Entries are now being accepted for the 2025 Awards
PREVIEW of 2024 Winners and Finalists
Open AllCATEGORY WINNERS AND FINALISTS
- ACTION/ADVENTURE (FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- On the Rails, by Rosemary & Larry Mild (Magic Island Literary Works)
FINALISTS:
- In the Lair of Legends, by David Buzan (Black Rose Writing)
- In Your Mind's Eye, by Gary Nanson (Defiance Press and Publishing)
- Rayna the Dragonslayer (A Time of Dragons Volume 1), by Cynthia Vespia (Original Cyn Content)
- The Conscripted Extremist, by A. Marc Ross (Boulevard Books)
- The Treasure Box, by Judith Silverthorne (Your Nickel's Worth Publishing)
- ACTIVITY BOOKS (ALL AGES)
-
WINNER ($100):
- My Hopi Skopi Book of Times Tables, by Sipiwe Sikwila, Edited by Mairi Bunce, Illustrated by Andrea du Plessis (Something Me Books)
FINALISTS:
- Desert Friends: Travels with the Pack (2nd Edition), by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick (Story Monsters Press)
- Hank the Tank Activity Book: 50+ Activities and Games for Decoding, Reading Comprehension, Writing, and Speech, by Carolee Dean (Word Travel Press, LLC)
- My Crumby Guide to Baking and Friendship Making, by Shannon Addison, Edited by Alexi Alfieri (Rising, Inc.)
- My Fingerpaint Masterpiece Coloring Book, by Sherrill S Cannon, Illustrated by Kalpart (SBP)
- Unleash - Free your mind, live fully & achieve your dreams, by Daniele Clarke, Edited by Ocean Reeve (Ocean Reeve)
- AFRICAN AMERICAN (FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way, by Jeffrey Blount (Beaufort Books)
FINALISTS:
- Carrie's Song, by Dale Marie Taylor (Narrativemagic Press Narrativemagic, LLC narrativemagic.com)
- Guilt, by Carter Taylor Seaton (Blackwater Press)
- Jus Breathe, by B. Lynn Carter (Between the Lines Publications)
- My Perfectly Imperfect Summer: Growing Up in the Age of Fireflies, by Sandra Brown Lindstedt, Illustrated by Robert Vallmark (Sandra Brown Lindstedt)
- The Things I Love, by Christina M. Carroll, Illustrated by Jenny Slife (The Orange Chair, LLC)
- AFRICAN AMERICAN (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Black On Madison Avenue, by Mark S. Robinson (Alliance Books)
FINALISTS:
- A Head of Cabbage, by Barbara Johnson (Balboa Publishers)
- Prisoners I Once Loved: A Memoir, by Nandi Sojourner Crosby (FreedomConscious Ink)
- The Black Reparations Project: A Handbook for Racial Justice, by Multiple Authors, Edited by William A. Darity Jr., A. Kirsten Mullen, Lucas Hubbard (University of California Press)
- The Great Boomsky: The Many Lives of Magic's First Black Superstar, by Margaret B. Steele (Floating Lady Publishing, LLC)
- The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights: The Untold Story of FDR's Concentration Camps, Censorship, and Mass Surveillance, by David T. Beito (Independent Institute)
- You Promised To Do No Harm: A True Story of Love, Loss, and the Horror of Healthcare Disparity for One African-American Family, by Jonnie Ramsey Brown (Lioncrest Publishing)
- AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY/CULTURE
-
WINNER ($100):
- Moments In Time - A Lineage Saga, by O'Shan Waters, Edited by Abusina Salahuddin and Julie Towne, Illustrated by Custom Images by Yuri Dikhtyar, Lai Sun Ip, and Kam Wing Lo; Other Contributors: Custom Cover Design by Germancreative - Lesia; Other Images from Canva; Formatting by Hamza Khan (Premiadia eLaunch, LLC)
FINALISTS:
- Black Hair in a White World, by Tameka N. Ellington (The Kent State University Press)
- Finding Marshalls: A Genealogy Trip with a Black and White Twist, by Kathy Lynne Marshall (Kanika Marshall Art & Books)
- Freedom's Tears, by Josie Olsvig (Koehler Publishing)
- From Hardship to Hope: Crossing the great divides of age, race, wealth, equity, and health, by Judith Gwinn Adrian & Jaylin M. Stueber, Illustrated by Phil Salamone (HenschelHAUS Publisher)
- Little Miss Linda - BAD Girls of Montgomery, by Linda J Holloway, Illustrated by Cameron Wilson (Keen Publishing Company)
- The Underground Railroad in Ohio, by Kathy Schulz (The History Press)
- ANIMALS/PETS
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Cotton-Top Tamarin's Most Hairific Day, by Terri Tatchell, Illustrated by Ivan Sulima (Fielding House Press)
- Whitetail Secrets: Bachelor Life, by Susan Lindsley (ThomasMax Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- Desert Friends: Travels with the Pack (2nd Edition), by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick (Story Monsters Press)
- Lia Kama Tembo, by L. N. O'Rourke, Edited by Rochelle McDonnell; Other Contributors: Carolyn McAndrew (Picardie Press)
