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• INDEPENDENT 24 PR ES 20 S D AR AW
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WHO CAN ENTER?
Print and audiobooks can be submitted by: • Independent publishers • University presses • Hybrid publishers • Association presses • Self-published authors If you are a big five publishing house, you must submit your books to our fall competition, NYCBigBookAward.com, which has a separate committee and entry fee. Outside of the big five publishing houses, any publisher or author may submit to both competitions, IndependentPressAward.com (every spring); and NYCBigBookAward.com (every fall). See webpages for complete details.
WHEN CAN I ENTER the Independent Press Award? We are on a rolling submission, approximately every two and a half months, with two hard deadlines: (1) March 2025 to August 30, 2025; (2) September 1, 2025 to December 15, 2025 All entries must be postmarked no later than December 15, 2025. This final deadline will not be extended. What if I miss the deadline? Enter our fall program NYCBigBookAward.com as we take books until August 15th. ENTRY FEE $125 per title/per category, plus $75 for any additional category
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS Decide which books (copyright date within the past three years is recommended but not required) to enter into this year’s competition. 2 Calculate the total entry fee. Choose which categories, https://www.independentpressaward.com/categories, to enter each book into. You may enter a book into as many categories as you’d like. The fee for the first category is $125. Any additional book categories for that same book is $75 per category. • SINGLE BOOK, MULTIPLE CATEGORIES: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Childrens category, the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200. 1
Educational and Book Cover Design Childrens category, the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200, and “Book Two” in Mystery and New Fiction (first-time published), the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200, so $200 + 200 = $400 in total book entry fees. 3 Download a form from this page, OR submit the entry form online on this page, https://www.independentpressaward.com/online-entry-form-1 Complete form 4 Duplicate each Entry Label if you are entering multiple categories. For print books, a copy of the completed Entry Label must be placed inside the front cover of every book submitted. Up to four physical copies for entry into four or more categories. Audiobooks, a single copy of the completed Entry Label must be submitted along with either an Audible gift code or Authors’ Direct code. IF SUBMITTING ONLINE and sending a book directly from Amazon.com or other retailer/printer, NO PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED to accompany the book(s). 5 Pay via PayPal button on the website or mail a check, along with your books and printed entry form, and ship to:
INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD 63 Clinton Road Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 USA www.PrintedWordReviews.com
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PUBLISHER'S LETTER Dear Readers, With BookCAMP 2025 wrapped up, we received many questions from our independent authors and publishers about distribution. In this issue, I’m excited to share my article, “What’s the Difference?: Distributor vs. Wholesaler,” on page 15, which clarifies these two crucial roles in the publishing ecosystem. In addition, I’ve provided a distributor list that you can contact directly. Is It Time to “Write Your Future?” Many of you might be considering taking your writing to the next level, and an MFA in Creative Writing could be just the path. Our latest issue of BookCAMP outlines over 200 MFA programs, with dozens offering full funding and all providing some form of financial aid. Imagine getting the support you need to become the next great American novelist! An MFA provides a robust foundation in storytelling, literary analysis, and theory. But what exactly can you do with an MFA in Creative Writing? The truth is, it opens doors to a surprising variety of career paths, both within and beyond the literary world. Diverse Career Paths for MFA Graduates: An MFA equips you with versatile skills that are highly valued across many industries. Here are some common career avenues: Traditional Writing Careers: •
•
Author: Whether your passion is fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or
Publisher: Oversee the entire process of bringing books to market, from acquisition to distribution.
screenplays, an MFA hones your craft for a professional writing •
career.
Education and Academia:
Copywriter: Leverage your persuasive writing skills to create en-
•
gaging content for marketing, advertising, and websites. •
ing, literature, or related courses at the university level.
Journalist: Apply your research and storytelling abilities to report
•
news, write features, or contribute to various forms of journalism. •
Grant Writer: Use your articulate writing to secure funding for
•
grams. Other Creative Fields: •
Editing and Publishing:
Screenwriter/Playwright: Adapt your narrative skills to create compelling scripts for film, television, or theater.
Editor: Work directly with authors, refining manuscripts from de-
•
velopmental edits to final copyedits. •
Curriculum Developer: Design educational materials and pro-
Technical Writer: Translate complex information into clear, concise documentation for products and processes.
•
High School English Teacher: Inspire younger generations with a love for literature and writing.
non-profit organizations. •
College Professor: Share your expertise by teaching creative writ-
Content Creator: Produce engaging content for digital platforms like websites, blogs, and social media.
