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INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD
2026 DISTIN GU IS
DEPENDENT • IN PR
D HE
ITE • INDE VOR PE FA ND E
“Book publishers have always counted on awards to highlight the best offerings in a genre or category, that’s true now more than ever.” —David Nudo, Fmr. Dir. of The New York Times Book Review
We invite all Independent Authors & Publishers
Open to mid-size and small press; self-published; independent publishers & authors.
**NOW ACCEPTING BOOKS DIGITALLY** Book Award Entry, 3 ways to enter ONLINE:
OR submit your entry by mail:
1) Complete the online form, www.independentpressaward.com/online-entry-form-1 2) Pay online 3) Email your PDF or .epub to: Gabby@IndependentPressAward.com
1) Complete entry form, click to download. 2) Include a check or proof of payment Make checks payable to: Independent Press Award and mail to:
ADDRESS FOR BOOK ENTRIES: Independent Press Award Attn: Gabby Olczak 63 Clinton Rd 1) Complete the online form, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 www.independentpressaward.com/online-entry-form-1 (973) 969-1899 2) Pay online 3) Mail your book with NO PAPERWORK directly from Amazon, Walmart, or other retailer directly to our address ONLINE & MAIL (no paperwork):
Last rolling deadline is November 30 and final December 15, 2025. FINAL DEADLINE: Final applications and books to be received by DECEMBER 15, 2025 Winners of the annual award program are announced every Spring. Winners are notified by late January 2026. Awards Dinner is April 25, 2026.
APPLY TODAY
www.independentpressaward.com
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AWARD ESS PR NT
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WARD SA ES
2026 W IN N
CALL FOR ENTRIES
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PUBLISHER'S LETTER
T
he independent press is a powerhouse of unique voices and transformative stories, and there is no better way to support this vibrant ecosystem than by sharing its treasures with friends and family. Last month, I invited award-winning independent authors and presses to share their recommendations for the best book to give this holiday season. The feedback was phenomenal, and I'm thrilled this issue continues that tradition, offering a second round of diverse and captivating picks.
The season of giving is also a season of reflection, learning, and discovery. That's why Printed Word Reviews (PWR) is proud to unveil its list of TOP Picks this season, a curated collection of award-winning and critically acclaimed titles that span the full spectrum of human experience and imagination. This year's list highlights books that offer transformative insights into leadership, social impact, and personal growth. Readers seeking mentorship and wisdom can look to Dr. William Keyes IV's powerful testament to mentorship in “The Stories They Hear” and the timely legacy reflection offered in “What is My Legacy?” by Martin Luther King III et al. For those navigating the modern professional landscape, essential guides like Lida Citroën's “The New Rules of Influence” and Marcia Dawood's “Do Good While Doing Well” provide ethical and actionable advice on influence and investing. For those seeking guidance on achieving greater heights, look no further than Tony Jeton Selimi's inspiring “Climb Greater Heights.” Whether you are seeking a roadmap for a better future or an escape into a world of imagination, this diverse collection of books offers the best of the season. The Independent Press Award deadline is upon us. If you're an author or publisher looking to gain recognition, visit www.independentpressaward.com/ to enter your book before it’s too late. Be sure to make time for BookCAMP 2026, April 24-26th. The NYC Big Book and the Independent Press Award recipients will be walking the red carpet, as well as connecting with publishing experts. Reserve your ticket at www.ipabookcamp.com/tickets today. Until next time, keep on reading,
Ted Olczak
TED OLCZAK Publisher
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
Call for Independent Press Award Entries
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Publisher’s Letter
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Table of Contents / Disclaimer
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Printed Word Reviews' TOP Picks: A Season of Insight and Imagination
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Our Authors’ Holiday Picks
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2025 Independent Press Award Listings
PWR
PRINTED WORD REVIEWS DISCLAIMER:
The Printed Word Reviews magazine has been issued the following ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.: Format: Online Format: ISSN 3067-011X and is published 10 times per year. The title was previously published under the Independent Press Award and NYC Big Book Award Present with the following ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.: Format: Online Format: ISSN 2836-9157; and the Print Format: ISSN 2836-9149. Any questions or comments, please contact the Publisher Ted Olczak at Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher. To submit your book for review, send to: Printed Word Reviews, 63 Clinton Rd, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028. Allow 8 -12 weeks. Unpaid reviews are not guaranteed. More details available on our website at https://printedwordreviews.com/ To submit your book for our award programs, visit the websites: Spring 2026: https://www.independentpressaward.com/ Fall 2026: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/ (More consumer focused; different judging; allows for all authors and publishers to participate; announced in the fall of every year) To advertise, please contact: Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com, or visit our website, https://www.independentpressaward.com/advertise
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