Next Generation Indie Books Awards 2021 Winners

2021/2 0 2 2 NEXT G ENE R AT I O N

INDIE BOOK AWARDS

2021 Grand Prize Winners Shown

2_______________________ 021 WINNERS Information about the 2022 Awards www.IndieBookAwards.com

Why We Hold The Next Generation Indie Book Awards Why We Believe in The Next Generation Indie Book Awards, NGIBA Authors and publishers who compete in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards are serious about promoting their books. They aim to stand out from the crowd of millions of new titles, and millions of other books currently in print.

Currently celebrating our 14th year and now entering our 15th year, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, NGIBA, is the largest International Book Awards Program recognizing and honoring the top independently published books of the year. Referred to in the media as the Sundance of the publishing world, the NGIBA draws leaders from both traditional and independent publishing to identify indie books deserving a wider audience. We look forward to celebrating our Winners and Finalists at an online Gala Awards Reception in June.

Call for Judges

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

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

We welcome applications from individuals who have expertise with book publishers of any size. While many of our judges have worked with successful independent publishers, our judges also include individuals who have worked with major publishing houses such as Simon & Schuster, Harper Collins, Penguin Books, Bantam Books, Dell Publishing (part of the Random House 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 have a particular need for judges who are skilled at identifying emerging talent in fiction.

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

Message from Founder and Co-Chair, Catherine Goulet As we enter our 15th year of running the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, I’d like to take this time to celebrate and congratulate all of this year’s Winners and Finalists in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards!

Catherine Goulet

I’d also like to pass on my sincere congratulations and best wishes to everyone who completed a book and/or took the steps to enter a book in our awards program over the past 15 months during the challenging times of COVID. Whether your book placed or not in this year’s competition, your determination, hard work and accomplishments during these difficult times are applauded by all of us.

This year we saw huge growth in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards with more entrants than ever before. Thank you for sharing your stories and outstanding books with us and the broader community. Your books have enriched our lives and our judges have been tasked with the difficult position of selecting the Winners and Finalists from so many excellent submissions. Thank you to our ever growing team of dedicated judges who put in so much time and effort to make those difficult decisions!

We started the Next Generation Indie Book Awards to honor the most outstanding independently published books of the year. This year we will honor, celebrate and recognize all Winners and Finalists at our online awards ceremony being held via Facebook Live at 7:00 pm EST on June 25. Last year we had more than 90,000 viewers of our online awards ceremony. Come celebrate with us and remember to have a drink of your choice ready to toast the Winners and Finalists along with all of us.

Thank you to my fantastic Co-Chair Cathy Teets of Headline Books and fabulous Co-Founder and Literary Agent Marilyn Allen. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with such smart, talented, giving and wise women who contribute so much to the publishing world. A big shout out to Shelley Anderson, our dedicated and organized Awards Coordinator who ensures our awards program runs smoothly each year. Thank you to Tag Goulet (one of our biggest supporters and Co-Emcee), our advisors Ashley Belote, Eric Byrd, Lolly de Jonge, Beth Kallman-Werner, Karen Kossie-Chernyshev, and John McDougall. Thank you to our amazing staff and consultants including Peter Cyngot, Heidi Ferber, Helene Fox, Wayne Logan, Shea Megale, Chris Marks and Meghan Taylor for all your support and dedicated work.

As always, it is our wish that the Winners and Finalists of this year’s Next Generation Indie Book Awards will have the opportunity to raise their exposure through their placement in our awards program and we wish you much continued success. (Catherine Goulet)

Message from Co-Founder, Marilyn Allen

Marilyn Allen

As we enter the 15th year of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards I am truly honored to work with Catherine Goulet and the devoted NGIBA board. Being a part of this program since the beginning has been one of the highlights of my professional publishing career. To watch our award program go from an idea in Catherine’s head to becoming one of the largest book awards in the world has been a joy. We continue to improve and grow NGIBA by adding new award categories and talented advisors to our team, creating innovative marketing efforts to reach more indie writers and even offering virtual marketing programs this year to help you reach more readers.

During our anniversary year I am delighted to congratulate all of our winners and urge other participants to keep writing and entering book award contests. I am especially proud of this year’s slate of talented writers. It has been an unimaginable time and yet each of you devoted yourself to your writing craft, stayed focused and even worked on the business side of this process by entering book contests. Remember, you are now an award winning author, enjoy the experience…and go tell the World. I raise my glass to you! (Marilyn Allen)

Message from Co-Chairperson, Cathy Teets It is an honor to be co-chair of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. As we begin to emerge from the pandemic we look forward to facing the challenges still to be overcome. We congratulate all those award winners who persevered and continue to contribute their talents to the publishing and book industry. A Next Generation Indie Book Award will garner notice and as the competition continues to grow, be secure that your award-winning book is one of the best of the best.

Cathy Teets

I am very grateful to be part of this talented group of industry professionals. Many thanks to Catherine Goulet for her continued vision and support of independent publishers and authors in this ever-changing, highly competitive business. (Cathy Teets)

Thank you to all the expert judges who review each of the books. Thank you to our Book Coordinator, Meghan Taylor who received all the books, Heidi Ferber, involved in marketing our awards program, Chris Marks, our web developer and Peter Cyngot, our catalog designer. We would also like to thank all the volunteers involved in making our online awards reception a success!

THE WINNERS AND FINALISTS for the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards are: GRAND PRIZE WINNERS Fiction

Non-Fiction

FIRST PLACE WINNER ($1,500 PRIZE) Sapphire the Great and the Meaning of Life,

by Beverley Brenna, Illustrated by Tara Anderson (Pajama Press)

FIRST PLACE WINNER ($1,500 PRIZE) Anonymous Is a Woman: A Global Chronicle of Gender Inequality, by Nina Ansary, Illustrated by Petra Dufkova (Revela Press)

SECOND PLACE WINNER ($750 PRIZE) Death’s Door, by April White (Corazon Entertainment)

MINDSTIR MEDIA AWARD FOR SECOND PLACE ($750 PRIZE) New Zealand Karst - A voyage across limestone landscapes into the subterranean realm of caves,

by Max Wisshak, Stefanie Wisshak (speleo-photo editions)

THIRD PLACE WINNER ($500 PRIZE) Seeing Ceremony: A Novel with Recipes, by Meera Ekkanath Klein (Homebound Publications)

THIRD PLACE WINNER ($500 PRIZE) Let’s Talk About It - The Art, the Artists and the Racial Justice Movement on Madison’s State Street, Edited by Adam Schrager, Project Director, Nyra Jordan, Designer, Ian Chalgren (American Family Institute for Corporate and Social Justice)

CATEGORY WINNERS AND FINALISTS

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

Action/Adventure (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •A Noble Calling, by Rhona Weaver (Two Oaks Press) FINALISTS: • Kill Sight; An Alex Sight Thriller, Book 1,

by Geoffrey Saign (Self-Published) • MARS AWAY, by Jeff Christopher Leonard (Self-Published) • Nolan, by J.B. Richard (FIG Publishing) • The Devil’s Game, by Roman Koidl (Self-Published) • Walks with the Wind, by Steve Physioc (Self-Published)

Activity Books (All Ages) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •D oc’s Dog Days (A Hickory Doc’s Tale),

by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick (Amazon) FINALISTS: • Aikido: Method For Flowing Movements: A Theory of Movement to Solve Dynamic Conflicts, Written and Illustrated by Francisco-Shu Kitaura (Science & Arts) • Coronavirus: An Activity Book on How to Stay Healthy and Strong, by Dr. Rao GS (World Scientific Education)

• Dancing Shapes: Ballet and Body Awareness for Young Dancers, by Once Upon a Dance (Once Upon a Dance) • Light is Color! The comic (and coloring and activity) guide to visible and invisible things, by Nicole Kurtz and Kevin Kurtz, Illustrated by Nicole Kurtz (Self-Published) • Stand STRONG Part Three, Shayla Learns to Use the Accountability Pathway: A College Survival Guide with Practices for Your Success, Written and Illustrated by Luckett Davidson (Touchstone Guides)

African American (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •C hild Bride, by Jennifer Smith Turner (SparkPress) FINALISTS: • Getting By, by Jaire Sims (BookBaby) • Lucky John, by Desiree Kannel (Black Rose Writing) • Rock ‘n Fire, by Mark Stallard (Kaw Valley Books LLC) • The Bootlegger’s Mistress, by Marc Curtis Little (MCL Books) • The STEAM Chasers: The Blackness of Space,

by Dr. Doresa A. Jennings (Self-Published)

African American (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •T racing Their Steps: A Memoir, by Bernice Alexander Bennett (Shortwood Press) FINALISTS: • A Collective Breath: Stories of Being Black in America and Visions of Change, by Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins (BMcTALKS Press) • Equipped for Change: Doing the Deep Work of Transformation, by Keisha A. Rivers (SPARK Publications) • Know Your Worth Pri$less 4 Components of Personal Development, by Shannon D. Owens (Self-Published) • Let Me Tell You Something, by J.A. Lovelock (Michael Terrence Publishing) • The Cure For Onlyness - A Black Man’s Guide To Joy, Passion & Purpose, by Michael Taylor (Creation Publishing Group)

African American History/Culture WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •F AIRYTALE: The Pointer Sisters’ Family History, by Anita Pointer and Fritz Pointer (Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, Inc) FINALISTS: • Costly Freedom, by Terry Webb (urlinkpublishing.com) • How the West was White-Washed, by C.T. Kirk (Authorhouse) • Kenturah Davis: Everything That Cannot Be Known, by SCAD (SCAD University Press) • Jacob Lawrence: Lines of Influence, by SCAD Museum of Art (SCAD University Press) • NORVEL: An American Hero, by Kenneth F. Conklin (Self-Published)

Animals/Pets WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •R uminations on a Parrot Named Cosmo,

by Betty Jean Craige (Sherman Asher Publishing) FINALISTS: • But First, Rumi, by Chitra Ramaswami (Self-Published) • Doc’s Dog Days (A Hickory Doc’s Tale),

by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick (Amazon) • Equine Law and Horse Sense, by Julie I. Fershtman (American Bar Association) • Night Night, Norman, by Marie Dimitrova, Illustrated by Romi Caron (Hello World Publishing with Green Leaf Book Group)

• The Bichir Handbook, by Joshua Pickett, Illustrated by Dorian Noel (Self-Published) • The Tip of the Tale, by Suzanne Alexander, Illustrated by Ashley Teets (Headline Books)