- More Life as a Dog, by L.A. Davenport (P-Wave Press)
- Raising Naturally Healthy Pets: A Guide to Helping Your Pets Live Longer, by Judy Morgan DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT, Illustrated by Hue Grant (36 Paws Press)
- Romeo and Emilia: How one brave girl rose up from a wheelchair onto the back of a horse, by Roni McFadden (The Biscuit Press)
- Romeo The Friendly Wolf, A True Alaska Tale, by Nick Jans, Illustrated by Nick Jans; Other Contributors: Matt Knutson layout/design (Nick Jans)
- ANTHOLOGY
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Simultaneous Times Volume 3, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Jean-Paul L. Garnier, Illustrated by Austin Hart (Space Cowboy Books)
- The Greatest Burden The Greatest Blessing: Caregiving stories of hope, humility, and love, by Mark J. Resnick, Alan E. Rubel, Michael D. Tenaglia; Other Contributors: Forewords by Rasheda Ali-Walsh and one by Brett Miller (Self-Published - Mark J. Resnick Media)
FINALISTS:
- G.I. Days: An Anthology of Military Life, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Mary Senter (Milltown Press)
- Here's the Story ... Nine Women Write Their Lives, by multiple authors, Edited by Andrea Simon (Bedazzled Ink)
- Immigrant Voices in the Pandemic, by Domnica Radulescu & Roxana Cazan (Solis Press)
- Limitless: How 27 impact-driven leaders broke free of their pasts and claimed their power to shape the future, by Alok Appadurai (WorldChangers Media)
- Qualia Nous, Vol. 2, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Michael Bailey, Illustrated by Pat R. Steiner (Written Backwards)
- Woven Pathways, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Debbie White, Christina Allen, Evelyn Neil,, Illustrated by Kathy Schuit; Other Contributors: Rose Marie Kern, (Southwest Writers)
- ART
-
WINNER ($100):
- A Purple Architecture: Design in the Age of the Physical-Virtual Continuum, Edited by James F. Kerestes, Ebrahim Poustinchi, Vahid Vahdat (Carnegie Mellon University ETC Press)
FINALISTS:
- Apocrypha: The Art of Dennis Evans, by Matthew Kangas; Other Contributors: Patterson Sims (Utopian Heights Studios)
- Furnishing the White House: The Decorative Arts Collection, by Betty C. Monkman, William G. Allman, Lydia S. Tederick, Melissa C. Naulin (The White House Historical Association)
- Infertilities, a Curation, Edited by Robin Silbergleid, Maria Novotny, and Elizabeth Horn (Wayne State University Press)
- Lands, Real and Imagined: Women Artists Respond to the Art and Writings of Maria Graham (1785 - 1842), by Multiple Authors, Edited by Partricia Frick and Janice Glowski, Illustrated by Paula Bonet, Isabel Cauas, Leila Danziger, Francesca Genna, Kavita Shah; Other Contributors: Alberto Madrid, María Theresa Devia Lubet, Nicholas Hill; Jacob Strous (Graphic Design), Laura Eastment and Margarita Cárdenas (Translation) (The Frank Museum of Art)
- Picturesque Palestine, Sinai and Egypt: Artworks and Letters of John Douglas Woodward, 1878-1879, Edited by Sue Rainey (George F. Thompson Publishing)
- The Turpentine Diaries, by Marc Whitney, Edited by Jen Barkley through Reedsy, Illustrated by Marc Whitney; Other Contributors: Geoffrey Bunting book designer (Self-Published)
- AUTOBIOGRAPHY/BIOGRAPHY
-
WINNER ($100):
- Always Moving Forward: A memoir of friends, family, and building Humana, by David A. Jones with Bob Hill, Edited by David A. Jones, Jr., and Jill Johnson-Keeney; Other Contributors: Julia Comer, book designer (Old Stone Press)
FINALISTS:
- As the Rivers Merge: A Story of Love, War and Perseverance Across Continents, by Daniel Mamah (Fish Eagle Press)
- Murder on Federal Street: Tyrone Everett, the Black Mafia, Fixed Fights, and the Last Golden Age of Philadelphia Boxing, by Sean Nam, Illustrated by Sunjin Nam; Other Contributors: Carlos Acevedo, foreword writer (Rushcutters Bay Books)
- Spencer MacCallum Memories: Mystique-Mata Ortiz, by Charmayne Samuelson (Wood Duck Publishers)
- The Depth of Her Touch: A Biography of Svetlana Masgutova, PhD, Creator of the MNRI® Reflex Integration Program, by Kathryn Carr (Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute)
- The Politzer Saga, by Linda Ambrus Broenniman, Edited by Herta Feely, Chrysalis Editorial, Illustrated by Levente Toth and Beatrix Kiss (Bethesda Communications Group)
- BEST COVER DESIGN (FICTION)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Breathless: The Oxygen Apocalypse, by Scott Stoll, Illustrated by Scott Stoll (The Argonauts)
