#USA #Philadelphia #Next Gen Indie #Indie Book Awards #Mark Mustian

Announcing the Winners of the 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

On May 20, 2025, the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group (IBPPG) revealed the winners of the prestigious Next Generation Indie Book Awards, marking a significant milestone in the literary industry. Celebrating its 18th year, these awards recognize exceptional works by independent authors and publishers, covering an expansive array of over 80 categories. The winners will be honored at a gala event on June 27, 2025, at The Notary Hotel in Philadelphia, coinciding with the highly anticipated American Library Association Annual Conference.

The event will kick off at 5:00 PM EST, and book enthusiasts can tune in for a live stream via the awards’ official Facebook page (Next Generation Indie Book Awards).

Judging and Sponsorship

The selections were made by distinguished leaders in the indie publishing sector, many with extensive career backgrounds at major publishing houses. Their insights into storytelling and book promotion have helped to highlight authors whose works might otherwise go unnoticed.

This year’s Platinum Sponsor is FabJob, while IAP Career College has returned as the Gold Sponsor. The event's sponsors emphasize the importance of supporting independent voices in the publishing world. As Co-Chair Catherine Goulet aptly notes, “Independent publishers face challenges unlike those of the industry giants, requiring them to work tirelessly to ensure their best efforts reach readers.”

Media Coverage and Recognition

To amplify visibility, the top 80 books will undergo reviews by Marilyn Allen, a renowned literary agent formerly of HarperCollins, or her co-agents, allowing for exposure in areas of distribution, foreign rights, film adaptations, and more.

2025 Top Prize Winners

The competition showcased incredible talent, notably in the Fiction and Non-Fiction categories. Here are some of the highlights:

• - Top Fiction Winners:

1st Place: Boy With Wings by Mark Mustian (Koehler Books) - $1,500
2nd Place: Gentle Hugs by Lily Guzman (Self-Published) - $750
3rd Place: Told Ya! Stories by Peta-Gaye Nash (Tamarind Tree Books) - $500

• - Top Non-Fiction Winners:

1st Place: The Warehouse: A Visual Primer on Mass Incarceration by James Kilgore and Vic Liu (PM Press) - $1,500
2nd Place: Cherokee History and the Spirit Family by James Barnes (University of North Georgia) - $750
3rd Place: It's Not (All) Your Fault: Self-Help and the Individualization of Oppression by Sharon Podobnik (Manuscripts LLC) - $500

Looking Ahead

The complete list of winners and finalists can be viewed at indiebookawards.com. The awards continue to evolve, with eligibility extending to books published from 2024 to 2026 for the 2026 awards, fostering an environment that encourages emerging writers.

For those intrigued by narratives shaped by diverse voices, the Next Generation Short Story Awards have been launched, inviting further exploration of independent literature. To learn about this opportunity, visit shortstoryawards.com.

This year's celebration not only highlights the remarkable talent within indie publishing but also underscores the necessity for platforms that promote independent achievements in literature.