Anthology WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •C orona City: Voices from an Epicenter, Edited

by Lorraine Ash (Magic Dog Press) FINALISTS: • Dear America: Letters of Hope, Habitat, Defiance, and Democracy, Edited by Simmons Buntin, Elizabeth Dodd and Derek Sheffield (Trinity University Press) • Impact: Personal Portraits of Activism, Edited

by Michelle Duster and Trina Sotira, with 45 contributors (MuseWrite Press) • New Mexico Remembers 9/11, by Patricia Walkow (Artemesia Publishing LLC) • Return of the Corn Mothers: Inspiring Women of the Southwest, by Renee Fajardo, Todd Pierson, Ed Winograd (JEMS Books) • The Analog Sea Review, No. 3, Edited by Jonathan S. Simons, Janos Tedeschi, and Elena Fritz; Cover Illustrated by JosephAntoine d’Ornano (Analog Sea) • Wandering in Greece: Athens, Islands and Antiquities, Edited by Joanna Biggar & Linda Watanabe McFerrin (Wanderland Writers)

Art WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • J acob Lawrence: Lines of Influence, by SCAD Museum of Art (SCAD University Press) FINALISTS: • Kenturah Davis: Everything That Cannot Be Known, by SCAD (SCAD University Press) • Let’s Talk About It - The Art, the Artists and the Racial Justice Movement on Madison’s State Street, Edited by, Adam Schrager, Project Director, Nyra Jordan, Designer, Ian Chalgren (American Family Institute for Corporate and Social Justice) • My Captain America: A Granddaughter’s Memoir of a Legendary Comic Book Artist,

by Megan Margulies (Pegasus Books) • Parallel Perspectives: The Brush/Lens Collaboration, by Holly Gordon and Ward Hooper (David Wilk of City Point Press) • The Art of Symeon Shimin, by Tonia Shimin, Symeon Shimin, Charles Donelan, Josef Woodard, Illustrated by Symeon Shimin (Artist) (Mercury Press International)

Autobiography/Biography WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •A merican Dreamer: How I Escaped Communist Vietnam and Built a Successful Life in America,

by Tim Tran (Tran Manh Khiem) with Tom Fields-Meyer (Pacific University Press) FINALISTS: • Fearless: A. Bartlett Giamatti and the Battle for Fairness in America, by Neil Proto (Excelsior Editions) • On The Way To The Pulpit, by W. Lee Truman (Self-Published) • Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love, by Justin Black, Alexis Black (Global Perspectives Publishing) • Rendered Safe: Tales of an NYPD Bomb Tech,

by Jeff Ingber (Self-Published) • Shattered Soul, The True Story of Child Soldier,

by Essi Bagheri (Self-Published) • Wild Blueberries: Tales of Nuns, Rabbits & Discovery in Rural Michigan, by Peter Damm, Illustrated by Suzanne Anderson-Carey (O’Brien & Whitaker Publishers)

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or Persons of Color) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Let’s Talk About It - The Art, the Artists and the Racial Justice Movement on Madison’s State Street, Edited by, Adam Schrager, Project Director, Nyra Jordan, Designer, Ian Chalgren (American Family Institute for Corporate and Social Justice) • My Time To Shine, by Glenn Leonard, Joe Coleman, Joe Blunt, J. Michael Willard (Headline Books) FINALISTS: • Act Like an Author, Think Like a Business: Ways to Achieve Financial Literary Success, by Joylynn M. Ross (Path To Publishing Press)

• calling in black, by Nicholle Ramsey (Talking Drum LLC) • Chasing Butterflies in the Sunlight,

by Morenike Euba Oyenusi, Illustrated

by Emanuela Ntamack (Paradise Restored Publishing) • Invictus, by L.L. Holt, Illustrated by J. Caleb Clark (Harvard Square Editions) • Jacob Lawrence: Lines of Influence, by SCAD Museum of Art (SCAD University Press) • The Bodies That Move, by Bunye Ngene (Self-Published) • Valiance, by Vanessa Caraveo (Self-Published)

Business WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •B e A Change Agent: Leadership in a Time of Exponential Change, by Dr. Dele Ola (FriesenPress) FINALISTS: • IOU LIFE LEADERSHIP: You owe it to yourself and others!, by Dr. Joe Famularo (Author Academy Elite) • Leadership Core: Character, Competence, Capacity, by Dick Daniels, Illustrated by Kendal Marsh Creative (The Leadership Development Group) • Stop Talking Start Asking: 27 Questions to Shift the Culture of Your Organization, by Jean Marie DiGiovanna (Rock River Publishing) • The Great Chair: A Window on Effective Board Leadership, by Brian Hayward, Illustrated by Doowah Design (FriesenPress) • The Visual Sale: How to Use Video to Explode Sales, Drive Marketing, and Grow Your Business in a Virtual World, by Marcus Sheridan (IdeaPress Publishing) • Turn Words Into Wealth: Blueprint for Your Business, Brand, and Book, by Aurora Winter (Same Page LLC)

Career WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Develop: 7 Practical Tools to Take Charge of Your Career, by Ted Fleming (BenBella Books) • Whatever Works: The Small Cues That Make a Surprising Difference in Our Success at Work-and How to Create a Happier Office,

by Thalma Lobel (BenBella Books) FINALISTS: • Gofers: On the Front Lines of Film and Television, by Daniel Scarpati, Illustrated by Emily Ann Scarpati (Passing Planes Productions) • Heartfelt Leadership: How to Capture the Top Spot and Keep on Soaring, by Deb Boelkes (Business World Rising) • Hello, Career - What You Need to Know to be Successful in Your First Job: Work Smart in an Office or Remotely, by Ed Bray (Up Publications) • Optics: A Novel About Women and Work and Midlife Muddles, by Gail Reitenbach (Moonsong Press) • Rich As F*ck: More Money Than You Know What to do With, by Amanda Frances (Self-Published) • Understanding Startup CEO’s: And the Mindset You Need to Successfully Work For One, by Dan Slagen (Vicara Books) • You Turn: Get Unstuck, Discover Your Direction, and Design Your Dream Career,

by Ashley Stahl (BenBella Books)

Chick Lit (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •A fter Happily Ever After, by Leslie A. Rasmussen (She Writes Press) FINALISTS: • A Million Little Lies, by Bette Lee Crosby (Bent Pine Publishing) • Blind Vision, by Nina Blakeman (Outskirts Press) • The Girl in the Peach Tree, by Michelle Oucharek-Deo (Live and Grow Press) • The Other Side of the Ledge,

by Janelle Parmer (Amazon) • When Stars Collide, by Sara Furlong Burr (Amazon)

Children’s Educational Picture Book (6 Years & Up) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • The Boy Who Flies - A Story of Today’s Totonac People, Written and Illustrated

by JoAnne DeKeuster (Enchanted Circle Pottery Press) • Something Wonderful, by Matt Ritter, Illustrated by Nayl Gonzalez (Pacific Street Publishing) FINALISTS: • Breathe, Ollie!, by Krista Betcher, Illustrated by Kevin Cannon (Beaver’s Pond Press) • Footsteps in Bay de Verde, by Charis Cotter, Illustrated by Jenny Dwyer (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides) • Light is Color! The comic (and coloring and activity) guide to visible and invisible things,

by Nicole Kurtz and Kevin Kurtz, Illustrated

by Nicole Kurtz (Self-Published) • Mei Ling in China City/Mei Ling en la Ciudad China: Divided by War, United by a Lifeline of Letters/Divididas por la guerra, unidas por toda una vida de cartas, by Icy Smith, Illustrated by Gayle Garner Roski (East West Discovery Press) • The Big Bad Coronavirus And How We Can Beat It!, by Lisa Carroll, Illustrated by G.F. Newland (Pixel Mouse House Books)

Children’s Illustrative Picture Book (6 Years & Up) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • I Know a Woman: A Song for Mothers, by Sharon Gudereit, Illustrated by Miranda Pringle (Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing) FINALISTS • Gratitude the Great, by Pamelyn Rocco, Illustrated by Taylor Barron (The Collective Book Studio) • Our Folktales: The All-time Favourite Folktales from Asia, by Ruth Wan-Lau (World Scientific Education) • The Best ME That I Can Be – RESPECT, by Rose Angebrandt, Illustrated by Henrique Rampazzo (Self-Published) • The Forgotten Garden, by Basma Elkhatib, Illustrated by Omar Lafi, Translated

by Ghenwa Yehia (Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press) • The Hyrax in the Mogogos, by Douglas Cochran, Illustrated by S. Alex Percival (Archway Publishing) • The Tip of the Tale, by Suzanne Alexander, Illustrated by Ashley Teets (Headline Books)

Children’s Picture Book #OwnVoices WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • I Am a Triathlete, by Nia Obotette, Illustrated by Adriel Meka (48 Hour Books) FINALISTS: • Adventures of a Pangopup, by Terri Tatchell, Illustrated by Ivan Sulima (Fielding House Press) • Just Because...: A Story Book About SelfAcceptance, by C.M. Harris, Illustrated by Ashlynn Feather (Purple Diamond Press) • Salma the Syrian Chef, by Danny Ramadan, Illustrated by Anna Bron (Annick Press) • Sassy Sisters vs The Sock Monster, by Jacquese Groves, Illustrated by Karine Makartichan (ChocolateBlue, LLC) • Who’s Jerry?, by T. M. Jackson, Illustrated

by Darwin Marfil (Scrubs Like Us For Us)

Children’s Picture Book (0-5 Years) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •M y Monsterpiece, by Amalia Hoffman (Yeehoo Press) FINALISTS: • 5 2 - A Tale of Loneliness, by Johnny DePalma, Illustrated by Kyle Brown (Umbrelly Books Publishing) • A Common Thirst, by Gary Boelhower, Illustrated by Sarah Brokke (Beaver’s Pond Press) • Llama Lu, by Julia Da Rocha, Illustrated by M. Judith Da Rocha (Kindle Direct Publishing) • The Big Adventures Of A Little Tree: Tree Finds Friendship, by Nadja Springer, Illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell (Self-Published) • The Slumbering Pearl, by Tyler Oliver, Illustrated by Gita Treice (Daba Publishing)

Children’s Picture Book (Non-Fiction – All Ages) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •S omething Wonderful, by Matt Ritter, Illustrated by Nayl Gonzalez (Pacific Street Publishing) FINALISTS: • MOMENT, by Robert Abad (Self-Published) • Ni Hao, China!, by Sohan Chunduru, Illustrated by Katarina Stevanovic (Booksmango Inc) • Nutaui’s Cap, by Bob Bartel, Illustrated

by Mary Ann Penashue, Translated by Sebastian Piwas, Stella Rich, and Mani Katinen Nuna (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)

• The Wall & the Wind, Written and Illustrated

by Veselina Tomova (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides) • Under the Stars - Astrophysics For Everyone,

by Lisa Harvey-Smith, Illustrated by Mel Matthews (World Scientific Education)