- Class of 78, by Karen Harmon, Edited by Sharon Bodner, Illustrated by Tellwell; Other Contributors: Sem Delima (Tellwell Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- A Shot at Justice, by Karla M. Jay (Book Circle Press)
- Animalia, by Shauna C Murphy (Coco Studios)
- Stolen, by V. M. Nelson, Edited by Courtney Andersson, Lara Kennedy, Liz Gilbeau; Other Contributors: Cover designer: Stefanie Saw at Seventhstar Arts (VMNelson Books, LLC)
- The Limestone Manor, by Jonny Thompson (Chantry Publishing House)
- The Wrong Life, by Judy Wood (Columbus Publishing Lab/Proving Press)
- There Is No Death in Finding Nemo, by Jeffrey Feingold, Edited by Steve Cawte, Impspired Press (Impspired Press)
- BEST COVER DESIGN (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Furnishing the White House: The Decorative Arts Collection, by Betty C. Monkman, William G. Allman, Lydia S. Tederick, Melissa C. Naulin (The White House Historical Association)
FINALISTS:
- Exodai: A Shockingly Honest Memoir of Love, Obsession and Torture, by Elizabeth Hendrick; Other Contributors: Cover Design by Tim Barber (Dissect Designs, UK) (Amazon KDP)
- Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope, by Jennifer Cramer-Miller (She Writes Press)
- Pomes: Writing Like There's No Tomorrow, by Douglas Lowry, Edited by Ralph W. Kuncl; Other Contributors: Cover designers: Gwen Rhoads and Marcia Lowry (Meliora Press, an imprint of University of Rochester Press)
- Shut Up and Feel: An Adult Picture Book on Emotions, by DJ Corchin, Illustrated by Dan Dougherty (The phazelFOZ Company, LLC)
- Turtle Wisdom: Coming Home to Yourself, by Donna DeNomme, Illustrated by Sue Lion; Other Contributors: Graphic Designer Sue Lion (Your Wisdom Story Publishing)
- You Promised To Do No Harm: A True Story of Love, Loss, and the Horror of Healthcare Disparity for One African-American Family, by Jonnie Ramsey Brown (Lioncrest Publishing)
- BEST OVERALL DESIGN (FICTION) (DIGITALLY SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)
-
WINNER ($100):
- You've Been Summoned: An Interactive Mystery, by Lindsey Lamar, Edited by Bella Clayton-Sherwood; Other Contributors: Cover Design: Jeff Miller (ex42)
FINALISTS:
- Chronicles of the Enchanted Vanguard: Seraphina and the Divine Mandate, by Luminescence Goh (Partridge Singapore)
- Clara's Magic Garden: Experience the Wonder of a Special Friendship that Transcends Time, by Scott J Kolbaba & Florin T Kolbaba, Illustrated by Dina Leuchovius (Onlinepublishers.net)
- Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264, by Sands Hetherington, Edited by Gail Kearns, Illustrated by Natalie Leininger; Other Contributors: Gail Kearns, project manager (Dune Buggy Press)
- Penelope's Peace Place, by Lolisa Marie Monroe, Illustrated by Young Adults in Ukraine (Self-Published)
- The Barbarian Princess, by Robert J. Ristino (Maine Authors Publishing)
- BEST OVERALL DESIGN (FICTION) (PRINT BOOK SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Healing Visions, by Meg Boscov; Other Contributors: Michelle Charles Barnes, Designer (Matter Press)
FINALISTS:
- 1895: A Novel of Love and War, by Jorge Casariego, Edited by Fred Aceves; Other Contributors: Joshua Frederick, Cover and Interior Designer (Jorge Casariego)
- A Codex For Gnostics: Deluxe Edition, by Obsidian Eagle, Illustrated by Obsidian Eagle (Word On A Wing Press)
- Be Still - A Mother's Lullaby, by Karla Bauer, Illustrated by Beth Snider (Shine On Music, LLC)
- Isle of Shadows: The Inky Trilogy, by Don Stansberry (Headline Books)
- The Airs of an Heir, by Stephanie Lane (Stephanie Lane)
- The Dark Verse, Vol. 5: Beneath the Crown of Chaos, by M. Amanuensis Sharkchild, Edited by Jane Mackay, Illustrated by John F. Stifter, Richard Luong, John Bivens (Armored Books)
- BEST OVERALL DESIGN (NON-FICTION) (DIGITALLY SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Lessons on the Road to Peace, by John Noltner (Self-Published)
FINALISTS:
- American Values, Religious Voices, Volume 2: Letters of Hope from People of Faith, by Andrea Weiss, Lisa Weinberger; Other Contributors: Lia C. Howard, Rebecca Tauber (University of Cincinnati Press)
- Everything Tesla: From How They Work to How Fast They Go and All the Fun In Between! by Aiden Miao, Eliana Miao, Edited by Alexander Cox; Other Contributors: Book Design-Sadie Thomas (LS Design) (Lightning Strikes Twice)
- Growing Gratitude, Welcome to Summer's Garden, by Tricia Sybersma, Illustrated by Rachel Rossano (CLM Publishing Cayman Islands)
- Love Stories & Bejeweled Snakes: Era to Era The Unofficial Concert Handbook, by Sheri L. Neilson, Edited by S J Task (Evidence Publishing)
- Smoke and Ash: Reflections on the 2021 Vernon B.C. Area Fires, by Virginia Dansereau, Sue Urquhart and Heather Clay; Other Contributors: Community members contributed photos, art, quotes and poetry (Virginia Dansereau)
- BEST OVERALL DESIGN (NON-FICTION) (PRINT BOOK SUBMITTED FOR JUDGING)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Apocrypha: The Art of Dennis Evans, by Matthew Kangas; Other Contributors: Patterson Sims (Utopian Heights Studios)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Five Decades of Landscapes, by Richard Mack, Edited by John Manos, Illustrated by Richard Mack; Other Contributors: Steve Kemp (Quiet Light Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- Always Moving Forward: A memoir of friends, family, and building Humana, by David A. Jones with Bob Hill, Edited by David A. Jones, Jr., and Jill Johnson-Keeney; Other Contributors: Julia Comer, book designer (Old Stone Press)
- Business Kung Fu: Modern Strategy | Ancient Truth, by Craig Cooke, Edited by Patti McKenna, Illustrated by Wesley Bryant & Patricia Oliva (Joint Venture Publishing, Blue Sky)
- Creative Flow: Tap and Express Your Juicy Essence, by Jenny Hahn, Illustrated by Jenny Hahn (Creative Nectar Publishing)
- Healing Visions, by Meg Boscov; Other Contributors: Michelle Charles Barnes, Designer (Matter Press)
- Redemptive Botany of the Bible, by J. Christopher McMichael, Illustrated by Marlin A. Peterson (on 4 original illustrations) (Petra Press Publishing)
- The Dayhiker's Guide to the National Parks, by Michael Joseph Oswald (Stone Road Press)
- BIPOC (BLACK, INDIGENOUS AND/OR PERSONS OF COLOR)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Dear Department Chair: Letters from Black Women Leaders to the Next Generation, Edited by Stephanie Y. Evans, Stephanie Shonekan, and Stephanie G. Adams (Wayne State University Press)
FINALISTS:
- Taino: A Novel, by Jose Barreiro (Fulcrum Publishing)
- Teaching the Invisible Race: Embodying a Pro-Asian American Lens in Schools, by Tony DelaRosa, Illustrated by Rubilly Wilson (Jossey-Bass Publishing)
- The Handbook of Racial Equity in Early Childhood Education, by Jen Neitzel, Ph.D., Ebonyse Mead, Ed.D. (Brookes Publishing Co.)
- The Ocean Inside Me - A Spiritual Memoir on Healing Racial Trauma, by R.G. Shore (Northwest Wisdom Publications)
- Untangling the Thread of Racism: A Primer for Pediatric Health Professionals, Edited by Maria Trent, MD, MPH, FSAHM, FAAP; Danielle G. Dooley, MD, MPhil, FAAP; and Jacqueline Dougé, MD, MPH, FAAP (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- With Love, from Planet B, by Zaayin Salaam MD, Edited by several (Gaia Publishing)
- BUSINESS
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Brain to Bank: How to Get Your Idea Out of Your Head and Cash In, by Dorine Rivers, PhD, PMP (Alpha 81 Publishing)
- Crossing The Swamp: My Path to Innovating as a Parallel Entrepreneur, by John Shen (Precocity Press)
FINALISTS:
- Business Kung Fu: Modern Strategy | Ancient Truth, by Craig Cooke, Edited by Patti McKenna, Illustrated by Wesley Bryant & Patricia Oliva (Joint Venture Publishing, Blue Sky)
- Hardwiring New Leadership Habits: Does Development Develop? by Dick Daniels (Ingram Spark)
- The Gumball Effect, by Gregory Newman, Thomas Newman, Illustrated by Anthony Richichi; Other Contributors: Vicki Addesso Dodd, Patrick Jankowski (Saratoga Springs Publishing)
- The Next Half Century, by Alan Nevin, Illustrated by David Ruppe, Christy Day (Global Economic Press)
- Together at the Top, by Dr. Josh Kornberg, Edited by Jeff Raderstrong; Other Contributors: Justin Patton (Independently published)
- Unleash Your Inner She-EO: Become the CEO of your Life and Achieve Success and Fulfillment, by Ivy Gilbert (Self-Published)
- Valuepreneurs - The New Rules for Building Products, Growing Your Business, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream, by Steve Waddell, MBA, PMP, Edited by Jason Pettus, Lia Ottaviano, Sam Wright; Other Contributors: FOREWORD - Chris Heivly, Co-Founder, MapQuest (RosenThor Publishing)
- CAREER
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Dare to Be Naive: How to Find Your True Self in a Noisy World, by Joshua Berry (Ideapress Publishing)
- The Doctor's Voice - Empowering Solutions to Physicians' Frustrations, Burnout, and Healthcare Inefficiencies, by Dr Pietro Emanuele Garbelli (Archway Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- Be Human, Lead Human: How to Connect People and Performance, by Jennifer Nash (Lioncrest)
- Beneath the Boom Pole: The Art & Science of Boom Operating for Movies & TV, by Patrushkha Mierzwa (Mark and Patrushkha, Inc.)
- Braving Creativity, Artists Who Turn the Scary, Thrilling, Messy Path of Change into Courageous Transformation, by Naomi Vladeck (New Degree Press/Manuscript, LLC)
- Business & Marketing Strategy For The Proactive Performer, by Kimberly Faye Greenberg (Headline Books)
- The 5-Day Job Search: Proven Strategies to Answering Tough Interview Questions & Getting Multiple Job Offers, by Annie Margarita Yang (Annie Yang Financial)
- The Trusted Learning Advisor, by Keith Keating (Kogan Page)
- CHICK LIT (FICTION)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Something Better, by Joanna Monahan, Edited by Blue Ink Press (Blue Ink Press, LLC)
- The Palace at Dusk: A Novel, by Angela Terry (Girl Friday Books)
FINALISTS:
- #TagMe for Murder, by Sarah E. Burr (Level Best Books)
- Class of 78, by Karen Harmon, Edited by Sharon Bodner, Illustrated by Tellwell; Other Contributors: Sem Delima (Tellwell Publishing)
- Love ad Lib, by Evie Alexander, Edited by Margaret Amatt, Illustrated by Matt Wellsted (Emlin Press)
- Love, Lydie, by Blair Harton, Edited by Sharon Honeycutt (Blair Harton Writes, LLC)
- Trial and Error: A Novel, by Lisa Denig, Illustrated by Steph Denig (Self-Published)
- CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL PICTURE BOOK (6 YEARS AND UP)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Angela & Lulingu: Two Gorillas, A World Apart, by Brenda Scott Royce, Edited by Carrie Hasler; Other Contributors: Photographer: Jamie Pham (Blue Sneaker Press)
FINALISTS:
- Are You A Mixed Race Human, by Carlos M Valverde, Edited by Malva Izquierdo, Illustrated by Resha Hanson (Coffee Seed Books Publishing)
- Handbook for Budding Little Gardeners - Complete Guide to Container Gardening with Children, by Jacqueline Koay, Illustrated by Ammu Abhirami (Cheese Plant Books)
- My Hopi Skopi Book of Times Tables, by Sipiwe Sikwila, Edited by Mairi Bunce, Illustrated by Andrea du Plessis (Something Me Books)
- Poppy Through the Paintings, by Julie Lucht, Illustrated by Dan McGeehan (Brown Books Publishing Group)
- The Rock Box, by Don McKay, Illustrated by Sally McKay (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)
- We Need Everyone, by Michael Redhead Champagne, Illustrated by Tiff Bartel (HighWater Press)
- CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK (0-5 YEARS)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Good Night, Good Night, Victoria Beach, by Rae St. Clair Bridgman, Illustrated by Rae St. Clair Bridgman (FriesenPress)
FINALISTS:
- Belong, by Jenna Bates, Illustrated by Natalie Blazhievska (EverLit Books)
- Mimi & the Gold Baton, by Cheryl Olsten (Fleecydale Press)
- Monkey-House Mouse and the Storytime Zoo, by Terri Tatchell, Illustrated by Tina Perko (Fielding House Press)
- The ForestGirls, at the Edge of Land and Sea, by Sissel Waage, Illustrated by Ana-Maria Cosma (Lulu Press)
- Tousled, by Rooney Lennon, Illustrated by Andy Catling (DeFlocked Books)
- Walking with the Sun, by Preethi Saravanakumar, Illustrated by Julia Duclos (Self-Published)
- World Languages for Kids: Phrases in 15 Different Languages, by Sachiko Otohata, Illustrated by Sachiko Otohata (Self-Published)
- CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK (NON-FICTION) (ALL AGES)
-
WINNER ($100):
- The Santa Book: A True Story, by Erin Eby, Edited by Jeff Nixon, Illustrated by Madison Harper (Santa Collective, LLC)
FINALISTS:
- Alithia Ramirez Was an Artist, by Violet Lemay, Illustrated by Violet Lemay (Brown Books Publishing Group)
- Included - A book for all children about inclusion, diversity, disability, equality and empathy, by Jayneen Sanders, Illustrated by Camilia Carrossine (Educate2Empower)
- My Dream Cat Penny, by Cynthia O'Brien, Illustrated by Vivien Wu (Cynthia O'Brien)
- Rocco at the White House Easter Egg Roll! by Rocco Smirne, Illustrated by John Hutton (The White House Historical Association)
- Siege of Herons - Collective Nouns Alphabetically, by Ramona Wildeman, Illustrated by Lou Dahl (Ramona Wildeman)
- We Both Speak English but, by Heather Bradley (FriesenPress)
- CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK #OWNVOICES
-
WINNER ($100):
- All Kinds of Kids, by Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson, Illustrated by Paul Meisel (Brown Books Publishing Group)
FINALISTS:
- A Tree for Me, by Tasha-Nicole Terani, Illustrated by Karine Makartichan (Tasha-Nicole Terani)
- Eddy Finds a Family, by Sarah McGeough, Illustrated by Stephanie Lidbetter (The Flamingo Family)
- Hanna the Hawk is a Super Youneek Beast: A Children's Book Featuring a Visually Impaired Character with a Service Animal that Explore the World Together, by Beth Davis, Illustrated by Beth Davis (Amazon & Ingram)
- Kintsugi and the Golden Butterfly, by Bee Webber, Edited by Bee Webber, Tad Ames, Illustrated by Tad Ames (The B Nest Studios)
- Meeru's Multan, by Dr. Miral Azam Khalil, Edited by Editorial by Amy Betz and Karen Dockrey, Illustrated by Benazir Khan Lodhi; Other Contributors: Translator: H. M. Talha Siddiqui, Design by Monica Thomas for TLC BookDesign (Kheloney INC)
- The Great Butter Hunt, by Sung Huh, Illustrated by Sung Huh (Self-Published)
- CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK ILLUSTRATION (BEST ILLUSTRATOR)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Kintsugi and the Golden Butterfly, by Bee Webber, Edited by Bee Webber, Tad Ames, Illustrated by Tad Ames (The B Nest Studios)
FINALISTS:
- Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep! by Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson, Illustrated by Nathalie Beauvois (Brown Books Publishing Group)
- Cotton-Top Tamarin's Most Hairific Day, by Terri Tatchell, Illustrated by Ivan Sulima (Fielding House Press)
- Georgie the Corgi's Insecurities, by Chesnie Nichols, Illustrated by Beth Snider; Other Contributors: Tamara Dever (Self-Published)
- Nipugtug, by Emma Metallic, Edited by Tara Solomon, Illustrated by Natalie Laurin (Kegedonce Press)
- The People Who Can't Meet You, by Matthew Gudernatch, Illustrated by Winona Kieslich (Owlie Productions, Inc.)
- You Stole My Name: The Curious Case of Animals with Shared Names, by Dennis McGregor, Edited by Olivia Voutour, Illustrated by Dennis McGregor (Blue Star Press)
- CHILDREN'S/JUVENILE (FICTION)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Brooke and Zelda Journal One: The Labyrinth, by Brian Donnelly, Illustrated by Brian Donnelly (Mythographer's Workshop, LLC)
- The Cedarville Shop and the Wheelbarrow Swap, by Bridget Krone, Illustrated by Karen Vermeulen (Catalyst Press)
FINALISTS:
- Calling Extra, by Kristina Romero (Romero Media)
- Kintsugi and the Golden Butterfly, by Bee Webber, Edited by Bee Webber, Tad Ames, Illustrated by Tad Ames (The B Nest Studios)
- Moraline, by Cintia Alfonso Fior, Illustrated by Caterina Baldi (Rising Advocates Press)
- Rain Falling on Embers, by Liana Gardner, Edited by Christopher Brooks (Vesuvian Books)
- The Faithful Dog, by Terry Lee Caruthers (Black Rose Writing)
- CHILDREN'S/JUVENILE (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Bass Reeves - Legendary Lawman of the Wild West, by Billie Holladay Skelley, Illustrated by James Paul Skelley (Crossing Time Press)
FINALISTS:
- ABCs of the World's Religions, by Rev. Vicki Michela Garlock, Ph.D., Illustrated by Raman Bhardwaj (Eaton Press)
- Everything Tesla: From How They Work to How Fast They Go and All the Fun In Between! by Aiden Miao, Eliana Miao, Edited by Alexander Cox; Other Contributors: Book Design-Sadie Thomas (LS Design) (Lightning Strikes Twice)
- Levi's Dream: A 1930 Trip to the National Parks in a Model A Ford...With Seven Children, by Linda Killinger, Marilee McAlpine, Kerry Killinger, Edited by David Wilk; Other Contributors: Book and Cover design, Alexia Garaventa (Prospecta Press)
- Me, My Selfie, and I: Discovering and Embracing a True Love of Self, by Lisa MacDonald (FriesenPress)
- Pebbles and the Biggest Number, by Joey Benun, Edited by Brooke Vitale, Illustrated by Laura Watson (Self-Published)
- The Rescue of Eddie & Elliott - A Bald Eaglet Adventure, by Keith Ross; Other Contributors: Shelly Ament (Keith's Frame of Mind)
- CHILDREN'S/JUVENILE EARLY READERS/CHAPTER BOOKS (FICTION)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- 9 Days of Piper Snow, by Daniella Blechner, Edited by Daniella Blechner, Illustrated by Victor Onyenobi (Conscious Dreams Publishing)
- Hats for Hailey, by Maryte Running, Illustrated by Kevin George (Tellwell)
FINALISTS:
- Asha and Baz Meet Elizebeth Friedman, by Caroline Fernandez, Illustrated by Dharmali Patel (Common Deer Press)
- Domino The Firedog, by Sandra Phoenix, Illustrated by Emily Dove Gross (Self-Published)
- Game Time: Alex and the Big Assist, by Meghan Hertzfeldt, Illustrated by Lindsay Leal (Rodney K. Press)
- Sienna, a Wizard & the Magical Mice, by Donald Schaeffer, Edited by 1106 Design, Illustrated by Zoe Ranucci (Circle Originals, LLC)
- Tyler Evans the Great, by Alison Lohans, Illustrated by Gretchen Ehrsam (Your Nickel's Worth Publishing)
- Unsinkable Sam, by Cheryl Kula, Illustrated by Daniela Frongia (Pen & Possum Productions, LLC)
- What A Mess Kid, by Kayla Leon, Illustrated by Nino Aptsiauri (Hasmark Publishing International)
- CHRISTIAN (FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- All Battles End at Sunset, by Jared Acuña (Hilt & Arrow)
FINALISTS:
- Outside of Grace, by Anna Daugherty (Black Rose Writing)
- The Pardon, by Rodney Powell (RealMedia.US)
- The Wayward, by Tabitha Caplinger, Edited by Liz Sheth, Christa Dolan (Blue Ink Press, LLC)
- This Life Of Mine, by Victoria Lynn, Edited by Micaiah Keough, Abigayle Claire, Illustrated by August L. Buehrer (Glory Writers Press)
- True Status, by Chuck Richardson, Edited by Mary W. Johnson, Cristel Phelps, Deb Haggerty (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc)
- CHRISTIAN (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Transplant: Bible Principles to Grow & Prosper with God, by Leah Cast (Outskirts Press)
FINALISTS:
- A Holy Haunting: Why faith isn't a leap but a series of staggers from one safe place to another, by Sam D. Kim (Morgan James Publishing)
- Are You Listening? A Guide to Recognizing and Responding to God's Voice, by Michelle Layer Rahal (Called Creatives Publishing)
- Redemptive Botany of the Bible, by J. Christopher McMichael, Illustrated by Marlin A. Peterson (on 4 original illustrations) (Petra Press Publishing)
- The Bellowing of Cain: HOPE for Those Who've Blown It, by Jeremy Gordon Grinnell, Edited by David Lambert (St. Asinus Publishing)
- The River of God's Presence, by Jeannine Rodriguez-Everard, Edited by Sara Wronko and Lauren Stinton Miltenberger, Illustrated by Julie McKnight; Other Contributors: Foreword by Dr. Peter Young (Images of Light Publishing, LLC)
- COFFEE TABLE BOOK/PHOTOGRAPHY
-
WINNER ($100):
- Layered Landscapes: The Photographic Art of Jenny Okun, by Jenny Okun, Illustrated by Jenny Okun; Other Contributors: introductions by Michael Webb , Craig Krull essays by Griff Rhys Jones, Thea Musgrave, Richard Sparks, Lee Holdridge, Kathy Lette, James Forrest, Annie Gatti, Steven Reich, Caleb Leech, Tania Compton, Gus Christie (ORO Editions)
FINALISTS:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Five Decades of Landscapes, by Richard Mack, Edited by John Manos, Illustrated by Richard Mack; Other Contributors: Steve Kemp (Quiet Light Publishing)
- Healing Visions, by Meg Boscov; Other Contributors: Michelle Charles Barnes, Designer (Matter Press)
- Impressions of Newfoundland: The Art of Ting Ting Chen, by Ting Ting Chen (Breakwater Books Ltd.)
- Pathways, by G.B. Smith (G Editions)
- Seeing It All: Women Photographers Expose Our Planet, by Rhonda Rubinstein (Goff Books)
- The Uyghurs: Kashgar before the Catastrophe, by Kevin Bubriski; Other Contributors: Tahir Hamut Izgil and Dru C. Gladney (George F. Thompson Publishing)
- Together is the Best Place to Be. Recollections and Recipes honoring Judy Byck, by Donna Eichholz, Edited by Janice Shay; Other Contributors: Photography by Claire Barrett (Donna Eichholz)
- COOKBOOKS/HEALTHY EATING/NUTRITION
-
WINNER ($100):
- Together is the Best Place to Be. Recollections and Recipes honoring Judy Byck, by Donna Eichholz, Edited by Janice Shay; Other Contributors: Photography by Claire Barrett (Donna Eichholz)
FINALISTS:
- Loaves of Torah: Exploring the Jewish Year through Challah, by Rabbi Vanessa M. Harper (CCAR Press)
- Noms From Mom: The Cookbook, by Nancy Jeng, Illustrated by Nancy Jeng; Other Contributors: Susan Jeng, Consultant (Orange Cloud Press)
- On Rising: Recipes and Rituals for Joyful Mornings, by Deborah Johnson, Edited by Christin McKnight, Illustrated by Rachel Chew; Other Contributors: Ashleigh Amoroso (photographer), Olivia Caminiti (Stylist), A Friend of Mine (Design) (Summit Street Press)
- Stop Screaming! A Beginner's Guide to Homemade Ice Cream, by Benjamin M. Weilert, Illustrated by Michael Olson (Benjamin M. Weilert)
- Sweet and Savory Life: Simple Flavor-Filled Plant-Based Recipes to Nourish Mind, Body, & Spirit, by Yecenia Currie (Trilogy Publishing Company)
- The Diabetes-Free Cookbook & Exercise Guide: 80 Utterly Delicious Recipes & 12 Easy Exercises to Keep Your Blood Sugar Low, by John Poothullil MD, Colleen Cackowski (New Insights Press)
- COVID-19 PANDEMIC
-
WINNER ($100):
- My Daughter's Heart, by Kim Jasken (Your Nickel's Worth Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- A Pandemic Gardening Journal, by Matt Puchalski, Edited by Mary K. Donnelly (Conover Lane)
- A Window of Hope: How We Survived Covid-19, by Penelope Childers & Megan Pascual, Edited by Joan Ally, Illustrated by Joan Ally; Other Contributors: Photo Credit: Niki Schutz (Joan Ally)
- From Hardship to Hope: Crossing the great divides of age, race, wealth, equity, and health, by Judith Gwinn Adrian & Jaylin M. Stueber, Illustrated by Phil Salamone (HenschelHAUS Publisher)
- The COVID-19 Vaccines & Beyond . . . What the Medical Industrial Complex is NOT Telling Us, by Sally Saxon, JD, Deborah Viglione, MD, James A. Thorp, MD (Invitation to Destiny, LLC)
- The Pamela Papers: A Mostly E-pistolary Story of Academic Pandemic Pandemonium, by Nancy McCabe, Edited by Jon Roemer (Outpost 19)
- CURRENT EVENTS
-
WINNER ($100):
- On Censorship: A Public Librarian Examines Cancel Culture in the US, by James LaRue (Fulcrum Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- Blood Sport, by January Rogers, Edited by Alexandra Rosetta, Illustrated by Bill Powless; Other Contributors: Artie Martin (Turtle's Back Publishing)
- Election Hacks: Zeidman v. Lindell: Exposing the $5 million election myth, by Bob Zeidman (Swiss Creek Publications)
- Experiencing the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Children, Peace Communication and Socialization, by Yael Warshel; Other Contributors: Yael Warshel, Photographer (Cambridge University Press)
- Love Stories & Bejeweled Snakes: Era to Era The Unofficial Concert Handbook, by Sheri L. Neilson, Edited by S J Task (Evidence Publishing)
- The Believer within You, by Tyrone Burnett, Illustrated by Lena Tusevljakovic Orlovic (Self-Published)
- The Cooperative Economy: A Solution to Societal Grand Challenges, by Dovev Lavie (Routledge)
- E-BOOK (FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- I, Christine, by Marcia Maxwell (Marcia Maxwell)
FINALISTS:
- 'Til All These Things Be Done: A Novel, by Suzanne Moyers (She Writes Press)
- Daughter of a Promise, by Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg (She Writes Press)
- Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery, by María Elena Alonso-Sierra (María Elena Alonso-Sierra)
- The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine, by M. B. Zucker, Edited by Dustin Prisley (Historium Books)
- To Rescue a Witch, by Lisa A. Traugott (Rose Castle Media)
- E-BOOK (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- No Crying in the Operating Room: My Life as an International Relief Doctor, from Haiti, to South Sudan, to the Syrian Civil War A Memoir, by Cecily Wang, M.D. (Gatekeeper Press)
FINALISTS:
- Confidently Mindful: Clear Answers to Your Questions, by Louise Revelas Canham (Dragonfly Meadows Publishing)
- Financial Insight: Be the Author of Your Life Story, by Jodi Carter (FIT 114 Inc)
- Songs for the Spirit / Canciones para el Espiritu, by Robert L. Giron; Other Contributors: Javier Prieto Martinez, translator (Gival Press)
- The Codex of the Endangered Species Act, Volume I: The First Fifty Years, by Lowell E. Baier with Christopher E. Segal (Rowman and Littlefield)
- The Codex of the Endangered Species Act, Volume II: The Next Fifty Years, Edited by Lowell E. Baier, John F. Organ, Christopher E. Segal (Rowman and Littlefield)
- Welcome to My Garden: A Father's Gift of Reflections, Life Lessons, and Advice, by Brian Murray, Edited by Maria Gagliano, Illustrated by Karl Spurzem (Sackets Harbor Press)
- EDUCATION/ACADEMIC (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Crisis in Our School: The Urgent Need to Engage Students, Support Teachers, and End High-Stakes Testing, by David Locke (Self-Published)
- