)

• The Return of the White Witch, by Theresa Leyes, Illustrated by Theresa Leyes (Cover) (Theresa Leyes)

BEST COVER DESIGN (NON-FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Hope On The Border, by Gil Gillenwater, Illustrated by Neill Fox (Self-Published)

• Tibetan Memories: Stories from Exile and Dreams Deferred, by Eugene H. Johnson, DVM, Ph.D. (George F. Thompson Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Between Selves: After Collapse, Before Coherence, by Peak Afflatus (Peak Afflatus)

• Delaware at Christmas / The First State in a Merry State, by Dave Tabler (Self-Published)

• Grandma’s Bucket of Mercy, by Robin Carole, Illustrated by Sally Fantasia (MindStir Media)

• Kingdom Come and The Coming of a King, by David DeVries (Subs Publishing)

• Soul Signature Numerology, by Ann Perry, Illustrated by Louise P. Rouleau (Cover) (Ann Perry Publishing)

• The Anatomy Of A Corporate Lynching: FullProof Unreleased Documents and Full Disclosures, by Charles Ford, Illustrated by Clarkework Entertainment, Inc. (Fourth Ford Books)

• The Magician’s Daughter: A Memoir, by Katy Grabel (Wild Rising Press)

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

WINNER ($100):

• Hunger, by Nihaarika Negi, Illustrated by Joe Bocardo (Interior), Bill Sienkiewicz (Cover) (The Lab Press)

FINALISTS:

• A Million YES’s, by DJ Corchin, Illustrated by Dan Dougherty (The phazelFOZ Company)

• Essentials Vol. 1, by Luke Arnold & Chris “Doc” Wyatt, Illustrated by Bill Sienkiewicz, Glenn Fabry, Jason Howard, Vince Locke, Andrea Mutti, M.K. Perker, DaNi (The Lab Press)

• Super Science Vol. 1, by N. Alessandro K., Illustrated by M.K. Perker (Interior), Bill Sienkiewicz (Cover) (The Lab Press)

• We Birth Us: Two Voices. One Soul. A Thousand Lifetimes., by Ophelia Brown, Illustrated by Sarah J. Heidelberg (Ophelia Brown Publishing)

• Where You Come From Is Gone: A Novel, by Christopher Johnston (Calumet Editions)

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

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• The Messengers of Magic, by Jessica Dodge, Illustrated by Francesca Scillia (Wizard Supply Co)

• Who is the Super Ultra Mega Special Super Special Guest?, by Sean Covel, Illustrated by Affendy Ilias (Red Road)

FINALISTS:

• Are You Dead Yet?, by Marti Healy (The Design Group Press)

BEST OVERALL DESIGN (FICTION)

(PRINT BOOK SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)

…continued

• Ballad of the Blade, by Andrew P. Meritt, Illustrated by Volodymyr Volianiuk (SelfPublished)

• Cotswold Mist, by Inga Teder, Illustrated by Derek Winslow, Tomasz Ryger, Stefan Koidl, Ali Shimaq, Edouard Groult, Alex Andreev, Eren Arik, George Kee, Damir G. Martin, Luzhan Liu, Florent Desailly, Romain Leguay, Mohamed Elbably, Alessio Greco, Gaelle Seguillon, Thomas Walker (Cotswold Mist)

• Creatures & Corridors, by Brandon Auman, Illustrated by Andrea Mutti (Interior), Bill Sienkiewicz (Cover) (The Lab Press)

• Essentials Vol. 1, by Luke Arnold & Chris “Doc” Wyatt, Illustrated by Bill Sienkiewicz, Glenn Fabry, Jason Howard, Vince Locke, Andrea Mutti, M.K. Perker, DaNi (The Lab Press)

• Miss Experience White: A Poem Cycle, by Milo Starr Johnson, Illustrated by John Seabury (Bhaga Music)

• Super Science Vol. 1, by N. Alessandro K., Illustrated by M.K. Perker (Interior), Bill Sienkiewicz (Cover) (The Lab Press)

BEST OVERALL DESIGN (NON-FICTION)

(DIGITALLY SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)

WINNER ($100):

• From Somerset to the World: Clarks A Visual History 1825-2025, by Alexander Newman (One Love Books)

FINALISTS:

• Greensleeves: The First 100 Covers, by Alexander Newman (One Love Books)

• How to Taste Cheese - A Guided Journal for the Cheese Curious, by A.K. Williams, B. Kapitan, Illustrated by B. Kapitan (Interactive Bee Media)

• Letters to Ms. 1000: Words of Wisdom from African American Women Architects, Vol. 1, by Christian Joosse and Multiple Authors, Illustrated by Ochuko Evwaraye (Paper Veil Studio)

• Little Wekiva Memories: Kayaking & Other Adventures, by Nichole Delafield Bromme and Leif Bromme, Illustrated by Nichole Delafield Bromme (Hastings House with Newhouse Creative Group)

• The Leadhead’s Pencil Blog Volume 8, by Jonathan A. Veley (Self-Published)

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

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Capitol Views: A Journey Through America’s Legislatures, by Multiple Authors (National Conference of State Legislatures)

• Dinosaur Frontier: Utah at the Dawn of the Cretaceous, by Christa Sadler, Illustrated by Multiple Illustrators (This Earth Press) FINALISTS:

• A Tale of Two Bostons: The Emergence of the Boston Men, by Barry Arthur Cotton, Illustrated by Barry Arthur Cotton (Barry Arthur Cotton)

• Across the Bridge-A Queer, Anti-Suicide/ Pro-Living Coming-of-Age Story, by Michael Simones, Illustrated by Eminence System (White Crow S-Publishing)

• Art & Love: My Life Illuminated in Egg Tempera, by Lora Arbrador (Sycamore Press)

• Deposits from the Deep, by Sheeba Varghese, Illustrated by Marsha Vosburg (Self-Published)

• PILOTING LIFE: One Man’s Reflections on Life and the Lessons He Learned, by Carey Hobbs with Melinda Seibert (CJ Books)

• Second Avenue Subway: Building New York City’s Most Famous Thing Never Built, by Dan McNichol with Bill Goodrich and Patrick Cashin (Big Dig Productions)

• Space Ace: A Combat Pilot’s Journey from Vietnam to Beyond Earth, by Robert “Hoot” Gibson, with Anthony Paustian, PhD (Bookpress Publishing)

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

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Healing While Black: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Psychology and the Science of Healing, by Natasha Ickes (The Dream Formula)

• Justice for Ma’at: The True Story of a Father’s Relentless Fight for His Daughter, by Le’Taxione (Bean Tree Press)

FINALISTS:

• Embracing the World, by L Ali Sheikh (AuthorHouse)

• Half Spoon of Rice (Bilingual English and Khmer), by Icy Smith, Illustrated by Sopaul Nhem (East West Discovery Press)

• I Adore You - Finding Hope and a Home in a New Land, by Fardous Hosseiny & Jaihoon Nawzadi, Illustrated by Emmeline Keeling (Self-Published)

• My Land, My Nile, by Maria Zeinab (SelfPublished)

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

• Native Brush Strokes, by Antoinette Godin (Palmetto Publishing)

• Oceansong, by C.W. Rose, Illustrated by Gianni Vazquez (Hey Hey Books)

• Soul Cyclin, by Ashley Greaves (N/A)

BUSINESS

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Rich Relationships: Create a Million-Dollar Network for Your Business, by Selena Soo, Illustrated by Irah Leyson (Selena Soo)

• The Strategy Trap: Why Companies Fail at Execution and How to Get It Right, by Kevin Ertell (Ideapress Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• American Family Farmland: Preserving Values & Creating Wealth, by Johnny Klemme (NICHE Pressworks)

• Give First: The Power of Mentorship, by Brad Feld (Ideapress Publishing)

• Ideas to Action: Unlock Your Organization’s Hidden Genius to Ignite Innovation and Accelerate Results, by Rick Tucci (FriesenPress)

• Race to Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Entrepreneurship For Everyone, by John Phillip Bamforth and Roy Stanford Zwahlen (Ideapress Publishing)

• Six Functions, One Vision: A Practical Guide for Modern Leaders, by Dorothy Kudla (Lioncrest Publishing)

• Take the Wheel: How to Influence Anyone and Be the Leader People Want to Follow, by Vlad Sopov, Illustrated by Andy Meaden (Sopov Media)

• Unconvention: A Small Business Strategy Guide, by Sri Kaza (Ideapress Publishing)

CAREER

WINNER ($100):

• The Stars Are Lined Up for Military Spouses, by Kathryn Troutman (Resume Place)

FINALISTS:

• Breaking Free from a Malignant Manager: Strategies to Reclaim Your Confidence & Career, by Cathy Alfandre (Publish Your Purpose)

• Can’t I Just Stay In My Room? A Career Guide for Everyone Who’d Rather Not Talk About It, by Jennifer Larsen (Wayfinder Press)

• Federal Resume Guidebook 8th Edition, by Kathryn Troutman (Resume Place)

• Sustainable Ambition: How to Prioritize What Matters to Thrive in Life and Work, by Kathy Oneto (Greenleaf Book Group Press)

• The Strategic Empathy Revolution: Building High Performance Teams with Emotional Intelligence, by Loretta Piazza (Loretta Piazza)

• Transitioning Your Federal Resume to Private Industry, by Kathryn Troutman (Resume Place)

• Unlikely to Unstoppable: Stories from Everyday Entrepreneurs, by Jennifer Collins and Elizabeth Clark (Words in the Wings Press)

CHICK LIT (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Fine, I’m a Terrible Person, by Lisa F. Rosenberg (Sibylline Press)

FINALISTS:

• All She Ever Wanted, by Susan Edmunds (Next Chapter)

• Norma and the Blue Hour, by Chris Delyani (Solid Oaktown Books)

• Olive Envy, by D.R. Ransdell (Hodophile Books)

• The Elephant in the Ivy, by Alexander Greengaard (Pima Open Digital Press)

• You Are My Favorite Bad Idea, by Edwina Darke (WrittenHouse Publishing)

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

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Katie Finds Her Voice: A Story About Autism, by Amy McCoy, Illustrated by Heather Bell (KWE Publishing)

• kisēwātsi--Be Kind, by Elizabeth Merasty, Illustrated by Brie Phillips (Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Midwife Wha?!, by Jo Zasloff, Illustrated by Haein Kim (Nettle Wellness Press)

• Mule Cart: An Armenian Refugee Family’s Escape, by Arpie Cherchian Cort and David Louis Cort, Illustrated by Nicole Nielsen (Fig Mint Press)

• My Invisible Friend ADHD, by Amanda Amaral, Illustrated by Lohana Sandy (Maya Moon Books)

• Quest for the Code, by Heather Bradley (FriesenPress)

