A Definitive List of Writing Contests and Book Awards for 2025-2026

Your guide to some of the most prestigious and indie-friendly opportunities this year and next.

For self-published authors, book awards and contests offer recognition, credibility, and new readers. Winning or being a finalist can boost sales, attract media, and open new opportunities. While self-published books were once excluded from such competitions, the industry now offers many more opportunities. 

We've gathered a list of some of the book awards and contests for 2025 (and early 2026) that are open to indie authors. They're noted below in order of their deadlines for entry.

Please be sure to read the eligibility, rules, and guidelines for each award before submitting your work. Many of the awards have specifications for submissions related to date published, formats, genre, etc. Additionally, a majority of them require an entry fee upon submission. (However, a number of them offer a discounted "Early Bird" entry fee.)

We'll start with a couple of awards that have deadlines throughout the year…

Chanticleer International Book Awards

The CIBAs celebrate outstanding storytelling in a variety of genres, including mystery and fantasy. This esteemed award offers authors marketing assistance, promotional opportunities, and industry recognition, enhancing their presence in competitive literary markets.

• Deadline: Varies by category (throughout 2025)
• Categories: Open to fiction and nonfiction authors globally—16 fiction categories and multiple nonfiction divisions
• Prizes: $1,000 for one lucky Overall Grand Prize Winner; winners receive ribbons, badges, and cash awards along with a powerful promotional boost
• For More Info: Chanticleer Reviews

The International Impact Book Awards

These awards welcome independent authors and publishers from around the globe to participate. Both fiction and nonfiction entries are welcome.

• Deadline: Entry deadline for the 2026 International Impact Book Awards is year-round; you can submit your entry at any time throughout the year. 
• Categories: Awards offered in more than 80 diverse categories; submit your book to as many categories as you see fit.
• Prizes: A digital award seal, a commemorative digital certificate, and year-long recognition and promotion through their network
• For More Info: The International Impact Book Awards

Deadline: April

The Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA)

The Adventure Writers Competition (AWC)

The AWC is recognized as possibly the only pure adventure writing competition available to writers today. It's open to submissions from aspiring or established writers anywhere in the world.

• Deadline: April 30
• Categories: Action-adventure, including a variety of subgenres, such as military, spy, mystery, and Western
• Prizes: $1,000 cash prize to the winner, $500 to each of two runners-up
  
• For More Info: The Adventure Writers Competition

Deadline: May

The Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards

Recognizes the best independently published books across various genres, celebrating exceptional storytelling, originality, and design. A sought-after recognition for self-published authors aiming to boost credibility and visibility.

• Deadline: May 1
• Categories: Various fiction and nonfiction genres
• Prizes: $10,000 grand prize; $1,000 category prizes; magazine features and promotional support.
• For More Info: Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards

The Purple Dragonfly Book Award

Recognizes and honors accomplished authors and also highlights up-and-coming, newly published, and younger writers in the field of children’s literature. (A Story Monsters^® Book Award)

• Deadline: May 2
• Categories: 60 categories in children's literature; no limit on publication year for this award
• Prizes: Cash prizes, seals, and promotion
• For More Info: The Purple Dragonfly Book Award

The NYC Big Book Award

For independently and traditionally published authors, publishers, and big and small presses. This award wants to help find the audiences for these books and to celebrate the printed book in the town that makes authors superstars.

• Deadline: May 15
• Categories: Every category you can think of...
• Prizes: Industry recognition, with a chance to win other prizes
• For More Info: NYC Big Book Award

The San Francisco Book Festival Awards

Submitted works will be judged by a panel of industry experts using the following criteria:
1) General excellence and the author's passion for telling a good story.
2) The potential of the work to reach a wider audience.

• Deadline: May 25
• Categories: 20 categories from general fiction and nonfiction to poetry and cookbooks
• Prizes: Accolades 
• For More Info: The San Francisco Book Festival
  

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Celebrates exceptional authors who have made a profound impact through their work. Curated by a team of ghostwriters and publishing professionals, this prestigious award honors nonfiction and memoir authors whose words inspire, educate, and open new perspectives for their readers. 