Children’s/Juvenile (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •S apphire the Great and the Meaning of Life,

by Beverley Brenna, Illustrated by Tara Anderson (Pajama Press) FINALISTS: • Should I Say Hi? A Story of Courage That Reads Forward and Backward, by Rose Collins, Illustrated by Nathaly Bonilla (Two Tale Books) • The Mystery of the Portuguese Waltzes,

by Richard Simas, Illustrated by Caroline Clarke (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides) • The Rabbit Princess: Journeys, by R. Chen, Illustrated by Ed Chen, R. Chen (Osani Studios, Inc.) • Why the moon travels, by Oein DeBhairduin, Illustrated by Leanne McDonagh (Skein Press) • Yara’s Spring, by Jamal Saeed & Sharon E. McKay (Annick Press)

Children’s/Juvenile (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •P residents Play!, by Jonathan Pliska, Illustrated by John Hutton (The White House Historical Association) FINALISTS: • A White House Alphabet, by Arioth Harrison Smirne with Rocco Smirne, Illustrated by John Hutton (The White House Historical Association) • A Young Person’s Field Guide to Finding Lost Shipwrecks, by Laurie Zaleski (Austin Macauley) • God Says; My Book of Emotions, by Doreen Homawoo, Illustrated by Jayden Munnelly, Jessica Homawoo (Self-Published) • Let’s Learn about Chemistry, by Stephanie Ryan, Illustrated by Christine Cagara (Ryan Education Consulting LLC) • Young Kap, by Kingsley Osei, Illustrated by Elaine Davis (International Publications Media Group)

Christian (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • A Noble Calling, by Rhona Weaver (Two Oaks Press) • Lainey of the Door Islands, by Judy DuCharme (Ambassador International) FINALISTS: • Canaan Land, by Richard Rossi (Eternal Grace) • David: Rise, by Mark Buchanan (M.A. Buchanan Inc.) • In the Midst of the Flames (Northshire Heritage Book 2), by JP Robinson (Logos Publications) • Life is Your Imaginations’ Reality, by Tricia Renee (Trilogy) • Minor Indignities, by Trevor Cribben Merrill (Wiseblood Books) • Tales of Elhaanai, by Nicole Patrice Thomas (Self-Published)

Christian (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •R un, Walk, Crawl - A Caregiver Caught Between Generations, by Sarahbeth Persiani (We Are Sharing the Sun) FINALISTS: • I Don’t Want to Have the Prayer: A Messy Pastor’s Kid Does Her Memory Work,

by Karen Kuhlmann Averitt (Yellow Tablet Press) • Playing God in Chair Twelve: A Juror’s Faith-Changing Journey, by Carl Dubler (Golden Elm Press) • Stop Letting the World Be the Boss of You! 25 Solutions to Refresh Your Identity in Christ,

by Lauren E Miller and Jenn Chloupek (Edge God In Press) • The Root that Never Died: A Christian Woman’s Journey Back to Her Hebraic Roots,

by Lisa Burkhardt Worley (Pearls of Promise Ministries) •W aking to Wonder - 100 love letter exchanges with God, by Mollie Axtell (Captivated Press)

Coffee Table Book/Photography WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • New Zealand Karst - A voyage across limestone landscapes into the subterranean realm of caves, by Max Wisshak, Stefanie Wisshak (speleo-photo editions) • Uncovering Morocco-Materials and Finishes,

by Nina Starkey and Michele Wake, Illustrated by Sue Chen (Kingwood Press, Brisbane Queensland, Australia)

FINALISTS: • Anonymous Is a Woman: A Global Chronicle of Gender Inequality, by Nina Ansary, Illustrated by Petra Dufkova (Revela Press) • Discovering Wildlife in Toronto’s Don Valley, by Jim Chung (Brown Books Publishing Group) • Maya Ruins Revisited: In the Footsteps of Teobert Maler, by William M Frej (Peyton Wright Gallery Press) •R eturn of the Corn Mothers: Inspiring Women of the Southwest, by Renee Fajardo, Todd Pierson, Ed Winograd (JEMS Books) • The National Parks: A Century of Grace, Written and Illustrated by Karla K. Morton and Alan Birkelbach (TCU Press) • Wine and the White House: A History, by Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. (The White House Historical Association)

COVID-19 Pandemic WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •C orona City: Voices from an Epicenter, Edited

by Lorraine Ash (Magic Dog Press) FINALISTS: • Learning in Lockdown: A parent’s guide to helping young children thrive during campus closure, by Dylan Meikle, Kate Meikle, Illustrated by Karl Speller (Macquarie Publishing Pty) • Lucy’s Mask, by Lisa Sirkis Thompson, Illustrated by John Thompson (Self-Published) • Marvelous Masks, Written and Illustrated

by Nicole Billick (Self-Published) • Six Foot World, by Rajesh Setty (IdeaPress Publishing) • Storm Chasers: 30 Days to Lock Down on Hope in the Middle of a Storm Surge, by Wendy Aguiar, Illustrated by Laura Martin (Credence House Press) • Voices From the Pandemic, Edited by Don Helin, (Headline Books) • When the Virus Came Calling: COVID-19 Strikes America, Edited by Thelma T. Reyna (Golden Foothills Press)

Current Events WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Behind the Kingdom’s Veil: Inside the New Saudi Arabia Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, by Susanne Koelbl (Mango Publishing) • Let’s Talk About It - The Art, the Artists and the Racial Justice Movement on Madison’s State Street, Edited by, Adam Schrager, Project Director, Nyra Jordan, Designer, Ian Chalgren (American Family Institute for Corporate and Social Justice) FINALISTS: • Amazon Management System: The Ultimate Digital Business Engine That Creates Extraordinary Value for Both Customers and Shareholders, by Ram Charan, Julia Yang (IdeaPress Publishing) • Dear America: Letters of Hope, Habitat, Defiance, and Democracy, Edited by Simmons Buntin, Elizabeth Dodd and Derek Sheffield (Trinity University Press) • Populists and Progressives: The New Forces in American Politics, by Steve Rosefielde, Daniel Mills (World Scientific Publishing Co.) • Really Good Schools: Global Lessons for High-Caliber, Low-Cost Education, by James Tooley (Independent Institute) • Saving Free Speech... from Itself, by Thane Rosenbaum (Fig Tree Books) • T-Minus AI: Humanity’s Countdown to Artificial Intelligence and the New Pursuit of Global Power, by Michael Kanaan (BenBella Books)

E-Book (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •F ur, Feathers, & Scales: Sweet, Funny, and Strange Animal Tales, by Angela Albertson, Courtney, Annicchiarico, Jeff Baird, Peter J Barbour, Jodi Bogert, A. E. Decker, Marianne H. Donley, Ralph Hieb, DT Krippene, Jerome W. McFadden, Emily P. W. Murphy, Christopher D. Och, Dianna Sinovic, Kidd Wadsworth, Paul Weidknecht, Carol L. Wright, Will Wright, and Brett Wolf (Bethlehem Writers Group) FINALISTS: • Another Tomorrow, by Katharina Guderian (Self-Published) • Obsessed By A Promise, by Sandra Warren (Arlie Enterprises via Kindle Print) • The Devil’s Game, by Roman Koidl (Self-Published)

• The Exodus, by David Fairchild (Four Doors Publishing) • Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge, Children’s Edition with Christmas Carols,

by Norman Whaler, Illustrated by Voxillustrations (Beneath Another Sky Books)

E-Book (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •T he Power of Nordic Unity - 40 Years of NORDUnet, by (NORDUnet A/S) FINALISTS: • Act Like an Author, Think Like a Business: Ways to Achieve Financial Literary Success, by Joylynn M. Ross (Path To Publishing Press) • Embrace the Price of Success, Because the Cost of Failure Is Too High, by Jay Mincks (SBN Books) • In Limbo Over Lyme Disease, by Melanie S. Weiss (First Edition Design Publishing, Inc.) • Mind Without Brain: A Proposal, by William X. Adams (Psi-Fi Books) • The End of Where We Begin - A Refugee Story,

by Rosalind Russell (Impress Books)

Education/Academic (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •A nonymous Is a Woman: A Global Chronicle of Gender Inequality, by Nina Ansary, Illustrated by Petra Dufkova (Revela Press) FINALISTS: • Rights-Based Community Practice and Academic Activism in a Turbulent World: Putting Theory into Practice in Israel, Palestine and Jordan, by Jim Torczyner (Routledge Advances in Social Work Series) • 7 Lessons for Dreamers & Makers, by SCAD, Illustrated by Michael Mullan (SCAD University Press) • A Year of Belonging: Fifty-Two Reflections and Practices for Educators, by David Levine, Illustrated by Sarah Burt (Teaching Empathy Press) • The Non-Obvious Guide to Virtual Meetings and Remote Work (Non-Obvious Guides), by Rohit Bhargava (IdeaPress Publishing) • The Paradox of the Good Bribe: A Discussion Defining and Protecting the Public Interest,

by David J. O’Regan (Universal Publishers)

Fantasy

First Novel (Under 70,000 words)

WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •T he Very Real World of Emily Adams, by Samantha J Rose (Immortal Works LLC)

WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •A Time to Rebuild, by Joey Clifton (Self-Published)

FINALISTS: • A Journey to Mouseling Hollow Book 1: The Fabled Two, by Robert C. Feol, Illustrated by Greg Condon (Best Seller Publishing) • Dragon Mage: An Epic Fantasy Adventure, by ML Spencer (Stoneguard Publications) • Elemental: Shadows of Otherside Book 1, by Whitney Hill (Benu Media) • The Kiminee Dream, by Laura McHale Holland (WORDforest) • The Vow That Twisted Fate, by Katherine D. Graham (Self-Published)

FINALISTS: • Awakening: A novel, by Peggy Sealfon (Stonewater Studio Books) • First Among Nations, by Ira Mosen (Olive Blossom Press) • That Darn Cat, by Janos Toldy (Amazon/ Kindle) • The Dreamer’s Stage, by Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz (Wasteland Press) • Untamed Spirit, by Tracy Renee Stefan (Dorrance Publishing)

First Novel (70,000-90,000 words) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • EO-N, by Dave Mason (Hellbox Editions) • Finding Frances, by Kelly Vincent (The Wild Rose Press) FINALISTS: • A Lullaby in the Desert, by Mojgan Azar (Arkbound Foundation) • Estelle: A Novel, by Linda Stewart Henley (She Writes Press) • Floating Against the Current, by Robert L. Arsenault, Cover Illustrated by Robert P. Arsenault (Self-Published) • I Never Told You, by Bernie Brown (Moonshine Cove Publishing) • Stone Fruit, by Dorothy Bunting Montgomery (Transforming Perspectives) • Unexpected Findings, by Jenifer Rowe (Foothills Press)