• Who is the Super Ultra Mega Special Super Special Guest?, by Sean Covel, Illustrated by Affendy Ilias (Red Road)

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK (0-5 YEARS)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure, by Davon Miller (Picture Novels)

• Frogs Have Feelings Too, by Amanda Fee, Illustrated by Hiruni Kariyawasam (KingFee Publishing)

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK (0-5 YEARS)

…continued

FINALISTS:

• A Maker of Dresses, by Violet Lemay, Michael Sampson, Illustrated by Violet Lemay (Brown Books Publishing Group)

• Fear of the Unknown is the Greatest Fear of All: After Lion Finds a Scary Hole Behind a Tree, He Overcomes Anxiety with Courage and Friendship, by Hilary Lawrence, Illustrated by Katherine Summerville (Overlook Publishing)

• Haiku For You: A Collection of Simple Haikus for Early Readers, by Anthony J. D’Amato (ToDiMiJo & Co)

• Night of the Cricket, by Laura Rasey Miller, Illustrated by Laura Rasey Miller (Mixam)

• The Little Girl with Big Dreams, by Sissel Waage, Illustrated by Ana-Maria Cosma (Lulu Press)

• The Pencil and The Book, by Kay L. (SelfPublished)

• The Wild West of Waste, by Lauren Click, Illustrated by Nikki Swiderski (Let’s Go Compost)

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

WINNER ($100):

• Phoenix & the Farm of Second Chances, by Brittany Petish, Illustrated by Brittany Petish (Amazon)

FINALISTS:

• Jack and the Hidden Seeds, by Brittany Petish, Illustrated by Brittany Petish (Amazon)

• Let’s Meet Anger: A Fun Guide to Managing and Befriending Anger, by Fahimeh Rafighian, Illustrated by Gubich Tatsiana (SelfPublished)

• Orchestra with Joy: An Introduction to the Families of the Orchestra, by Suzanne Brown, Illustrated by Romi Caron (Suzanne Brown)

• So Many Ways to Be Curious: A Book to Nurture Curiosity, Critical Thinking Skills, Empathy and Resilience, by Jayneen Sanders, Illustrated by Clare Elsom (Educate2Empower Publishing)

• What Happens After?, by Diane Namm, Illustrated by Laura Jäger (Self-Published)

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK #OWNVOICES

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• The Giraffe in my Backpack, by Calli PratSymes, Illustrated by Calli Prat-Symes (SelfPublished)

• What if You Dare The Dandelions to Sing?, by Erika James, Illustrated by Daria Gemma (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Beatrice the Bewildered Bumblebee, by Gayla Bratta, Illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic (Bewildered Books)

• Even George, by Carolyn Cockburn, Illustrated by Vaughan Duck (Self-Published)

• Made to be Ludo, by Melissa Souza, Illustrated by Jess Bircham (Brave Books)

• Me, and My Long, Long Hair, by Pria Dee, Illustrated by Emily Hercock (Boomi)

• Mule Cart: An Armenian Refugee Family’s Escape, by Arpie Cherchian Cort and David Louis Cort, Illustrated by Nicole Nielsen (Fig Mint Press)

• Sam and His Amazing Flying Crib, by Jan O’Dea, Illustrated by Jan O’Dea (Book Publish Pro)

• Why Did The Chameleon Cross The Road? In Uganda!, by Catherine Kreutter, Illustrated by Andrew Jackson Obol (Old Mzee Books)

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK ILLUSTRATION (BEST ILLUSTRATOR)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Jack and the Hidden Seeds, by Brittany Petish, Illustrated by Brittany Petish (Amazon)

• The Roll-Away Snowman, by Junia Wonders, Illustrated by Daniela Volpari (Gmuer Verlag)

FINALISTS:

• I Bet I Can Make You Yawn, by Alison Frenz, Illustrated by Audrey Kennedy (BookBaby)

• Into the Thicket, by Gail Kuhnlein, Illustrated by John Megahan (BookBaby)

• Night of the Cricket, by Laura Rasey Miller, Illustrated by Laura Rasey Miller (Mixam)

• Rocco Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday at the White House!, by Rocco Smirne, Illustrated by John Hutton (The White House Historical Association)

• The Tail That Told the Truth; A Tale About Telling the Truth, by Jory Perry, Illustrated by Jory Perry (Self-Published)

CHILDREN’S/JUVENILE (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Red and Me, by Terry Lee Caruthers (Star Bright Books)

• Room With a Boo, by Rissa Miller, Illustrated by Josh Johnson (Analytical Artist & Indigo)

FINALISTS:

• A Million YES’s, by DJ Corchin, Illustrated by Dan Dougherty (The phazelFOZ Company)

• Deadpan, by Harold Eppley (Orange Hat Publishing)

• First There Was Bird, by Linda Oatman High, Illustrated by Leo Trinidad (One Elm Books, an imprint of Red Chair Press)

CHILDREN’S/JUVENILE (FICTION)…continued

• Racing the Clouds, by Sydney Dunlap (Jolly Fish Press)

• Rewilding, by Lisa Gerlits, Illustrated by Savanna Durr (One Elm Books, an imprint of Red Chair Press)

• Saturdays with Gramps, by Marissa Bader, Illustrated by Ellie Beykzadeh (M. Bader Media)

• What if You Dare The Dandelions to Sing?, by Erika James, Illustrated by Daria Gemma (Self-Published)

CHILDREN’S/JUVENILE (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• FLEX: Connect, Empower, & Lead: A Teen’s Guide to Leadership, by Shaine Hobdy (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• A High-Performing Mind for Teens: A Proven System of Simple Steps for a Better Life, by Andrew D. Thompson (AHPM Publishing)

• BFFs! Black-Footed Ferrets, by Elaine Miller Bond (True North Editions)

• Classical Composers: Florence Price, by Joanne Mattern, Illustrated by Marilena Perilli (Red Chair Press)

• Hey Baby - The Elk that Survived!, by Pamela J. Howard, Illustrated by GYBI (Authorhouse)

• Walking on Cinders, by Judith Elaine Hankes (Kindle Direct Publishing)

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

WINNER ($100):

• Red and Me, by Terry Lee Caruthers (Star Bright Books)

FINALISTS:

• Beneath the Blue: A Tale of Courage Against the Current, by Joan Enockson, Illustrated by Taylor Johnston (Tall Girl Publishing)

• El Camino del Destino, by Christina M Treviño, Illustrated by Christina Treviño (Christina Treviño Storybooks)

• Kali the Elephant Learns from Socrates the Philosopher, by Neera K. Badhwar, Illustrated by Sebastian Ady Branzei (Archway Press)

• Loloa the Floppy Eared Puppy, by Jo Ann Jeffries and Monica Bob, Illustrated by Oliver at Get Your Book Illustrations (JJ Publishing)

• Sounds My Ears Don’t Like To Hear, by Robbie and Judy Roozen, Illustrated by Judy Roozen (Plump Platypus)

• The Journeys of Duck, by Ian Anderson, Illustrated by Jasmine Smith (Self-Published)

CHRISTIAN (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Road Unveiled, by Tim Bishop (Open Road Press)

FINALISTS:

• RED, by Evelyn M. Exley (Self-Published)

• The Path to Heaven, by Emily Minjun Chung (Perfex Books)

• There Bleeds the Light: Book Two of the Song of the Solas Trilogy, by Andrea Renae (Andrea Renae)

• Treetop, by J. J. Dyer (Xulon Press Elite)

• What the River Keeps, by Cheryl Grey Bostrom (Tyndale House)

CHRISTIAN (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Get Up - A Story of One Woman’s Journey and The God Who Wouldn’t Let Go, by LaVonne M Chastain (Valley Grace Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• A Leap of Faith: Celebrating 50 Years of the Durham Rescue Mission, by Andrea Higgins (Rescue Missions Ministries)

• Our Hope to the North: True Stories from the Career of an Immigration Consultant, by Carlos J. Romero, Paul-Newell Reaves, Jainey Gastelum, Illustrated by Chris Poe, Wisteria Media (Amazon)

• Reconstructing Faith: 365 Days to Reconsider Jesus, by Dick Daniels (IngramSpark)

• SEEDS OF JOY: Growing in God’s Presence through Scripture, Prayer, & the Beauty of Creation, by Pamela Joy (ReJOYce Publications)

• The Mysteries of Christmas: 25 Themes for a Biblical Understanding of the Christmas Story, by Andriy Hrenok (N/A)

• The Rock, Pop, and Country Gospel: Backstories and Biblical Wisdom from Fifty (Mostly) Iconic Songs, by Jeff Fehn (WestBow Press)

• The Volume of the Book: Christ in the Old Testament, by Commander George J. Thielemann (Self-Published)

COFFEE

TABLE BOOK/PHOTOGRAPHY

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Flora of the Orinoco: Aquatic and Semi-Aquatic Plants, by Ivan Mikolji (Mikolji Corp)

• The ABCs of California’s Native Bees, by Krystle Hickman (Heyday Books)

FINALISTS:

• Capitol Views: A Journey Through America’s Legislatures, by Multiple Authors (National Conference of State Legislatures)

COFFEE TABLE BOOK/PHOTOGRAPHY

…continued

• Fragments of Light: A Medley of Vision and Verse, by Robert Feist (Self-Published)

• Little Wekiva Memories: Kayaking & Other Adventures, by Nichole Delafield Bromme and Leif Bromme, Illustrated by Nichole Delafield Bromme (Hastings House with Newhouse Creative Group)

• Public Land: 1,000 Western Wonders, by Michael Joseph Oswald (Stone Road Press)

• Second Avenue Subway: Building New York City’s Most Famous Thing Never Built, by Dan McNichol with Bill Goodrich and Patrick Cashin (Big Dig Productions)

• Unforgotten: Ancient Cities from a Distant Past, by William Frej (George F. Thompson Publishing)

COOKBOOKS/HEALTHY EATING/ NUTRITION

WINNER ($100):

• A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island, by Emmanuel Laroche (Post Hill Press)

FINALISTS:

• Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President’s Taste, by Adrian Miller and Deborah Chang (The White House Historical Association)

• How to Taste Cheese - A Guided Journal for the Cheese Curious, by A.K. Williams, B. Kapitan, Illustrated by B. Kapitan (Interactive Bee Media)

• The Culinary Students’ Adventures: Stories of Life-Changing Journeys to Chefhood. Chefs Favourite Recipes and Essential Stocks and Sauces, by Carolynne Wilson, Illustrated by Carolynne Wilson (Carolynne Wilson)

• Vegan Flavors of The World: A Culinary Exploration: Plant-Based Recipes From Every Corner of the Globe: Volume 1, by Rachel Adina Mullen, Illustrated by Rachel Mullen (SelfPublished)

