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CALLING ALL PUBLISHERS AND AUTHORS FROM ANYWHERE
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WHO CAN ENTER? Print and audiobooks can be submitted by: • • • • • •
independent publishers hybrid publishers self-published authors university presses association presses small, medium and big house presses
*including any of the big five publishing houses and their imprints
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 NYC Big Book Award? We are on a rolling submission, approximately every two and a half months, with two hard deadlines: (1) September 1, 2025 to December 30, 2025 (2) January 1, 2026 to August 15, 2026 Final entries must be received no later than August 15, 2026. This final deadline will not be extended. What if I miss the deadline? Enter our spring program Independent Press Award as we take books until December 2026 for IndependentPressAward.com. ENTRY FEE $99 per title/per category, plus $79 for any additional category
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That’s right, no limitation on where the author is located or the topic of the book.
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Submit your book on any subject for the 2026 NYC Big Book Award! F A
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STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS 1. Decide which books or audiobooks (copyright date within the past three years is recommended to enter into this year’s competition. 2. Calculate the total entry fee. Choose which categories, https://www.nycbigbookaward.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 $99. Any additional book categories for that same book is $79 per category. SINGLE BOOK, MULTIPLE CATEGORIES: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Children’s category, the entry fee is $99 + $79 = $178. MULTIPLE BOOKS: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Children’s category, the entry fee is $99 + $79 = $178, and “Book Two” in Mystery and New Fiction (first-time published), the entry fee is $99 + $79 = $178, so $178 + $178 = $356 in total book entry fees. 3. Download a form from this page, https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/submitviamail OR submit the entry form online on this page, https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/submit-online 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 tor 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. 5. Pay via PayPal button on the website or mail a check, along with your books and printed entry form, and ship to: NYC BIG BOOK AWARD 63 Clinton Road Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 USA
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PUBLISHER'S LETTER
Grumpy The Iguana
by Susan Marie Chapman Childrens • ISBN: 9780578568607 • Canoe Tree Press
Dear Readers,
A happy iguana in Miami Beach turns grumpy when his tree home is cut down and his routine is disrupted. Displaced and disheartened, his gloom only lifts when a charismatic green parrot offers his friendship and invites him to a new home.
It is with immense pride that we celebrate the announcement of the 2026 Independent Press Award winners. This year’s list serves as a powerful reminder that the most vital, innovative, and courageous storytelling is happening within the independent sector. These are books that set new benchmarks for excellence.
www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9780578568607
FALCON
REVIEW
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MYSTERY / THRILLER / SUSPENSE The Podcast Matrix Murders (A Matrix Mystery) D.J. Laing “Chilling, beautifully constructed and compelling.... It has the necessary virtue of all mysteries-we can’t wait to find out who and why. ” —Ambrose Clancy, Editor, The Shelter Island Reporter A stark, searing opening. The reader is in the mind of a murderer who savagely bludgeons a man to death.
In the words of our president Gabby Olczak, the 2026 winners represent a “global community that refuses to be sidelined.” From the rugged landscapes of primordial survival to the sterile, high-stakes corridors of geopolitical espionage, these authors have navigated the complexities of our current moment with unflinching honesty. We see a recurring call for resilience, not as a passive trait, but as an active, revolutionary choice. Whether it is Stacey Andrade King’s relentless pursuit of justice or Mitchell Raff ’s courageous confrontation of inherited trauma, these stories provide an example for how we might thrive in the face of systemic and personal adversity.
No motive is given, except “anger fueled by the thousand disappointments in his life...” The killer surveys the crime scene, but he forgets to put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the doorknob-a telling signal that all might not go as planned. He has ideas for more murders, for “adversaries” and “oppressors.” Once police discern the reason for killings, they catch murderers. He would not let them see why until everyone died.
ISBN: 978-1955036924 • $21.95
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores.