First Novel (Over 90,000 words) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •T he Lockhart Women A Novel, by Mary Camarillo (She Writes Press) FINALISTS: • A Coward’s Guide to Oil Painting - the Novel,

by MM Kent (Wings and Roots LLC) • All the King’s Horses, by Stephen H Goewey, Book Cover Illustrated by Silas Goewey (Dutch Sons Publishing) • Carlos Crosses the Line, by Edward D Webster (Casa de los Suenos Publishing) • Prospects of a Woman, by Wendy Voorsanger (She Writes Press) • Unbound, A Tale of Love & Betrayal in Shanghai, by Dina Gu Brumfield (GreenLeaf Book Group Press)

General Fiction/Novel (Over 80,000 words) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •T he Sound of Wings, by Suzanne Simonetti (She Writes Press) FINALISTS: • Carlos Crosses the Line, by Edward D Webster (Casa de los Suenos Publishing) • Mail Girl, by Jim Trainor (Up North Press) • The Gopher King: A Dark Comedy, by Gojan Nikolich (Black Rose Writing) • The Magpies’ Song, by Roger Howell (Self-Published) • The Play’s the Thing, by Jessica Barksdale (TouchPoint Press)

General Fiction/Novel (Under 80,000 words) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •W esley Yorstead Goes Outside, by Stephanie Harper (Propertius Press) FINALISTS: • First Among Nations, by Ira Mosen (Olive Blossom Press) • MAGE, by Sharon Ede (Self-Published) • Suicide Souls, by Penni Jones (Pandamoon Publishing) • The Letters, by Wayne Debernardi (Self-Published) • Where Are We Tomorrow?, by Tavi Taylor Black (TouchPoint Press)

General Non-Fiction WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Anonymous Is a Woman: A Global Chronicle of Gender Inequality, by Nina Ansary, Illustrated by Petra Dufkova (Revela Press) • Hungry: Avocado Toast, Instagram Influencers, and Our Search for Connection and Meaning,

by Eve Turow-Paul (BenBella Books) FINALISTS: • Beyond Your Bubble: How to Connect Across the Political Divide, Skills and Strategies for Conversations That Work, by Tania Israel (APA LifeTools) • New Way to Care: Social Protections that Put Families First, by John C. Goodman (Independent Institute) • Our Gay History in Fifty States, by Zaylore Stout, Illustrated by Alexandra Bye and Chelen Ecija (Wise Ink) • Personal Finance QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Eliminating Financial Stress, Building Wealth, and Achieving Financial Freedom, by Morgen Rochard CFA CFP RLP (ClydeBank Media) • Priestess: Ancient Spiritual Wisdom for Modern Sacred Women, by Julie Parker (the kind press) • Terroir: Love, Out of Place, by Natasha Saje (Trinity University Press) • Words Whispered in Water: Why the Levees Broke in Hurricane Katrina, by Sandy Rosenthal (Mango Media)

Gift/Specialty/Novelty Book WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Lettering from A to Z: 12 Styles & Awesome Projects for a Creative Life, Written and Illustrated by Phawnda Moore (Mango Publishing) • Love, I Am, by Catherine Athans, Ph.D., Illustrated by Patricia Bacall, Designer (Angels Island Press) FINALISTS: • Explore, Transform, Flourish: Your SELF Guided Journal to Health, Happiness and Getting What You Want. A Companion Journal for Explore, Transform Flourish: Support and Hope for Those Who Help Others, by Gillian Stevens, Illustrated by Michael Boalch (Self-Published) • Flutter, Bye, by Krista Betcher, Illustrated by Kari Vick (Beaver’s Pond Press) • GIFT FROM GOD, by Lori Butierries, Illustrated by Nikolett Timar (Self-Published) • Juggling: What It Is and How to Do It, by Thom Wall, Illustrated by Avi Pryntz-Nadworny; Thom Wall (Modern Vaudeville Press)

• Love Poems From New England, Written and Illustrated by Jon Meyer (Brilliant Light Publishing, L3C) • The Guide to Zero-Proof Cocktails, by Sharelle Klaus and Kira Bottles, Illustrated by Joska Borbely (Chatwin Books) • The Official White House Christmas Ornament: Collected Stories of a Holiday Tradition,

by Marcia Mallet Anderson and Kristen Hunter Mason (The White House Historical Association)

Health/Wellness (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •L iving In Total Health: Connecting With Your Wellth, by Glen Alex (Aviva) FINALISTS: • Am I Burned-Out at Work? A Self-Care Solution, by Salar A. Khan, MD, MBA (Archway Publishing) • Compendium Pandemica: A Guide to Horrible Infectious Diseases, by AD Gray (Self-Published) • Recovering from Your Car Accident: The complete guide to reclaiming your life., by James Zender, PhD (Rowman & Littlefield) • The Athena Principles, Simple Wellness Practices for Overworked Professionals, by Kathy Robinson (Collabria Publishing) • True Wellness for Your Gut: Combine the best of Western and Eastern medicine for optimal digestive and metabolic health, by Catherine Kurosu, MD, L.Ac. and Aihan Kuhn, CMD, OBT (YMAA Publication Center)

Historical (Fiction – Pre 1900’s) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •A T WAR WITH MARS, by Jim Fuxa (Self-Published) FINALISTS: • Boy, Falling, by Jenny Jaeckel (Black Rose Writing) •F ollow the Angels, Follow the Doves: The Bass Reeves Trilogy, Book One, by Sidney Thompson (Bison Books) • If Tenderness Be Gold, by Eleanor Albanese (Latitude 46 Publishing) • Silk: Caroline’s Story, by Sophia Alexander (Onalex Books) • The Last Dying Light: A Novel of Belisarius (Book 1 - The Last of the Romans), by William Havelock (Havelock Books) • The Stars of Heaven, by Jessica Dall (Red Adept Publishing)

Historical (Fiction – Post 1900’s) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •T he Good Luck Stone, by Heather Bell Adams (Haywire Books) FINALISTS: • A Bend In The River, by Libby Fischer Hellmann (The Red Herrings) • EO-N, by Dave Mason (Hellbox Editions) • My Parents’ Darkroom - Developing the Past, by Reinhard Tenberg (YOUCAXTON, Oxford) • Sicilian Dreams, by Vincent Panella (Bordighera Press) • Talland House: A Novel, by Maggie Humm (She Writes Press)

Historical (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • Wine and the White House: A History,

by Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. (The White House Historical Association) FINALISTS: • Dedication: Building the Seattle Branches of Mary Baker Eddy’s Church, A Centennial Story - Part 1: 1889 to 1929, by Cindy Peyser Safronoff (This One Thing LLC) • Dialect and Nationalism in China, 1860-1960, by Gina Anne Tam (Cambridge University Press) • From Cowgirl To Congress - Journey of a Suffragist on the Front Lines, by Jessie Haver Butler and Mila Johansen (Self-Published) • Tiny Blunders Big Disasters 39 Tiny Mistakes That Changed the World Forever!, by Jared Knott (Jefferson Central Publishing) • Velvalee Dickinson: The “Doll Woman” Spy,

by Barbara Casey (Strategic Media Books) • Yanks behind the Lines: How the Commission for Relief in Belgium saved millions from starvation during World War I, by Jeffrey B. Miller (Rowman & Littlefield)

Horror WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • Roseneath, by Dana McSwain (Webb House Publishing) FINALISTS: • 22 Dutch Road, by T. C. Schueler (Peebles Press) • Pivot, by L.C. Barlow (California Coldblood Books) • The Blood She Wore: A Sarah Greene Supernatural Mystery, by Steven Ramirez (Glass Highway)

• The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book One, The Sleepwalker, by Brian James Gage (KDK 12 Press) • The Vanishing, by Arjay Lewis (Mindbender Press)

Humor/Comedy WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE •N ight Night, Norman, by Marie Dimitrova, Illustrated by Romi Caron (Hello World Publishing with Green Leaf Book Group) • The Arizona Water Bar - Tales from the Desert Southwest, Written and Illustrated by Drew Aquilina (Green Pieces Press) FINALISTS: • Flush the Toilet, by Katie Goyette, Illustrated

by Billy Martinez (Rewrite Life) • French Like Moi, a Midwesterner in Paris,

by Scott Dominic Carpenter, Illustrated

by Liam Golden (Travelers’ Tales and Solas House) • Gorilla Tales: A Memoir, by Donald McLeod (Headline Books) • Mae West Broadcast Muse, by Michael Gregg Michaud (BearManor Media) • Mind the Gap, by George Tombs (Evidentia Originals) • Why a Cat Is Still Better than a Man, by Allia Zobel Nolan, Illustrated by Nicole Hollander (AlliaWrites)

Illustrations WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • They Changed the Game: 50 Stories and Illustrations Celebrating Creativity in Sports, by Matthew and Ariana Broerman, Illustrated

by Various Artists (Ink and Craft LLC) FINALISTS: • Anonymous Is a Woman: A Global Chronicle of Gender Inequality, by Nina Ansary, Illustrated by Petra Dufkova (Revela Press) • Lonely Voyagers, Images by Simon Blake, Text by Dalt Wonk (Luna Press) • Night Night, Norman, by Marie Dimitrova, Illustrated by Romi Caron (Hello World Publishing with Green Leaf Book Group) • Out Of The Candy Jar, Written and Illustrated

by Merrijo Wheaton (Self-Published) • Presidents Play!, by Jonathan Pliska, Illustrated by John Hutton (The White House Historical Association)

Inspirational (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE •V oyage To Bravery, by Jeremiah Shelton, Illustrated by Jeremiah Shelton and Sarah Hameed (Absolute Author Publishing House) • Across the Deep: A Novel, by Lisa McGuinness (Bonhomie Press an imprint of Mango Publishing Group) FINALISTS: • GIFT FROM GOD, by Lori Butierries, Illustrated by Nikolett Timar (Self-Published) • Shaolina, by Maha Al Fahim (Maha Publishing) • The Mirror Without Reflection, by Sarudzai Mubvakure (Sarudzai Mubvakure Books) • The Sound of Wings, by Suzanne Simonetti (She Writes Press) • Time to Fly!, Written and Illustrated by Valerie Wiebe (Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing) • What Death Taught Terrence, by Derek McFadden (Kenboski & Seidenverg Books)

Inspirational (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • Waking to Wonder - 100 love letter exchanges with God, by Mollie Axtell (Captivated Press) FINALISTS: • A Gay Man’s Guide to Life: Get Real, Stand Tall, and Take Your Place, by Britt East (Houndstooth Press) • A Year of Belonging: Fifty-Two Reflections and Practices for Educators, by David Levine, Illustrated by Sarah Burt (Teaching Empathy Press) • Indomitable! Immigrants’ Stories of Perseverance and Resilience, by Margery Leveen Sher (Self-Published) • Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love, by Justin Black, Alexis Black (Global Perspectives Publishing) • Sink or Walk on Water: Dealing With Adversity While Walking In Your Purpose, by Stevenson Jones (Self-Published) • The Hidden Gifts of Addiction: The Direct Path of Recovery, by Victor Bucklew, PhD (Rock Creek Canyon Publishing)