• Ya Gotta Eat!, by Catherine Ring Saliba (Atmosphere Press)

CRIME (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• The Outlaw from Newville: A Game Warden Henry Glance Novel, by Steven T. Callan (A Coffeetown Press Book Published by Epicenter Press)

• The Prayer of St. Francis, by Travis J. Petersen (www.travisjpetersen.com)

FINALISTS:

• A Study in Black Brew, by Marie Howalt (Spaceboy Books)

• Four Dead Near Canal Street, by Tim Stone (Tim Stone)

• Raven’s Legacy (A Jonah St. Clair Mystery), by Charlotte Stuart (Quartermaster Publishing)

• Spare the Rod, by Lewis Allan (Stretched Studio)

• The Reflection Game, by Grace Meridan (SelfPublished)

• The Third Girl, by S.C. Shannon (Joffe Books)

CURRENT EVENTS

WINNER ($100):

• Stolen Legacies: The Fight for Nazi-Looted Art, by Adena J. Bernstein (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Be Like Donald! How I Rule The World and You Can To! 100 Tremendous Strategies for Success in Business, Politics, and Life. From Your Favorite President. ME!, by Gina Grahame, Illustrated by Gina Grahame (Publish Your Purpose)

• Enough! How We Can Turn Outrage Into Action, by S.E. McClellan (Rad Mod Press)

• Hope On The Border, by Gil Gillenwater, Illustrated by Neill Fox (Self-Published)

• Leap Beyond AI: Reinventing Leadership and Human Intelligence, by Micheline Nader (Hasmark Publishing International)

• The Civility Book: A Guide to Building Bridges Across the Political Divide, by Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson with Lynne Golodner (Wayne State University Press)

• Ukrainian Vignettes: Essays on a Culture at War, by Mitja Velikonja (DoppelHouse Press)

• We Need New Leaders: Mastering Reputation Management to Reshape the C-Suite, by Charlotte Otter (Practical Inspiration Publishing)

E-BOOK (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Daemon Protocol, by J.L. Spears (Code and Consciousness Press)

FINALISTS:

• A Second Chance, by Asher Frend (SelfPublished)

• Christmas at the Old Mill, by Jonny Thompson (Chantry Publishing House)

• Life and Love on Mouse Island, by Andrée Jannette (Self-Published)

• Saving Cottonwood, by Lisa Page (SelfPublished)

• The Echoes of Time: Book One of the Temporal Scent Series, by Duane Penshorn (Astus Press)

• The Mark, by Anne Keene (Amazon)

• Wild Girl: Hunting the Unicorn, by Jehane Spicer (Atmosphere Press)

E-BOOK (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Of Bloodlines and Blue Notes: Lyrics, Album Notes and Critical Essays, by Terry Blade (Blade Arthouse Media)

FINALISTS:

• Becoming Through Life’s Trials - Navigating Life’s Challenges Book 3, by Luminescence Goh (Kindle)

• Beyond the Nile: Gods and Legends from the Heart of Africa, by Clifton Brown (The Shades of Brown Diversified)

• Connecting Generations in Daily Life: Navigating Life’s Challenges Book 2, by Luminescence Goh (Kindle)

• Custodians of Purity: An Anthropological Study into the Mystical World of the Brahma Kumaris, by Tamasin Ramsay (Cambridge Scholars Publishing)

• Pitch, Sketch, Launch: What Sketch Comedy Can Teach Us About Product Development, by John Krewson (Wren House Press)

• Strength Beyond the Shadows: Overcoming a Childhood of Trauma, Neglect, and Sexual Abuse, by Seth Gehle (The Impact Project)

• Whole Soul Caregiving: An End-of-Life Doula’s Tips for Caregivers, by Ann Thompson (Balboa Press)

EDUCATION/ACADEMIC (NON-FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Social Skill of the Week Curriculum: 42 Weeks of Lesson Plans for K-6 Classrooms, by Amy Riccio, LMSW, MS & Laura Sokolofsky, MEd, NCC, LPC & Beth McGraw, MSEd (Boys Town Press)

• The Complete U: Over 100 Lessons for Success In and Out of the College Classroom, by Deborah J. Cohan (Mango)

FINALISTS:

• A Practitioner’s Guide to Mastering Functional Medicine Lab Values: Foundations of Health Testing (Part 1 of 4: Base-Level Blood Labs, Cardiometabolic, & Nutrition), by Dr. Brandy Zachary, D.C., IFMCP, FMACP (The Dr. Z Functional Medicine LabDX, LLC)

• Educated Out: How Rural Students Navigate Elite Colleges--And What It Costs Them, by Mara Casey Tieken (University of Chicago Press)

• Native American and First Nation Figures in Sculpture: North American Monuments, Memorials and Statuary of 50 Artists, by Fred F. Poyner IV (McFarland & Company)

• Salts, by La Toya Tanaka (Harvard Square Editions)

• The Privilege of Blue Skies: Tracing the Uneven Legacy of Air Pollution Across Nations, by Saheli Nath (World Scientific)

FANTASY

WINNER ($100):

• Mother & Slaughter, by Liz Shipton, Illustrated by Daniel Lorca (Tyrannosaurus Yes Media)

FINALISTS:

• Dark Bringer (Lord of Everfell Book #1), by Kat Ross (Kat Ross Books)

• Silversong, by Rhonda Parrish (Poise and Pen Publishing)

• Splinters of Heaven: Book 1 of Pax Terminus, by Theo Tsirigotis, Illustrated by Kyle Enochs (Cover Art) (Hollow Crown Press)

• The Death of Mountains, by Jordan Kurella (Lethe Press)

• The Loudest Place on Earth: A Novel, by Ken Ziegler (GFB Publishing)

FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

WINNER ($100):

• Champions Way, by Laura Carpenter, Illustrated by Laura Carpenter (SelfPublished)

FINALISTS:

• Alice Anyway, by Brenda K. Thompson (SelfPublished)

• Barren, by Byddi Lee (Seanchai Books)

• I Drank From The Nile: An Unbreakable Memoir of Resilience, by Katya Dunko (Katya Dunko)

• Nine Lives of Woman: Sensual, Sexual and Reproductive Stages from Birth to 100, by Christine Marie Mason (Moonglow)

• Own Your Path, by Tauni Crefeld (MilSpace Books an imprint of W. Brand Publishing)

• Portrait of a Mestiza: A Memoir in Essays, by Marianna Marlowe (She Writes Press)

• Unapologetic Wealth, Rewrite Your Money Story From Any Beginning, by Marcia Dawood (Do Good Media)

FIRST NOVEL (40,000 TO

70,000

WINNERS ($100): TIE

WORDS)

• Shadow of Helios Book 1 of the Solar Realms Saga, by R.J. Thompson (Obsidian Tower)

• The Potion Experiment, by Elle McFadzean, Illustrated by Adèle Dunand (Elle McFadzean)

FINALISTS:

• Between Two Crowns, by E.K. Jasmine (CLM Publishing)

• Fifteen Keys, by Peter J. Barbour, Illustrated by Peter J. Barbour (Bethlehem Writers Group)

FIRST NOVEL (40,000 TO 70,000 WORDS)

…continued

• Fractured Echoes: You Can’t Fight What You Can’t Remember, by J. J. Noad (Self-Published)

• Scream of the Silent Sun, by Dianna Sinovic (Parisian Phoenix Publishing)

• Sleeper Code: A Novel, by Dr. Kevin McGuire (Perfect Publishing)

• The Mark, by Anne Keene (Amazon)

• The Storymancer, by Robert Carnes (Blue Ink Press)

FIRST NOVEL (70,000 TO 90,000 WORDS)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Alice Anyway, by Brenda K. Thompson (SelfPublished)

• The Sooner You Forget, by Christopher Bensinger (Subplot)

FINALISTS:

• 58% Too Far, by M. A. Noordermeer (Blue Giraffe Books)

• A Fistful of My Sky: Memories of Jawhar, by Anand Gokani MD (Zorba Books)

• Euroglass, by Lika Vetra (Self-Published)

• Garbage Town, by Ravi Gupta (Greenleaf Book Group)

• Measure of Devotion, by Nell D. Joslin (Regal House Publishing)

• Nightswimming: The Jamie Palmieri Mystery, by Melanie Anangnos (High Frequency Press)

• The Gallagher Place, by Julie Doar (Zibby Publishing)

FIRST NOVEL (OVER 90,000 WORDS)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Stolen Histories, by B.R. Michaels (Once Upon A Queer Publishing)

• The Beekeeper’s Question: Love and Honey, War and Reckoning, a Novel of World War II, by Christina Baldwin (Seascript Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• An Autobiography of Murders: The First Three, by J.P. Léger (Self-Published)

• Becoming Sarah, by Diane Botnick (She Writes Press)

• Birds in a Land of No Trees: (Notebook A - Habits and Habitats), by Anthony Lange (Seahorse Bay Books)

• Salvage, by Arnie Koss, Illustrated by Ryan Koss (Cover) (Arnie Koss)

• Song of Hummingbird Highway, by K.M. Cookie (Koehler Books)

• The Resettlement of Vesta Blonik, by Denise Smith Cline (Regal House Publishing)

• Writer-in-Residence, by J.A. Hoskins (Nom de Plume Publishing)

FIRST NOVEL

(UNDER 50,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Time’s Breath: An Odyssey in Words and Pictures, by Deborah Brown English (Deborah Brown English)

FINALISTS:

• Go Quietly Now: A Testament to the Gift of Speech and Its Absence, by Corinne Cowan (Tellwell Publishing)

• Margot and the Wise Turtle, by Brennan O’Dea, Illustrated by Stefi Baum (Self-Published)

• Star Legacy Origins, by C.V. Jackson (SelfPublished)

• The Boys of The Millennium, by Rj Pettinelli (New Harbor Press)

• Through the Dark Glass, by Aaron Reid (SelfPublished)

GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL

(70,000 TO 100,000 WORDS)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• A Dangerous Friendship: A Novel, by Robin Merle (She Writes Press)

• Ingram: A Novel, by Louis C.K. (BenBella Books)

FINALISTS:

• I Inherited a Mixed Animal from Uncle Living in Woods, by Richard Martin (Apprentice House)

• Little Great Island, by Kate Woodworth (Sibylline Press)

• Roadside Sisters, by Catherine Matthews (Pacific Peaks Publishing)

• Seren, by Peter Gooch (Apprentice House)

• Songs My Mother Taught Me, by Helen Winslow Black (Four Elk Press)

• The Summer We Ran: A Novel, by Audrey Ingram (Zibby Publishing)

• Turning Toward Eden, by Cate Touryan (Winged Publications)

GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL (OVER 100,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Writer-in-Residence, by J.A. Hoskins (Nom de Plume Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Did You Have the Life You Wanted, by Andrea Simon (Sibylline Press)

• Emma: Knightley’s Version, by Hailey Jones (Hailey Jones)

• So, I Met This Guy, by Alexandra Potter (Zibby Publishing)

• The Rabbi’s Suitcase, by Robert Kehlmann (Koehler Books)

GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL (OVER 100,000 WORDS)…continued

• Water Dressed in Brown, by Dan O’Hare (Dan O’Hare)

GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL (UNDER 70,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• American Gyro, by Jim Zervanos (Vine Leaves Press)

FINALISTS:

• Aegolius Creek, by Micah Thorp (Type Eighteen Books)

• Blame It on Socrates, by Jack Ryan (Woodbridge Publishers)

• The Poison Girl, by Suzanne Manizza Roszak (Spuyten Duyvil)

• The Radical Radiance of the Fishing Fly, by Lewis K. Schrager (LFEA Press)

• Tobacco City, by Ricardo Novaes (Independent Publisher)

GENERAL NON-FICTION

WINNER ($100):

• Tennis Players as Works of Art, by David Linebarger (Atmosphere Press)

FINALISTS:

• Behind The Beauty Mirror - The Comedy & Chaos of Running a Beauty Business, by Carol Frieling, Illustrated by Fay (Picardie Press)

• Death, Taxes, and Turduckens: Unraveling History’s Biggest Tax Heist and the Broken System That Enabled It, by Jens Heycke (SelfPublished)

• Never Say Never: Cross Canadian Ragweed, The Boys From Oklahoma, and a Red Dirt Comeback Story for the Ages, by Josh Crutchmer (Back Lounge Publishing)

• New York City Love Triangle, 1931: A Tale of Three Families, by Gabe Oppenheim (Solicitude)

• Second Avenue Subway: Building New York City’s Most Famous Thing Never Built, by Dan McNichol with Bill Goodrich and Patrick Cashin (Big Dig Productions)

• Stars and Skeletons: Tales of Life with My Schizophrenic Brother, by David Robinson (Three Uncles Publishing)

• The Edge of Land: A Swimming of Age Story, by Jonathan J. Ezer (Writers of The West)

GIFT

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Dear New York, I Love You: An Artist’s Celebration of the City, by Ria Sim, Illustrated by Ria Sim (Countryman Press)

• Taters Gonna Tate: How Chemo Turned Penny into a Potato, by Tiana A.M. Schenk, Illustrated by Jen Borror (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Don’t Pet the Fluffy Cows!, by Dee Dee Fox, Illustrated by Dee Dee Fox (Wildflower Press)

• The 101 People I Met Along the Way, by Nick Lo Surdo (Nick Lo Surdo)

• The People’s House Miscellany: A Treasury of White House History, Fun Facts, and Things to Know, by Stewart D. McLaurin (The White House Historical Association)

• Timeless Reflections Volume 6: A Valued Inheritance, by Multiple Authors, Illustrated by Multiple Illustrators (Diamante Lavendar)

• Word Search of Canada, by Nick Cranford (Flanker Press)

GRAPHIC NOVEL

WINNER ($100):

• Sunder Tome 1: Small Beginnings, by PierreAlexandre Comtois, Illustrated by PierreAlexandre Comtois (Mad Cave Studios)

FINALISTS:

• Astronautical!, by Brooklin Stormie (Annick Press)

• Dead Acre: Black Badge Vol. 1, by Cullen Bunn, Illustrated by Riley Brown (Vault Comics)

• Nandi and the Castle in the Sea, by Anil Serpin, Illustrated by Sheryl Chieng (Slow Comics)

• Punk Taco Adventures Vol. 1: New Friends, by Adam Wallenta, Makana Wallenta, Keola Wallenta, Illustrated by Adam Wallenta, Makana Wallenta, Keola Wallenta (Mad Cave Studios/Papercutz)

• The Ghost of Wreckers Cove, by Angelica Del Campo, Illustrated by Liniers (Mad Cave Studios/Papercutz)

• The Knight: From Out of the Shadows, by C. Edward Sellner, Illustrated by Mario Torrisi (Visionary Comics)

• Woodstake: Three Days of Peace, Music and Blood, by Darin S. Cape, Illustrated by Felipe Kroll (SHP Comics)

HEALTH/WELLNESS (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Fix the Fire Damage (The Everyday Pain Guide #2) - Your Go-To Guide When Pain First Strikes, by Ya-Ling J. Liou, D.C., Illustrated by Sandy Johnson (Return to Health Press)

FINALISTS:

• Embody: The Power of Presence in an Age of Distraction, by Andrena Woodhams (Yinbound Books)

HEALTH/WELLNESS (NON-FICTION)…continued

• I Am Safe: Trauma-Responsive Practices in Crisis Mental Health, by Chrissy Mignogna (Beaver’s Pond Press)

• The Dance of Resilience: Transforming Lives and Staying Vibrant Through Partner Dance, by Ember Reichgott Junge (She Writes Press)

• Unwinding the Imprints of Disease: Transforming Intergenerational and Transgenerational Trauma, by Leah K. Hollon, Illustrated by Leah Sherman (Balboa Press)

• Young Person’s Guide to Health & Wellness, by Ahron Friedberg and Sandra Sherman (Skyhorse)

HISTORICAL (FICTION) (PRE 1900’S)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• A Necessary Death, by Terri Karsten (Wagonbridge Publishing)

• Isabela’s Way: A Novel, by Barbara StarkNemon (She Writes Press)

FINALISTS:

• Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold, by David R. Leng (Self-Published)

• Tethered Spirits (Wiaqtaqne’wasultijik na Kjijaqmijinaq), by Corinne Hoebers, Illustrated by Matt Connolly (OC Publishing)

• The Boy with the Jade, by Charles Bush (History Through Fiction)

• The Case of the Hydegild Sacrifice, by David Cairns (Finavon Press)

• The Harbinger: A Triquetra Chronicle, by Sarah Heximer (Self-Published)

• The Secret Courtesan, by Kerry Chaput (She Writes Press)

• The Unforgettable Forgotten Patriot, by Alan Henry DeLisle (Chapel Hill Press)

HISTORICAL (FICTION) (1900’S)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Arkansas Black, by Alexander Blevens (Lost Meridian Press)

• The Rabbi’s Suitcase, by Robert Kehlmann (Koehler Books)

FINALISTS:

• On a Sundown Sea: A Novel of Madame Tingley and the Origins of Lomaland, by Jill G. Hall (She Writes Press)

• Shadows of Tehran, by Pedro Berg (Greenleaf Book Group)

• The Ashtrays Are Full and the Glasses Are Empty, by Kirsten Mickelwait (Koehler Books)

• The Sooner You Forget, by Christopher Bensinger (Subplot)

• Wednesday Club: A Novel, by Kristine Jensen (Prairieflower Press)

• Whistling Women and Crowing Hens, by Melora Fern (Sibylline Press)

• Whiz Kid-A Novel, by Joel Burcat and David S. Burcat (Milford House Press imprint of Sunbury Press)

HISTORICAL (NON-FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Native American and First Nation Figures in Sculpture: North American Monuments, Memorials and Statuary of 50 Artists, by Fred F. Poyner IV (McFarland & Company)

• The Origin Story of Fort Road/West Seventh Street, the Township/City of Saint Paul, the Territory/State of Minnesota: Glacial Age Forward, by Joseph Landsberger (SelfPublished)

FINALISTS:

• 100 Objects from the Collections of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, by Multiple Authors (YIVO Institute for Jewish Research)

• 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco, by Nancy Heslin and Lacey Da Costa (Carob Tree Publishing)

• New York City Love Triangle, 1931: A Tale of Three Families, by Gabe Oppenheim (Solicitude)

• Seligman, Arizona: Birthplace of HISTORIC Route 66, by N.C.L. Sarno (Self-Published)

• Stories of the Holocaust: Art for Healing and Renewal, Volume I: On Stage and In Concert, Edited by Karen Berman, PhD and Gail Humphries, PhD (International Psychoanalytic Books)

• Waterhole Economies: The Only Economies That Never Collapsed, by Samuel Layne, Illustrated by Sherry Wang (Maijai Press)

• Wells Waite Miller and Me: An 8th OVI Civil War Biography, by Kelly Boyer Sagert (SelfPublished)

HORROR

WINNER ($100):

• Shoot Me in the Face on a Beautiful Day, by Emma E. Murray (Apocalypse Party Press)

FINALISTS:

• A Whisper in the Dark, by Elizabeth S. Devecchi (Aethon/Wicked House Publishing)

• Grabtown, by Sarah P. Blanchard (Eagle Ridge Press)

• The House of All Sorrows, by Richard Gadz (Deixis Press)

• Veil, by Jeff Clulow (Third Eye Press)

• Where Dark Things Rise, by Andrew K. Clark (Quill & Crow Publishing House)

HUMOR/COMEDY

WINNER ($100):

• I Inherited a Mixed Animal from Uncle Living in Woods, by Richard Martin (Apprentice House)

FINALISTS:

• A Brief History of Wasting Time, by Gary C. McAuley (Sunwest)

• DreamAway, by Frank Arricale (Barnes and Noble Press)

• Duck Light: Fer da Boyz, by Gillian A. Corsiatto, Illustrated by Alison Forsberg (FriesenPress)

• Sext and the Small City, by Aimee Chan (Suitcases & Strollers Pty)

• Silly Socks and Other Stuff, by Bev Stone, Illustrated by Calvin Stone and Bev Stone (Snowpuppy)

ILLUSTRATIONS

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Dear New York, I Love You: An Artist’s Celebration of the City, by Ria Sim, Illustrated by Ria Sim (Countryman Press)

• Night of the Cricket, by Laura Rasey Miller, Illustrated by Laura Rasey Miller (Mixam)

FINALISTS:

• All That Knitting, by Robbie and Judy Roozen, Illustrated by Judy Roozen (Plump Platypus)

• Labyrinth III Winter, by Donna L. Huntriss, Illustrated by Donna L. Huntriss (Donna Huntriss)

• Sylvia The Garden Snake, by Robbie and Judy Roozen, Illustrated by Judy Roozen (Plump Platypus)

• The Last Book: The Diary of The Last Earthling, by Hungry Minds, Illustrated by Lev Kaplan (Hungry Minds)

• The Traveling Hippo, by Scott Preston, Illustrated by Scott Preston & Lilly Preston (Self-Published)

• Toby Found the Tide, by Suzy Shepherd, Illustrated by Suzy Shepherd (Independent)

INSPIRATIONAL (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Color of Dreams, by Michael Zajaczkowski (Starlite Books)

FINALISTS:

