PREVIEW of 2025 Winners and Finalists

Open AllCATEGORY WINNERS AND FINALISTS

ACTION/ADVENTURE (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Big Feet: The Story, by Mike Rubel, Illustrated by Vinh Ha (FriesenPress)
• Relentless: A Gripping International Thriller (Kate Preacher Thriller Series Book 1), by Michael Maloof (Golden Oak Writer's Guild, LLC)

FINALISTS:

• Beyond The Flames, by Gregory Lee Renz (Three Towers Press)
• Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom, by Lena Gibson, Edited by Tracy Thillmann (Black Rose Writing)
• Road to Eden, by Tim Twombly, Edited by Bobby Haas; Other Contributors: Haylee Homs (KDP)
• Shanghai Sunset The Great Adventures of Breeze Lee (Book 1), by Sharon Barnes, Edited by Bonnie Lill, Illustrated by Chris Ross (S & D Publishing)
• The Question: Our Soul Never Dies: Its Journey Just Begins, by Greg Siofer (Zukit Publishing)

ACTIVITY BOOKS (ALL AGES)

WINNER ($100):

• I Love My Community Kids Activity Book, by Tammy Gerhard, Illustrated by Hiruni Kariyawasam; Other Contributors: Chung Thai (Anavah Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Doodles Help Handwriting: Spacing, by Sarah Muldoon (Doodles Help Handwriting)
• Doodles Help Pre Handwriting: Shapes and Dino Fun, by Sarah Muldoon (Doodles Help Handwriting)
• The Monster-Building Handbook: A Creative Writing Activity Book by Cosmic Writers, by Cosmic Writers, Edited by Rowana Miller, Nancy Xu, Illustrated by Cynthia Zhou (Cosmic Writers)
• The Puzzler's Guide to California: Games, Jokes, Fun Facts & Trivia about the Golden State, by Jen Funk Weber (Turner Publishing Company (imprint: Alaska Northwest Books))
• The Puzzler's Guide to Oregon: Games, Jokes, Fun Facts & Trivia about the Beaver State, by Jen Funk Weber (Turner Publishing Company (imprint: Alaska Northwest Books))

AFRICAN AMERICAN (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Kin: Practically True Stories, by V Efua Prince (Wayne State University Press)

FINALISTS:

• Pieces, by Sondra Hardy (Book Marketeers)
• Sisters of Gavinville, by John Warner Smith (Between the Lines Publishing)
• The Restless Crucible: A Novel, by Yaw Agawu-Kakraba (Mt Nittany Press, an imprint of Eifrig Publishing)
• The Weight of Forgiveness, by Elizabeth Ray (Self-Published)
• The Well, by R Chapman Wesley (High Top Publishing)

AFRICAN AMERICAN (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Long Ride Home: Black Cowboys in America, by Ron Tarver; Other Contributors: Art T. Burton, Essayist (George F. Thompson Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction, Edited by Eugen Bacon (Bloomsbury Academic)
• Midnight Train from Georgia, by Dhyana Ziegler (Austin Macauley Publishers)
• Shattered, by Jenell Jones (AuthorHouse)
• The Velvet Hammer: Judge Belvin Perry, Jr.'s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir, by Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. and Amy Mitchell (Post Hill Press)
• Triumph in the Trenches: Navigating Success for Black Professionals, by Multiple Authors (Elona Washington)

ANIMALS/PETS

WINNER ($100):

• The Mind of a Horse. Science Meets Comics, by Helena Telkänranta, Illustrated by Maija Karala, Ville Sinkkonen (Arador Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Charlie and Sophie's Great Escape, by Farial English, Illustrated by Patrizia Donaera (Miriam Laundry Publishing)
• Foster's Leash, by Sarah Sommer, Illustrated by BulankinaKa (Mascot Kids)
• I Really Want A Puppy, by Judy Dykstra-Brown, Illustrated by Isidro Xilonzóchitl (Self-Published)
• It's Not The DOG We're TRAINING, by Katie & Dean Shannon, Edited by Anthony Hunter, Lynette Skeats, Johnny Divine, Illustrated by Johnny Divine (Rainwater Collections)
• Mitchie the Service Dog Gets a Job, by Diane Petrozzo, Illustrated by Lauren Zurcher (Spring Cedars LLC)

ANTHOLOGY

WINNER ($100):

• Wandering in American Deserts: Discovery, Visions, Redemption, by Multiple authors, Edited by Linda Watanabe McFerrin, Joanna Biggar, Laurie McAndish King (Wanderland Writers)

FINALISTS:

• Animate(d) Architecture: A Spatial Investigation of the Moving Image, by Vahid Vahdat, Illustrated by Vahid Vahdat (Liverpool University Press)
• Divergent Realms: Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories About Neurodivergence, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Riley Odell (Self-Published)
• Even Flowers Know That Water Is Useless Without Roots: Poetry, Essays, and Stories, by Gloria D. Gonsalves, Illustrated by Gloria D. Gonsalves (AuthorHouse UK)
• Fumptruck: Open Letters, Essays, Fiction, Poetry, Artwork & Other Creations for & Inspired by the 47th President of the Divided States of America, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Anonymous; Other Contributors: Michael Bailey (Creator) (Written Backwards)
• Season's Readings: More Sweet, Funny, and Strange Holiday Tales, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Marianne H. Donley, Carol L. Wright (Bethlehem Writers Group, LLC)

ART

WINNER ($100):

• POETRY OF THE CLAY: POESÍA DEL BARRO, by Charmayne Samuelson (Wood Duck Publishers)

FINALISTS:

• Animate(d) Architecture: A Spatial Investigation of the Moving Image, by Vahid Vahdat, Illustrated by Vahid Vahdat (Liverpool University Press)
• ART U.S.A.: One Hundred Works on Paper, 1925-1950, from the Collection of the Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga University, by Paul Manoguerra (Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga University)
• Femina Lucida: The Art of Nancy Mee, by Matthew Kangas (Utopian Heights Studios)
• Lattice Labyrinth Tessellations: Bold Art from Modest Mathematics, by David Mitchell (Scarthin Books)
• The Shenandoah Valley's Interstates: Plein-air Paintings along I-81, I-66, and I-64, by Andrei Kushnir; Other Contributors: Introduction by Warren R. Hofstra (George F. Thompson Publishing)

AUTOBIOGRAPHY/BIOGRAPHY

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• The Alterations Lady: An Afghan Refugee, an American, and the Stories that Define Us, by Cindy Miller, with Lailoma Shahwali, Edited by Drew Anderla (Apollo Publishers)
• The White Peril: A Family Memoir, by Omo Moses (Beacon Press)

FINALISTS:

• Above All, We Are Jews: A Biography of Rabbi Alexander Schindler, by Michael A. Meyer (CCAR Press)
• Dandy Don Meredith: The First Dallas Cowboy, by Dave Lieber, Edited by Mede Nix, John Dycus (Yankee Cowboy Publishing)
• From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall, by David Singer (Palmetto Publishing)
• Guajira, the Cuba Girl, by Zita Arocha, Edited by Cati Porter, Illustrated by Mark GIvens; Other Contributors: Maria Fernanda Idaurrazaga (Inlandia Institute)
• The Callas Imprint: A Centennial Biography, by Sophia Lambton (The Crepuscular Press)

BEST COVER DESIGN (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Sour Apples: A Novel For Those Who Hate to Read, by Paul Jantzen (Black Rose Writing)
• The Goddess of Weaver Street, by Joy Ross Davis (Wyatt-MacKenzie)

FINALISTS:

• Autumn, by Marc MacDonald (FriesenPress)
• Gee, That Was Fun: 7 Days of Mayhem, 1983, by Robert Fromberg, Illustrated by Claire Stamler-Goody (Trunk of My Car)
• In Her Mind a Darkness, by L.S. Johnson, Edited by Katrina Roets, Illustrated by Alex Eckman-Lawn (Traversing Z Press)
• Little Fortified Stories, by Barbara Black (Caitlin Press)
• Parrot Prose: A Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery, by DL Mitchell (Black Rose Writing)
• To End Every War: A Mystery Fantasy, by Raymond W. Wilkinson, Edited by Michaella Donahue, Illustrated by Miblart; Other Contributors: Alec M and Vincenzo Ingenito (Kathy J. Productions)

BEST COVER DESIGN (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Long Ride Home: Black Cowboys in America, by Ron Tarver; Other Contributors: Art T. Burton, Essayist (George F. Thompson Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Anxious Children in an Anxious World: Facing Fears and Finding Brave, by Dr. Mary O'Kane (Self-Published)
• Bold Trust: 6 Steps to Unravel the Long-Term Effects of Gaslighting, Unapologetically Trust Yourself and Heal Anxiety, by Tricia Easter, Edited by Brette Sember (TGH Publishing)
• GAME CHANGERS: How The Greatest Players, Matches, And Controversies Transformed Tennis, by Paul Fein, Edited by Jim Peterson; Other Contributors: Cheery Sugabo, Cover Designer (Coaches Choice)
• In & Out of Season: Thriving in Life's Transitions, by Evelyn Johnson-Taylor Ph.D. (Elk Lake Publishing)
• Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese, Illustrated by Tori Tilahun (Self-Published)
• No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth, by Kate Grant (She Writes Press)
• This Stops With Me: Recovering from the abuse of a narcissistic mother and making sure you don't become one, by Louise Grayhurst (Cisticola Publishing)

BEST OVERALL DESIGN (FICTION) (DIGITALLY SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)

WINNER ($100):

• Carquinez Review 2024, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Mary Eichbauer, Illustrated by Multiple Illustrators; Other Contributors: Lois Requist, Project Manager; Jan Malin, Book Designer (Benicia Literary Arts)

FINALISTS:

• Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control, by Brandon Moore, Illustrated by Mick Marcellana (Self-Published)
• Contraptions, by Jeffrey Weinzweig (Nexus Press)
• Dreams and Illusions: A Gabrielle Dorian Mystery, by Rebecca Olmstead, Edited by Allegory Editing, Illustrated by Cherie Foxley (Thunder and Fire Press)
• The Ghosts of Lille, by Kimberly Kocken, Edited by Tom Kocken, Danika Peters (FriesenPress)
• Tree Pose, by Susan Rogers and John Roosen, Illustrated by Tess McCabe, Susan Rogers, John Roosen, Nicholas Roosen, Pooja Khatri (G-EMS PTY LTD and PS LLC - An imprint of Yoga Mat Mysteries)

BEST OVERALL DESIGN (FICTION) (PRINT BOOK SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)

WINNER ($100):

• The Puppy Prophet, by David Cary Lane, Illustrated by Patrick Atkins (Kindle Direct Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Dancing with Dragons, by Jenni Ogden (Sea Dragon Press)
• O is for Pig, by Mariah Clark Skewes, Illustrated by Terri Einer; Other Contributors: Misty Black, Formatter; Christopher Tollefson, Title Font (Li'l Hedgehog Publishing)
• The Great Animal Escape, by Linda Harkey, Edited by Conrad J. Storad, Illustrated by Jeff Yesh; Other Contributors: Diane Timmons, Project Manager; Deb Greenberg & Cristy Bertini. Proofreaders (Linda F. Radke, Story Monsters Press)
• The Mermaid of Lake Superior, by Aurora Lothbrok, Edited by Paige Polinsky, Illustrated by Jill Myer; Other Contributors: Laura Drew, Design; Laurie Herrmann, Project Manager (Beaver's Pond Press)
• Under the Black Flag - Piracy Is Not a Victimless Crime, by Jim Guigli, Edited by Jim Guigli, Illustrated by Jim Guigli (Labrador (Jim Guigli))
• Wish Upon A Streaming Star (Season 1 Volume 1), by Krissi Dallas, Edited by Katrina Elsea; Other Contributors: Kristen McGregor, Graphic Designer (Thunderfly Productions)

BEST OVERALL DESIGN (NON-FICTION) (DIGITALLY SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)

WINNER ($100):

• Bowerbirds! by Donna L. Huntriss, Illustrated by Donna L. Huntriss (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Conversations with Psyche: A Dreamer's Guide to Soul-Stirring Creativity, by Victoria Rabinowe, Illustrated by Victoria Rabinowe (Bright Shadow Press)
• Indian-Jewish Food: Recipes and Stories from the Backstreets of Bondi, by Elana Benjamin; Other Contributors: Shibani Mishra, Food Photographer; Kimberley Tukana, Designer: (Sydney Jewish Museum)
• Under the Influence, by Stephen St. John (Self-Published)
• Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899, by Norman Jetmundsen, Jr. and Karin Dupree Fecteau, Edited by Susan Alison, Illustrated by Ernie Eldredge; Jim Trusilo; Other Contributors: Taylor Jetmundsen (Shakerag Hollow Press)
• Whole-Food, Plant-Based Meal Planning: Transition into a Health Transformation, by Lois Lynn; Other Contributors: Joel Fuhrman, MD, Foreward (Self-Published)

BEST OVERALL DESIGN (NON-FICTION) (PRINT BOOK SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• A Whisper of Cardamom: 80 Sweetly Spiced Recipes to Fall In Love With, by Eleanor Ford (Apollo Publishers)
• Women of Jewelry, by Linda M. Kozloff-Turner, Edited by Frank Stankus; Other Contributors: Peggy Sands Tom Turner Photo credits are included (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Behind The Door: Profiles of a Peninsula, by Kevin O'Donnell, Edited by Paul Brophy (Glenham Publishing)
• Breaking Through the Mist, In Search of the Meaning of Life, by Thomas Burns, Illustrated by Thomas Burns (Antipolis Press)
• Eversharp: Cornerstone of an Industry, by Jonathan A. Veley (Self-Published)
• Lights, Camera, Lionel Trains! A Photo History of an American Icon, by Roger Carp, Edited by John W. Schmid; Other Contributors: Lisa Schroeder, Designer (Project Roar Publishing)
• Sneaker Law V2 (All You Need to Know About the Sneaker Business), by Kenneth Anand & Jared Goldstein (Sneaker Law LLC)
• The Landers: Biography of a Theater, by Kara DeBacker (Pearson Creek Publishing)

BIPOC (BLACK, INDIGENOUS AND/OR PERSONS OF COLOR)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Cherokee History and the Spirit Family, by James Barnes (University of North Georgia Press)
• Crossing Waiyaki Way: A True Story of Poverty, Prayer, and Politics in Kenya, by Robin Okumu and Gordon Okumu (Angels of Africa Press)

FINALISTS:

• Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese, Illustrated by Tori Tilahun (Self-Published)
• Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Exalting Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective Care, by Nawal Qarooni (Routledge imprint of Stenhouse)
• Our Creative Realidades: A Nonfiction Anthology, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Armando B. Rendón, Scott Russell Duncan, Jenny Irizary (Somos En Escrito Literary Foundation Press)
• Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz's Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States: A Graphic Interpretation, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, Illustrated by Paul Peart-Smith (Beacon Press)
• The Book Binder, by C.A. Cordova (Parrotlet Press LLC)
• This Way To Hope: The Challenges, Hard Truths, and Triumphs of Working with Critically At-Risk Students, by Donna Dukes, Edited by Amy Pattee Colvin and T. K. Thorne (Optimiste Publications)

BUSINESS

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• The Emotional Overdraft: 10 simple changes for balancing business success and wellbeing, by Andy Brown (Practical Inspiration Publishing)
• The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation, by Duncan Wardle (Amplify Publishing Group)

FINALISTS:

• Price Writer: The nine-step method to becoming a highly successful general insurance pricing leader, by Jeremy Keating (Rethink Press)
• Star Quality Hospitality: The Key to a Successful Hospitality Business, by Monica Or (Rethink Press)
• Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat: Serial Entrepreneurs' Secrets Revealed! by Colin C Campbell (Forbes Books)
• The 365 Day Leader: Recalibrate Your Calling Every Day, by Dick Daniels (The Leadership Development Group)
• The Startup CTO's Handbook: Essential skills and best practices for high performing engineering teams, by Zach Goldberg, Edited by Stephen Nathans-Kelly (World Changers Media)
• The Trusted Learning Advisor: The Tools, Techniques and Skills You Need to Make L&D a Business Priority, by Keith Keating (Kogan Page)

CAREER

WINNER ($100):

• At Ease: The Guide to a Smooth and Successful Military Transition, by Emily King Grandinetta (Fullcourt Press)

FINALISTS:

• How We Choose to Show Up: Nature's Playbook for Creating a Meaningful Life and the World We Want, by Marcy Axelrod (Amplify Books)
• Outsmart the Learning Curve: How Ordinary People Can Achieve Extraordinary Success, by Joe Sipher, Edited by Miranda Dillon (Koehler Books)
• The Freelancer's Compass: Navigate Your Way from Corporate Cog to Solopreneur Star, by Rodika Tollefson; Other Contributors: Lucy Arnold, cover design (Audacia Press)
• The Productive Perfectionist: A Women's Guide to Smashing the Shackles of Perfectionism, by Kathryn C Mayer (Collaborative Competition Press)
• V.I.P.E.R. Improvement: Fire/EMS Department Leadership and Management, by Dr. David Hupp (Self-Published)
• Your Grass is Greener: Use What You Have. Get What You Want. At Work and In Life., by Jason Silver (Ideapress Publishing)

CHICK LIT (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Exception, by Marian Bruno (Little Forest Books)

FINALISTS:

• All the Broken Angels, by Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman (Green Grotto Press)
• DM Me for Murder, by Sarah E. Burr (Level Best Books)
• The First Love Myth, by Casey Dembowski (Red Adept Publishing)
• The Mystery in the Margins: A Cozy Mystery (Havenwood Paranormal Cozy Mysteries Book 1), by L.L. Gray (Heroic Rose Publishing)
• Tree Pose, by Susan Rogers and John Roosen, Illustrated by Tess McCabe, Susan Rogers, John Roosen, Nicholas Roosen, Pooja Khatri (G-EMS PTY LTD and PS LLC - An imprint of Yoga Mat Mysteries)

CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL PICTURE BOOK (6 YEARS AND UP)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• ABC... Yes, You Can! by Florence Mudzongo, Illustrated by Josiah Taundi (Your Nickel's Worth Publishing)
• Who Pooped in the Park? Rocky Mountain National Park: Scat and Tracks for Kids, by Gary D. Robson, Illustrated by Robert Rath (Farcountry Press)

FINALISTS:

• Foster's Leash, by Sarah Sommer, Illustrated by BulankinaKa (Mascot Kids)
• Fungi Are... More Than Mushrooms, by Alisha Gabriel, Illustrated by Vivien Sarkany (Tielmour Press)
• Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives? All you need to know about food allergies and how to deal with them, by Davina Steel, Edited by Hannah Loach, Illustrated by Davina Steel (Rethink Press)
• Jackson's Wilder Adventures Vol. 1: Habits & Habitats, by Sarah Davidson, Edited by Stephanie Brooks, Illustrated by Sarah Davidson (Mad Cave Studios/Papercutz)
• Me, the Dodo? Memoirs of a Dodo, by Anders Roseberg, Illustrated by Alex Preyzener (Babooky)

CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK (0-5 YEARS)

WINNER ($100):

• My Bunny Lies Over the Ocean, by Bill Richardson, Illustrated by Bill Pechet (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)

FINALISTS:

• A Is for Abstract: The Creative Kids Colorful Alphabet Book of Animal Rhymes, by EB Mackie, Illustrated by CK Mackie (World Changers Press LLC)
• Grandma Gogo - The Little Book of Encouragement, by Margot Bain, Edited by Dr Euan Mitchell, Illustrated by Hiruni Kariyawasam; Other Contributors: Georgie Lewin (Manager) (Self-Published)
• O is for Pig, by Mariah Clark Skewes, Illustrated by Terri Einer; Other Contributors: Misty Black, Formatter; Christopher Tollefson, Title Font (Li'l Hedgehog Publishing)
• Rainbow Bear, by Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson, Illustrated by Nathalie Beauvois (Brown Books Publishing Group)
• The Enormous Egg, by Victoria Forsyth, Illustrated by Victoria Forsyth (Moon Star Books)
• The Hesitant Hedgehog, by Meredith Maltby Jao, Illustrated by Chishan Jao (Jao Design Studio)
• You Can Throw a Party! by Jan Gniffke, Illustrated by Rebeca J. Pintos (Brown Books Publishing Group)

CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK (NON-FICTION) (ALL AGES)

WINNER ($100):

• Wolf Matriarchs of Yellowstone, The Beginning of the New Wolf Era, by Sylvia M. Medina and Douglas W. Smith, Illustrated by Andreas Wessel-Therhorn; Other Contributors: Leo Leckie, Jon Potter, Jim Halfpenny, Charlotte Broussard, Jadon Schemers, Bruce Miller, Tiago Miller, and Joy Eagle (Green Kids Club)

FINALISTS:

• Addison Mizner, Visionary Architect, by Robert L. Forbes, Illustrated by Barbara McClintock (Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach)
• Medieval Monsters and Other Creatures, by Timothy Ide, Illustrated by Timothy Ide (MidnightSun Publishing)
• Miss Dorothy's Garden: 9 BEE Attitudes to Grow By, by Gwendolyn Faye, Illustrated by Robin Swaby (Myriad Press)
• Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese, Illustrated by Tori Tilahun (Self-Published)
• My Body Safety Rules: Educating and empowering children with disability about body boundaries, consent and body safety skills, by Jayneen Sanders, Illustrated by Farimah Khavarinezhad (Educate2Empower)
• The Puzzle Piece: A Children's Book About Authenticity and Self-Love, by Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez, Edited by Bobbie Hinman, Illustrated by Rita Nilson (Wholesome Children Books LLC)

CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK #OWNVOICES

WINNER ($100):

• Oh No! Chinese School! by Crystal Murakami, Illustrated by Jon Kenzo Okeya (East West Discovery Press LLC)

FINALISTS:

• A Kids Book About Diwali, by Chhavi Arya Bhargava (A Kids Book About Inc.)
• Kuekuatsheu Creates the World, by Annie Picard, Illustrated by Elizabeth Jancewicz (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)
• Mandeep's Cloudy Days, by Kuljinder Kaur Brar, Illustrated by Samrath Kaur (Annick Press)
• Miss Dorothy's Garden: 9 BEE Attitudes to Grow By, by Gwendolyn Faye, Illustrated by Robin Swaby (Myriad Press)
• Rabbit's Song: A Cherokee Story, by Brad Wagnon, Illustrated by Alex Stephenson (Rowe Publishing)
• Stars on My Knees, by Michelle Murchison, Illustrated by Ana Stretcu (Robogirl, LLC)

CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK ILLUSTRATION (BEST ILLUSTRATOR)

WINNER ($100):

• Kuekuatsheu Creates the World, by Annie Picard, Illustrated by Elizabeth Jancewicz (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)

FINALISTS:

• A Is for Abstract: The Creative Kids Colorful Alphabet Book of Animal Rhymes, by EB Mackie, Illustrated by CK Mackie (World Changers Press LLC)
• Agnes's Garden, by Lori Doody, Illustrated by Lori Doody (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)
• All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings (Children's edition), by Gayle Boss, Illustrated by Sharon Spitz (Paraclete Press)
• Mandeep's Cloudy Days, by Kuljinder Kaur Brar, Illustrated by Samrath Kaur (Annick Press)
• My Bunny Lies Over the Ocean, by Bill Richardson, Illustrated by Bill Pechet (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)
• The Magic Hat, by Donna Seim, Illustrated by Susan Spellman (FriesenPress)

CHILDREN'S/JUVENILE (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Gentle Hugs, by Lily Guzman, Edited by Jennifer Rees, Illustrated by Dorota Rewerenda (Self-Published)
• The Falls, by Janet R. Macreery (Outskirts Press)

FINALISTS:

• A Story About a Father & Son, by Sachiko Otohata & Brendyn Zachary, Illustrated by Sachiko Otohata (Self-Published)
• Bog Myrtle, by Sid Sharp (Annick Press)
• Ezra and the Great Bin Jah Meen, by R. D. Stevens, Illustrated by Juliette Caron (Dreamsphere Books)
• Frankie & Chair, by Johan Ingler (Self-Published)
• Jackson's Wilder Adventures Vol. 1: Habits & Habitats, by Sarah Davidson, Edited by Stephanie Brooks, Illustrated by Sarah Davidson (Mad Cave Studios/Papercutz)
• T(h)ree of My Grandma's Lives, by Jessica Heintz, Edited by Amber Byers, Illustrated by Anabela Tasevska (Imajey Creations)
• The Missing Children of Blackwood, by Brian Starr, Edited by Robin Benjamin, Illustrated by Dee Nugraha (Amazon)

CHILDREN'S/JUVENILE (NON-FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Addison Mizner, Visionary Architect, by Robert L. Forbes, Illustrated by Barbara McClintock (Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach)
• BE A SCRIBE! Working for a Better Life in Ancient Egypt, by Michael Hoffen (Callaway Children's Classics)

FINALISTS:

• First Ladies Make History, by Anita McBride and Giovanna McBride, Illustrated by John Hutton (The White House Historical Association)
• Maestra with Joy An Introduction to Great Women Composers, by Suzanne Brown, Illustrated by Romi Caron; Other Contributors: Jaques Anka, Graphic Design (Self-Published with Suesings Music Services)
• Out of the Tub: President and Chief Justice William Howard Taft, by Carol A. Josel, Illustrated by Gavrielle Kestenbaum (Austin Macauley Publishers)
• Rocco Keeps the Beat! Music at the White House, by Rocco Smirne, Illustrated by John Hutton (The White House Historical Association)
• Where Are the Women? The Girl Scouts' Campaign for the First Statue of Women in Central Park, by Janice Hechter, Illustrated by Janice Hechter (Red Chair Press)

CHILDREN'S/JUVENILE EARLY READERS/CHAPTER BOOKS (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Little Adventures of Erig the Earwig, by Andy Evans, Illustrated by Lucy Fleming (Grosvenor House Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Adele and the Whispering Garden, by Polly Richards (Ceallaigh Publishing, LLC)
• Lina and the Octopus Arms, by Y. Renbert, Edited by Gregory Albert, Illustrated by Y. Renbert (Happy Dumpling Books)
• Millie & Marty Muldoon Miss Out, by R.S. Prinzo, Illustrated by Sathomi Ekanayake (Glenforest Publishing Company)
• Sienna & the Magical Adventure Park, by Donald Schaeffer, Illustrated by Zoe Ranucci (Circle Originals LLC)
• The Wolf and The Wind (Adventures in Gaeldor Book 1), by Katie Spina, Illustrated by Victoria Murray (Awesome Authors Kids)
• Where's Johnny? The Adventures of a Lost Cat, by Lori Burton, Illustrated by Wendi Nordell (Your Nickel's Worth Publishing)
• Why Can't My Brother Be More Like My Cat? by Allia Zobel Nolan, Illustrated by Lee Wildish (AlliaWrites)

CHRISTIAN (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Magda Revealed, by Ursula Werner (She Writes Press)

FINALISTS:

• 'Tis the Time, 'Tis the Season, by Chris Posti, Edited by Deb Haggerty, Cristel Phelps (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.)
• The Lost Rose, by Victoria Lynn, Edited by Micaiah Keough, Abigayle Claire, Illustrated by August Buehrer (Glory Writers Press)
• When Jesus Calls, by Martha Gayle (Faith Is Believing)
• When Jesus Leads - A Sequel to When Jesus Calls, by Martha Gayle (Faith Is Believing)
• Where Darkness Dwells, by Andrea Renae (Self-Published)

CHRISTIAN (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Treasure: A Pearls of Promise 52-Week Devotional, by Lisa Burkhardt Worley and Lane Jordan Burday, Edited by Frank Ball; Other Contributors: Pearls of Promise Team Members (Pearls of Promise Ministries)

FINALISTS:

• Awakened: A 52-Week Progressive Christian Devotional, by Caleb J Lines (Chalice Press)
• Clinging to the Spirit's Feathers ... through Fire, Flood, and Faith, by Rev. Sandee D. Kosmo, Illustrated by Hannah Ferguson, Lisa Kosmo (Allegra)
• Severed Sacredness: The Miraculous Journey of Jessie Boone, by Lisa Boone, Edited by Saved By Story Publishing (Saved by Story Publishing)
• The Biblical Path to Financial Freedom: A Reflective Guide to Managing Your Finances According to God's Word, by Seth Jones (Self-Published)
• Underground: Serving the Lord as Chief of Smuggling Operations—for Secret Church Leadership Training 1983-1990, by Al Baanna, Edited by Misti Moyer; Other Contributors: Design and Project Management, TLC Book Design (Emmanuel Publishing)

COFFEE TABLE BOOK/PHOTOGRAPHY

WINNER ($100):

• A Hot Night in Rome, A Cold Night in Paris, by Melissa David; Other Contributors: Rachel Clift (IngramSpark Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Black in Fashion: 100 Years of Style, Influence & Culture, by WWD, Tonya Blazio-Licorish and Tara Donaldson; Other Contributors: Tracy Reese, Foreword (Union Square & Co.)
• Somewhere in Another Place, by Mike Vos; Other Contributors: Ellen Robinette (Buckman Publishing)
• The Endless Sphere of Time, by Geir Jordahl, Edited by Kate Jordahl; Other Contributors: Rolf Jacobsen, Poet; Roger Greenwald, Poetic Translations (True North Editions)
• The Long Ride Home: Black Cowboys in America, by Ron Tarver; Other Contributors: Art T. Burton, Essayist (George F. Thompson Publishing)
• The Taste of Ambiance: Luxury Wine Cellar Designs, by Al Fuentes (Brown Books Publishing Group)

COOKBOOKS/HEALTHY EATING/NUTRITION

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• A Whisper of Cardamom: 80 Sweetly Spiced Recipes to Fall In Love With, by Eleanor Ford (Apollo Publishers)
• Our South: Black Food Through My Lens, by Ashleigh Shanti (Union Square & Co.)

FINALISTS:

• Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store, by Paola Velez; Other Contributors: Christina Tosi (Foreword) (Union Square & Co.)
• Celebrating Comfy, Cozy Foods from North America: Cooking for Halflings & Monsters, Volume 3, by Astrid Tuttle Winegar (Multitudes Press)
• Fresh Grown: Essential Guide to Use, Store, and Make the Most of Your Vegetables, by Andrea Kristin, Illustrated by Andrea Kristin (Self-Published)
• Indian-Jewish Food: Recipes and Stories from the Backstreets of Bondi, by Elana Benjamin; Other Contributors: Shibani Mishra, Food Photographer; Kimberley Tukana, Designer: (Sydney Jewish Museum)
• The Coo Coo Vegan: Simple And Delicious Vegan Recipes That Will Inspire You To Eat Healthier, by Shayaa Muhammad, Edited by Shaundale Rena (Gourmand Eats, LLC)

CURRENT EVENTS

WINNER ($100):

• Judicial Soup, by Shannon Bohrer (Loyola University Maryland's Apprentice House Press)

FINALISTS:

• America, Why? Money. Party. Politics. What Happened to Our Democracy? by Jill Shea (Self-Published)
• Mission Out of Control, by Dr. Charles J. Camarda (Headline Books)
• Priceless: Curing the Healthcare Crisis (Second Edition), by John C. Goodman (Independent Institute)
• Prompting Originality: The A.I. Handbook for Humans, by Norty Cohen and Delaney Ehrhardt (Ideapress Publishing)
• The Random Factor: How Chance and Luck Profoundly Shape Our Lives and the World Around Us, by Mark Robert Rank (University of California Press)

E-BOOK (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Tabula Rasa, by Paul L. Centeno, Illustrated by Paul Pederson, Chris Bines (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Because She Was Called: From Broken to Bold Book 2: A Novel of the Early Church, by Elaine Ricker Kelly, Edited by Foreword Reviews, Illustrated by Paul Schultz (KDP)
• By Rook or By Crook, by Nancy A. Hughes (Headline Books)
• In Harm's Way, by Thomas M. Wing, Edited by Laura Taylor (Acorn Publishing, LLC)
• Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge, by Robert B. O'Connor (OKPI)
• Lioness of Broceliande, by Gloria Prunty (Self-Published)

E-BOOK (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Innovative Guide to Fashion and Beauty 2025, by Murielle Gagné, Edited by RedCallas (RedCallas)

FINALISTS:

• Broken Water: An Extraordinary True Story, by Barbara Lane (Barbara Lane, LLC)
• Our Global Crisis: "We'll Never Run Out!", by Brian D McLean (Tellwell Talent)
• Prioritize Us: Unlock Lasting Love with One Simple, Proven Test, by Nick Brancato (Self-Published)
• Seasons of Life, by Susan McLeod (Atmosphere Press)
• The Heroine's Labyrinth: Archetypal Designs in Heroine-Led Fiction, by Douglas A. Burton (Silent Music Press)

EDUCATION/ACADEMIC (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Breathe--Move--Learn With Young Children: 70 Activities in Mindfulness, Brain-Friendly Movement, and Social-Emotional Learning, by Marcia Lee Unnever (Brookes Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Democracy and Solidarity: On the Cultural Roots of America's Political Crisis, by James Davison Hunter, Edited by William Frucht (Yale University Press)
• The Infourge Compendium of Models and Theories for Coaches, Facilitators, and Consultants, by Max Palomeque, Edited by Frank Steele; Other Contributors: Bethany Kelly (Infourge Leadership)
• The Playbook for Self-Directed Learning, by Tyler Thigpen, Caleb Collier, Amber Bryant, Brittney Toles (Eye On Education)
• The Warehouse: A Visual Primer on Mass Incarceration, by James Kilgore and Vic Liu, Illustrated by Vic Liu (PM Press)
• This Way To Hope: The Challenges, Hard Truths, and Triumphs of Working with Critically At-Risk Students, by Donna Dukes, Edited by Amy Pattee Colvin and T. K. Thorne (Optimiste Publications)