LGBTQ+ (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/ Transgender/Queer+) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • A Gay Man’s Guide to Life: Get Real, Stand Tall, and Take Your Place, by Britt East (Houndstooth Press)

• Our Gay History in Fifty States, by Zaylore Stout, Illustrated by Alexandra Bye and Chelen Ecija (Wise Ink) FINALISTS: • Alex McKenna & The Geranium Deaths, by Vicki-Ann Bush (The Parliament House) • Blue Cloak Warrior, by Miguel Lopez de Leon (BookBaby) • Corrupted: The Truth Shall Be The Nail In Your Coffin, by Jared Dixon (Full Circle Press) • Echoes of Darkness, by Cheryl Campbell (Sonar Press) • Honor Bound - Book 1, by Athena Ryals (Self-Published) • Simon’s Mansion, by William Poe (Self-Published) •T he Canyon Cathedral: The Witches of Tanglewood, Book Two, by Michelle Rene (Black Rose Writing)

Lifestyle/Cooking/How To/Home WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE •F oodWISE: A Whole Systems Guide to Sustainable and Delicious Food Choices, by Gigi Berardi (North Atlantic Books) • The Friendly Vegan Cookbook: 100 Essential Recipes to Share with Vegans and Omnivores Alike, by Michelle Cehn and Toni Okamoto (BenBella Books) FINALISTS: • American Advertising Cookbooks: How Corporations Taught Us to Love Spam, Bananas, and Jell-O, by Christina Ward (Process Media) • Meatballs & Lefse: Memories and Recipes from a Scandinavian-American Farming Life, by Cynthia D. Bertelsen (Turquoise Moon Press) • My Big Fat Greek Cookbook, by Evdokia Antginas and Christos Sourligas (Skyhorse Publishing Inc.) • One Loaf at a Time/One Bowl at a Time: The Recipes that Brought us Together While We Remained Apart during COVID-19, by CJ Katz (Self-Published) • Recipes from the President’s Ranch: Food People Like to Eat, by Matthew Wendel (The White House Historical Association) • The Little Vegan Dessert Cookbook Vintage: Recipes Revised, by Laura Crotty (Lincoln Square Books) • Think, Eat, Cook Sustainably: 100 Recipes, plus Tips & Ideas for a Healthy World, by Rachel Khanna (RK Publishing)

Memoirs (Career) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • Gorilla Tales: A Memoir, by Donald McLeod (Headline Books) FINALISTS: • Authentic Wilderness: Norton Sound, Bristol Bay, and the Nushagak River, by John Gubbins, Illustrated by Nora Gubbins and James Roderick (Self-Published) • My Time To Shine, by Glenn Leonard, Joe Coleman, Joe Blunt, J. Michael Willard (Headline Books) • Recipes from the President’s Ranch: Food People Like to Eat, by Matthew Wendel (The White House Historical Association) • The Kingdom I Came To Love, by Fernando G Ting, Illustrated by Ernesto G Ting (Christian Faith Publishing) • Unlocking A Memoir of Family and Art,

by Nancy L Pressly (She Writes Press)

Memoirs (Historical/Legacy) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • No Rules: A Memoir, by Sharon Dukett (She Writes Press) FINALISTS: • Alaska Cruise 1909, by Bertha Adele Penny (Author), Constance Taylor (Compiler) (Fathom Publishing) • From Cowgirl To Congress - Journey of a Suffragist on the Front Lines, by Jessie Haver Butler and Mila Johansen (Self-Published) • Growing Up Venice: Parallel Universes,

by Donna Lewis Friess, Ph.D. (Hurt into Happiness Publishing) • Letters to the Chief: A Minnesota Childhood,

by Judi Lifton (Wisdom Editions) • The Life and Times of the Last Kid Picked,

by David Benjamin, Illustrated by Greg Holfeld (Last Kid Books)

Memoirs (Other) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • One Month in Tohoku: an Englishwoman’s memoir on life after the Japanese tsunami,

by Caroline Pover (Alexandra Press) FINALISTS: • Api’s Berlin Diaries: My Quest to Understand My Grandfather’s Nazi Past, by Gabrielle Robinson (She Writes Press) • Born Again, Again: That time I fell down a rabbit hole and spent twenty-two years as a Bible thumping, tongue speaking, Gospel preaching Born Again Christian. And then I woke up., by Kathy Martens (Kackybird Press)

• River Town Girl: A Memoir, by Lynn Litterine, Illustrated by Various Artists (Serving House Books) • STAND: A Memoir on Activism. A Manual for Progress. What really happens when we stand on the front lines of change., by Kathryn Bertine (New Shelf Press) • When the Red Gates Opened: A Memoir of China’s Reawakening, by Dori Jones Yang (She Writes Press)

Memoirs (Overcoming Adversity/ Tragedy) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •H andsome: Stories of an Awkward Human,

by Holly Lorka (She Writes Press) FINALISTS: • Born Under The Gaslight: A Memoir of My Descent Into Borderline Personality Disorder,

by Cindy Collins (Indomitable Publishing) • Care Under Fire, by Bill Strusinski (Calumet Editions) • Childhood Canceled, by Mishka Migacz (Self-Published) • In Memory of Feast - Memories of Residential School Survivors, by Judy Reuben, Illustrated by Bill Powless (Turtle’s Back Publishing, a division of the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition) • The Latch Key Kid - A memoir of Anhedonia,

by Mike Hughes (KDP Select)

Memoirs (Personal Struggle/ Health Issues) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •C rash - How I Became a Reluctant Caregiver,

by Rachel Michelberg (She Writes Press) FINALISTS: • Dance Like There Is no Tomorrow, by Evelyn M. Leite (Living With Solutions) • Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience From a Burn Survivor, by Lise Deguire, Psy.D. (Self-Published) • Stepping Stones: A Memoir of Addiction, Loss, and Transformation, by Marilea C. Rabasa (She Writes Press) • The Cardinal Club - A Daughter’s Journey to Acceptance, by Suzanne Maggio (Adelaide Books, NY) • Welcome To California: From L.A. County Jail to #1 in Sales, by Sandra LA Boszko (FriesenPress)

Military WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • Operation Market Garden: Airborne Invasion of the Netherlands, by Robert J Mueller (French Battlefields) FINALISTS: • Becoming American, A World War II Young Adult Novel, by Callie J. Trautmiller (Written Dreams Publishing House) • Brothers in Arms - Remembering Brothers Buried Side by Side in American World War II Cemeteries, by Kevin M. Callahan (Brothers in Arms Press) • Darling, Love Letters from WWII, by Peggy O’Toole Lamb (Book Baby) • Have Snakes, Need Birds, by Travis Klempan (Koehler Books) • PowerPoint Ranger: My Iraq War Log, by Kelly J. Galvin, CPT, USA (Ret) (Koehler Books)

Mind, Body and Spirit WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •A khwatsirehko:wa My Big Family - Our Game, Our Experience, Our Way, by Brennor Jacobs with Brendan Bomberry, Illustrated by Arnold Jacobs, Bill Powless, Artie Martin Jr (Turtle’s Back Publishing, a division of the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition) FINALISTS: • Giving Grief Meaning: Transforming Deep Suffering into Healing and Positive Change,

by Lily Dulan (Mango Publishing) • Living In Total Health: Connecting With Your Wellth, by Glen Alex (Aviva) • Space Between the Stones: Poetry and Practices for Connecting with Nature, Spirit, and Creativity, by Kai Siedenburg, Illustrated by Mária Kersey (Our Nature Connection) • SURVIVING ASSAULT - Words that Rock & Quiet & Tell the Truth: Resource for the Living,

by Diana Tokaji, Illustrated by Thien-Kim Pham (Root to Rise Productions) • The Hidden Gifts of Addiction: The Direct Path of Recovery, by Victor Bucklew, PhD (Rock Creek Canyon Publishing)

Motivational WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Maximize 365: A year of actionable tips to transform your life, by Kristin A. Sherry (Black Rose Writing) • Out of Love: Finding Your Way Back to Self-Compassion, by Marianne Ingheim (She Writes Press)

FINALISTS: • #ImpactMyLife: Being the Change, by Eric Godwin (Mascot Books) • Be A Change Agent: Leadership in a Time of Exponential Change, by Dr. Dele Ola (FriesenPress) • Michigan Motivations: A Year of Inspiration with the University of Michigan Wolverines,

by Del Duduit and Cyle Young (Indiana University Press) • My Time To Shine, by Glenn Leonard, Joe Coleman, Joe Blunt, J. Michael Willard (Headline Books) • Sparkle & Shine: 108 M.A.N.T.R.A.s to Brighten Your Day and Lighten Your Way,

by Meg Nocero, Illustrated by Kim Anderson (Butterflies & Bliss) • Unleashing Potential: Confidence, by Justin Patton (Self-Published) • Unseen Work: Why the best path to your goals is not always a straight line, by Myles J. Biggs (Biggs Ideas)

Multicultural (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •L iving Color: Angie Rubio Stories, by Donna Miscolta (Jaded Ibis Press) FINALISTS: • A Maiden’s Prayer: A Family Story Set in 1970s Sri Lanka, by Srianthi Perera (Evocative Journeys) • After Kilimanjaro, by Gayle Woodson (She Writes Press) • Journey to Justice: A Linda and Scott Tale of Intrigue, by Lawrence Shimkets, Illustrated

by Driven Digital Services (Self-Published) • Seeing Ceremony: A Novel With Recipes, by Meera Ekkanath Klein (Homebound Publications) • You Look Something, by Jessica Mehta (Wyatt MacKenzie Publishing)

Mystery WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Maximum Rossi: A Las Vegas Crime Noir, by Paul W. Papa (HPD Publishing) • Murder in First Position - An On Pointe Mystery, by Lori Robbins (Level Best Books) FINALISTS: • A Shot of Murder (A Charley Hall Mystery),

by Brenda Gayle (Bowstring Books) • Assume Treason, by Paul Lisnek (Written Dreams Publishing) • BIRD IN HAND: A Sam Tate Mystery, by Nikki Stern (Ruthenia Press) • Ghost Cat, by Helen Currie Foster (Stuart’s Creek Press) • Steal Away, by V. M. Burns (Camel Press)

Nature/Environment WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • Like a Tree: How Trees, Women, and Tree People Can Save the Planet, by Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D. (Mango Publishing) FINALISTS: • Finding Solace at Theodore Roosevelt Island,

by Melanie Choukas-Bradley, Illustrated by Tina Thieme Brown (Changemakers Books, imprint of John Hunt Publishing) • Life Under Glass, by Mark Nelson, Abigail Alling, Sally Silverstone (Synergetic Press) • Survival: Evolutionary Rules for Intelligent Species Survival, by Samuel Layne, Illustrated by Sherry Wang (Maijai Press) • The Great Healing - Five Compassions That Can Save Our World, by Stephen Erickson (TGH Press) • The Human Animal Earthling Identity: Shared Values Unifying Human Rights, Animal Rights, and Environmental Movements, by Carrie P. Freeman (University of Georgia Press) • This Fragile Planet: His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Environment, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Edited by Michael Buckley, Photography by Various Photographers (ThunderHorse Media) • Wild Like Flowers: The Restoration of Relationship Through Regeneration, by Daniel Firth Griffith, Illustrated by Sarah Griffith (Robinia Press)

New Age WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •M agdalene Mysteries: The Left-Hand Path of the Feminine Christ, by Seren Bertrand and Azra Bertrand, M.D. (Bear & Co. / Inner Traditions) FINALISTS: • Angels, Angels, Angels! Messages for Today from Heavenly Friends, by David Christopher Lewis, Illustrated by David Keil (Meru Press) • Angels Watching Over Me, by Pam Ware & Linda Dipman (Outskirts Press, Inc.)