• Growing Up O’Malley, by Mary Frances Fisher (Self-Published)

• Miracle on 134th Street, by Chris Storm (Chris Storm Books)

• Norma and the Blue Hour, by Chris Delyani (Solid Oaktown Books)

• Promising Young Man, by Elias Axel (My Delightful Life Press)

• RED, by Evelyn M. Exley (Self-Published)

INSPIRATIONAL (NON-FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Meeting Your Magnificence: 111 Ways to Live from Your Higher Self, by Carolyn Golbus (Brown Books Publishing)

• The Power of the Only: Own Your Voice, Thrive in Any Environment, by Angela Chee (Ideapress Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Always November: Lessons in Loss, Love and Resilience, by Arik Housley & Holly Lynn Payne (Skywriter Books)

• Henrik & Omi, by Henrik Kruse (Henrik Kruse)

• Just Trust Life: A Journey with Teilhard de Chardin, by Christine M Tracy, Ph.D., Illustrated by Raul Pena (Cover & Text Designer) (Iphis Press)

• The Dance of Resilience: Transforming Lives and Staying Vibrant Through Partner Dance, by Ember Reichgott Junge (She Writes Press)

• The Rock, Pop, and Country Gospel: Backstories and Biblical Wisdom from Fifty (Mostly) Iconic Songs, by Jeff Fehn (WestBow Press)

• Tibetan Memories: Stories from Exile and Dreams Deferred, by Eugene H. Johnson, DVM, Ph.D. (George F. Thompson Publishing)

• Unwinding the Imprints of Disease: Transforming Intergenerational and Transgenerational Trauma, by Leah K. Hollon, Illustrated by Leah Sherman (Balboa Press)

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

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Growing Up Happy In A Lonely World: A Mixed Tape Memoir, by Nicole M. Morrison (Live Differently Publishing)

• How to Build LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplaces: A Psychological Approach, by Binna Kandola, Ashley Williams (Routledge)

FINALISTS:

• Bodies in the Bayou, by Cheryl Campbell (Sonar Press)

• I, Sean/a: The Story of A Homeless Intersex Woman Who Inspired A Community, by Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison, Sean/a Smith (Soul Wise Solutions)

• Murder on the Mississippi, by Dean Klinkenberg, Illustrated by Peggy Nehmen (Travel Passages)

• Of Bloodlines and Blue Notes: Lyrics, Album Notes and Critical Essays, by Terry Blade (Blade Arthouse Media)

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

• Sealed in Blood, by H. Ferdosy (Self-Published)

• The First 649 Days: Essays and Other Acts of Love, by Eric LeMay (Kent State University Press)

• When Shadows Burn, by Todd Brown (Koehler Books)

LIFESTYLE/HOME/HOW TO

WINNER ($100):

• The Midday Banana, by Sophia DuJardot, Colton Iverson, Illustrated by Sophia DuJardot (Storvyn)

FINALISTS:

• How to Draw the Presidents and First Ladies, by John Hutton (The White House Historical Association)

• My Money and Me - We’re Talking Now: A Psychological Guide to Reclaiming Your Finances and Self-Respect, by Henrik Kruse (Amazon)

• The Psychology of Raising Good-Strong Boys: How to Raise Good Men in a Modern World, by Ada M. Aguilar, PhD (Amazon)

• The Self-Publishing Roadmap: Everything You Need to Know About Becoming an Indie Author, by Jenna Rose Robbins and Sara Stratton (Redwood Publishing)

• Time Management for the Time-Anxious: A Guide to Managing Time for Those Who Feel There’s Never Enough, by Sarah Barry (Storylane Books)

MEMOIRS (CAREER)

WINNER ($100):

• The Cheese Cure: How Comté and Camembert Fed My Soul, by Michael Finnerty (University of Toronto Press)

FINALISTS:

• A Judge’s Tale: A Trailblazer Fights for Her Place on the Bench, by Janet Kintner (She Writes Press)

• A Promise of Rest: Stories from the Commonplace, by Ron Lands (Atmosphere Press)

• Odyssey Moscow: One American’s Journey from Russia Optimist to Prisoner of the State, by Michael Calvey (The History Press)

• Space Ace: A Combat Pilot’s Journey from Vietnam to Beyond Earth, by Robert “Hoot” Gibson, with Anthony Paustian, PhD (Bookpress Publishing)

• Wake-Up Calls: A Journey of Learning to Lead and Succeed in the Funeral and Deathcare Profession, by Lisa Baue (River Grove Books)

• Whispers of the Mind, A Neurologist’s Memoir, by Carolyn Larkin Taylor, MD (She Writes Press)

• World’s Toughest Rodeo, by Ted Harbin with Steve Gander (W. Brand Publishing)

MEMOIRS (HISTORICAL/LEGACY)

WINNER ($100):

• TIME TRAVELER...A Nomad in the Golden Age, by Joseph Emmrich (Kindle)

FINALISTS:

• Adolfo Kaminsky: A Forger’s Life, by Sarah Kaminsky, Paul Salmona, Deborah Dash Moore (DoppelHouse Press)

• Code Name: Spike, by Jacek Waliszewski (Stories By Publishing)

• Father And Son: The Hitler Loyalist And The U S Airman, by Rudy Jensen, Mary K. Jensen (Astoria Books)

• Paradise Cove - They Escaped the Cuckoo’s Nest, by George T. Nagel (Manhattan Book Group)

• Soul of the Hills: An Appalachian Life and a Call to Remember, by Ronnie Deaton (Amazon)

• Space Ace: A Combat Pilot’s Journey from Vietnam to Beyond Earth, by Robert “Hoot” Gibson, with Anthony Paustian, PhD (Bookpress Publishing)

MEMOIRS (OTHER)

WINNER ($100):

• Hiking the AT in the Virginias: A Septuagenarian’s Journey, by Dave Pruett (George F. Thompson Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Escape Velocity: How One 70-Year-Old PushPulled Her Way Out of Her Too-Much-NotEnough Family (70 Micro-Memoirs, 70 Words Each), by Deborah Sosin, Illustrated by Anna Hall (IngramSpark)

• Promise Me, Daughter: A Nurse Attorney Navigates Her Mother’s Early-Onset Alzheimer’s, by Kathleen A. Hessler (RMK Publications)

• Scrap: Salvaging a Family, by Luanne Castle (ELJ Editions)

• Something Else - Words That Remember, Stories That Awaken, by Lukas Simko (Lukas Simko)

• The Call I Almost Missed: 365 Days Without a Cell Phone and What It Taught Me About Love, Presence, and the Lies We Live, by Tommy Short (Houndstooth Press)

• The Edge of Land: A Swimming of Age Story, by Jonathan J. Ezer (Writers of The West)

• World On Board: Pushing South: From the Andes to the End of the World, by Adrian Oh (World On Board)

MEMOIRS (OVERCOMING ADVERSITY/TRAGEDY)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• 26 Seconds: Grief and Blame in the Aftermath of Losing My Brother in a Plane Crash, by Rossana D’Antonio (She Writes Press)

MEMOIRS (OVERCOMING ADVERSITY/ TRAGEDY)…continued

• Hostage: A Memoir of Terrorism, Trauma, and Resilience, by Mimi Nichter (Potomac Books)

FINALISTS:

• Always There, Always Gone: A Daughter’s Search for Truth, by Marty Ross-Dolen (She Writes Press)

• And Then Came the Blues: My Story of Survival on Both Sides of the Badge, by Katrina Brownlee (Akashic Books)

• Exposed: A Pfizer Scientist Battles Corruption, Lies, and Betrayal, and Becomes a Biohazard Whistleblower, by Becky McClain (Skyhorse Publishing)

• Ghost Child: Uncovering Family Secrets from a Back Porch to the Yucatan, by Deborah Jennings (Atmosphere Press)

• We Learned to Live in the Castle: Stories, by Theresa Griffin Kennedy (Oregon Greystone Press)

• WONDERLAND: Memoir of a BlackMarket Adoption, by Patricia Knight Meyer (Unsolicited Press)

• You’re Too Young to Understand, by Liz Fiedorow Sjaastad (Wise Ink)

MEMOIRS (PERSONAL STRUGGLE/ HEALTH ISSUES)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Brain Tumor: A Love Story, by Kathy Eliscu & Ted White (Maine Authors Publishing)

• The Shoulder Season: A Memoir of Fracture and Grace, by Ann Campanella (The Bridge)

FINALISTS:

• Death of a Childhood: A Memoir of 1989 and the “Why Not?” Baltimore Orioles, by Ryan Basen (The Sager Group)

• Henry’s Classroom: A Special Education in American Motherhood, by Amy Mackin (Apprentice House Press)

• The Remembering: A Journey Back to Self, by Peter Kennedy (Peter Kennedy)

• Touched by Hannah: A Man with Cancer. His One Pound Newborn. And Their Fight for Life., by Chris Hennessy (HennSchtick Productions)

• Washed in Blue: A Journey of Strength, Dignity, and Redemption, by Noelle P Cablay, Illustrated by Thom Clark (Phatpiano Publishing)

MILITARY

WINNER ($100):

• Hidden Hell: Discovering My Father’s P.O.W. Diary, by Robert H. Miller (M and M Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Born From War: A Soldier’s Quest to Understand Vietnam, Iraq, and the Generational Impact of Conflict, by Patrick W. Naughton Jr. (Casemate Publishers)

• Connecticut Military Heroes: Iraq and Afghanistan, by Jeffrey DeWitt (SelfPublished)

• Sail Four: A Submarine Story, by David Zeni (Mr. Ghost Books)

• Space Ace: A Combat Pilot’s Journey from Vietnam to Beyond Earth, by Robert “Hoot” Gibson, with Anthony Paustian, PhD (Bookpress Publishing)

• Task Force Thunderbolt: Global Response Force (Book 3), by Galen D. Peterson (Knight Books)

• The Stars Are Lined Up for Military Spouses, by Kathryn Troutman (Resume Place)

• The Temecula Massacre, by Gary DuBois, Lisa Woodward (Great Oak Press)

MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT

WINNER ($100):

• 7 Principles of Nature: How We Strayed and How We Return, by Aldrich Chan (CNC press)

FINALISTS:

• After the Journey: Returning the Heart to Home, by Wanda W. Jerome (Flying Fancy)

• Beyond Fear: A Woman’s Path to Enlightenment, by Karen Chrappa (Mango Moon Media)

• Dear Parts: A Memoir of Trauma, Psychedelic Healing, and Coming Home to Myself, by Kimberly Taylor D.O. (CLS Publishing)

• Its Way, by David Grobglas, Illustrated by David Grobglas (Self-Published)

• Silence is Skillful, by Kerry Wischusen (Amazon)