• Deadline: May 30
• Categories: Nonfiction and memoirs
• Prizes: A certificate of merit, recognition, and a plaque/trophy
• For More Info:  The Nobleer Media Impact Award

Indie Author Project Annual Contest

Through this contest, libraries are helping indie authors get the recognition they deserve for writing great books. Along with the accolade of the award and its perks, being recognized by librarians creates credibility and visibility for indie authors.

• Deadline: May 31
• Categories: A variety of categories for books geared towards an adult or young adult audience
• Prizes: $2,500 to the 1st place winner and $500 each to two runner-ups in each genre; promotional opportunities; inclusion in a full-page print spread in Library Journal
• For More Info: Indie Author Project Annual Contest

The 2025 American Fiction Awards

• Deadline: May 31
• Categories: Various genres of fiction
• Prizes: Promotional opportunities, award stickers, and certificates
• For More Info: 2025 American Fiction Awards

The Independent Press Awards (IPPY)

These awards are for independently published books by an author or a larger, mid-size, small press. The IPPY Awards are the longest-running unaffiliated contest open exclusively to independent presses.

• Deadline: May 31
• Categories: 150+ categories, including audio books, adult coloring books, business, chick-lit, history, and much more
• Prizes: Free banners, digital certificates, book seals, and national media and industry exposure
• For More Info: Independent Press Awards

The Bath Novel Award

A UK writing competition for emerging authors. Novels may be unpublished, self-published, or independently published without advance. Entrants may be of any age, nationality, or residency.

• Deadline: May 31
• Categories: Adult and YA manuscripts in every genre 
• Prizes: £5,000 GBP cash prize and a trophy
• For More Info: The Bath Novel Award
  
  

Deadline: June

The New York Book Festival Awards

The festival has issued a call for entries to its annual program celebrating books that deserve greater recognition from the world’s publishing capital.

• Deadline: June 25
• Categories: 20 categories from children's books to self-help
• Prizes: Accolades
• For More Info: New York Book Festival Awards

Living Now Book Awards

These awards celebrate the finest lifestyle books from independent and traditional publishers, authors, and illustrators.

• Deadline: June 26
• Categories: 30-plus categories that celebrate exceptional works aimed at enhancing lives
• Prizes: Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded in each category. Each winning book receives a medal, a personalized certificate, and 20 sample seals.
• For More Info: Living Now Book Awards

Maincrest Media Book Award

The Maincrest Media Book Award Program establishes the benchmark for excellence in books and the publishing community as a whole. They offer one-on-one marketing services to provide authors with what they need to succeed in today’s competitive market.

• Deadline: June 30
• Categories: Everything from action to mystery to young adult
• Prizes: Winners are announced to USA Today affiliates, on social media, and given discounts on Maincrest Media programs
• For More Info: Maincrest Media Book Award

The Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards

Sponsored by Foreword Reviews, these awards were established to promote indie books and small presses to the magazine’s large audience of librarians and booksellers.

• Deadline: June 30 to September 30 
• Categories: Fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and more
• Prizes: Top two winners each receive a $1,500 cash prize and promotion with finalists through press releases, events, articles, and social media
• For More Info: Foreword Reviews Indies

The Page Turner Awards

These awards honor outstanding storytelling across various categories, such as fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and book adaptations. The competition offers authors and screenwriters the chance to increase their visibility and network with literary agents, publishers, and film producers.

• Deadline: June 30
• Categories: Fiction, nonfiction, and screenplays for adaptation
• Prizes: Cash prizes, publishing deals, and mentorship
• For More Info: Page Turner Awards

NAIWE Annual Book Awards

Hosted by the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE), this annual competition honors excellence in writing and publishing. Honors go to authors and editors in fiction, nonfiction, and educational works highlighting the significance of refined and compelling storytelling.

• Deadline: June 30
• Categories: 13 categories including genre fiction, graphic novels, and book cover design
• Prizes: Trophies, certificates, and media coverage
• For More Info: NAIWE Annual Book Awards

The Storytrade Book Awards

These awards are dedicated to recognizing and celebrating literary craft, excellence, and innovation in small and independent publishing. 

• Deadline: June 30
• Categories: 38 fiction and 28 nonfiction categories; open to all book formats including ebooks, paperback, and hardcover. Books may be nominated for multiple categories.
• Prizes: Book of the Year Awards will go to one fiction and one nonfiction book—they'll receive a cash prize and winner's package. Winners and finalists receive medals, stickers, and seals.
• For More Info: Storytrade Awards

Deadline: July

The Tufts Poetry Awards

The Tufts poetry awards—based at Claremont Graduate University and given for poetry volumes published in the preceding year—are two of the most prestigious prizes a contemporary poet can receive. Only full-length books are eligible. Submission must be your first book of poetry for the Kate Tufts Award.