• Broth from the Cauldron; A Wisdom Journey through Everyday Magic, by Cerridwen Fallingstar, Illustrated by Tabitha Lahr (She Writes Press) • Soul Afterlife - Beyond the Near-Death Experience, by Bud Megargee (KDP) • The Inside Hustle: A Mystical Misfit’s Travel Adventure Into The Unknown., by Joanna Walden (JLW Publishing)

Novella (Under 40,000 words) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •D eath’s Door, by April White (Corazon Entertainment) FINALISTS: • Blood Wail, by Jae Mazer (Feathered Tentacle Press) • Gaydonia, by Gary Pedler (Adelaide Books) • Seven Tails of Christmas, by Rob Edwards (Rayn Incorporated) • Sisters of the Moon, by Alexandrea Weis (Vesuvian Books) • The Tin Whistle, by kathleen shoop (Indie Published)

Paranormal WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • A Trail of Pearls - A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel, by D. M. George (Self-Published) FINALISTS: • BloodLaw, by Blaise Ramsay (Indies United Publishing, LLC) • Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit, by Valerie Dunsmore (Friesen Press) • The Christmas Spirit, by Alexandrea Weis (Rosewind Books) • The Hush Sisters, by Gerard Collins (Breakwater Books) •W ho’s There? A Collection of Stories,

by Dimas Rio (Self-Published)

Parenting/Family (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •C aregiving Done Differently A Commonsense Approach for Families, Caregivers, and Seniors,

by Loretta J. Gilbert; Nancy E. Walker (The Common Sense Approach) FINALISTS: • Crying, Learning, and Laughing: Why Students Visit the Teen Center, by Tamika M. Murray (Celestial Publishing) • Dads For Daughters: How Fathers Can Give Their Daughters a Better, Brighter, Fairer Future, by Michelle Travis (Mango Publishing) • Family Redefined: Childhood Reflections on the Impact of Divorce, by Kimberly Ewertz (Little Creek Press) • No Match For Her, by Travis Lee Hicks (Self-Published) • Outside Looking In: High-functioning autism from one mother’s perspective, by Vivian M. Lumbard (Catalyst Publishers) • The Parent’s Complete Guide - What to Teach, How and When to Teach It, by Sherry Rhodes (Ivy Lane Publishing)

Poetry WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •E NLIGHTENED CONTINUUM | 249 Topics Illuminated by a Trio of Lanturnes,

by Donald Alan Straub III (Xlibris) FINALISTS: • Love Poems From New England, Written and Illustrated by Jon Meyer (Brilliant Light Publishing, L3C) • Once Upon Each Time, Collected Poems, by E.M. Schorb (Hill House New York) • Simple Absence, by Nancy Fitz-Hugh Meneely (Antrim House) • Tonight Will Be The Longest Night of Them All,

by Stephan Silich (Brooklyn Writers Press) • The National Parks: A Century of Grace, Written and Illustrated by Karla K. Morton and Alan Birkelbach (TCU Press)

Regional (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Prospects of a Woman, by Wendy Voorsanger (She Writes Press) • White Skies Black Mingo, by Kevin D. Miller (Headline Books)

FINALISTS: • Creed of Vengeance, by Aubrey Dasher (Outskirts Press) • Forgiving Stephen Redmond, by A. J. Sidransky (Black Opal Books) • From The Moon I Watched Her, by Emily English Medley (Greenleaf Book Group) • I Taught Myself Denial: A Little Bluestem Mystery, by Gaetha Pace (Magic Jack Publishing) • Lumpers, Longnecks, and One-Eyed Jacks: a 70s Recipe for a Rainy Day, by Joe Formichella (Waterhole Branch Productions) • No Place That Far, by Bruce Wilson (Artemesia Publishing LLC) •S hiloh Valley, by Doris Dumrauf (Raccoon Creek Press)

Regional (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Exploring Wine Regions - Bordeaux France; Discover Wine, Food, Castles, and The French Way of Life, Written and Illustrated by Michael C. Higgins, PhD (International Exploration Society) • Wine and the White House: A History,

by Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. (The White House Historical Association) FINALISTS: • Approaching Fire, by Michelle Porter (Breakwater Books) • Dedication: Building the Seattle Branches of Mary Baker Eddy’s Church, A Centennial Story - Part 1: 1889 to 1929, by Cindy Peyser Safronoff (This One Thing LLC) • Into the Carpathians: A Journey Through the Heart and History of East Central Europe (Part 2: The Western Mountains), by Alan E. Sparks (Rainy Day Publishing) • Recipes from the President’s Ranch: Food People Like to Eat, by Matthew Wendel (The White House Historical Association) • Seeking Sanctuary: 125 Years of Synagogues on Long Island, by Brad Kolodny (Segulah Press) • Wasps: Their Biology, Diversity, and Role as Beneficial Insects and Pollinators of Native Plants, by Heather Holm (Pollination Press)

Relationships (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •T he Hospice Doctor’s Widow: A Journal, Written and Illustrated by Jennifer A. O’Brien (Et Alia Press) FINALISTS: • Classic Marriage: Staying in Love as Your Odometer Climbs, by Michelle Rayburn, Phil Rayburn (Faith Creativity Life Books) • I Know a Woman: A Song for Mothers, by Sharon Gudereit, Illustrated by Miranda Pringle (Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing) • On The Corner of Remarkable And Perspective,

by Diana Martin (Self-Published) • The Ten Commandments of Marriage: Secrets of a Divorce Lawyer, by David W. Erdman (SPARK Publications) • The Third Person in the Room: Stories of Relationships at a Turning Point, by Bea V. Larsen (Nolan Kerr Press)

Religious (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Josephus: A Novel, by B. Michael Antler (Studio Antz, LLC) • Meeting Mara Sloan, by Patrick M. Garry (Kenric Books) FINALISTS: • Almost Damned, by Christopher Leibig (Koehler Books) • Eternal Road - The Final Stop, by John W. Howell (Keewaydin Lane Books) • From The Moon I Watched Her, by Emily English Medley (Greenleaf Book Group) • Stolen Shroud, by Daniel Westlund (For the Win Publishing) • The Magdalene Reliquary, by Gary McAvoy (Literati Editions)

Romance (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •A Lady’s Revenge, by Edie Cay (ScarabSkin Books) FINALISTS: • A Family Affair, by Rob Loveless (NineStar Press) • After Kilimanjaro, by Gayle Woodson (She Writes Press)

• Alaska Spark (Blazing Hearts Wildfire Series Book 1), by LoLo Paige (Self-Published) • The Ideal Countess, by Katherine Grant (Self-Published) • When the Wind Chimes, by Mary Ting (Rosewind Books)

Science Fiction WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •T he Roach, by Rhett C Bruno (Aethon Books) FINALISTS: • A Wizard’s Sacrifice, by A.M. Justice (Wise Ink Creative Publishing) • Centricity (Centricity Cycle: Book 1), by Nathaniel Henderson (Self-Published) • Echoes of Darkness, by Cheryl Campbell (Sonar Press) • Rook, by Blaine C. Readler (Full Arc Press) • The Albatross: Contact, by Connor Mackay (FriesenPress)

Science/Nature WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •N ew Zealand Karst - A voyage across limestone landscapes into the subterranean realm of caves,

by Max Wisshak, Stefanie Wisshak (speleo-photo editions) FINALISTS: •B reath From Salt: A Deadly Genetic Disease, a New Era in Science, and the Patients and Families Who Changed Medicine Forever,

by Bijal P. Trivedi (BenBella Books) • Fighting Chance: How Unexpected Observations and Unintended Outcomes Shape the Science and Treatment of Depression,

by Sarah Zabel (Self-Published) •F OSSILS INSIDE OUT: A Global Fusion of Science, Art, & Culture, by Thomas Wiewandt (Wild Horizons Publishing, Inc.) • Rebel Cell: Cancer, Evolution, and the New Science of Life’s Oldest Betrayal, by Kat Arney (BenBella Books) • The Secret Language of Cells: What Biological Conversations Tell Us About the Brain-Body Connection, the Future of Medicine, and Life Itself, by Jon Lieff, MD (BenBella Books) • Wasps: Their Biology, Diversity, and Role as Beneficial Insects and Pollinators of Native Plants, by Heather Holm (Pollination Press)

Second Novel WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Answer Creek, by Ashley E. Sweeney (She Writes Press) • Seeing Ceremony: A Novel With Recipes,

by Meera Ekkanath Klein (Homebound Publications) FINALISTS: • Freedom Farm, by Jennifer Neves (North Country Press) • Maidstone II, In Spite of it All, by Marc Youngquist, Illustrated by Gillian Connors Gormley DeSmet (Independently Published Kindle) • Nightwatchers, by Vincent Wyckoff (North Star Press of St. Cloud) • Perish, by L.C. Barlow (California Coldblood Books) • Spider Lake: A Northern Lakes Mystery, by Jeff Nania (Little Creek Press)

Self Help (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •B eyond Your Bubble: How to Connect Across the Political Divide, Skills and Strategies for Conversations That Work, by Tania Israel (APA LifeTools) FINALISTS: • Exit the Maze - One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, by Dr. Donna Marks (Westward Publishing) • IOU LIFE LEADERSHIP: You owe it to yourself and others!, by Dr. Joe Famularo (Author Academy Elite) • Joyous Resilience: A Path to Individual Healing and Collective Thriving in an Inequitable World, by Anjuli Sherin, LMFT (North Atlantic Books) • Out of Love: Finding Your Way Back to Self-Compassion, by Marianne Ingheim (She Writes Press) • Regenerative Purpose: The Dynamic Nature of the Way We Choose Work, by Wendy May (KAISTARA)

Series (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • The Anne McFarland Series – (The Black Velvet Coat, The Silver Shoes, The Green Lace Corset),

by Jill G. Hall (She Writes Press) • A Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot Adventure Series (Books 1 – 4), by Susan Marie Chapman, Illustrated by Natalia Loseva (Canoe Tree Press)

FINALISTS: • I Would Love You Even If Series (I Would Love You Even if You Burned the Christmas Turkey, I Would Love You Even if You Were a Pickle, I Would Love You Even if You Were a Tomato),

by Bucleigh Newton Kernodle, Illustrated

by Ashley Teets (Headline Books) • The Lord Hani Mysteries (Bird in a Snare, The Crocodile Makes No Sound, Scepter of Flint, The North Wind Descends), by N.L. Holmes (WayBack Press) • Second Son Chronicles, Volumes 1-4, by Pamela Taylor (Black Rose Writing) • The Super Awesome Secret Adventures of Billy the Brave - Books 1-3, by Christian Canning, Illustrated by Edison Goncalves and Len Simon (Cool Kids Comics) • The ICE Trilogy (ICE, ICE Genesis, ICE Revelation), by Kevin Tinto (Three Dog Publishing) • The Puzzle Quests Series (Shimmer’s Eggs, Saving Atlantis, Sketchy Dinosaurs, Secret Treasures), by Janine De Tillio Cammarata (Highland Mountain Publishing) • The Ascension Series (The Ascension, The Deception, The Redemption), by Lauren Hudson (Headline Books)

Short Story Collections WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • On Traigh Lar Beach, by Dianne Ebertt Beeaff (She Writes Press) • The Old Men Who Row Boats and Other Stories, by David Joseph (Portal 6 Press) FINALISTS: • All the Woods She Watches Over: Stories & Poetry, Written and Illustrated by Emily McCosh (Oceans in the Sky Press) • Finding Bigfoot and other stories, by Susan Lindsley (ThomasMax Publishing) • Grandmother’s Devil & Other Tempting Tales,

by Marty Malin, Illustrated by Diane Slade (Canyon Rose Press) • The Hay-wagon, by Abigail Olson (Belle Isle Books) • What Nell Dreams, by Anne Leigh Parrish (Unsolicited Press) • Wind Water Waves - River Stories, by Tom French (Stone Island Press)

Social Change WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Dialect and Nationalism in China, 1860-1960, by Gina Anne Tam (Cambridge University Press) • Overcoming Hate Through Dialogue: Confronting Prejudice, Racism, and Bigotry with Conversation - and Coffee, by Ozlem Cekic (Mango Publishing) FINALISTS: •D ads For Daughters: How Fathers Can Give Their Daughters a Better, Brighter, Fairer Future,

by Michelle Travis (Mango Publishing) • Diversity At College: Real Stories of Students Conquering Bias and Making Higher Education More Inclusive, by James Stellar, Chrisel Martinez, Branden Eggan, Chloe Skye Weiser, Benny Poy, Rachel Eagar, Marc Cohen, Agata Buras (IdeaPress Publishing) • Forbidden Woman, by Blair Bronwyn, Illustrated by Authorpreneur Central (Tired Hands Media) • Impact: Personal Portraits of Activism, Edited

by Michelle Duster and Trina Sotira, with 45 contributors (MuseWrite Press) • Reclaiming the Commons: Biodiversity, Traditional Knowledge, and the Rights of Mother Earth, by Vendana Shiva (Synergetic Press) • STAND: A Memoir on Activism. A Manual for Progress. What really happens when we stand on the front lines of change., by Kathryn Bertine (New Shelf Press) • Story Movements: How Documentaries Empower People and Inspire Social Change,

by Caty Borum Chattoo (Oxford University Press)

Social Justice WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • It’s Me, by Jeff Kubiak, Illustrated by Briannah Alpeter (EduMatch) • Still Invisible? Examining America’s Black Male Crisis, by Elvin J. Dowling (Inspira Communications) FINALISTS: • A Comedian and An Activist Walk Into a Bar: The Serious Role of Comedy in Social Justice, by Caty Borum Chattoo and Lauren Feldman (University of California Press) • Dear America: Letters of Hope, Habitat, Defiance, and Democracy, Edited by Simmons Buntin, Elizabeth Dodd and Derek Sheffield (Trinity University Press)

• Let’s Talk About It - The Art, the Artists and the Racial Justice Movement on Madison’s State Street, Edited by, Adam Schrager, Project Director, Nyra Jordan, Designer, Ian Chalgren (American Family Institute for Corporate and Social Justice) • Really Good Schools: Global Lessons for High-Caliber, Low-Cost Education, by James Tooley (Independent Institute) • Rights-Based Community Practice and Academic Activism in a Turbulent World: Putting Theory into Practice in Israel, Palestine and Jordan, by Jim Torczyner (Routledge Advances in Social Work Series) • The Drawing Game - a novel, by Deborah Bowen Llewellyn, Illustrated by Alison Vernon (Self-Published) • Welcome To California / From L.A. County Jail to #1 in Sales, by Sandra LA Boszko (FriesenPress)

Spirituality WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •S tillpoint: The Geometry of Consciousness,

by James Ross Godbe (Self-Published) FINALISTS: •F inding Venerable Mother: A Daughter’s Spiritual Quest to Thailand, by Cindy Rasicot (She Writes Press) • Illumination of the shadow: ancestral wisdom from the past for the future, by Anthea Durand, Illustrated by Tem Casey (Shamanism and Evolving Consciousness Ltd) • On Civility: Restorative Reflections, by JohnRobert Curtin, Ph.D., Illustrated by Ying Kit Chan (Old Stone Press) • The Mystery Tradition of Miraculous Conception: Mary and the Lineage of Virgin Births, by Marguerite Mary Rigoglioso, Ph.D. (Bear & Company) • The Way of the Grace-filled Heart: Travel the Unbroken Path of Light and Love, by Catherine Grae Landry (Satiama Publishing)

Suspense WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •T he Hush Sisters, by Gerard Collins (Breakwater Books) FINALISTS: • Dead to Life - Sara Mason Mysteries Book Three, by Mary Deal (Next Chapter) • Missing, by Don Helin (Headline Books) • The Mystery of Leander Welles, by Ashlyn Drewek (Fox Hollow Books) • The Venetian and the Rum Runner, by L.A. Witt (Self-Published) • White Is The Coldest Colour, by John Nicholl (Bloodhound Books)

Thriller WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •A Climate for Death, by R. T. Lund (Koehler Books) FINALISTS: • A Noble Calling, by Rhona Weaver (Two Oaks Press) • Amid Rage, by Joel Burcat (Headline Books) • Joy of the Widows Tears, by Geoff Habiger & Coy Kissee (Shadow Dragon Press) • Kill Sight; An Alex Sight Thriller, Book 1,

by Geoffrey Saign (Self-Published) • The Hainan Conflict (Book 2 in The Net thriller series), by DM Coffman (Self-Published)

Travel/Travel Guide WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •F rench Like Moi, a Midwesterner in Paris,

by Scott Dominic Carpenter, Illustrated

by Liam Golden (Travelers’ Tales and Solas House) FINALISTS: • Hong Kong - A View of a Remarkable City, by Lee H. Van Dam (Brigham Distributing) • Into the Carpathians: A Journey Through the Heart and History of East Central Europe (Part 2: The Western Mountains), by Alan E. Sparks (Rainy Day Publishing) • Let’s Take A Hike: 7 Family-Friendly Trails of Nantucket, by Leslie Bains, Illustrated by Danny Moore (Mascot Books) • The National Parks: A Century of Grace, Written and Illustrated by Karla K. Morton and Alan Birkelbach (TCU Press) • The Weight of Empathy, a travel memoir, by Lucas Spiegel (Macroverse Publishing)

Women’s Issues (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): • Anonymous Is a Woman: A Global Chronicle of Gender Inequality, by Nina Ansary, Illustrated by Petra Dufkova (Revela Press) FINALISTS: • Green Horses on the Walls, by Cristina A. Bejan (Finishing Line Press) • Hippie Chick, Coming of Age in the ‘60s,

by Ilene English (She Writes Press) • No One Stood Up When I Entered the Room: One Woman’s Journey from Command to True Leadership, by Linda Patten (Gatekeeper Press)

• Raising our Hands: How White Women Can Stop Avoiding Hard Conversations, Start Accepting Responsibility, and Find Our Place on the New Frontlines, by Jenna Arnold (BenBella Books) • The Hay-wagon, by Abigail Olson (Belle Isle Books)

Women’s Literature (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •H orse. Woman. Poems from Our Lives, by Anna Blake, Illustrated by Rebecca Howard (Prairie Moon Press) FINALISTS: • From Cowgirl To Congress - Journey of a Suffragist on the Front Lines, by Jessie Haver Butler and Mila Johansen (Self-Published) • Get Up & Fight, The Memoir of Rusty Kanokogi, by Jean Kanokogi, PhD./Rena, Illustrated by Robyn Makinson/Emma Nadolny (Project Rusty, LLC) • Killing Kate: A Story of Turning Abuse and Tragedy Into Transformation and Triumph,

by Kate Ranta & Alisa Divine (Personal Power Press) • Million Dollar Red, by Gleah Powers (Vine Leaves Press) • The Part That Burns, by Jeannine Ouellette (Split/Lip Press)

Writing/Publishing (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Book & Baby, The Complete Guide to Managing Chaos & Becoming A Wildly Successful WriterParent, by Milda M. DeVoe, Illustrated by June Gervais (Brooklyn Writers Press) • Story Power: Secrets to Creating, Crafting, and Telling Memorable Stories, by Kate Farrell (Mango Publishing) FINALISTS: • Act Like an Author, Think Like a Business: Ways to Achieve Financial Literary Success, by Joylynn M. Ross (Path To Publishing Press) • Book Title Generator: A Proven System in Naming Your Book, by Scott Lorenz (Westwind Book Marketing) • Going Short: An Invitation to Flash Fiction,

by Nancy Stohlman (Ad Hoc Fiction) • Promotional Strategies for Books: How to Market & Promote Your Book, by Dale L. Roberts (One Jacked Monkey LLC) • The Leadhead’s Pencil Blog Volume 6, by Jonathan A. Veley (Self-Published) • Writer Wellness, by Joy E. Held (Headline Books)

Young Adult (Fiction – 12 Years to 16 Years) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •T he Manticore’s Vow: And Other Stories,

by Cassandra Rose Clarke (Interstellar Flight Press) FINALISTS: • Costly Freedom, by Terry Webb (urlinkpublishing.com) • The Dumpster Club, by David L. Craddock, Illustrated by Kristoffer Furacão (WorldForge Entertainment) • Even Goats Need Closure, by Jane Donovan and Holly Trechter (Sky Candle Press) • Half on Tuesdays, by Amy E.Whitman (Brandylane Publishers Inc.) • The Rabbit Princess: Journeys, by R. Chen, Illustrated by Ed Chen, R. Chen (Osani Studios, Inc.)