• Soul Manual: A Simple Guide to Happiness, by Nancy Depke, Illustrated by Nancy Depke (BookBaby)

• You Can Trust Yourself: Unlock The Wise Woman Within Using Modern Tools & Ancient Wisdom, by Emily Romero, Illustrated by Kasey Strobel (Curiosity Rising)

MOTIVATIONAL

WINNER ($100):

• C.O.U.R.A.G.E. - 7 Choices for Living a Life Without Regret, by Christopher O.H. Williams (Lioncrest Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• An Eye For Joy: Noticing The Good World Everywhere, by Peg Guilfoyle (Sea Crow Press)

• Capitalizing on Chaos: The Executive’s Guide to Succeed in Disruption, by Rob Kalwarowsky (Kalwarowsky Consulting Services)

MOTIVATIONAL…continued

• Change - A Gift in Disguise: Navigating Growth with Intention, by Roula Papathanasiou (Roula Papathanasiou)

• COMPOSED: A Mosaic Advantage to Lead Without Losing Yourself, by Dr. Karissa Thomas (Mosaic Intelligence Publishing)

• Elon Musk: The Man Who Bends Reality, by Vivaan Prashant Karulkar (Ek Sath Broadcasting Pvt)

• Springboard: Transform Stress to Work for You, by Dr. Rebecca Heiss (Ideapress Publishing)

• Wisdom from My Grandmothers: How Messages from the Past Shed Light on Your Life Today, by Jo Ann Fawcett, Illustrated by Finches Creative Design & Illustration (Cover) (Dragonhill Books)

MULTICULTURAL (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Promised Land: Fate of the Twins, by Jacques F. Felix (Dorrance Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• As Gray As Black & White, by Faith Knight (Perry Harris Publishing)

• Gajarah: A Novel, by Somia Sadiq (GFB Publishing)

• Half Spoon of Rice (Bilingual English and Khmer), by Icy Smith, Illustrated by Sopaul Nhem (East West Discovery Press)

• I Adore You - Finding Hope and a Home in a New Land, by Fardous Hosseiny & Jaihoon Nawzadi, Illustrated by Emmeline Keeling (Self-Published)

• I Wanted to be a Bluesman, by David Joseph (Portal 6 Press)

• Time to Shine: A Filipino American Family Story, by Stephanie Vivit Lehmann, Illustrated by Geraldine Martinez-Benz (Pamilya Press)

MYSTERY

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• One Beautiful Year of Normal, by Sandra K. Griffith, Illustrated by Mimi Bark (Cover) (She Writes Press)

• Seren, by Peter Gooch (Apprentice House)

FINALISTS:

• Grabtown, by Sarah P. Blanchard (Eagle Ridge Press)

• Milo’s Reckoning, by Joseph Olshan (Green City Books)

• Ripple Effect, by Brenda Lyne (Brenda Lyne Books)

• The Gallagher Place, by Julie Doar (Zibby Publishing)

• The Haunting of Emily Grace, by Elena Taylor (Severn House)

• To Be Hamlet or: The Star Chamber, by Jeff Schnader (N/A)

• ZigZag Girl, by Ruth Knafo Setton (Black Spring Press)

NEW AGE

WINNER ($100):

• The Dark Feminine Path: Shadow Work, Past Lives, and Reclaiming Your Manifestation Magick, by Anna J. Walner (Silver Dawn Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Custodians of Purity: An Anthropological Study into the Mystical World of the Brahma Kumaris, by Tamasin Ramsay (Cambridge Scholars Publishing)

• Elixir: A Journey into Ancestral Alchemology, by Gisella Rose (Sangetta Star Arts & Publishing)

• On a Sundown Sea: A Novel of Madame Tingley and the Origins of Lomaland, by Jill G. Hall (She Writes Press)

• Reality 2.0: A Revolutionary New Look at the Universe and Life, by William Truax (Blue Ocean Publishing Group)

• Soul Signature Numerology, by Ann Perry, Illustrated by Louise P. Rouleau (Cover) (Ann Perry Publishing)

• Tarot & Dreams, by Julie Loar (Satiama Publishing)

• The Light Warrior Diary & 7 Love Letters from Gaia: A Testament of Freedom in the New Light, by Linn Angell (Sunya Publishing)

NOVELLA

(UNDER 40,000 WORDS)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• SANA: A Novel of Brotherhood, Music, and Native American Healing, by Mike Orton, Robert Aguilar (Amazon)

• Three Guesses, by Chris McClain Johnson (Regal House Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Chicken Bones In The Sand, by Donovan Nelson (Brooklyn Heights Publishing)

• Countdown to Cambridge, by Dale Andrew Brown (Graham Publishing Group)

• Death in the Long Shadows, by Francis M. Flavin (Atmosphere Press)

• Echoes of Fortune: Shadows Over Cozumel, by David R. Leng (White Publishing)

• Festival of the Fallen: A Mostly Cozy Fantasy Mystery, by Kita Colson (Ingrid Moon)

• Searching for Platinum Chocolate: A Platinum Chocolate Romance, by LongTemple, Illustrated by LongTemple (LongTemple)

• Tobacco City, by Ricardo Novaes (Independent Publisher)

PARANORMAL

WINNER ($100):

• The Seer, by Raquel Y. Levitt (Acorn Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Hunger, by Nihaarika Negi, Illustrated by Joe Bocardo (Interior), Bill Sienkiewicz (Cover) (The Lab Press)

• The Lady in White; A Hope’s Bay Ghost Mystery, by Nan Rowe (Little Yellow Finch Publishing)

• The Lavender Blade, by E.L. Deards (She Writes Press)

• The Painted Sand, by Joe Esposito, Illustrated by Jonathan Leyton (Winter Lion Publishing)

• To Condemn a Witch, by Lisa A. Traugott (Rose Castle Media)

PARENTING/FAMILY (NON-FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Parents Have Feelings, Too: A Guide to Navigating Your Emotions So You and Your Family Can Thrive, by Hilary Jacobs Hendel, LCSW and Dr. Juli Fraga (Alcove Press)

• Safest Family on the Block: 101 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Habits to Protect Your Family, by Jason Brick, Illustrated by Axie Breen (Cover) (YMAA Publication Center)

FINALISTS:

• Keep Talking: Conversations with Our Kids When They Want Us Least but Need Us Most, by Jen Shoemaker Davidson (Sole Publishing)

• Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical Acceptance, by Julie M. Green (ECW Press)

• Path for Words: Five-Minute Language Learning Activities for Children Ages One to Three Years, by Marie Martinez (Mascot Books)

• Text Messages to My Sons: A Guide to Using Mobile Devices to Connect and Communicate with Your Kids, by Tammy J. Cohen (Broad Book Press)

• The Two Backpacks: Understanding Teens and What They Carry, by Dr. Jordan Lauer (Halla Crann Publishing)

POETRY

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• After the Journey: Returning the Heart to Home, by Wanda W. Jerome (Flying Fancy)

• American Mobile, by E.M. Schorb (Hill House New York)

FINALISTS:

• A Revolution of One, by James Munro Leaf (Atmosphere Press)

• For People My Age: 99 Poems About Life, by M. L. Bell (Kindle Direct Publishing)

• No More Second Chances: Poems to Heal Your Heart, by Chiara Mason, Illustrated by Tracy Hetherington (The Self Publishing Agency)

• The Boy Kingdom / El reino de los varones: Poems/ Poemas, by Achy Obejas (Beacon)

• The Dream of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: Spanish Original, New English Translation, Background, Meaning, Significance, by Elwin Lorne Wirkala (All Bilingual Press)

• The Things We Do to Protect Our Own, by Jeff Weddle (Meat for Tea Press)

• Unfolding: A High Holy Day Companion, by Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar (CCAR Press)

REGIONAL (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Wednesday Club: A Novel, by Kristine Jensen (Prairieflower Press)

• Writer-in-Residence, by J.A. Hoskins (Nom de Plume Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• A Place to Land: More Stories from the Coast of Maine, by Catherine J.S. Lee (Sea Smoke Press)

• Born of This Fire, by Jeanne Gehret (Verbal Images Press)

• In This Place, by Barbara E. Bull (Cherry Point Publishing)

• Last Moments: The Dark Shadows of Protest in Iran, by Hirbod Human (IngramSpark)

• Little Great Island, by Kate Woodworth (Sibylline Press)

• Two Euro Candles: A Memoir of Faith, Trauma and Quiet Miracles, by Maxsense Maximus (Euraus Publishing)

REGIONAL (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Manomin: Caring for Ecosystems and Each Other, Edited by Brittany Luby, Margaret Lehman, Andrea Bradford, Samantha Mehltretter, Jane Mariotti, Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation (University of Manitoba Press)

FINALISTS:

• Landscapes of Hope: Finding Common Ground in Utah’s Greater San Rafael Swell, by Stephen Strom (George F. Thompson Publishing)

• Little Wekiva Memories: Kayaking & Other Adventures, by Nichole Delafield Bromme and Leif Bromme, Illustrated by Nichole Delafield Bromme (Hastings House with Newhouse Creative Group)

• mmm... Manitoba: The Stories Behind the Foods We Eat, by Kimberley Moore, Janis Thiessen (University of Manitoba Press)

REGIONAL (NON-FICTION)…continued

• Native American and First Nation Figures in Sculpture: North American Monuments, Memorials and Statuary of 50 Artists, by Fred F. Poyner IV (McFarland & Company)

• New York City Love Triangle, 1931: A Tale of Three Families, by Gabe Oppenheim (Solicitude)

• On the Hunt for William Hallett: Discovering a Forgotten Métis Leader, by Audrhea Lande (Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing)

• The Waypoints: From 400 Farewells and 3,000 Miles, by Diane Gansauer (Lyrical Life Press)

RELATIONSHIPS (NON-FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Leadership with a Servant’s Heart: Your Role as a Leader in Your Family, by Kevin Wayne Johnson, Illustrated by Manny Brown (Writing for the Lord Ministries)

• The Fatherbook: Decoding Fathers for Professionals: A Field Guide to Understanding Divorced and Alienated Fathers, by Mr. 6 (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Animals DO Talk: What Animals Tell Me They Want You to Know, by Carrie O’Neill (Possibilities Farm Press)

• It’s Not You, It’s Me: A 20-Week Journey Into Accountability and Emotional Honesty, by Robert M. Botts, Illustrated by Mark Thomas (Kitchen Table Books)

• Love Beyond Conflict, by Troy C. Wilson (Troy Wilson)

• SPARK: A Pediatrician’s Guide to Rebuilding Trust, Restoring Connection, and Igniting Youth Potential, by Elizabeth R. Henry, MD (SelfPublished)

• Why Breakups Are So Hard: How We Can Help, by Terry McNiff (JP Reammard Publishing)