• Deadline: July 1
• Categories: Poems in any style or about any subject are welcome
• Prizes:$100,000 for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award and $10,000 for the Kate Tufts Discovery Award
• For More Info: The Tufts Poetry Awards

Deadline: August

Best Indie Book Award™ Contest (BIBA)

Best Indie Book Awards is a global competition that rewards outstanding indie books in multiple genres. BIBA winners receive international recognition, professional reviews, and digital badges to use in their marketing efforts.

• Deadline: August 1
• Categories: 35 categories, including best illustration and best cover design
• Prizes: Trophies, promotion, and a $500 cash prize for Book of the Year
• For More Info: Best Indie Book Award

The Independent Author Network^®(IAN) Book of the Year Awards

The Independent Author Network presents an international contest open to all authors. Winners are eligible to receive a share of cash prizes of $6,000 USD.

• Deadline: August 16
• Categories: 75 fiction and nonfiction categories
• Prizes: Cash prizes, press releases, and social media promotion
• For More Info: IAN Awards

The Moonbeam Children's Book Awards

Awards celebrating the finest children’s titles from independent and traditional authors, illustrators, and publishers who have made a magical impact with their works. 

• Deadline: August 28
• Categories: 45+ categories, from picture books to chapter books to young adult
• Prizes: Gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with a personalized certificate and foil seal
• For More Info: Moonbeam Children's Book Awards

The 22nd Annual "Best Book" Awards

Over their 22-year history, thousands of self-published and indie authors have leveraged the promotional power of their "Best Book" Award to increase online recognition, enhance their title’s credibility, and garner more attention in the crowded book buying marketplace.

• Deadline: August 31
• Categories: Various fiction and nonfiction genres
• Prizes: Promotional opportunities, award stickers, and certificates
• For More Info: Annual "Best Book" Awards

The BookLife Prize

An annual writing competition in two Contests (Fiction and Nonfiction) sponsored by BookLife and Publishers Weekly. The Prize seeks to support independent authors and discover great written works in nine categories across the two Sections.

• Deadline: August 31
• Categories: 9 categories include romance/erotica, mystery/thriller, science fiction/fantasy/horror, and general fictions
• Prizes: Grand Prize is $5,000 and an author profile in Publishers Weekly
• For More Info: The BookLife Prize

Deadline: September

The Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC)

A contest to pick a winner from hundreds of science-fiction novels submitted by self-published authors. Founded in 2021, the SPSFC is an all-volunteer effort. 

• Deadline: September 1
• Categories: Sci-fi novels only, no anthologies
• Prizes: A badge and a trophy, recognition, and bragging rights
• For More Info: The SPSFC

The Best Thrillers.com Book Awards

An award series specifically devoted to recognizing amazing mystery and thriller novels. The site is dedicated to surfacing the most compelling, edge-of-your-seat thrillers from around the world.

• Deadline: September 30
• Categories: 15 categories that mystery and thriller fans are most passionate about
• Prizes: Book of the Year receives $1,000 prize and winner's seal; category winners receive seals and recognition
• For More Info: BestThrillers.com Awards

Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition

Shelf Media proudly presents this annual competition, celebrating the best self-published, independently published, and small press books.

• Deadline: September 30
• Categories: Various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and YA. No children's picture books are accepted.
• Prizes: The overall winner, top five finalists, and top 10 long-listed will receive editorial coverage in the December/January issue of Shelf Unbound. The author of the book named as the Best Self-Published book will receive editorial coverage as well as a year’s worth of full-page ads.
• For More Info: Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition

The Canadian Book Club Awards

Open to traditionally published, self-published, and hybrid-published authors worldwide, these awards are judged solely by Canadian readers. A passionate community dedicated to inclusivity, accessibility, and amplifying diverse voices in Canadian literature.