Literary Agent: Discover new talent, represent authors, and nego-
•
tiate publishing deals.
Public Relations Specialist: Shape narratives and messages for organizations and brands.
Beyond the Degree: Building Your Career While an MFA provides a strong foundation, remember that a successful career also requires talent, perseverance, and networking. Consider internships, freelance opportunities, and workshops to gain practical experience and build valuable connections. These steps can significantly strengthen your path to your desired career. Still on the fence?, get inspired! I’ve listed over a dozen upcoming book fairs and literary events, including the details for next year’s BookCAMP 2025, www.ipabookcamp.com. These events truly energize my passion for publishing. Meeting fellow writers, authors, and aspiring creatives at these fairs is incredibly motivating, and it might just convince you that a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is your next step. Good luck on your writing journey! Until next issue,
Ted Olczak
TED OLCZAK Publisher
We always welcome your feedback and suggestions. Please feel free to reach out to directly at Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com. www.PrintedWordReviews.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Heart of Fire: A Novel of the Ancient Olympics
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2024
U I
S H E D
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AWARD
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I T
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Call for the 2026 Independent Press Award Book Submissions
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HISTORICAL FICTION F A
V
Adam Alexander Haviaras
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Publisher’s Letter
A Mercenary... A Spartan Princess... And Olympic Glory...
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GAB TALKS with R.w. Meek
Step into the world of the ancient Olympic Games with this epic story based on actual events.
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MFA listings
9
Write Your Future: The Benefits and Funding of an MFA in Creative Writing
14
BookCAMP’s Publishing Services Directory
15
What’s the Difference?: Distributor vs. Wholesaler
17
Your Essential Guide to Fall Book Fairs: A Catalyst for Author Careers
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Upcoming Fall Book Fairs (2025 Highlights)
heart of Ancient Greece.
With Heart of Fire, award-winning author and historian, Adam Alexander Haviaras, gives readers a gritty, mysterious and emotional journey into the
Remember... There can be no Victory without Sacrifice.
ISBN: 978-1988309033 • $16.99
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Retail / distributor availability: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, all major online retailers, independent bookstores, brick and mortar chains, and public libraries. https://eaglesanddragonspublishing.com/historical-fantasy/
SELF-HELP: MOTIVATIONAL
DISCLAIMER:
Unpacking the Attic
Feel free to contact Ted Olczak directly at Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-olczak-64a1386. For additional information and to learn about BookCAMP, please visit the website, https://www.ipabookcamp.com/.
Ann M. Mracek 202 5D IS
To submit your book, visit our websites: Spring 2026 : www.independentpressaward.com (Independent press and authors consideration; does not permit the big 5 publishing houses to participate; closes December 30th every year, winners announced in March of every year.)
HED FAVORITE UIS •P R NG TI
D WAR SA ES
No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express permission from the publisher.
Ann Mracek’s poignant memoir, set against the backdrop of emptying her parents’ home, explores the echoes of childhood and the hurts of the inner child. Through personal stories and practical guidance, she offers insights into healing and self-discovery, showing readers how to offer love and acceptance to their inner child.
ISBN: 978-0976648871 • Price $17.99
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores.
Fall 2026: www.nycbigbookaward.com (More consumer focused; different judging; allows for all authors and publishers to participate; closes every August 15th, winners announced in October of every year.)
Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CsX6QP
www.annmracek.com/
To advertise, please contact Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com, or visit our website, www.independentpressaward.com/advertise
POETRY Bachelor Holiday
HEALTH
William Huhn
Miller’s Review of Critical Vaccine Studies, Volume 2.
In the words of poet William Huhn, “My poetry is for seekers, people yearning for something in life or a life itself that is not ordinary.” Bachelor Holiday was a finalist in American Book Fest’s 2024 Book Award for Poetry, and Kirkus Reviews honored Huhn’s acclaimed debut collection with a coveted Kirkus Star.
Neil Z. Miller
Harry van der Zee, MD
The most significant vaccine research summarized, volume 2. Contains recent peer-reviewed studies on measles, vaccinated versus unvaccinated, child mortality, aluminum, the covid-19 vaccine, including blood clots, cardiovascular disease, menstrual irregularities, and neurological disorders.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
“This book stands as a monumental achievement deserving widespread recognition and attention.” —
www.williamhuhn.com
ISBN: 978-1609644680 • $20.00
Available on Amazon.
April 24-26, 2026
ISBN: 978-1881217442 • $21.95
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Available through IPG/Midpoint; Ingram Wholesale; Amazon; New Atlantean Press www.vacbook.com/
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