RELIGIOUS (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Reborn: Book 1 in The Reborn Chronicles, by John Chirillo (John Chirillo)

FINALISTS:

• A Place For People Like Us, by Danila Botha (Guernica Editions)

• A Second Chance, by Asher Frend (SelfPublished)

• Eden Enoch, and Noah Interview, by David DeVries (Subs Publishing)

• Kings & Priests, by Evelyn M. Exley (Exley Books)

• The Lessons of Legions, by David DeVries (Subs Publishing)

• The Matriarch Messiah, by Maxime Trencavel (Tail of the Bird Books)

• The Medici Heresy, by Gary McAvoy (Literati Editions)

ROMANCE (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Messengers of Magic, by Jessica Dodge, Illustrated by Francesca Scillia (Wizard Supply Co)

FINALISTS:

• Accidentally In Love, by Kimberly Cooper Griffin (Bold Strokes Books)

• For You I’d Break: A Small Town, Second Chance Romance, by Hannah Jordan (Hannah Jordan Books)

• Gaslight: Book 1 of the Apex Society Trilogy, by Rhone Atleshen (Lone Spire Publishing)

• Mountain Time, by Trevor & India Reiste (Reiste Publishing)

• Unconventionally, Elle, by Jourdana Webber (Everwild Publishing)

ROMANTASY

WINNER ($100):

• The Vatra Witch: Book One in The Lost Souls of Eraphon Series, by G.V. Hext, Illustrated by Alex McLaughlin (Cover) (Poppy and June Press)

FINALISTS:

• A Sabre in the Hemlock, by Dorothy Dreyer (Crimson Fox Publishing)

• Dark Bringer (Lord of Everfell Book #1), by Kat Ross (Kat Ross Books)

• Masquerade of Mirrors, by Samantha Hartwood, Illustrated by Maria Spada (Cover) (Self-Published)

• Poisoned Pawn, by K. L. Vincent (The Bluestocking Trio)

• Tipori: A Tale From Dessos, by Cindy L. Sell (Aether and Ash Press)

SCIENCE FICTION (OFF EARTH)

WINNER ($100):

• The Huxian Fox, by Nikki Brooke (Crow Knight Film & Publishing Realm)

FINALISTS:

• One Night at Kedasi, by Ashton Macaulay (Shadow Dragon Press)

• Tachyon Tunnel 3, by Michael Gorton (G2 Publishing)

• The Last Book: The Diary of The Last Earthling, by Hungry Minds, Illustrated by Lev Kaplan (Hungry Minds)

• The Shattered Star: Starlight and Shadow, by Skyler R. Ostrom, Illustrated by Christian Storm (Cover) (Ostrom Star Publishing)

• Touch of the Elegrian, by Cheryl A. Arko (Pax Aire Press)

SCIENCE FICTION (ON EARTH)

WINNER ($100):

• DENIED ACCESS: A Near-Future Tech Thriller Where Algorithms Decide Who Lives, by Navi Musaget (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Ascendants, by Don Schechter (GFB Publishing)

• Dark Equivalence, by Kent L. Smotherman (Cricket Song Media)

• First Ascent, by Douglas Phillips (SelfPublished)

• L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41: The Best New SF & Fantasy Short Stories of the Year, by Multiple Authors, Illustrated by Craig Elliott (Cover) (Galaxy Press)

• Teneō: A Novella, by Kojo Gyan, Illustrated by Kojo Gyan (Kojo Gyan)

• To Gaze Upon a Darkened Cloud: A Race Against Climatic Armageddon, by N. Joseph Glass (Monocle Books)

SCIENCE/NATURE/ENVIRONMENT

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• BFFs! Black-Footed Ferrets, by Elaine Miller Bond (True North Editions)

• Flora of the Orinoco: Aquatic and Semi-Aquatic Plants, by Ivan Mikolji (Mikolji Corp)

FINALISTS:

• Diseases of Memory, by Theodule Ribot, EmmaRose Elizabeth (Lafayette Publishing)

• Endangered Hummingbirds: Seeing the Crisis Through My Lens, by Anthony Lujan (SelfPublished)

• Little Wekiva Memories: Kayaking & Other Adventures, by Nichole Delafield Bromme and Leif Bromme, Illustrated by Nichole Delafield Bromme (Hastings House with Newhouse Creative Group)

• The Botanic Age: Planting the Seeds of Human Evolution, by Dean Falk (University of Toronto Press)

• The Cedar Mother: Mothers of Xsan (Book 8), by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw Brett D. Huson, Illustrated by Natasha Donovan (HighWater Press)

• Unleashing the Bond: Harnessing the Power of Human-Animal Interactions, by Rustin M. Moore, DVM, PhD (Manuscripts Press)

SECOND NOVEL

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Angel Wing, by Linda Hartley (Elmdon Books)

• The Witness Book 2: The Women of Strength, Courage, and Hope Series, by Jordan Standridge (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• A Clan Chief’s Daughter: She Who Rides Horses (Book Two), by Sarah V. Barnes (Heart Soul Horse Publications)

• Ashes and Ruins: Love, War, and the Home Front, by K. Lang-Slattery (Pacific Bookworks)

• Double Entry, by Jane Honeck (Reversing Falls Press)

• Horse People, by Sara Warner (Black Bay Books)

• Little Great Island, by Kate Woodworth (Sibylline Press)

• Two Euro Candles: A Memoir of Faith, Trauma and Quiet Miracles, by Maxsense Maximus (Euraus Publishing)

• When Sakura Blooms, by Nikhil Sampath, Illustrated by Chandrani Dutta Rotithor (Literaire Milestone Book House)

SELF-HELP (NON-FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Before I Lose My Own Mind: Navigating Life as a Dementia Caregiver, by Beverly E. Thorn (Girl Friday Books)

• Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are), by Jenn Whitmer (Ideapress Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• A High-Performing Mind for Teens: A Proven System of Simple Steps for a Better Life, by Andrew D. Thompson (AHPM Publishing)

• Nobody’s Legend: Let Go of Who You Were, Rewrite Your Story, and Take Back Your Life, by Jason Ferguson (Best Selling Publishing)

• REAL Confidence: A Simple Guide to Go from Unsure to Unshakeable, by Simone Knego (Copper Books)

• The Remembering: A Journey Back to Self, by Peter Kennedy (Peter Kennedy)

• The Trudge Paradox: A Journey into SelfDiscovery, Healing, and Transformation, by Ken Caselden (Self-Published)

• Wisdom of Wholeness Shadow Work Journal, by Jessica Ricchetti & Jenny Hahn (Intuitive Art & Alchemy)

• You Don’t Have to Achieve to Be Loved: Escape the Lies You’ve Been Sold to Design the Life You Want, by Becca Pearce (Niche Pressworks)

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

WINNER ($100):

• The Stone & Sky Series, by Z.S. Diamanti (Golden Griffin Press)

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

FINALISTS:

• A Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot Adventure Series, by Susan Marie Chapman, Illustrated by Natalia Loseva (The Gourmet Dog)

• Holiday Spirit, by John DeGuire, Illustrated by Bill Sienkiewicz (John DeGuire)

• Knights of Orion Citadel: Illusion of Safety, Nightmare of Consequence, and Inheritance of Danger, by Avalon O’Clair (Self-Published)

• The Celestia Trilogy (3 Book Series), by Nicola Zhang (Self-Published)

• Threads West An American Saga Series, by Reid Lance Rosenthal (Rockin SR Publishing)

SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS

WINNER ($100):

• Universally Adored and Other One Dollar Stories, by Elizabeth Bruce (Vine Leaves Press)

FINALISTS:

• I Wanted to be a Bluesman, by David Joseph (Portal 6 Press)

• Imagining More and Other Stories, by Panayotis Cacoyannis (Self-Published)

• Kissing Strangers, by Judy Savinar (Judy Savinar)

• Love Brain and Other Minefields, by Alan Collenette (Swantorini Press)

• This is All We Know, by Robin Anne Ettles (FriesenPress)

• Woman of the Hour: Fifty Tales of Longing and Rebellion, by Claire Polders (Vine Leaves Press)

SOCIAL CHANGE

WINNER ($100):

• The Just In Case Plan: Smart Strategies For Long Term Care, Family Conversations, and Legacy Protection, by Sherri L. Combs (Silver Streak Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• A Protest History of the United States, by Gloria J. Browne-Marshall (Beacon Press)

• Crash the Fed, by Dan Taxation Is Theft Behrman (Dan Taxation Is Theft Behrman)

• Designing for Diversity: Developing Inclusive and Equitable Talent Management Processes, by Binna Kandola (Kogan Page)

• Global Game Changers: 50 Stories of Impact and Innovation, by Yana Bijoor, Illustrated by Ksenia Malenina (Self-Published)

• Shadows of Power: One Gender Rose. One Lost its Way. A Zero-Sum Reckoning for Us All, by Dr. Kevin W. Brown (Book Publishing Pulse)

• Short Essays for Inquiring Minds, by Ronald Gruner (Libratum Press)

SOCIAL JUSTICE

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Do DEI Right: Cut Through the Noise and Drive Lasting Results, by Michelle Bogan Feferman (Publish Your Purpose)

• Of Bloodlines and Blue Notes: Lyrics, Album Notes and Critical Essays, by Terry Blade (Blade Arthouse Media)

FINALISTS:

• A Song for Olaf: A Memoir of Sibling Love at the Dawn of the HIV-AIDS Pandemic, by Jennifer Boulanger (Saint Julian Press-Mnemmosyne Books)

• America’s Slide Towards Authoritarianism, by Multiple Authors (The International Human Rights Art Movement Press)

• Love Rebels: How I Learned to Burn It Down Without Burning Out, by Kitty Stryker (Thornapple Press)

• Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection, by Corinna Barrett Lain (NYU Press)

• Subhuman, by Kashawn Taylor (Wayfarer Books)

SPECIALTY/NOVELTY BOOK

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• 100 Objects from the Collections of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, by Multiple Authors (YIVO Institute for Jewish Research)

• Who is the Super Ultra Mega Special Super Special Guest?, by Sean Covel, Illustrated by Affendy Ilias (Red Road)

FINALISTS:

• Growing Up Green and Gold, by Judy DuCharme, Illustrated by Julie House (Cover), Aaron Fennell (Interior) (Ambassador International)

• Judi’s Folktales: Volume II, by Judi Lifton, Illustrated by Peg Asensio (Pentagon Gallery Et Cetera Editions)

• Reverent Flora: The Arabian Desert’s Botanical Bounty, by Diana Woodcock, Illustrated by Charles Bleick (Shanti Arts)

• Sherlock Poems: The Complete Adventures of Sherlock Holmes in Verse, by Chris Chan, Illustrated by Sidney Paget (MX Publishing)