• Deadline: September 30
• Categories: 13 categories including fiction, non-fiction, romance, and poetry
• Prizes: Recognition and accolades
• For More Info: The Canadian Book Club Awards

Deadline: October

The Selfies Book Award UK

These awards were set up by book trade journal BookBrunch to recognize and reward the work being done by the many highly professional self-published authors working in the UK today. Sponsored by IngramSpark, and supported by the London Book Fair, Nielsen BookData and LitPR, this initiative aims to discover new talent and reward the very best self-published titles each year.

• Deadline: October (exact date TBD at the time of this posting)
• Categories: Adult fiction, adult general nonfiction, children's books
• Prizes: Winners in each of the three categories will receive a cash prize, a profile in BookBrunch, advertising, a winner’s certificate, inclusion in a PR campaign and other benefits
• For More Info: The Selfies

2026 Christian Indie Awards

Awards designed to bring recognition to outstanding Christian books produced by small publishers and independent authors. The awards are sponsored by Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA).

• Deadline: October 1
• Categories: 21 categories including anthologies, Christian living, and romance
• Prizes: Trophy, recognition, and promotion
• For More Info: Christian Indie Awards

North American Book Awards

These awards give outstanding books the opportunity to reach new readers and establish a standard of excellence trusted by readers, bookstore buyers, organizations, book clubs, and lovers of books.

• Deadline: October 1
• Categories: 17 fiction and 18 nonfiction categories to choose from
• Prizes: Gold, silver, and bronze winners receive a medal, a digital seal, and promotion/exposure
• For More Info: North American Book Awards

The WWA Spur Awards

Western Writers of America (WWA) annually honors writers for distinguished writing about the American West with the Spur Awards.

• Deadline: For material published from January 1 to August 31, 2025—entry deadline is October 1 (Entry deadline for material published from September 1 to December 31, 2025 is January 15, 2026)
• Categories: Best Western Contemporary Novel, Best Western Biography, Best Western Children's Picture Books, Best Poem, and many more
• Prizes: Winners receive a Spur Award plaque and a complimentary ticket to the WWA convention banquet; finalists receive a certificate and a luncheon ticket
• For More Info: The WWA Spur Awards

The Royal Dragonfly Book Award

A worldwide book competition that began in 2011 and honors excellence in all types of literature, recognizing creativity and hard work in 67 categories. (A Story Monsters^® Book Award)

• Deadline: October 3
• Categories: 70 categories ranging from activity books, cookbooks, education, military, and travel, to name a few; no limit on publication year for this award
• Prizes: Cash prizes, seals, and promotion
• For More Info: The Royal Dragonfly Book Award

The Pulitzer Prize for Books

Awarded annually by Columbia University for works published by American authors, The Pulitzer Prize is a highly esteemed award, recognized for its focus on high-quality journalism and literature. Eligible titles for the Books prizes must have been published for the first time in 2025 (including the fourth quarter of the year). 

• Deadline: October 15 
• Categories: Fiction, history, biography or autobiography, poetry, and general nonfiction
• Prizes: Winners receive a $15,000 cash award and a certificate
• For More Info: The Pulitzer Prize

The Caledonia Novel Award

An Edinburgh-based, international writing competition for unpublished and self-published novelists, in all genres for adults and YA.

• Deadline: October 15
• Categories: No specific genre categories
• Prizes: Top Prize is £1,500 and a framed award; Highly Commended Prize is £500; Special Prize is free place on a writing course at Moniack Mhor Creative Writing Centre
• For More Info: The Caledonia Novel Award

Author Shout Book Awards

A program that recognizes and celebrates authors and their books through various awards and promotions, including Editor's Choice, Top Pick, and Recommended Reader awards.

• Deadline: October 31
• Categories: All categories/genres/sub-genres accepted
• Prizes: Gold, silver, and bronze badges awarded along with a variety of promotional opportunities
• For More Info: Author Shout Book Awards

 Story Circle: The Sarton Awards & the Gilda Prize

The Sarton and Gilda competitions are open for nomination of books by women authors published in English in the United States and Canada. The awards are limited to submissions originally written in English and published by independent publishers, university presses, and author-publishers (self-publishing authors) with editorial offices headquartered in North America.

• Deadline: October 31
• Categories: Works from/about women of color and LBT+ women are welcome in all categories
• Prizes: Winners receive a cash prize of $100, a commemorative award, gold seals, and a virtual seal for their websites
• For More Info: The Sarton Awards and the Gilda Prize

Deadline: November

The Literary Global Book Awards

These awards stand out as the most inclusive international literary competition worldwide. By entering a single category, your book becomes eligible not only for a category prize but also for the prestigious title of "Book of the Year."