WHODUNIT Mystery Writing Competition Award Winner
In an era of rapid change, the independent press remains the "sentinel" of the literary world. We are seeing a profound shift toward “rootedness,” a desire to reconnect with the earth and our local communities, as beautifully articulated in works like Mulberries in the Rain. These books remind us that while the world may feel increasingly digital and fragmented, our need for authentic, human-centered narratives is stronger than ever. I invite you to explore this list of winners, not just as titles, but as invitations to see the world through a wider, more inclusive lens. To the authors, illustrators, and small presses recognized this year: thank you for your vision and your contribution. To our readers: thank you for continuing to champion the independent voices that are, quite literally, leading the way. We look forward to hosting many of you at our Awards Dinner and Ceremony, as well our book fair and BookCAMP this April, www.ipabookcamp.com/tickets. Until next time, keep on reading,
Ted Olczak TED OLCZAK
Publisher, Printed Word Reviews www.IndependentPressAward.com
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TABLE of CONTENTS 2
Call for the 2026 NYC Big Book Award Entries
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Publisher’s Letter
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Table of Contents / Disclaimer
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GAB TALKS Interview with David Benjamin
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Printed Word Reviews
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GAB TALKS Podcast
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PRINTED WORD REVIEWS
Killer Friends by Chris Karlsen
Historical Thriller. Independently published. ISBN: 979-8272683571 In 1892 London, detectives Ruddy and Archie unravel a web of deceit and betrayal as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of businessman Phillip Newell, leading them to confront a ruthless killer with a personal vendetta. In “Killer Friends,” Chris Karlsen transports readers to the soot-stained streets of 1892 London, delivering a historical mystery that balances meticulous period detail with the grit of a modern thriller. Part of the Bloodstone series, this fourth installment proves that even in the Victorian era, some of the deadliest threats come from those we once trusted.
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.
The novel thrives on its Victorian atmosphere. Karlsen immerses the reader in a world of gaslight, fog, and rigid social hierarchies. As a historical mystery, the book leans heavily into its setting, using the period’s investigative limitations to heighten suspense. It is a perfect match for fans of Anne Perry or C.S. Harris who appreciate a detective story where the backdrop feels like a living character.
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.
The narrative kicks off with an unsettling discovery: the disappearance of Phillip Newell and the shooting of his loyal dog, Snowball. This immediate act of cruelty sets a dark tone for the investigation led by Detectives Ruddy and Archie.
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 www.printedwordreviews.com
What starts as a missing persons case quickly evolves into a calculated murder investigation. The antagonist, Eric Lawry, is driven by a toxic mix of resentment and business-related grievances. The early reveal of the culprit, Eric and his accomplice Leo, shifts the book from a “whydunnit” to a highstakes “how-will-they-catch-him” pursuit.
To submit your book for our award programs, visit the websites:
The strength of “Killer Friends” lies in its procedural elements. Ruddy and Archie are methodical, navigating a web of deceit that spans from highsociety business dealings to the shadowy corners of the Chameleon Club...
Fall 2026: https://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.)
...“Killer Friends” is a standout historical mystery that excels in character development. By including a historical note on Ruddy’s military service, Karlsen adds a layer of authenticity that makes the protagonist feel anchored in real history.
Spring 2027: https://www.independentpressaward.com/ (Independent press and authors consideration; does not permit the big 5 publishing houses to participate; closes December 15th every year, winners announced in March of every year.)
If you’re looking for a mystery that combines the procedural rigor of the “Pinkertons” with the atmospheric tension of “Victorian London,” “Killer Friends” is a must-read. It’s a story of perseverance that reminds us that while friends can be “killers,” justice has a very long memory.
To advertise, please contact: Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com, or visit our website, https://www.independentpressaward.com/advertise
Read the full review here: www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/killer-friends
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with
David Benjamin
Author: An Apartment in Paris David Benjamin is a writer whose life reads like one of his own stories, full of curiosity, humor, and a relentless pursuit of the written word. David is the author of an eclectic array of more than two dozen award-winning books spanning various genres. He's been honored with 46 literary awards since the launch of his imprint, Last Kid Books, in 2019. An avid contributor to both the Independent Press Award and The New York City Big Book Award since our inception, David joined The GAB TALKS for the first time this winter. During the episode we delved into four of David's books. The first two, “The Life and Times of the Last Kid Picked,” a 2021 New York City Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite for Best Cover Design; and “They Shot Kennedy,” a 2020 New York City Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite in Historical Fiction. Both books are part of David's Coming of Age Quartet. We also discussed two other novels: “An Apartment in Paris” and “Benjamin's Mess: Sketches, Tirades and Spoofs.” David grew up in the small town of Tomah, Wisconsin, a childhood he later chronicles in his fictional memoir, “The Life and Times of the Last Kid Picked.” He has roamed the world as a journalist and novelist, with stops in Boston, Mansfield, Beloit, Cambridge, Brussels, Tokyo, California, Long Island, Brooklyn, Paris and now, back home again in Madison, Wisconsin. A graduate of Beloit College, David's writing career has spanned continents and genres. He's the former editor of “The Mansfield News,” where he earned nine awards for editorial excellence, and of the “Tokyo Journal” in Japan. His essays and columns have appeared in “The New York Times,” “The LA Times,” “Chicago Tribune,” “Minneapolis Star Tribune, ”San Francisco Examiner,” and many more. In 2019, David founded his own publishing imprint, Last Kid Books which now boasts an eclectic catalog of eighteen titles, fiction and non-fiction, and numerous literary awards in a plethora of genres that range from Crime, Mystery and Historical Fiction to Romantic Comedy, Short Stories and Essays. David splits his time in Madison, Wisconsin and Paris with his wife, Junko.