• The Day We Found Yesterday, by Tamara Dever, Illustrated by Missi Jay (Narrow Gate Books)

• The Leadhead’s Pencil Blog Volume 8, by Jonathan A. Veley (Self-Published)

• The Traveling Hippo, by Scott Preston, Illustrated by Scott Preston & Lilly Preston (Self-Published)

SPIRITUALITY

WINNER ($100):

• The Dream of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: Spanish Original, New English Translation, Background, Meaning, Significance, by Elwin Lorne Wirkala (All Bilingual Press)

FINALISTS:

• After the Journey: Returning the Heart to Home, by Wanda W. Jerome (Flying Fancy)

• Custodians of Purity: An Anthropological Study into the Mystical World of the Brahma Kumaris, by Tamasin Ramsay (Cambridge Scholars Publishing)

• Dying to Live: Finding Life’s Meaning Through Death, by Andy Chaleff (Meaningful Relations)

• Indra’s Net: A Seeker’s Guide to the Human Experience, by Indra Rinzler (Moving Beyond)

• The Beginning is Wisdom: Re-symbolizing the Cornerstone of Freemasonry, by Peter Cardilla (Brave Walrieux Publishing)

• The Nisargadatta Gita, by Pradeep Apte (Notion Press)

• Wisdom of Wholeness Shadow Work Journal, by Jessica Ricchetti & Jenny Hahn (Intuitive Art & Alchemy)

SUSPENSE

WINNER ($100):

• The Witness Book 2: The Women of Strength, Courage, and Hope Series, by Jordan Standridge (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Borrowed Tales, by Michael E Bowers (Luminare Press)

• Caio, by LS Delorme (Limerent Publishing)

• Chasing Justice, by Rena Koontz (Rena Koontz)

• Funeral Of Lies, by A.E.S. O’Neill (AESON Publications)

• Hessman’s Necklace, by Nicholas Litchfield (Lowestoft Chronicle Press)

• Recoil of Justice, by Brad Elder (Self-Published)

• Serenade of Sirens. The Lost Boys of Tosa, by KD Allbaugh (Battle Ridge Rising Sun Press)

THRILLER

WINNER ($100):

• 108: An Eco-Thriller, by Dheepa R. Maturi (GFB Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Cloud Dragon: Conspiracy, Contagion, and Catastrophe, by S. W. Lawrence, MD, Illustrated by Bob Paltrow (Sidekick Press)

• Sambisa Sunrise, by Scott R Hofmann (Great Lakes Press)

• The Forbidden Heiress, by Gledé Browne Kabongo (BrowneStar Media)

• The Reflection Game, by Grace Meridan (SelfPublished)

• Tiny Wild Things, by Danielle M. Wong (Storm Publishing)

TRAVEL/TRAVEL GUIDE

WINNER ($100):

• Turkish Odyssey: A Cultural Guide to Türkiye, by Serif Yenen, Illustrated by Cemil Cahit Yavuz (Serif Yenen Travel Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island, by Emmanuel Laroche (Post Hill Press)

• Dark Skies: Tales of Turbulence in Paradise, by David Haldane (Black Rose Writing)

• Embracing the World, by L Ali Sheikh (AuthorHouse)

• I’ve Got a Guy: Stories, Thoughts, and a Few Confessions from a Hospitality Rebel, by Michael Albanese (The Weight of Ink)

• Now Is the Time: A Van Life Road Trip, by Andrew Singer (Self-Published)

• PREMIER FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDE: BANFF NATIONAL PARK & THE CANADIAN ROCKIES: EAT, SLEEP, HIKE, CAMP, PLAY & PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE, by S.E. Linn (Wild Child Publishing)

TRUE CRIME

WINNER ($100):

• Speak Her Name: Stories from a Life in True Crime, by Mary Jumbelic, M.D. (Final Words Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Better Dead Than Poor: Stories and Letters from Uncle D.B. Cooper, by Lisa Story (SelfPublished)

• Death, Taxes, and Turduckens: Unraveling History’s Biggest Tax Heist and the Broken System That Enabled It, by Jens Heycke (SelfPublished)

• Gino’s Contraband: Guilty Until Proven Innocent, by Gabrielle O’Donovan (The Change Press)

• State of Georgia versus Clevon Jamel Jenkins: The Tragically Sad and True Account of How Ambitious Prosecutors, Inept Lawyers, and Incompetent Judges Sent a Black Teenager to Prison for Life Without Any Possibility of Parole for a Heinous Murder He Did Not Commit, by Robert Michael Kelly (RMK Legal Publishing)

• Until She’s Found: A Daughter’s Journey of Love, Loss, and Justice Taken Away, by Stacey Andrade King (Nancy Jo Publishing)

• Vanishing Act: A Crashed Airliner, Faked Death, and Backroom Abortions, by Jerry Jamison (Rowman & Littlefield, a division of Bloomsbury)

WOMEN’S ISSUES (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• JewGirl: A Memoir on Being and Belonging, by Marcie Maxfield (Desert Canyon Books)

FINALISTS:

• Blame It On The Hormones: The Divine Chemistry, The Daily Chaos, by Astha Gill, Illustrated by Astha Gill (Radhey Publications, New Delhi)

• Her Portfolio Manifesto, by Megan Lane (Property Playbooks)

• Hidden Girls: A Birth Mother’s Story of Reunion and Reckoning, by Julia MacDonnell (BookBaby)

• No Man’s Land: Unpacking One Woman’s Worth on the Colorado Trail, by Becky Jensen (Cabin Media)

• The Braided Prescription: Seven Practices for Living Well from the Ancient Ritual of Making Challah, by Beth Ricanati, MD (She Writes Press)

WOMEN’S LITERATURE (NON-FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco, by Nancy Heslin and Lacey Da Costa (Carob Tree Publishing)

• The Power of Magical Women, by Connie Boyd (Vanish Press)

FINALISTS:

• Always There, Always Gone: A Daughter’s Search for Truth, by Marty Ross-Dolen (She Writes Press)

• Staying Married is the Hardest Part: A Memoir of Passion, Secrets and Sacrifice, by Bonnie Comfort (She Writes Press)

• The Rise of Camelot, A Modern-Day True Tale of Horses, Dragons, and a Girl with a Dream, by Michelle Guerrero (Word Warrior Publishing)

• We Learned to Live in the Castle: Stories, by Theresa Griffin Kennedy (Oregon Greystone Press)

• Wedding of the Foxes, by Katherine Larson (Milkweed Editions)

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

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Slip, by L. Ryan Storms (Raine Storms Press)

• The Bard’s Apprentice, by Trudy Oldaker (SelfPublished)

FINALISTS:

• Amber Luna My Bright Light, by Kaitlyn Marquart (Kaitlyn Marquart)

• Dark and Bright, by Catherine Lyon (Cannon Valley Books)

• Fifteen Keys, by Peter J. Barbour, Illustrated by Peter J. Barbour (Bethlehem Writers Group)

• I Came to Play Your Game: A Talent from Beyond Sees Football and Life Through a Different Lens, by Craig Garner (Munn Avenue Press)

• Rapid City Summer, by Connie Richardson (Black Rose Writing)

• The Storymancer, by Robert Carnes (Blue Ink Press)

• Three Hours Till Midnight: Book One, by Matt Lome, Illustrated by Matt Lome (Bonobo Books)

YOUNG AUTHOR (WRITTEN BY UNDER AGE 25)

WINNER ($100):

• For People My Age: 99 Poems About Life, by M. L. Bell (Kindle Direct Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Adventures in Otherworlds: Tales from Grandpa Greg’s Fireside, by Leandra Massengill (Kings Compass Press)

• All that Glitters is Not Gold, by Emily Brubaker, Illustrated by Emily Brubaker (SelfPublished)

• Gone to Where, by Michelle J. Choi, Illustrated by Michelle J. Choi (Lumiere Picturebook)

• Jaxon’s Magic Eyes: Color Blindness from My View, by Jaxon Corey, Illustrated by Heidi Rodis (Mascot Kids!)

• Twice Before Twelve: A Journey Through Childhood Cancer, by Angus Cunningham (SelfPublished)

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

WINNER ($100):

• The Legend of Harry Gardner, by Michael Hill (Victura Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• A Fondness for the Reckless, by J.J. Smith (Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing)

• Finders, by Robert J. Collins (Cauldron Books)

• Garbage Town, by Ravi Gupta (Greenleaf Book Group)

• I Came to Play Your Game: A Talent from Beyond Sees Football and Life Through a Different Lens, by Craig Garner (Munn Avenue Press)

• Jade’s Broken Bridge, by Michele Lee Sefton (Tumbleweed Spirit Press)

• The Exemplar, by Josh Chetwynd (Snog Dog Publishing)

• The Moose: A Story of Survival, by Eric Viall (Viall Books)

Become a Sponsor of the 2027 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Do you support independent book publishing and want more exposure to independent authors and publishers? If the answer is “yes,” we invite you to become a sponsor of the 2027 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Sponsorship opportunities start at as little as $150.

In return for sponsoring the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, you

and your organization will receive widespread recognition as supporters of indie publishing.

Your partnership with the Next Generation Indie Book Awards will give you the opportunity to have a prestigious award named after you, to receive national publicity, and to reach thousands of authors and organizations involved in independent book publishing.

Please email us at info@IndieBookAwards.com or contact Beth Kallman Werner of Author Connections at (570) 686-1214 to sponsor the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

WHY GET A CERTIFICATE?

A certificate from the International Association of Professions Career College may give you:

• Respect as a professional

• A competitive advantage when marketing your services

• A sense of achievement and confidence

• A credential for your resume when applying for jobs

• Assurance to clients of your professionalism

• Evidence of your expertise

• Higher earnings (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in Certificates: A fast track to careers)

With the International Association of Professions Career College, you can earn a certificate more quickly and affordably than many other educational options. The textbooks for most of our courses are from FabJob Inc., the leading publisher of career guide books on how to get started in a dream career, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

FabJob guides have been used as textbooks for more than a decade, and you can find them in the career centers and library collections of many famed colleges and universities – from the University of Texas to the Fashion Institute of Technology.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

2027 NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS

Calling all indie book authors and publishers! Submissions are now open for the 2027 Next Generation Indie Book Awards — the largest international awards program for independent publishers and authors, offering the most cash prizes of any indie book competition.

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 2025 2026, or 2027. We welcome entries from self-published authors, e-book publishers, university presses, and small, mid-size, or large independent publishers from around the world.

be considered for representation by a top New York literary agent.

Enter by February 12, 2027, 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

Awards are given to both

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.

Finalists and Winners

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

AWARDS FOR THE 2027 NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS

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 2027 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

Go to www.IndieBookAwards.com

and enter