• Deadline: November 30
• Categories: Seven categories including business, children's, fiction, and nonfiction
• Prizes: Digital awards, digital certificates, and two winners for "Book of the Year"
• For More Info: Literary Global Awards

The Bram Stoker Award^®

Any work of Horror first published in the English language may be considered for an award during the year of its publication, including self-published books. To qualify for a Bram Stoker Award, your work needs to be submitted and receive enough recommendations from the Horror Writers of America (HWA) members to make it onto the preliminary ballot for a specific category. 

• Deadline: November 30
• Categories: Currently 13 categories from short fiction to middle grade to poetry
• Prizes: A statuette, recognition
• For More Info: Bram Stoker Awards FAQ

Deadline: December

Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize

The National Book Critic's Circle's (NBCC) Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize honors the best book of any genre translated into English and published in the United States. 

• Deadline: December 1
• Categories: Any genre is eligible
• Prizes: A certificate of recognition
• For More Info: Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize

Bestsellers World Awards

Awards presented by the book review service, recognizing and celebrating books written in English, with a judging panel comprised of reviewers, some of whom are authors.

• Deadline: December 15
• Categories: Various genres including adult fiction, humor/satire, mystery, and sci-fi 
• Prizes: Digital seals and certificates, along with a free author page on their website.
• For More Info: Bestsellers World Awards

Feathered Quill Book Awards

An annual program that recognizes and celebrates outstanding books across various genres, with a judging panel comprised of industry professionals. They aim to identify and showcase "Top-Pick" books in the competitive book world. 

• Deadline: December 15 
• Categories: Various children's, adult, and general categories
• Prizes: Certificates, embossed seals, and promotion
• For More Info: Feathered Quill Book Awards

The Reader Views Literary Awards

Shines a spotlight on the most innovative and captivating self-published books of the year. As a premiere recognition program in the industry, they offer independent authors a unique opportunity to gain visibility, credibility, and recognition for their literary achievements. 

• Deadline: December 15
• Categories: Seven categories including children's, poetry, adult nonfiction, and regional
• Prizes: Six overall winners will receive cash grand prizes for fiction and nonfiction, gold, silver and bronze awards for both fiction and nonfiction. Total cash awarded is $2,500.
• For More Info: The Reader Views Literary Awards Program

The Dartmouth Medal

Committee members suggest titles to request from their reading awareness of the publishing industry and the chair also contacts major reference publishers and university presses to inquire about titles that might be eligible for consideration. You can submit your book for consideration by contacting the committee chair for instructions.

• Deadline: December 15 
• Categories: No specific categories beyond the overall recognition of exceptional reference materials
• Prizes: Medal
• For More Info: Dartmouth Medal

IBPA Book Awards

The IBPA Book Award program is the oldest, most established, and recognized national honor in independent publishing. The awards are unique in that the verbatim judging forms are returned to all participating publishers, providing entrants with direct feedback on each submission.

• Deadline: December 16
• Categories: 60 categories including art & photography, graphic novels, self-help, and cover design
• Prizes: Gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with year-long recognition and promotion to winning books. Gold winners also receive a custom crystal trophy.
• For More Info: IBPA Book Awards

The Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO)

For self-published fantasy novels only, this annual contest begins with 300 entries, which are judged by 10 book review bloggers. These are then narrowed down to 10 finalists, and a winner is selected based on a 10-point scoring system.

• Deadline: December 20
• Categories: Must be a fantasy novel, written by a human (no AI)
• Prizes: A digital badge is awarded to the finalists and the winner, who also receives The Selfie Stick award
• For More Info: The SPFBO 

Indies Today Book Awards

An annual contest recognizing and honoring top independent and self-published books, with awards for Best Book of the Year, Best in Genre, and more. 

• Deadline: December 31
• Categories: Best Book of the Year, Best in Genre (including a variety of genre/categories such as memoir, short stories, suspense, and more)
• Prizes: Grand Prize Winner gets a trophy, publicity, and endorsements; Genre Winners get publicity and digital badge
• For More Info: Indies Today Book Awards

The Book Excellence Awards

An international book awards competition dedicated to helping authors and publishers increase their credibility, visibility, and book sales.

•  Deadline: December 31
• Categories: 125+ categories including action, horror, real estate, true crime, and much more
• Prizes: Grand Prize valued at $30,000, international exposure, and a promotional package
• For More Info: The Book Excellence Awards

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

A unique, independent book award program, run by a UK-based children's author, that focuses on involving readers and authors in the judging process, offering feedback, and promoting independently published books.

• Deadline: December 31
• Categories: Adult and children’s books
• Prizes: Gold, silver, and bronze medals; honest feedback, networking opportunities, and marketing help
• For More Info: The Wishing Shelf Awards

Deadline: January

Illumination Book Awards

Celebrating the best new titles written from a Christian perspective, the Illumination Awards help highlight the most impactful books out there. 

•  Deadline: January 8, 2026
• Categories: 25+ categories, from Bible study to Christian fiction to digital media
• Prizes: Gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded in each category. Each winning book receives a medal, a personalized certificate, and 20 sample seals.
• For More Info: Illumination Book Awards

The Eric Hoffer Book Award

Founded at the start of the 21st century, this award honors freethinking writers and independent books of exceptional merit. Since its inception, the Hoffer Award has grown to become one of the premiere international independent book awards. 

• Deadline: January 21, 2026
• Categories: 26 categories designed to cover all types of books from art to spiritual to home 
• Prizes: A Grand Prize of $5,000 is awarded annually. In addition, winners receive various prizes within all-inclusive categories and separate distinctions for presses. 
  
• For More Info: The Eric Hoffer Book Award

The Axiom Business Book Awards

These awards recognize the best business titles from independent and traditional publishers, authors, and illustrators. Judging is based on content, originality, design, and production quality, with an emphasis on innovation and creativity.

• Deadline: January 26, 2026
• Categories: 28 categories ranging from leadership and entrepreneurship to personal finance
• Prizes: Winning books receive a medal, a personalized certificate, and sample seals
• For More Info: The Axiom Business Book Awards

American Legacy Book Awards 2026

• Deadline: January 31
• Categories: 70+ fiction categories and 80+ nonfiction categories, including genres/subgenres
• Prizes: Winners receive the right to promote their title as an award-winning book, including awards stickers, premium certificates, and high-resolution digital logos
• For More Info: American Legacy Book Awards 

Deadline: February

The Outstanding Creator Awards

A literary & creative arts contest that recognizes passionate and imaginative people. Known for their unique "Special Awards" which recognize niche or individual aspects of each work. 

• Deadline: February 1, 2026
• Categories: Each entry is automatically considered for every available category and the Best of the Year Awards.
• Prizes: A digital nomination certificate and seal, editorial review, and the opportunity to compete against other creators
• For More Info: The Outstanding Creator Awards

Story Monsters^® Approved Book Designation Program

Recognizes and honors authors in the field of children’s literature whose books inspire, inform, teach, or entertain. One deserving title that's outstanding in content, readability, message, and overall production will be selected for the honor of Story Monsters Approved Book of the Year.

• Deadline: February 1, 2026
• Categories: 25 categories (fiction and nonfiction) from children's books to environmental issues and spirituality
• Prizes: All titles earning a Story Monsters Approved designation are listed on the Story Monsters Book Awards website and receive a digital personalized certificate and award seal. Book of the Year earns a cash prize, seals, and promotion.
• For More Info: Story Monsters^® Approved Book Designation Program

The IndieReader Discovery Awards

These awards highlight independently published books that stand out for their writing quality and storytelling. While editing, production quality, and cover and interior design are also considered, the goal of the IRDAs is to find talented writers and great books.

• Deadline: February 11, 2026
• Categories: There will be a first, second and third prize winner in both the fiction and non-fiction categories. There's the potential for there to be one winner in each of the 50+ sub categories.
• Prizes: Cash prizes, professional reviews, first look consideration for representation, publicist consultation, and credit for Reedsy.com services available for various winners
• For More Info: The IndieReader Discovery Awards

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards for Authors and Illustrators

The Award is given to an African American author and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions. The titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society. (Title must be written/illustrated by an African American in the previous year)

• Deadline: February 12, 2026
• Categories: Author, illustrator, and the John Steptoe New Talent award
• Prize: Cash prize and a plaque
• For More Info: The Coretta Scott King Book Award

Next Generation Indie Book Awards

The largest international awards program for indie authors and publishers, recognizing and honoring exceptional independently published books, presented by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group (IBPPG).

• Deadline: February 12, 2026
• Categories: 80+ categories including current events, romantasy, social change, women's issues, and much more
• Prizes: Cash prizes, valuable awards, and industry recognition
• For More Info: Next Generation Indie Book Awards

National Indie Excellence^® Awards

The National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA) recognize books that demonstrate excellence in form and content, celebrating self-published books. 

• Deadline: February 12, 2026
• Categories: 150+ categories to choose from
• Prizes: Cash prizes, sponsorship awards with professional development and marketing assistance, and Juror's Choice awards with unrestricted funds for marketing and distribution
• For More Info: National Indie Excellence Awards

Next Generation Short Story Awards

A not-for-profit international awards program for authors of short stories, brought to you by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group.

• Deadline: February 26, 2026
• Categories: 30+ categories; enter as many categories as you wish that apply to you
• Prizes: Cash prizes plus gold medals for all winners
• For More Info: Next Generation Short Story Awards

The Shirley Jackson Awards

For outstanding achievement in the literature of psychological suspense, horror, and the dark fantastic. The awards are voted upon by a jury of professional writers, editors, critics, and academics. 

• Deadline: February 26
• Categories: Novel, novella, novelette, short fiction, single-author collection, and edited anthology
• Prizes: A certificate and a special prize donated by a member of the horror community
• For More Info: Shirley Jackson Awards

OTHER AWARDS TO WATCH FOR 

There are a number of other awards that are eligible for self-published authors that you may want to keep an eye on for 2026. The following awards have either already been given out for this year, or the deadline submission has passed—but be sure to follow up on these and get your entries in for next year.  

The Carol Awards

American Christian Fiction Writers' (ACFW) recognition for the best Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year. Books must be written from a traditionally accepted understanding of Scripture and Christian worldview. The entry deadline for the 2027 awards is March 1, 2026.

The Rubery Book Awards

An international book award that recognizes the best books by indie writers, self-published authors, and books published by independent presses. Open to all genres. Prizes include cash, a glass plaque, and a review on the website for all winners and shortlisted authors. The entry deadline for the 2026 awards is March 26, 2026.

The Lambda Literary Awards

Also known as the "Lammys," celebrate more than 150 LGBTQ writers across 26 categories spanning a number of genres, lived identities, and experiences. They proudly recognize works by self-published authors and independent and academic presses alongside works supported by traditional big 5 publishers. The entry deadline for the 2026 Lammys is in March, 2026.

The AWP Award Series

The Series is an annual competition for the publication of excellent new book-length works. It's open to all authors writing in English, regardless of nationality or residence, and is available to published and unpublished authors alike.

The Emerging Author Dagger

Formerly the Debut Dagger, sponsored by Fiction Feedback, this is an international competition, open to anyone in the world writing in English, for a crime novel opening (max. 3,000 words) and synopsis (max. 1,500 words). Novel can be of any subgenre and should be suitable for adults or young adults.

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) Self-Publishing Literary Award

BCALA, in partnership with Biblioboard, honors the best self-published ebooks by African-American authors in the United States in the genres of fiction and poetry.

The Neustadt International Prize for Literature

Considered one of the more prestigious international literary prizes, often compared with the Nobel Prize in Literature, the Neustadt International Prize is a biennial award sponsored by the University of Oklahoma and managed by the university’s literary magazine, World Literature Today. The next award cycle will be in 2026.

Tips for Entering Book Awards Successfully

• Read the guidelines carefully: Each contest has specific requirements regarding eligibility, format, submission deadlines, and entry fees.

• Choose the right category: Picking the best-fitting genre category for your book increases your chances of winning.
• Determine what the judges are looking for: Do your research and find out what the award judges are seeking. This could possibly help your submission stand out among others.
• Submit a professionally edited book: Judges value high-quality writing and presentation.
• Leverage your nomination or win: Even if you don’t win, being a finalist is an excellent marketing tool. Mention it in your author bio, website, and social media.

Winning or placing in a book contest can significantly enhance your credibility as an indie author. With so many opportunities available, there’s no reason not to submit your book and possibly gain some well-deserved recognition.