Gabby: A reviewer observed that no matter what subject you're writing about: politics, travel, culture, your view of the world always begins with and circles back to your working-class childhood in Wisconsin. What inspired you to become a writer, and how did your upbringing influence your storytelling style?
My teacher, Mrs. Poss, said since I conquered all the words, she wanted me to go to the back of the workbook and my spelling book. I'd start writing sentences using the words and stringing those sentences together into stories and realized that I was trapped as a storyteller, probably for the rest of my life. In third grade I started my first novel.
David: I started writing in second grade. I was a very good speller.
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Gabby: “The Life and Times of the Last Kid Picked” nostalgically captures growing up in Tomah, Wisconsin in the 1950s.
write, “Paris has always been a place where impulse triumphs over reason, where a silly, romantic notion can cloud your mind and change you forever. This is why, when you see a window in Paris full of real estate ads, you should run for your life.”
You say it's a memory dump with fictional embellishments. How closely does it resemble your childhood? Is there anything worse than being the last kid picked?
David: It’s a nonfiction story about me and my wife, Junko Yoshida, a technology journalist. She also does watercolor. She did the cover for “An Apartment in Paris.”
David: It resembles my childhood very, very closely, although I didn't see it as being as funny as it was when I was going through it. One of the points I make is that there are kids who don't get picked at all. Being the last means that at least you get to participate. I was very close to the kids who weren't picked at all. I felt a great deal of empathy for them. And I think that experience of being the last kid picked and knowing the kids who didn't get picked, is a trigger for a deeper feeling of empathy for everyone, for the left out people.
The real story is how a couple of people, one from the United States, one from Japan, assimilate themselves into a life in a strange city in the most beautiful city in the world and begin to feel as though, to some extent, we belong.
Gabby: The book really captures the essence of growing up in small town America, You refer to it as a freelance childhood. A time when kids did stuff on their own before parents organized playdates. What do you think kids today are missing that your generation had? What was magical about time and what's changed? David: We were unfettered. The parents didn't want kids around the house, and they didn't care where they went and what they did. The community did a good job of surveilling kids roaming through the neighborhoods. We were independent to a degree, I think this is in the past forever. We won't see kids running as free as we were when we were kids. Gabby: What do you hope readers get out of reading this book? David: I want everybody to have fun when they read one of my books. A writer should be an entertainer. The other thing is the power of memory. One of my readers, Bill, came to one of my readings, and his wife said that I changed Bill's life. I gave him a connection to his childhood and substance to his childhood that he didn't appreciate when he was a kid, and that he'd forgotten as a grown-up. I brought his growing up back to life. Gabby: “They Shot Kennedy” earned a Distinguished Favorite in the 2020 New York City Big Book Award. The novel is set in Madison, Wisconsin November 1963. Why take on one of the most mythologized moments in American history, the Kennedy assassination? David: It's really about all the trials and tribulations of being in high school and being so self- absorbed in the romances and the struggles and the rivalries and the enemies of high school that something like the death of a president almost passes you by unnoticed, even when you're bright and engaged and historically conscious.
To listen to and watch the full interview
www.thegabtalks.com.
