#United States #Chicago #Next Generation Indie #Indie Publishing #Brenda K. Thompson

Winners of the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Revealed

On May 20, 2026, in Chicago, the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group (IBPPG) proudly announced the winners of the highly anticipated 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, a prestigious and comprehensive awards program that honors independently published authors. This marks a significant milestone as the awards enter their 20th year, showcasing exceptional literary works across more than 80 categories. The culmination of this celebration will take place at a grand gala on June 26, 2026, at The Newberry Library, coinciding with the American Library Association Annual Conference.

The announcement was made public during a press release, highlighting the organization’s commitment to elevating independent publishing. With a focus on promoting artists working outside the traditional publishing framework, the awards recognize the contributions and the hard work of indie authors and publishers. As Co-Chair Catherine Goulet noted: "Just like other independent artists, indie publishers face unique challenges that larger publishers do not encounter. They often need to exert extra effort to ensure their remarkable books reach readers."



The judging panel comprised seasoned professionals from the indie publishing world, many of whom have established careers with major publishing houses. Their expertise in storytelling and commitment to celebrating diverse voices in literature ensure that deserving authors receive the recognition they aspire to, allowing their works to reach a broader audience.

This year’s awards attracted entries from around the globe. A highlight of the ceremony is the potential representation of the leading 80+ books by the celebrated New York literary agent Marilyn Allen, who assesses candidates for opportunities in distribution, foreign rights, and even film adaptations, bringing invaluable exposure to these independent works.

Top Prizes in Fiction and Non-Fiction Categories

The Top Fiction Winners at this year's awards exemplify the creativity and ingenuity present in today’s indie literature:

• - 1st Place ($1,500): _Alice Anyway_ by Brenda K. Thompson (Self-Published)
• - 2nd Place ($750): _Red and Me_ by Terry Lee Caruthers (Star Bright Books)
• - 3rd Place ($500): _Writer-In-Residence_ by J.A. Hoskins (Nom De Plume Publishing)

In the Non-Fiction category, the following titles emerged as noteworthy winners:

• - 1st Place ($1,500): _Of Bloodlines and Blue Notes: Lyrics, Album Notes, and Critical Essays_ by Terry Blade (Blade Arthouse Media)
• - 2nd Place ($750): _Flora of the Orinoco: Aquatic and Semi-Aquatic Plants_ by Ivan Mikolji (Mikolji Corp.)
• - 3rd Place ($500): _African-American Women Who Began A Movement: 100 Visionaries of Freedom, Justice, and Equality_ by Michael A. Carson, Matthew A. Carson, and Shenika H. Carson (Double Infinity Publishing)

These winners highlight the remarkable talent and diversity of thought that indie authors bring to the literary world. The awards also serve as a platform for fostering connections between authors and agents, enabling further opportunities that can extend their literary careers.

Looking Ahead

The complete list of winners and finalists for the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards is made available at indiebookawards.com. Looking forward, books that were published in the years 2025–2027 will be eligible for the subsequent awards in 2027. In addition, the IBPPG has launched the Next Generation Short Story Awards to further encourage and reward excellence in indie storytelling.

In conclusion, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards continue to affirm the importance of independent voices in literature, showcasing their work, passion, and commitment to storytelling. The gala promises an unforgettable evening honoring these talented authors who enrich the literary landscape.

For any media inquiries, please contact: Marilyn Allen, (203) 820-5967.