Young New Adult (Fiction – 17 Years and up) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •R eckonings, by Daniel Doeden (TouchPoint Press) FINALISTS: • Camper Girl, by Glenn Erick Miller (Fitzroy Books) • Fractured, by Shay Siegel (Self-Published) • Someone’s Story, by B.A. Bellec (Self-Published) • The Best Week That Never Happened, by Dallas Woodburn (Month9Books) • The King’s Oracle, by Sherry Torgent (Blue Ink Press, LLC)

Young Author (Written by under age 25) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): •F orever Burn, by Trinity Lemm (Self-Published) FINALISTS: • Dead Ends, by A.E.M. Nason (Kieran Publishing) • How To Experience Death For Beginners,

by Jessica Branton (Charlie’s Port) • PRAISE BE, by Evered Higgins (Peanut Prints) • The Nethergreen Forest, The Realms of Trithera Book One, by Savannah Holiman, Illustrated

by Dakota Holiman (cover) (Self-Published) • The Tinker and The Fold - Part 3 - The Javelin Divide, by Evan Gordon and Scott Gordon (Laguna Lantern Publishing)

Best Cover Design (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Fur, Feathers, & Scales: Sweet, Funny, and Strange Animal Tales, by Angela Albertson, Courtney, Annicchiarico, Jeff Baird, Peter J Barbour, Jodi Bogert, A. E. Decker, Marianne H. Donley, Ralph Hieb, DT Krippene, Jerome W. McFadden, Emily P. W. Murphy, Christopher D. Och, Dianna Sinovic, Kidd Wadsworth, Paul Weidknecht, Carol L. Wright, Will Wright, and Brett Wolf (Bethlehem Writers Group) • Inferno of Silence, by Tolu’ A. Akinyemi (The Roaring Lion Newcastle) FINALISTS: • From The Moon I Watched Her, by Emily English Medley (Greenleaf Book Group) • The Green Lace Corset, by Jill G. Hall (She Writes Press) • The Green Woolen Fedora, by Deborah Stevenson, Illustrated by Stella Mongodi (Frog Prince Books) • What Are the Chances?, by Robert Scotellaro (Press 53) • Whereabouts, by Scott Gould (Koehler Books)

Best Cover Design (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • A Collective Breath: Stories of Being Black in America and Visions of Change, by Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins (BMcTALKS Press) • Discovering Wildlife in Toronto’s Don Valley, by Jim Chung (Brown Books Publishing Group) FINALISTS: • A Tale of Two Climates--One Real, One Imaginary, by Bill Pekny (Self-Published) • Anonymous Is a Woman: A Global Chronicle of Gender Inequality, by Nina Ansary, Illustrated by Petra Dufkova (Revela Press) • calling in black, by Nicholle Ramsey (Talking Drum) • Hello, Career - What You Need to Know to be Successful in Your First Job: Work Smart in an Office or Remotely, by Ed Bray (Up Publications) • Poetic License - A Memoir, by Gretchen Cherington (She Writes Press) • Redneck Bouquet, by Jeff Mann (Lethe Press) • Waking to Wonder - 100 love letter exchanges with God, by Mollie Axtell (Captivated Press)

Best Overall Design (Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • Flutter, Bye, by Krista Betcher, Illustrated by Kari Vick (Beaver’s Pond Press) • Should I Say Hi? A Story of Courage That Reads Forward and Backward, by Rose Collins, Illustrated by Nathaly Bonilla (Two Tale Books) FINALISTS: • Angels Before You, a Tale of a Great Flame Following a Little Light, by Samara Anjelae (Freebody Press) • L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 36, by L. Ron Hubbard, David Farland, Nnedi Okorafor, Katherine Kurtz, Jody Lynn Nye, Echo Chernik, Mike Perkins, Sean Williams, Zack Be, F. J. Bergmann, Tim Boiteau, Andy Dibble, David Elsensohn, (Galaxy Press) • One Box Many Hearts, by Bayan Khaled (Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) • Safe In Starry Arms, by Christie Lea, Illustrated by Di (Tellwell Talent) • The Boy Who Wanted to Rock, by David Weiser, Illustrated by Derek Lavoie (Bookbaby)

Best Overall Design (Non-Fiction) WINNER ($100 PRIZE): TIE • The Power of Nordic Unity - 40 Years of NORDUnet, by (NORDUnet A/S) • Wine and the White House: A History,

by Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. (The White House Historical Association)

FINALISTS: • 7 Lessons for Dreamers & Makers, by SCAD, Illustrated by Michael Mullan (SCAD University Press) • Anonymous Is a Woman: A Global Chronicle of Gender Inequality, by Nina Ansary, Illustrated by Petra Dufkova (Revela Press) • Let’s Talk About It - The Art, the Artists and the Racial Justice Movement on Madison’s State Street, Edited by, Adam Schrager, Project Director, Nyra Jordan, Designer, Ian Chalgren (American Family Institute for Corporate and Social Justice) • New Zealand Karst - A voyage across limestone landscapes into the subterranean realm of caves, by Max Wisshak, Stefanie Wisshak (speleo-photo editions) • Our Gay History in Fifty States, by Zaylore Stout, Illustrated by Alexandra Bye and Chelen Ecija (Wise Ink) • Recipes from the President’s Ranch: Food People Like to Eat, by Matthew Wendel (The White House Historical Association) • The Bichir Handbook, by Joshua Pickett, Illustrated by Dorian Noel (Self-Published)

Become a Sponsor

of the 2022 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 2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Sponsorship opportunities start at as little as $500.

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.

Sponsorship Levels Platinum – $5,000

• Grand Prize Award named for yourself or your company • Admission for four people to attend gala awards reception • Platinum sponsorship announced during NGIBA awards presentation at gala reception • Opportunity to speak and present award named for your company to winner of Grand Prize • Company promotional materials (provided by you) distributed in our gift bags to all awards reception attendees • One full page ad in Next Generation Indie Book Awards catalog, distributed to thousands at book conferences and events • Logo (with LIVE link)* featured on home page and one other prominent position on Next Generation Indie Book Awards website www.indiebookawards.com • Logo (with LIVE link)* featured on home page and one other prominent position on Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group website www.IBPPG.com • Platinum sponsor name mentioned in official PR announcing NGIBA 2022 award winners and finalists • Platinum sponsor name mentioned in three or more email blasts to all award entrants (thousands of entrants) • Four or more social media posts/tweets mentioning company sponsorship with website link and brand hashtag

Gold – $3,000 • One category Award named for yourself or your company • Admission for three people to NGIBA awards reception • Opportunity to present award named for your company to category winner • Gold sponsorship mentioned during NGIBA reception presentation • Company promotional materials (provided by you) distributed in our gift bags to all awards reception attendees • Three quarter page ad in Next Generation Indie Book Awards catalog, distributed to thousands at book conferences and events • Logo (with LIVE link)* featured on Next Generation Indie Book Awards website www.indiebookawards.com • Logo (with LIVE link)* featured on Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group website www.IBPPG.com • Gold sponsor name mentioned in official PR announcing NGIBA 2022 award winners and finalists • Gold sponsor name mentioned in two email blasts to all award entrants (thousands of entrants) • Three social media posts/tweets mentioning company sponsorship with website link and brand hashtag

Silver – $1,500 • Admission for two people to awards reception • Silver sponsorship mentioned during NGIBA reception presentation • Company promotional materials (provided by you) distributed in our gift bags to all awards reception attendees • One half page ad in Next Generation Indie Book Awards catalog, distributed to thousands at book conferences and events • Logo featured (with a LIVE link)* on Next Generation Indie Book Awards website www.indiebookawards.com • Logo (with a LIVE link)* on Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group website www.IBPPG.com • Silver sponsor mention in official PR announcing NGIBA 2022 award winners and finalists • Silver sponsor mention in an email blast to all award entrants (thousands of entrants) • Two social media posts/tweets mentioning company sponsorship with website link and brand hashtag

Bronze – $500 • Admission for one person to awards reception • Bronze sponsorship mentioned during NGIBA reception presentation • Company promotional materials (provided by you) distributed in our gift bags to all awards reception attendees • One quarter page ad in Next Generation Indie Book Awards catalog, distributed to thousands at book conferences and events • Logo featured (with a LIVE link)* on Next Generation Indie Book Awards website www.indiebookawards.com • Logo (with a LIVE link)* on Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group website www.IBPPG.com • Bronze sponsor mention in one email blast to all award entrants (thousands of entrants) • One social media post/tweet mentioning company sponsorship with website link and brand hashtag *For at least a one year period. 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.

The Next Generation

INDIE BOOK AWARDS is the largest International awards program for indie authors and independent publishers.

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NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS™

www.IndieBookAwards.com

Receive recognition, cash prizes, awards and exposure to a leading Literary Agent!

CALL FOR ENTRIES 2022 NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS

C

alling all indie book authors and publishers – including small presses, mid-size and large independent publishers, university presses, e-book publishers, and self-published authors.

Entries are now being accepted at www.IndieBookAwards.com for the 2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards™, the largest international book awards program with the most cash prizes, presented by Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group, which is open to independent publishers and

authors worldwide who have a book written in English with a 2020, 2021 or 2022 release date or with a 2020, 2021 or 2022 copyright date.

With over 70 categories to choose from, enter by February 11, 2022 to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to have your book considered for cash prizes, awards, exposure, possible representation by a leading literary agent, and recognition as one of the top independently published books of the year!

Awards given to the Finalists and Winners of the 2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards are:

• $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 over 70 categories • Winners will be listed in the 2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards catalog which will be distributed to thousands of book buyers, media, librarians, and others!

• Finalist Medals will be awarded to five finalists in each of the over 70 categories

Finalists and Winners will also receive:

• Invitation to the Gala Awards Ceremony.

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

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

• Other benefits of an award-winning book (such as potential increased revenue).

PLUS, the top 70+ books will be reviewed

by New York literary agent Marilyn Allen of Allen O’Shea Literary Agency for possible representation to publishers or one of Ms. Allen’s co-agents for possible representation in areas such as distribution, foreign rights, film rights, and other rights (unless an entrant prefers not to have the book forwarded to an agent). Ms. Allen has over 25 years of sales and marketing ex-

perience, including serving as Senior Vice President, Associate Publisher, and Director of Marketing for Harper Collins and directing sales and marketing teams for Simon & Schuster, Penguin Books and Avon Books.

Ms. Allen has had the pleasure of working with many best-selling authors including Stephen King, Ken Follett, Barbara Kingsolver, John Gray, Mary Higgins Clark, and many more.

Go to www.IndieBookAwards.com to get more information and enter today!