To learn more about David Benjamin and his novels visit
www.lastkidbooks.com
Gabby: In your most recent book, “An Apartment in Paris,” you
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Action/Adventure
2026 DISTIN GU IS
2026 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD
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2026 W IN N
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Lost Roots: Family, Identity, and Abandoned Ancestry by Karl von Loewe
Book Cover Design-Fiction Hive, Madders of Time, Book One by DL Orton
Drinking from the Stream by Richard Scott Sacks
The Legend of Valentine: An Ancient Historical Love Story by Sheldon Collins Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny by Jeremy Clift, Narrated by Gabrielle Gumbs-Gordon
Book Cover Design Fiction
Book Cover DesignNonfiction
Slickrock by A.W. Baldwin
Brigham's Brides by DW Plato
Isabela's Way by Barbara StarkNemon
The Fatal Saving Grace: An Ed Earl Burch Novel by Jim Nesbitt
Daydreams of a Writer by Aoife Burke
To Be Loved; A Story of Truth, Trauma and Transformation by Dr. Frank Anderson
The Gooeyduck Man: Mystery in the Sand by K. Merton Claar
Edge of Oblivion by Kirk Weddell
The Circus and the Atom, (Next Year’s Snow, Book 2) by Joseph Howse
Magda Revealed by Ursula Werner
Adrift in Skinny Water by Chad Boles
Hope on the Border by Gil Gillenwater
Pineville Trace by Wes Blake
Hindsight and Other Stories by Joan Corwin
Business: Entrepreneurship & Small Business
Allie's Adventure on the Wonder by Erika Lynn Adams
Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat. by Colin C. Campbell
Clarity: When Everything Suddenly Becomes Crystal Clear by Crystal Leonardi
By the Numbers: Principles of Automotive Parts Management, Second Edition by Gary Naples
Johannes Vermeer Provocateur: Risk and Courage in Dissent by Neil Thomas Proto
Making Business Child's Play: How to Build a Winning Brand by Joanna Jensen
Obsession with Change by Cecil W. Lee
The Glamping Investor: A BiggerPockets Guide by Garrett Brown
The Biohunter by Ingrid Moon
The Time Has Come by Brock Bodenschatz African American Fiction Arc of the Universe by Nikki Alexander Aging/Midlife Racing Against Time: On Ironman, Ultramarathons and the Quest for Transformation in Mid-Life by Jeffrey Weiss
Psychosis Diagnosis by Nikki Minty Richard: The Dragon's Curse by Michael W Hickman The Girl in the Water (Next Year’s Snow, Book 1) by Joseph Howse Autobiography
Book Interior Design Nonfiction
Alternative Medicine America’s Lifeline for Better Health: Preventive Care by Bala Kumar Animals/Pets A Land Filled With Horses by Robyn Rominger Animals/Pets-Childrens Can I Pet This Dog? by Camie Putchaven dog+girl by Maria Murillo
STAY THIRSTY: A Serial Entrepreneur's Tale of Success & Failure by Mark Haertzen
Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat. by Colin C. Campbell
Duty Calls: Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Life of Service by Antonia C. Novello and Jill S. Tietjen
Book Cover Design Nonfiction & Inspiration Distinguished Favorite
Tommy Gunn: Unloaded by Tommy Gunn
Building Men - Character Lessons from Influencers by Jim Tracy
Biography: General
The Book of Lost Innocence by Glenn Taylor Audiobooks
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Race to Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Entrepreneurship For Everyone by John Phillip Bamforth, Roy Stanford Zwahlen Business: General
Book Cover DesignChildrens
Mikhail Gorbachev - How he changed our lives by Bettina Schaefer
Anthology Chronicles of the Grim Reaper Volume 1 by Griz Calderon
Using AI To Make Your Own Job: Anytime, Anywhere, At Any Age by WM Hovey Smith
Grass of the Earth by John Acree
Georgia's No-Nonsense Nose by Carla Crane Osborne
Biography: Historical
Old Crabby Turtle by C.L. Olsen
Champagne Times: Lawrence Welk and His American Century by Lance Byron Richey
The Heart of a Leader by Dr. Josh McConkey
Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations by Jack Skeels If They Won’t Bend, Break Them!®: Tips, Tactics and Strategies You Need to Negotiate Like a Pro by Geoffrey Michael
Shaded indicates winner in category 9
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Tech Confidential: The Insider's Playbook for Daring Entrepreneurs by Denise Koessler Gosnell, Kathryn Erickson
Travel An Apartment in Paris by David Benjamin
Your Guide to Ritual Design: Redefine Your Day, Transform Your Life by Kris Farren Moss Western Fiction
A Guide to Jazz in Japan by Michael Pronko
Teen
100 Years to Extinction: The Tyranny of Technology and the Fight for a Better Future by Peter Solomon
Creating Loyalty in Youth Travel: How Travel Brands and Destinations Can Build Lifelong Relationships by Stephen Lowy First Pub on the Right: A WifeChanging Motorcycle Adventure from Cork to Cape Town by David Irish Anderson
Aresti: Planet of the Red God Volume I: Foothills of the Gods by Evelyn Dunbar Webb
My Windows, My Views...My Life and Travels by Barbara McCarthy