FANTASY

WINNER ($100):

• Tale of the Seasons' Weaver, by D. Wallace Peach, Edited by Anneli Purchase (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• All That Shimmers, by Kady Ambrose (Anqa Press)
• Grover Wilcox Goes to the Circus, by Martin Lastrapes (Cannibal Press)
• No One Will Save Us: A Novel, by Julie L. Brown (JAB Press)
• Remnants of a Scarlet Flame: The Last Draegion Saga Book 1, by Cindy L Sell (Aether and Ash Press)
• Spark of the Divine: The Kalaraak Chronicles, #1, by Louise Holland (Self-Published)

FIRST NOVEL (40,000 TO 70,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Her Empty Chair: She left without a trace... not even a crumb, by Sunna Coleman (Inspired By Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Flooding the River, by Kehinde Winful (WiseInk Creative Publishing)
• The Deceived Ones, by Judith Krummeck (Loyola University Maryland's Apprentice House Press)
• The Faraway Mountains, by Radu Guiasu (Histria Books)
• The Light Of Faded Stars, by Francis-Adrien Morneault, Edited by Lori Ferren, Illustrated by Marie-Line Morneault (FriesenPress)
• The Reflections of Andre Alfonz, by Christian Gutierrez (Christian Gutierrez)
• The Weight of Forgiveness, by Elizabeth Ray (Self-Published)
• Zing! by Gina A. Hagler (KidWrite Publishing LLC)

FIRST NOVEL (70,000 TO 90,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Brooklyn '76: A Novel, by Anthony Ausiello, Edited by Girl Friday Productions (South Allen Street Press)

FINALISTS:

• Big Music, by Gillian Wills (Hawkeye Publishing)
• In the Garden of Sorrows, by Karen Jewell (MindStir Media)
• Love and Horror Movies: A Novel, by Jordy Charles (Self-Published)
• The Shutdown List, by Sharon Dukett (SharKen Publishing)
• Zone Trip, by Kitty Turner (Independent under author imprint, Daily House)

FIRST NOVEL (OVER 90,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Where the Sun Sets, by Donna Litt, Edited by Nicole Ayers, Illustrated by Maria Laguna (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• A Hard Darkness, by Ray Turner (Self-Published)
• Hermit of Paradise, by Kim Sanders (Brown Books Publishing Group)
• Plagued Lands, by Nikki Brooke (Crow Knight Film & Publishing Realm)
• The Frontrunner, by Brad Fawley (Green Writers Press)
• The Martha Odyssey, by Bonny Gable, Edited by Skye Lloyd; Other Contributors: Patricia Marshall, Publisher Owner/Editor (Luminare Press)
• The Reed, by Jordan Musen (Blackbird Books)
• Trailing Darkness (Savior of the Light Book 1), by A. L. Gordon, Edited by Dr. Michael with FirstEditing (Self-Published)

FIRST NOVEL (UNDER 50,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Blood Dragon: The Dragon Prince of Ijlal, by Micah Johnson, Edited by Vince Font (Glass Spider Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Notes From Star to Star, by Brian Dolan (Root Park Press)
• Pineville Trace, by Wes Blake (Etchings Press)
• The Dream To End All Dreams, by Rebecca Ryder (Amazon/Ingram Spark)
• The Lost Amulet, Stone Bearer Series (Book 1), by Mary Farrugia (WP Lighthouse)
• The Writing Box, by Allison Ali (Cobblestone Books)

GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL (70,000 TO 100,000 WORDS)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• From Tickhill, 1348, by Pamela Taylor (Black Rose Writing)
• Vatican Daughter, by Joni Marie Iraci (Collective Ink/Roundfire Books)

FINALISTS:

• Dotted Lines, by Stephanie Cesca (Guernica Editions)
• Legacy of The Enchanted, by JC Brennan, Edited by Eeva Lancaster, Illustrated by The Book Khaleesi (Self-Published)
• Swim: The Astonishing Tale of Lucy Morton, by Lisa Brace, Edited by Ian Skewis (Blue Pier Books)
• The Buoyant Letters of Mimsy Bell, by Laurel Dodge (Littoral Books)
• The Lost Canvas, by Julie D. Simmons (Palmetto Publishing)
• The Paperboy and The Spinster, by Gustaf Berger (Self-Published)
• The Voice of the Dog, by David Benjamin (Last Kid Books)

GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL (OVER 100,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Boy With Wings, by Mark Mustian (Koehler Books)

FINALISTS:

• Easter at The Three Coins Inn, by Kimberly Sullivan (Self-Published)
• Secrets at the Aviary Inn, by MaryAnn Clarke, Edited by Jennifer Sommersby; Other Contributors: Emma Graves, Cover Designer (Nymphaea Press)
• The Reed, by Jordan Musen (Blackbird Books)
• The Utopia, by Christian Jerry Marchioni (FriesenPress)
• Thing That I Am, by Paul Warburton (Dream Cast Publishing LLC)

GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL (UNDER 70,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• Nathan's Journal: A Novel, by Thom Ring (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Everything Happens to Me, by Peter Cherches (Pelekinesis)
• Peace Like a River, by Scott Gould (Regal House Publishing)
• The Ballad of Walker Owens, by Greg M. Dodd, Illustrated by Greg M. Dodd (Rolos Tuesday Publishing)
• The Deceived Ones, by Judith Krummeck (Loyola University Maryland's Apprentice House Press)
• The Faraway Mountains, by Radu Guiasu (Histria Books)
• Things that Cause Inappropriate Happiness, by Danila Botha, Edited by Michael Mirolla (Guernica Editions)

GENERAL NON-FICTION

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• It's Not (All) Your Fault: Self-Help and the Individualization of Oppression, by Sharon Podobnik (Manuscripts LLC)
• Outsmart the Learning Curve: How Ordinary People Can Achieve Extraordinary Success, by Joe Sipher, Edited by Miranda Dillon (Koehler Books)

FINALISTS:

• 28 Bags of Sprouts - Storytelling with Impact, by Jamie Mackenzie (Jamie Mackenzie)
• Eversharp: Cornerstone of an Industry, by Jonathan A. Veley (Self-Published)
• Healing Healthcare: Evidence-Based Strategies to Mend Our Broken System, by Sharon M. Weinstein and Dina Readinger (Amplify Publishing Group)
• Mission Possible: How to Graduate From College Debt-Free, by Dr. Juan Phillip Chisholm (Greenlight Books & Publishing, LLC.)
• The Best Care for Those with the Least: An Empowering Guide to Bridge the Socioeconomic Gap in Medical Care, by Kristen Davis-Coelho, PhD (Platypus Publishing)
• The New American Anti-Semitism: The Left, the Right, and the Jews, by Benjamin Ginsberg (Independent Institute)
• The New Being: Preparing for the Emergence of a New Humanity, Volume I, by Joel Bryant (Word in Season Publications)

GIFT

WINNER ($100):

• Celebrate the Joy! Poems and Reflections for the Christmas Season, by Robin Halverson (ShareHisGift Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Moments In Time 2.0: Stories About Artists And Songs Of The 60s, 70s, And 80s. For Fans Of Music ... From A Music Fan, by Tom Locke, Edited by Trevor McMonagle, Illustrated by Kristy Twellmann Hill (Hub Consulting Services)
• The ABCs of Hope & Healing, by Mariah Clark Skewes (Li'l Hedgehog Publishing)
• The Official White House Christmas Ornament: Collected Stories of a Holiday Tradition, by Marcia Anderson (The White House Historical Association)
• Word Search of Nova Scotia: Volume One, by Nick Cranford (Flanker Press Ltd.)
• You're Something Else, by Gene Kruckemyer (Middle River Press)

GRAPHIC NOVEL

WINNER ($100):

• The Rez Doctor, by Gitz Crazyboy, Illustrated by Veronika Barinova, Azby Whitecalf, Toben Racicot (HighWater Press)

FINALISTS:

• Apple and Grape, Volume 4: Plight of the Pizza Party, by Chaz, Illustrated by Chaz (Lulu Press)
• Jackie and the Magical Guys, by Amy Linsamouth, Illustrated by Hamons (Monster Candy Publishing)
• Little Moons, by Jen Storm, Illustrated by Ryan Howe, Nickolej Villiger, Alice RL (HighWater Press)
• Revolution by Fire: New York's Afro-Irish Uprising of 1741, a Graphic Novel, by Marcus Rediker, Edited by Paul Buhle, Illustrated by David Lester (Beacon Press)
• The Mind of a Horse. Science Meets Comics, by Helena Telkänranta, Illustrated by Maija Karala, Ville Sinkkonen (Arador Publishing)

HEALTH/WELLNESS (NON-FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Quiet Hour: Easy Ways to Reduce Stress and Relax in Nature, by Heather Chase and Ken Beller (LTS Press)
• You Need a (Better) Vacation: How Smarter Breaks Can Boost Your Health, Happiness, & Productivity, by Jennica Day, Edited by Arlene Prunkl (Vacation House)

FINALISTS:

• Create the Vitality You Crave: Epigenetics 101 to Unlock Your Healing Power, by Lori Finlay, MSN, NP, BCC, Edited by Lauren Johnson; Other Contributors: Michelle M. White, Book Designer (Women Wisdom & Wellness)
• Healing Healthcare: Evidence-Based Strategies to Mend Our Broken System, by Sharon M. Weinstein and Dina Readinger (Amplify Publishing Group)
• Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work, by Susan Ni Chriodain (Practical Inspiration Publishing)
• The Emotional Overdraft: 10 simple changes for balancing business success and wellbeing, by Andy Brown (Practical Inspiration Publishing)
• Whole-Food, Plant-Based Meal Planning: Transition into a Health Transformation, by Lois Lynn; Other Contributors: Joel Fuhrman, MD, Foreward (Self-Published)

HISTORICAL (FICTION) (PRE 1900'S)

WINNER ($100):

• From Tickhill, 1348, by Pamela Taylor (Black Rose Writing)

FINALISTS:

• Arden: The astonishing untold story of Shakespeare's first play, by GD Harper (Ginger Cat)
• Asayi: An Autistic Teen's Journey to Topple a Shogun in Medieval Japan, by Sharon Curcio, Illustrated by Craig Gundry (Self-Published)
• Blue Hawk, by Chloe Turner (Deixis Press)
• Caravan of Specters, by Carlos García Saúl (St. Petersburg Press)
• Daughters of Green Mountain Gap, by Teri M Brown (Atmosphere Press)
• Discretion is Valor: A Novel of Factual History Pertaining to the Chihenne and Mescalero Apache, by J Hoolihan Clayton (Dog Soldier Press)
• Divinity Undone, by Michelle Elliott (Self-Published)

HISTORICAL (FICTION) (1900'S)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Boys, by Roger Newman, Edited by Koehler Books Publishing (KoehlerBooks)
• Retreat from the Precipice, by Duke Southard (Wheatmark)

FINALISTS:

• Never Just Anybody...Alice's Story, by Barbara McCarthy (Olympia)
• Scatterings, by Elena Storer (Loma Chiquita Press)
• Stumbling Stones, by Bonnie Suchman (Black Rose Writing)
• Swim: The Astonishing Tale of Lucy Morton, by Lisa Brace, Edited by Ian Skewis (Blue Pier Books)
• The Last Whaler, by Cynthia Reeves (Regal House Publishing)
• The Martha Odyssey, by Bonny Gable, Edited by Skye Lloyd; Other Contributors: Patricia Marshall, Publisher Owner/Editor (Luminare Press)
• The Paperboy and The Spinster, by Gustaf Berger (Self-Published)

HISTORICAL (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Disturbing the Sleeping Buffalo: 23 Unexpected Stories that Awaken Montana's Past, by Sally Thompson (Farcountry Press)

FINALISTS:

• Looking for Legends: Let Us Take You Somewhere You've Never Been Before, and Introduce You to Our Friends, by Barbara Scott and Thomas Tarantino; Other Contributors: Erin Greb, Cartography and Drawings; John Lotte, Cover and Interior Design (Whole Wide World Publishing)
• No Ordinary Journey: Stories of Men on the Overland Trails, by Mary Barmeyer O'Brien (Farcountry Press)
• Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town - A Memoir, by Ana Hebra Flaster (She Writes Press)
• The Way It Used To Be, by Diane Solie Smith, Edited by Bradford D. Smith (Fathom Publishing)
• Wake Island Wildcat: A Marine Fighter Pilot's Epic Battle at the Beginning of World War II, by William L. Ramsey (Stackpole Books)

HORROR

WINNER ($100):

• False Bodies, by J.R McConvey (Breakwater Books Ltd.)

FINALISTS:

• Rest Stop, by Nat Cassidy (Shortwave Publishing)
• Tab's Terrible Third Eye, by Isaac Thorne (Lost Hollow Books)
• The Eater of Flies, by Richard Gadz (Deixis Press)
• The Inhabitants, by Beth Castrodale (Regal House Publishing)
• Whispers of Apple Blossoms, by Brett Mitchell Kent, Edited by Steve Berman (Lethe Press)

HUMOR/COMEDY

WINNER ($100):

• Everything Happens to Me, by Peter Cherches (Pelekinesis)

FINALISTS:

• A Good Day and Other (Mostly) Humorous Stories and Lists, by Radu Guiasu (FriesenPress)
• GETTING SAUCED: How I Learned Everything I Know About Food from Working in TV, by Karen S. Katz (Morgan James Publishing)
• I FAILED: A Hilarious and Cautionary Tale About Entrepreneurship, by Whitney Linscott, Edited by Erika Smith; Other Contributors: Amber Rose (Self-Published)
• Max and the Musicians, by Jack Cazal, Edited by Debra Riggle (MeadwoodCreative)
• Space Rabbit's Secret Notebook of Human Behavior, by Kun-I Chang & Shih-Wen Lin, Edited by Shih-Wen Lin, Illustrated by Kun-I Chang (Self-Published)

ILLUSTRATIONS

WINNER ($100):

• Conversations with Psyche: A Dreamer's Guide to Soul-Stirring Creativity, by Victoria Rabinowe, Illustrated by Victoria Rabinowe (Bright Shadow Press)

FINALISTS:

• Flowers, Plants and Fascinating Facts / Maua, Mimea na Ukweli wa Kuvutia: Bilingual English-Kiswahili, by Gloria D. Gonsalves, Illustrated by Gloria D. Gonsalves (AuthorHouse UK)
• H.P. Lovecraft's Commonplace Book: Weirdly Illustrated, by H.P. Lovecraft, Illustrated by Michael Bukowski (Lethe Press)
• Silent Night, by S. Ichiro Hayashi, Illustrated by Sean Ichiro Hayashi (Stallion Studio)
• Space Rabbit's Secret Notebook of Human Behavior, by Kun-I Chang & Shih-Wen Lin, Edited by Shih-Wen Lin, Illustrated by Kun-I Chang (Self-Published)
• Spirit of Place: Snapshots of travels through poetry and images, by Helen Rosemary Wood, Illustrated by Helen Rosemary Wood and Bernadette Harrison (Self-Published)

INSPIRATIONAL (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Time and the Tree: A Novel, by Róisín Sorahan (Imbolc Books)

FINALISTS:

• Ahoti: A Story of Tamar, by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh, Eva Marie Everson, Edited by Robert Edmonson (Paraclete Press)
• Boy With Wings, by Mark Mustian (Koehler Books)
• The Making of BRIO McPRIDE, by R.A.Ruegg (Aventus / LMI)
• The Sower of Black Field: Inspired by the True Story of an American in Nazi Germany, by Katherine Koch (Mindstir Media)
• This, by Lazaros Zigomanis, Edited by Anna Solding, Gillian Hagenus (MidnightSun Publishing)

INSPIRATIONAL (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• YOUR LIFEPATH: How to Make Each Stage of Your Life Exceptional, by Neal Engstrom (Foothills Media Group LLC)

FINALISTS:

• Be BOLD Today: Unleash Your Potential, Master Your Mindset and Achieve Success, by Leigh Burgess, Edited by Elizabeth Dougherty; Other Contributors: Bonnie Wan, Foreward; Mayah Burgess, Afterword (The Collective Book Studio)
• Elk Love: A Montana Memoir, by Lynne Spriggs O'Connor (She Writes Press)
• Exquisitely Aligned: A Pocket Guide to Your Magnificent Future, by Gina Maier Vincent (World Changers Media)
• Re-story, Restore, Restart: Leave Limiting Beliefs Behind and Move Forward, by Koralia Timotheou (Rethink Press)
• Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future, by Simon T Bailey, Edited by Dr. Larry Keefauver, Caroline Barthalomew, Illustrated by Kendra Cagle (Amplify Publishing)

LGBTQ+ (LESBIAN/GAY/BISEXUAL/TRANSGENDER/QUEER+)

WINNER ($100):

• Istanbul Crossing, by Timothy Jay Smith, Edited by Fiction Factory and Leapfrog Press (Leapfrog Press)

FINALISTS:

• Adrift, by Sam Ledel, Edited by Barbara Ann Wright (Bold Strokes Books)
• Because She Was Called: From Broken to Bold Book 2: A Novel of the Early Church, by Elaine Ricker Kelly, Edited by Foreword Reviews, Illustrated by Paul Schultz (KDP)
• Excuse Me Sir! Memoir of a Butch, by Shaley Howard (Good Dog Productions)
• Memoir of a Mangled Mind: How Concealing My Dissociative Identity Disorder Unleashed Multiple Personalities, by Steven Simmons Shelton, MA, JD (Self-Published)
• The Ballad of Robin and King Richard, by Artúr Faye, Edited by Gabriella D'Aloia (BNF Publishing House LLC)
• The Making of BRIO McPRIDE, by R.A.Ruegg (Aventus / LMI)

LIFESTYLE/HOME/HOW TO

WINNER ($100):

• Pump or Bust: A New Mama's Guide to Office Politics, Breast Health, and Pumping on the Road! by Karlee Vincent (Praeclarus Press)

FINALISTS:

• Buddha's Closet, Cleaning as a Path to Enlightenment, by Kerri Scott, Edited by Stephanie Gunning (Kerri Scott Books)
• Quiet Hour: Easy Ways to Reduce Stress and Relax in Nature, by Heather Chase and Ken Beller (LTS Press)
• Re-story, Restore, Restart: Leave Limiting Beliefs Behind and Move Forward, by Koralia Timotheou (Rethink Press)
• The Non-Obvious Guide to Drawing Your Future: Solve Problems, Explain Ideas, Sell Anything, by Patti Dobrowolski (Ideapress Publishing)
• The Oratory Project: Unlocking Effective Communication in a Rapidly Evolving World, by Matt Eventoff (Speak with Style Books)

MEMOIRS (CAREER)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Can't Tame a Mongoose: Memoir of a Genomics Entrepreneur, by Stan Rose, PhD, Edited by Girl Friday Productions, Jennifer Bradshaw, Matthew Patin (Miles Pond Press)
• The Fine Art of Camouflage, by Lauren Kay Johnson (MilSpeak Books)

FINALISTS:

• A Very Narrow Bridge: Reflections of a Psychologist, by Rickey Miller (Self-Published)
• Go Far, Give Back, Live Greek: A Memoir, by George E. Danis (Amplify Publishing Group)
• Overcoming Ordinary Obstacles: Boldly Claiming the Facets of an Extraordinary Life, by Nesha Pai (SPARK Publications)
• Remembery, by Elizabeth K Geary, PhD (Book Baby)
• Stable: A Therapist and the Healing Nature of Horses, by Emily Swisher, Edited by Britt Collins (Self-Published)
• True Hospitality: Lessons Learned from Behind the Concierge Desk, by Jamie Cooperstein (GFB)

MEMOIRS (HISTORICAL/LEGACY)

WINNER ($100):

• My Grandfather's Clocks: The True Story of a Grandson's Search for an American Inventor's Lost Collection, by Gregory Gerard Allison (The Big Brick Review)

FINALISTS:

• Dr. Beare's Daughter: Growing Up Adopted, Adored, and Afraid, by Janice Jones (Lou-Jan Press)
• Looking Back At Ninety, by Daniel Tyler (Spring Cedars LLC)
• Moving Mountains: Creating the Nurse Practitioner and Rural EMS, by Marie Osborn ARNP and John Osborn MD (Caxton Press)
• Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town - A Memoir, by Ana Hebra Flaster (She Writes Press)
• The Ghosts on the Wall: A Grandson's Memoir of the Holocaust, by Kenneth D. Wald (Amsterdam Publishers)

MEMOIRS (OTHER)

WINNER ($100):

• From Elephants to Ethiopia: Travels in Africa, by Dorothy Podmore (Amazon)

FINALISTS:

• All You'll See is Sky: Resetting a Marriage on an Adventure Through Africa, by Janet A Wilson (She Writes Press)
• Autumn Faith...An Unexpected Blessing, by Gracie Lynne (Self-Published)
• Dog Love Stories: The Canines Who Changed Me, by Patricia Eagle, Edited by Sharon Fabriz, Jean Alger, Illustrated by Tom Laetz (She Writes Press)
• In the Wake: An 80 Day Canoe Odyssey Into Canada's Northern Wilderness, by James McNamara (Tumpline Books)
• Scattershot: My Journey from the Projects to Paris to Rodeo Drive, by Larry Chrysler (Acorn Publishing)
• We Ran Away to Sea: A Memoir and Letters, by George Kent Kedl and Pamela Thompson Kedl; Other Contributors: Linnea Hendrickson (Jacana Press)

MEMOIRS (OVERCOMING ADVERSITY/TRAGEDY)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Severed Sacredness: The Miraculous Journey of Jessie Boone, by Lisa Boone, Edited by Saved By Story Publishing (Saved by Story Publishing)
• Teachings From State U: What I Learned In Prison, by Eric Henderson, Edited by Robin Shukle, Illustrated by Liz Mrofka (WhatIfPublishing.com)

FINALISTS:

• Beyond Terminal: Processing Childhood Trauma to Reclaim Self, by Megan Lindahl Goodrich, Edited by Angela Wiechmann (Wise Ink Creative Media)
• Counting Bones: Anatomy of Love, Lost and Found, by Ellen Anderson Penno, Edited by Merril Distad (NeWest Press)
• Paris Lost and Found, by Scott Dominic Carpenter (Travelers' Tales)
• The Village That Betrayed Its Children, by Karen Elizabeth Lee, Illustrated by Chanelle Poupart (AOS Publishing)
• What My Brother Knew, by Kristina Amelong (She Writes Press)

MEMOIRS (PERSONAL STRUGGLE/HEALTH ISSUES)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• An Impossible Life: A True Story of Hope and Mental Illness, by Rachael Siddoway and Sonja Wasden (A Possible Life, LLC)
• Suitcases from Heaven: A Mother's Journey of Hope Through Her Daughter-in-Laws Cancer, by Cindy Seaton Henson, Edited by Tisha Martin; Other Contributors: Charlene Katzenback (Redemption Press)

FINALISTS:

• Disintegrating Into Adulthood: My journey through the abyss of anorexia and alcoholism, and how I walked, and wrote, myself well, by Louise Wilhelmiene Hayes (Amazon KDP)
• Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser Essays, by Amy Wilson, Edited by Kathleen Harris (Zibby Publishing)
• Memoir of a Mangled Mind: How Concealing My Dissociative Identity Disorder Unleashed Multiple Personalities, by Steven Simmons Shelton, MA, JD (Self-Published)
• Slaying the Dragon: A South African Billionaire's Battle to Conquer Opioid Addiction, by Antonio Iozzo (Elite Online Publishing)
• The Miles We Run, by Alison Beder Solway (Tellwell Talent)
• TOO MUCH: The gripping true story of a woman driven to the brink, by Cindy Lee Neighbors, MD (CLN Publishing LLC)

MILITARY

WINNER ($100):

• Wings of Freedom: A Tribute to the Berlin Airlift | Flügel Der Freiheit - Eine Hommage an die Berliner Luftbrücke, by Bibi LeBlanc (Culture to Color)

FINALISTS:

• All Roads Lead to Rome: Searching for the End of My Father's War, by Bill Thorness (University of Nebraska Press)
• Boys, by Roger Newman, Edited by Koehler Books Publishing (KoehlerBooks)
• Central America in the Crosshairs of War: On the Road from Vietnam to Iraq, by Scott Wallace; Other Contributors: Christopher J. Dodd, Foreword (George F. Thompson Publishing)
• Pirates of the Slave Trade: the Battle of Cape Lopez and the Birth of an American Institution, by Angela C. Sutton, Edited by Jake Bonar (Prometheus Books)
• Sacrifice: The Final Chapter, by Ron Farina, Edited by Oren Litwin and Gayle Statman (Lagrange Books)

MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT

WINNER ($100):

• Conversations with Psyche: A Dreamer's Guide to Soul-Stirring Creativity, by Victoria Rabinowe, Illustrated by Victoria Rabinowe (Bright Shadow Press)

FINALISTS:

• Age Like a Yogi: A Heavenly Path to a Dazzling Third Act, by Victoria Moran (Monkfish Publishing)
• Breathe--Move--Learn With Young Children: 70 Activities in Mindfulness, Brain-Friendly Movement, and Social-Emotional Learning, by Marcia Lee Unnever (Brookes Publishing)
• Dear G_d, by Nancy W. (Outskirts Press)
• Shout It Out! Yoga Therapy for Emotional Resilience, by Loraine Rushton and Adele Vincent, Edited by Celeste Hulme, Illustrated by Andrew McIntosh (Little Steps Publishing)
• The Animal In The Mirror: Evolving Beyond Our Emotional Programming, by Arnie Benn (Quicycle Books)
• The Feminine Way: Reclaim Your Feminine Energy to Create a Life of Pleasure, Aliveness, and Vitality, by Amy Natalie Pamensky (WorldChangers Media)
• The Ripple Effect: Healing Ourselves, Healing Our Planet, by Andrea Revell, Edited by Becky H. Hilliker (Koehler Books)

MOTIVATIONAL

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future, by Simon T Bailey, Edited by Dr. Larry Keefauver, Caroline Barthalomew, Illustrated by Kendra Cagle (Amplify Publishing)
• Trapped! The Responsible Man's Guide to Personal Freedom and Happiness, by Nathan Joblin (Modern Wisdom Press)

FINALISTS:

• Grief Sucks (But Your Life Doesn't Have To), by Brooke Carlock (Mourning Coffee Press)
• Non-Obvious Thinking: How to See What Others Miss, by Rohit Bhargava and Ben duPont, Illustrated by Scott Ward (Ideapress Publishing)
• Soothing Stories for Grown-up Hearts: When I Know My Worth..., by Laura Linn Knight, Illustrated by Paola Cifuentes (Self-Published)
• Soothing Stories for Grown-up Hearts: When I Remember..., by Laura Linn Knight, Illustrated by Juan Pablo Caceres (Self-Published)
• Sunbeams Through Blankets: An Inspirational Guide to Surviving Familial Sex Trafficking, by Adira James (Adira James Enterprises)
• Unrecognizable: There's No Going Back, by Liv Vienne (Liv Vie Books)

MULTICULTURAL (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Told Ya! Stories, by Peta-Gaye Nash, Edited by Cheryl Antao-Xavier, Nina Munteanu (Tamarind Tree Books)

FINALISTS:

• Cinnamon Beach, by Suzanne Kamata (Wyatt-Mackenzie Publishing)
• Malipolitan, by Christopher Dainton (Self-Published)
• Mother of Red Mountains: A Novel of a Woman's Journey Through Revolutionary China, by Apple An (Voices Heard Publishing, LLC)
• Pescadero: A Novel, by Hollis Brady (Palo Alto Publishing)
• The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel, by Evy Journey, Edited by David Rose (Self-Published)

MYSTERY

WINNER ($100):

• A Place for Good and Evil (An Old City Mystery), by Stacey Horan (Ghost Bridge Press)

FINALISTS:

• Beyond Hate, by Michael McGrath (Self-Published)
• Last I Saw Him: An Amoret Novel, by Arthur Herbert (Walkabout Press LLC)
• Molly's Milestone, by Marlys Beider (Wheatmark)
• Those Who Live, by Bonnie MacDougall (Austin McCauley)
• Your Move. The Girl in the Park, by Warwick Wood (Tellwell)

NEW AGE

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• The Western Mysteries Revealed - Volume 1 - Kabbalah Unveiled, by Imre Vallyon (Sounding-Light Publishing)
• The Western Mysteries Revealed - Volume 2 - Esoteric Tarot, by Imre Vallyon (Sounding-Light Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Empathic Evolution: An Invitation from the Council of We, by Jennifer Elizabeth Moore, Edited by Amy Hanish, Nikki Starcat Shields, Illustrated by Jennifer Elizabeth Moore (Des'Tai Press - A division of Modern Medicine Lady LLC)
• Magdalene's Journey, Mary Magdalene's Untold Story & Teachings, by Renee Blodgett, Anthony Compagnone, Illustrated by Dunja Kacic-Alesic (Blue Soul Publishing)
• Spirit Animals of the Star Signs (SPIRIT ANIMALS AND ASTROLOGY): Power Animals of the Zodiac, by Grace Gabriella Puskas (Self-Published)
• The New Energy Guide To Numerology, by Jeanne Prosser, Edited by Rochelle McDonnell (Picardie Press - Carolyn McAndrew)
• Waking Up in Heaven: Living with Purpose through Afterlife Wisdom, by Ellen Wier (Fearless Books)
• Wild & Wise Witch: Daily Meditations to Open Your Path, by Terri Clifton & Bev Adamo; Other Contributors: Richard Clifton, Cover Art; Crystal Heidel, Book Design and Cover Layout (Wild & Wise Women)

NOVELLA (UNDER 40,000 WORDS)

WINNER ($100):

• The Bayrose Files, by Diane Wald (Regal House Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Featherless, by A.G. Mojtabai (Slant)
• In Her Mind a Darkness, by L.S. Johnson, Edited by Katrina Roets, Illustrated by Alex Eckman-Lawn (Traversing Z Press)
• Losing is Democratic: How to Talk to Kids About January 6th, by Kitty Felde (Chesapeake Press)
• The Cracked Potter, by Izzy Abrahmson (Light Publications)
• The Lemon Golf Diary: An Adventure of Imagination with a Neurodivergent Heroine, by Christine Foster (Buddha Press)

PARANORMAL

WINNER ($100):

• Unremembered, by Christine Mager Wevik (Burlwood Press/KDP)

FINALISTS:

• Forever Boy, by Michael J Bowler, Edited by Loretta Sylvestre, Illustrated by Sanusi Emmanuel (Self-Published)
• The Aurora Revelations: A Paranormal Mystery Novel, by Michael Walker (BookBaby)
• The Death of Clara Willenheim, by Charlotte M. Lesemann, Edited by Angela Brown (The Gothic Literary Society, LLC.)
• The First Time I Saw Her, by Jae Mazer (HellBound Books)
• Trailing Darkness (Savior of the Light Book 1), by A. L. Gordon, Edited by Dr. Michael with FirstEditing (Self-Published)

PARENTING/FAMILY (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Back Pocket for Parents: Tools to Help Nurture Their Teens' Mental Health, by Shaney Andler, Edited by Brooke White; Other Contributors: Martha Bullen (Back Pocket Books)

FINALISTS:

• Anxious Children in an Anxious World: Facing Fears and Finding Brave, by Dr. Mary O'Kane (Self-Published)
• Back Pocket: Tools for Teens to Nurture Their Mental Health, by Shaney Andler, Edited by Brooke White; Other Contributors: Martha Bullen (Gatekeeper Press)
• Pathbreaker Parenting: New Conversations to Engage Your Teen and Empower Self-Directed Thriving, by Seth Marlowe (SPARK Publications)
• Raising Badass Kids: The Savvy Parents' Guide to Predator-Proofing Tweens & Teens, by CJ Scarlet (Hybrid Global Publishing)
• What's Eating Our Kids? A Parent's Guide to Food Allergy, Intolerance, and Toxicity, by Julie A. Wendt (Julie A. Wendt, MD, PLLC)

POETRY

WINNER ($100):

• Journey Beyond the Veil: Awakening the Heart to Love, by Wanda W. Jerome, Illustrated by Jasmine Tritten; Other Contributors: Ric Speed, Project Manager (Kindle Direct Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• A Tender and Wildfire Body, by Lauren Eve (Self-Published)
• Emerging Through the Shadows: The Journey of a Writer - poetry & musings, by A. N. Tipton, Edited by Janna Lopez (A. N. Tipton)
• Heartbreak Love: Guided Poetry Journal, by Ricky Liorti (Life To Paper)
• Orphic Wonder, by KB Eliza (Ponderings Publications)
• Sonnets to Orpheus, by Rainer Maria Rilke, translated by Mark S. Burrows (Monkfish Publishing)

REGIONAL (FICTION)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Boys, by Roger Newman, Edited by Koehler Books Publishing (KoehlerBooks)
• The Paperboy and The Spinster, by Gustaf Berger (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Caravan of Specters, by Carlos García Saúl (St. Petersburg Press)
• Shyla's Initiative, by Barbara Casey (Speaking Volumes Publishing)
• The Last Whaler, by Cynthia Reeves (Regal House Publishing)
• The Light Of Faded Stars, by Francis-Adrien Morneault, Edited by Lori Ferren, Illustrated by Marie-Line Morneault (FriesenPress)
• The Rodeo Road, by Johny Weber (Hildebrand Books an imprint of W. Brand Publishing)
• Water Finds a Way, by Meghan Perry (Delphinium Books)
• We Shall Not All Sleep, by Tony Woodlief (Slant)

REGIONAL (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Behind The Door: Profiles of a Peninsula, by Kevin O'Donnell, Edited by Paul Brophy (Glenham Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways: First State, Solid-State, by Dave Tabler, Edited by Regina Higgins (Self-Published)
• Exploring Wine Regions - México, Discovering México's Quality Wines and Phenomenal Cuisine, by Michael C. Higgins, PhD, Edited by Editor: Danielle Ballantyne; Other Contributors: Photographer: Michael C. Higgins, PhD (International Exploration Society)
• Made in California Volume 2, by George Geary, Edited by Amanda Chiu Krohn, Illustrated by Amy Inouye (Prospect Park Books an Imprint of Turner Publishers)
• The Landers: Biography of a Theater, by Kara DeBacker (Pearson Creek Publishing)
• Threshold to Valley Forge: The Six Days of the Gulph Mills Encampment, by Sheilah D. Vance (Brookline Books)

RELATIONSHIPS (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Prioritize Us: Unlock Lasting Love with One Simple, Proven Test, by Nick Brancato (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Fire It Up: Four Secrets to Reigniting Intimacy and Joy in Your Relationship, by Carolyn Sharp (Flashpoint)
• How We Choose to Show Up: Nature's Playbook for Creating a Meaningful Life and the World We Want, by Marcy Axelrod (Amplify Books)
• I Am The Real Runaway Bride: Hope and Encouragement As You Wait For The Right One, by Debbie Engle, Edited by Misti Moyer; Other Contributors: Tamara Drever (Leaf Chaser Books)
• Inside Voices: A Prison Choir, My Mother, and Me, by Amy Kolen (Ice Cube Press, LLC)
• The Good Daughter Syndrome: Help for Empathic Daughters of Narcissistic, Borderline, or Difficult Mothers Trapped in the Role of the Good Daughter, by Katherine Fabrizio (Makers Mark Press)

RELIGIOUS (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• The Sower of Black Field: Inspired by the True Story of an American in Nazi Germany, by Katherine Koch (Mindstir Media)

FINALISTS:

• Color of Ash, by Abigail L. Wilkes, Edited by Mary Johnson (Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)
• Magdalene's Journey, Mary Magdalene's Untold Story & Teachings, by Renee Blodgett, Anthony Compagnone, Illustrated by Dunja Kacic-Alesic (Blue Soul Publishing)
• Today In Paradise, by Andrew Corin, Edited by Alana Cooke, Illustrated by Duane Moyle, Dean Ellery; Other Contributors: Andrew Killick (Cornerstone Ventures New Zealand)
• When Jesus Calls, by Martha Gayle (Faith Is Believing)
• When Jesus Leads - A Sequel to When Jesus Calls, by Martha Gayle (Faith Is Believing)

ROMANCE (FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Comes in Waves, by Ana Hartnett, Edited by Barbara Ann Wright (Bold Strokes Books)

FINALISTS:

• Attraction & Repulsion, by Maloree E Anderson, Edited by Avocado Tree Press, Simply Spellbound Edits (Self-Published)
• Finding Maisy, by K.D. Elledge, Edited by Maryssa Gordon (Emerald Moon Publishing)
• Lady Wallflower in Love, by Emma G. Sutton (GS Books)
• Love and Horror Movies: A Novel, by Jordy Charles (Self-Published)
• The Game: A Hot Friends to Lovers Romance (The Techboys Series), by Eve M Riley (Snugrox)

ROMANTASY

WINNER ($100):

• A Dagger in the Ivy, by Dorothy Dreyer, Edited by Amy McNulty (Crimson Fox Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash (Kingdom of Gods Series, Book1), by J.F.Johns (independent publisher)
• A Trial of Fate, by J.E. Larson, Edited by Jen Boles; Other Contributors: Cheriefox Design- Cover Art (Self-Published)
• Forged of Immortal Blood, by V. M. Nelson, Edited by Developmental Editor: Courtney Andersson, Copy Editor: Lara Kennedy, Illustrated by Alrun Maget (VMNelson Books LLC)
• Stormvalor, by Starr Z. Davies, Illustrated by Kateryna Vitkovskaya (Character Assassin Books)
• The Pirate Queen's Revenge, by Dani Hall (Self-Published)

SCIENCE FICTION (OFF EARTH)

WINNER ($100):

• Mushroom Blues, by Adrian M. Gibson (Self-Published with The Kinoko Book Co.)

FINALISTS:

• Comets of Omen: The Presser Arc, by Charles Weindorf (Mudsox Publishing)
• L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 40, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Jody Lynn Nye, Illustrated by Dan dos Santos (Galaxy Press)
• Light in the Abyss, by Bennett R Coles (Promontory Press)
• Moon Dust in My Hairnet, by JR Creaden (Mythic Roads Press)
• The Secret Order of the Scepter & Gavel, by Nicholas Ponticello (Self-Published)

SCIENCE FICTION (ON EARTH)

WINNER ($100):

• Glimpses: A collection of 100 flash fiction stories that start out very short, by Frances Goodey, Edited by Lisa Toia; Other Contributors: Cover image by Suzy Connelly (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 40, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Jody Lynn Nye, Illustrated by Dan dos Santos (Galaxy Press)
• Olympus Bound, by Zoë Routh, Edited by Darren Nash (Inner Compass Australia Pty Ltd)
• The Passing Fracture, by Uriah Ward (Kindle Direct Publishing)
• The Tongue Trade, by Michael J. Martineck (EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing)
• Unnaturally Selected, by Deo Rey (Self-Published)

SCIENCE/NATURE/ENVIRONMENT

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Space for Birds: Patterns and Parallels of Beauty and Flight, by Dr. Roberta L. Bondar (Figure 1 Publishing)
• Three Hearts: An Anthology of Cephalopod Poetry, by Sierra Nelson, Edited by Sierra Nelson; Other Contributors: Multiple Contributing Authors (World Enough Writers)

FINALISTS:

• Acorn Adventures, by Shane Svorec, Edited by Jill Armijo, Illustrated by Vivien Sarkany (SGS Consultants)
• Mission Out of Control, by Dr. Charles J. Camarda (Headline Books)
• Paddling into a Natural Balance: Stories of Kayaking and Conservation Around Channel Islands National Park, by Chuck Graham (Self-Published)
• Preserving Our Sacred Lands: Where the Wolves Still Howl, Warblers Sing, and Whip-poor-wills Grace the Night Skies, by Jimmy Videle (Self-Published)
• The Bee Mother: Mothers of Xsan, Book 7, by Hetxw'ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson), Illustrated by Natasha Donovan (HighWater Press)

SECOND NOVEL

WINNER ($100):

• The Paperboy and The Spinster, by Gustaf Berger (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• Blindspot, by Maggie Smith (Puzzle Box Press)
• Blue Miracle, by Blair Harton, Edited by Sharon Honeycutt (Blair Harton Writes LLC)
• My Year of Casual Acquaintances, by Ruth F. Stevens (Black Rose Writing)
• The Carver and the Queen, by Emma C. Fox, Illustrated by Amy Grimes (Cover Artist) (Owl's Nest Publishers)
• We Are Human Still: a novel, by M. L. Bell (Kindle Direct Publishing)

SELF-HELP (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Inner Field Trip: 30 Days of Personal Exploration, Collective Liberation, and Generational Healing, by Leesa Renée Hall (Row House Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• An Impossible Life: A True Story of Hope and Mental Illness, by Rachael Siddoway and Sonja Wasden (A Possible Life, LLC)
• At Ease: The Guide to a Smooth and Successful Military Transition, by Emily King Grandinetta (Fullcourt Press)
• How to Age Gracefully: Essays about the Art of Living, by Barbara Scoblic (She Writes Press)
• On Healing: Finding Wholeness Beyond the Limits of Medicine, by Amitha Kalaichandran, Illustrated by Kaitlin Walsh (Heliotrope Books)
• Purposeful: Harnessing the Power of Meaning to Transform Self and Society, by Rodney L. Kelley (Self-Published)

SERIES (FICTION) MINIMUM THREE BOOKS, ONE MUST BE WITHIN CURRENT YEAR GUIDELINES

WINNER ($100):

• The Hook & Jill Saga, by Andrea Jones (Reginetta Press)

FINALISTS:

• Angelfyre, by Lydan Francis, Edited by Anya Rautenbach (Self-Published)
• Sunset Bay Series, by Crissi Langwell, Edited by Dear Jane Editing (North Coast Stories)
• The Cousins Series, by Jessica Levine (She Writes Press)
• The Nikki Garcia Mystery Series, by Kathryn Lane (Tortuga Publishing)
• Variety Tales: Aubrey's Dream, Brooks' Dream, Kaden's Dream, Maddox's Dream, by Jonathan Alexander, Beth Snider, Tamara Dever, Lorri Stanislav, Edited by TLC Book Design, Illustrated by Beth Snider (Self-Published)

SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS

WINNER ($100):

• The Calamity of Desire and Other Stories, by Judith Dancoff, Edited by Christen Kincaid (Finishing Line Press)

FINALISTS:

• Blue Runaways, by Jann Everard (Stonehewer Books)
• Not Down in Any Map, by P.A. Callaro (Epigraph)
• Short-term Parking: 65 Micro Stories, by Seth Edgarde (Blackbird Books)
• The Holy Ghost and Other Spooky Stories, by Bernie Brown (Gravelight Press)
• The Woman by the Lake: Stories of Life, by Jeff Ingber (Atmosphere Press)
• Told Ya! Stories, by Peta-Gaye Nash, Edited by Cheryl Antao-Xavier, Nina Munteanu (Tamarind Tree Books)

SOCIAL CHANGE

WINNER ($100):

• Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come From--And the Science-Backed Method to Unravel Them, by Anu Gupta (Hay House)

FINALISTS:

• It's Not (All) Your Fault: Self-Help and the Individualization of Oppression, by Sharon Podobnik (Manuscripts LLC)
• Out of Focus: Why Gen Z's Mental Health Crisis is More Complex Than You Think, by Aly Vredenburgh, Edited by Miki Wright (Aly Vredenburgh)
• South Korea: The Price of Efficiency and Success, Second Edition, by John Gonzalez and Young Lee, Illustrated by Enrique Arredondo (Self-Published)
• The Best Care for Those with the Least: An Empowering Guide to Bridge the Socioeconomic Gap in Medical Care, by Kristen Davis-Coelho, PhD (Platypus Publishing)
• The Empathy Evolution: Preventing Violence, Racism, Political Corruption, and Mental Illness by Creating More Caring People, by Ronald Goldman, PhD (Authors on Mission)
• The Transformative Power of the 3 C's: Growing Compassion, Creativity & Connection, by Bill C. Myers (Red Cardinals Flight Publishing, LLC)

SOCIAL JUSTICE

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• It's Not (All) Your Fault: Self-Help and the Individualization of Oppression, by Sharon Podobnik (Manuscripts LLC)
• The Warehouse: A Visual Primer on Mass Incarceration, by James Kilgore and Vic Liu, Illustrated by Vic Liu (PM Press)

FINALISTS:

• Becoming a Good Relative: Calling White Settlers Toward Truth, Healing, and Repair, by Hilary Giovale (Green Writers Press)
• Books through Bars: Stories from the Prison Books Movement, Edited by Moira Marquis and Dave "Mac" Marquis (University of Georgia Press)
• Exit Velocity: A Novel, by Barbara Gregorich (BookBaby/PhilBar)
• Immorality Act, by Berend Mets (The Book Guild Ltd)
• No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth, by Kate Grant (She Writes Press)

SPECIALTY/NOVELTY BOOK

WINNER ($100):

• Little Boos Feel the Groove, by Mark Waters, Edited by Andrea Reuter, Illustrated by Laura Borio (Hazy Dell Press)

FINALISTS:

• Folly Journal Issue 002, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Emily Makere Broadmore, Emily Goldthorpe, Ari Prakash, Illustrated by Multiple artists and illustrators; Other Contributors: Dana Turner, Deanne Rutherford, Tiana Jones, Sarah Bolland. (The Wellington Writers Studio)
• Heart Felt, Live From Your Heart, by Tricia Sybersma, Janice M Puta, Illustrated by HeartWorks Horses; Other Contributors: Rachel Rossano, Allesha Mitchelle (Tricia Sybersma)
• I Love My Community Kids Activity Book, by Tammy Gerhard, Illustrated by Hiruni Kariyawasam; Other Contributors: Chung Thai (Anavah Publishing)
• Light of My Life, Love on Your Journey, by L Leigh Love (Bridge-of-Light Publishing)
• Marco the Great and the Mystery of Phaseville, by SK Bennett, Edited by Carla DuPont, Illustrated by Rylee Heavner (MathBait)

SPIRITUALITY

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Broken Water: An Extraordinary True Story, by Barbara Lane (Barbara Lane, LLC)
• Summoned by the Earth: Becoming a Holy Vessel for Healing Our World, by Cynthia Jurs (Prospecta Press)

FINALISTS:

• Dismantling the 3rd Dimension: Transforming Our Trauma on the Road From Tribe to Collective, by Antonia, Edited by Michael Ireland, Illustrated by Kristen Wise, Antonia (Real Chimera Books)
• Enter These Gates: Meditations for the Days of Awe, by Alden Solovy (CCAR Press)
• Journey Beyond the Veil: Awakening the Heart to Love, by Wanda W. Jerome, Illustrated by Jasmine Tritten; Other Contributors: Ric Speed, Project Manager (Kindle Direct Publishing)
• Journey Into the Bhagavad Gita: A Guide to Exploring the Timeless Principles of Transcendental Knowledge and Integrating Them Into Your Life, by Hari-kirtana das (Jagat-Mangala Press)
• Magdalene's Journey, Mary Magdalene's Untold Story & Teachings, by Renee Blodgett, Anthony Compagnone, Illustrated by Dunja Kacic-Alesic (Blue Soul Publishing)
• The Place Beyond the Story: A Spiritual Adventure, by Bonnie Divina Maa, Edited by Kevin Cox (KDP)
• The Wisdom of the Hive: What Honeybees Can Teach Us about Collective Wellbeing, by Michelle Cassandra Johnson, Amy Burtaine; Other Contributors: Jacqueline Freeman, Foreword (Sounds True)

SUSPENSE

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio's Nativity, by Margaret Ann Philbrick, Edited by Allison Wells (Ambassador International)
• The Goldilocks Genome, by Elizabeth Reed Aden (Spark Press)

FINALISTS:

• A Cold, Cold World, by Elena Taylor (Severn House)
• Blindspot, by Maggie Smith (Puzzle Box Press)
• Exposed, by John Hocking and Janelle Parmer (Self-Published)
• Murder Outside the Box, by Saralyn Richard (Palm Circle Press, LLC)
• The Have-Nots, by William Dean (Lonely Whale Press)

THRILLER

WINNER ($100):

• Muddy the Water, by Jessica Barrows Beebe and Matt Barrows (Koehler Books)

FINALISTS:

• Bone Pendant Girls, by Terry S. Friedman, Edited by Helga Schier, Illustrated by Maryann Appel, David Goh, Enjoynz, George Peters, Vabadov, Val Iva, Yulia Plokhaya, Yulia Khvyshchuk; Other Contributors: Meredith Lyons (CamCat)
• Cheat, by David Benjamin (Last Kid Books)
• Numbers Don't Lie, by Jane Honeck (Archway Publishing)
• The Missing Peace, by Tom Joyce, Edited by Tom Joyce, Terry Irving, Illustrated by Tom Joyce; Other Contributors: Krystyna Srodulski, Holly Payne (Heretic Publications)
• The Shutdown List, by Sharon Dukett (SharKen Publishing)

TRAVEL/TRAVEL GUIDE

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• A Hard Walk through Solitude: Living Among Alaska's Volcanoes, by Gary Freeburg (George F. Thompson Publishing)
• Looking for Legends: Let Us Take You Somewhere You've Never Been Before, and Introduce You to Our Friends, by Barbara Scott and Thomas Tarantino; Other Contributors: Erin Greb, Cartography and Drawings; John Lotte, Cover and Interior Design (Whole Wide World Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Glacier Country: Montana's Glacier National Park, by R.C. Bert Gildart, David Alt, C.W. Buchholtz, and Bob Frauson (Farcountry Press)
• Paris Lost and Found, by Scott Dominic Carpenter (Travelers' Tales)
• The Travelling Ape: What Travelling (Nearly) Everywhere Taught Me about Humanity, Geopolitics, and Happiness, by Michael Mackay Richards (Fuzzy Flamingo)
• Walk With Me: A photographic journey throughout Italy, by Harry Giglio (Amazon)
• Wandering in American Deserts: Discovery, Visions, Redemption, by Multiple authors, Edited by Linda Watanabe McFerrin, Joanna Biggar, Laurie McAndish King (Wanderland Writers)

TRUE CRIME

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• Chained Birds: A True Crime Memoir of Justice, Survival, and Redemption Behind Bars, by Carla Conti, Edited by Rowena Carenen (WildBlue Press)
• The Velvet Hammer: Judge Belvin Perry, Jr.'s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir, by Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. and Amy Mitchell (Post Hill Press)

FINALISTS:

• CONVOLUTED: The 1972 Durham Family Triple Homicide, by Terry L. Harmon (Self-Published)
• Fred "Killer" Burke: The Hunt for the Most Dangerous Man Alive, by Chriss Lyon (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing)
• Girl, Uncoded: A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal, and Eventual Blessings, by Brandi Dredge (She Writes Press)
• Judicial Soup, by Shannon Bohrer (Loyola University Maryland's Apprentice House Press)
• Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy: Defending America's Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row, by Karen Conti (Black Lyon Publishing)
• Lies and Consequences: Covering The Trials of Kerry Max Cook, by Vanessa E. Curry, Illustrated by James Denk; Other Contributors: SPARKlers (SPARK Publications)
• Vanished in Vermillion, by Lou Raguse (Post Hill Press)

WOMEN'S ISSUES (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• Holocaust Heroines: Jewish Women Saving Jewish Children, by Beverley Chalmers (DSc (Med), PhD) and Dana Solomon (PhD) (Grosvenor House Publishers)

FINALISTS:

• Half Penny: A Memoir of Tangled Truths, by Lori L. Lee, Edited by Darcie Friesen Hossack, Illustrated by Tracy Hetherington (Self-Published)
• I Will Be the Woman He Loved, by Tania Romanov, Matthew Félix (Solificatio)
• Journey Beyond the Veil: Awakening the Heart to Love, by Wanda W. Jerome, Illustrated by Jasmine Tritten; Other Contributors: Ric Speed, Project Manager (Kindle Direct Publishing)
• No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth, by Kate Grant (She Writes Press)
• Where Are the Women? The Girl Scouts' Campaign for the First Statue of Women in Central Park, by Janice Hechter, Illustrated by Janice Hechter (Red Chair Press)

WOMEN'S LITERATURE (NON-FICTION)

WINNER ($100):

• It Was Her New York: True Stories and Snapshots, by C.O. Moed, Edited by Deb Heimann, Illustrated by C.O. Moed (Rootstock Publishing)

FINALISTS:

• Happiness is an Inside Job Playbook, by Ria Flanagan MA MFT, LISAC, CSAT, CMAT, Edited by Devin Flanagan, Illustrated by Ellia Marcum (Balboa Press)
• Sit, Cinderella, Sit: A Mostly True Memoir, by Lisa Cheek (She Writes Press)
• The Fine Art of Camouflage, by Lauren Kay Johnson (MilSpeak Books)
• The Gift of Sensitivity: the extraordinary power of emotional engagement in life and work, by Elena V. Amber; Other Contributors: Paul J. Zak, Foreword (Practical Inspiration Publisher (UK))
• Trail Magic: A Physician's Journey Through the Appalachian Mountains, by JoDean Nicolette (Choeofpleirn Press)

YOUNG ADULT (FICTION) (12 YEARS TO 16 YEARS)

WINNERS ($100): TIE

• The Stones of Burren Bay, by Emily De Angelis (Latitude 46)
• The Witchfinder's Serpent, by Rande Goodwin (Greenleaf Book Group)

FINALISTS:

• Marit Unsanctioned, by L. Ryan Storms, Edited by Sorchia DuBois (RaineStorms Press)
• Nathan's Journal: A Novel, by Thom Ring (Self-Published)
• Predestined, by Rachel Byrne (Humboldt Press)
• Stealing Time, by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs & Norman Birnbach, Edited by Michael Marano (Linden Tree Press)
• The Adventures of Henry and Eulalie, by Mushin Knott, Illustrated by Kalpart (Strategic Book Publishing)
• The Carver and the Queen, by Emma C. Fox, Illustrated by Amy Grimes (Cover Artist) (Owl's Nest Publishers)
• The Colors of Rain, by Abigail Hayven, Edited by Micaiah Keough, Victoria Lynn, Abigayle Claire (Glory Writers Press)

YOUNG AUTHOR (WRITTEN BY UNDER AGE 25)

WINNER ($100):

• Hiders, by Yimiao Wang, Illustrated by Yimiao Wang (Self-Published)

FINALISTS:

• A Symphony Of Words, by Siya Bhagat, Illustrated by Falgunni Shah (Vakils, Feffer and Simons Pvt Ltd)
• Duet Me Not, by Lilian Li (Self-Published)
• Growing up in Sydney, by Daniel Lo Surdo, Edited by Alex Munroe, Illustrated by Nick Low (Commercial Press)
• We Are Human Still: a novel, by M. L. Bell (Kindle Direct Publishing)
• Yesteryear's Wish, by Zixiao Yu (Amazon)

YOUNG NEW ADULT (FICTION) (17 YEARS AND UP)

WINNER ($100):

• The Stones of Burren Bay, by Emily De Angelis (Latitude 46)

FINALISTS:

• A Chance To Be Happy, by Kate Butler (Self-Published)
• A Lie for a Lie, by Jane Buckingham (Greenleaf Book Group)
• Blue Miracle, by Blair Harton, Edited by Sharon Honeycutt (Blair Harton Writes LLC)
• Secrets They Never Told, by Kayla Hicks (Beta Reader Connection)
• The Hedgehog of Fairy Glen, by Kayleigh Slone, Illustrated by Kayleigh Slone (Quill and Castle Books)
• The Maker of Worlds, by David Litwack, Edited by Lane Diamond; Other Contributors: Cover artrist: Kris Norris (Evolved Publishing)
• The Witchfinder's Sacrifice (Book 2 in The Witches of Windsor Series), by Rande Goodwini (Greenleaf Book Group)