Beyond Australia by Lee Forrest
Wandering in American Deserts: Discovery, Visions, Redemption by Eds: Linda Watanabe McFerrin, Joanna Biggar, Laurie McAndish King
Heartbreak Hotel by Micol Beltramini
Flight of a Prodigy by Daniel P. McCallister
Iron Horse Claim: On the Dakota Frontier by CK Van Dam Western Nonfiction A Sometimes Paradise: Reflections on Life in a Wyoming Ranch Family by Mark E. Miller 2 Poppins Lane by Patricia Striar Rohner Mercy Town, a novel by Nancy Chadwick
On Drowning Rats: How Two Women Took Down a Sexual Harasser and How You Can Too by Rachel Richardson, Cami Roth Szirotnyak We the Men: How Forgetting Women’s Struggles for Equality Perpetuates Inequality by Jill Elaine Hasday World Literature The Circus and the Atom, (Next Year’s Snow, Book 2) by Joseph Howse Young Adult Fiction Missing Mom by Lynn Slaughter Abuzz by Amy Chase
Missing From Me by Kathleen Stone
Allie's Adventure on the Wonder by Erika Lynn Adams
Secrets of the Blue Moon by Jan Heidrich-Rice
Chinook by Richard Wambolt
Shadow by Craig Ford True Crime The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie Teen Life Series: Divorce & The New Family by Dr. Sherrie Poitier-Liscombe
Until She’s Found: A Daughter’s Journey of Love, Loss, and Justice Taken Away by Stacey Andrade King
When Hearts Heal by Mara Purl
Cool’s Last Stand by Clifton Wilcox
Women’s Fiction
Finntown Girl by Gloria Smith
Thriller Visionary Fiction Streets of Nashville by Michael Amos Cody Blinding White by Szilvia Sandberg
Echoes of the Timeless by Catia Batalha Operation Reboot by James Hallenbeck
Last of the Autumn Rain by Diana Louise Webb
The 6th Heaven by Monica Broussard
Switch by Lisa Towles
The Fire In Their Eyes by Stephanie Bretherton
Not Yours to Keep by Zelly Ruskin The Captain's Cook: A Novel by Victorian Vanransom
Reluctant Supervillain by Cassandra Morphy
Return of the Manitous by Robert Saxton
Women's Issues
Tiny Wild Things by Danielle M. Wong
Latina Madrina: Stories, Lessons, and Hard Truths From A Brown Latina In Tech by Julissa S. Germosén
Well-being
Shaded indicates winner in category
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The Case Against Jasper by Clifton Wilcox Young Adult Nonfiction FLEX: Connect, Empower, & Lead - A Teen's Guide to Leadership by Shaine Hobdy
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PRINTED WORD REVIEWS
Grumpy The Iguana by Susan Marie Chapman
Childrens . Canoe Tree Press. ISBN: 978-0578568607 At its core, “Grumpy the Iguana” is a gentle exploration of how one’s world can be shattered by unexpected change. The protagonist is not born “Grumpy”; in fact, he begins the story as a happy creature whose happiness is rooted in the simple, rhythmic safety of his daily routine in Miami’s Flamingo Park. When his home—a beloved tree—is cut down, the loss of his physical space leads to the loss of his identity, transforming him into the irritable character of the title. Brighter days shine when the Green Parrot is introduced. Rather than trying to “fix” the iguana, the parrot offers something more profound: presence and compassion, recognizing “Grumpy” just needs a friend, and “someone to understand.” Chapman handles the concept of grief and loss with a lightness suitable for young children. The book doesn’t shy away from the fact that Grumpy is, well, grumpy. It validates the idea that it is okay to be upset when things go wrong. Through the Green Parrot, the book illustrates empathy, and how being a “true friend” often means just listening and providing a safe space for someone to be unhappy until they are ready to move on. “Grumpy the Iguana” will resonate with children who have difficulty with transitions or sensory changes. The story is particularly effective for children who thrive on routine as it mirrors the anxiety kids feel when their “schedule” is disrupted. Natalia Loseva’s illustrations are the perfect palette for the book. Her watercolor style is vibrant and lush, capturing the tropical warmth of Florida. In addition, the character design of the iguana’s expressions are highly communicative, making his internal emotions clear to even the youngest “readers.” The art balances the “heaviness” of the theme with bright, cheerful colors, ensuring the tone of the book remains an uplifting experience overall. While the message is powerful, the layout’s varying font sizes and colors are bold textual shifts emphasizing key emotional words and keep readers engaged. “Grumpy the Iguana” is a charming, emotionally intelligent addition to any child’s library. It manages to turn a “bad day” into a lifelong lesson on the power of friendship and the ability to find a “new normal” after a loss. It is a compassionate read that treats a child’s feelings with the respect they deserve. The story teaches important lessons about change and empathy in an easy observant narrative.
Read the full review here: www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9780578568607
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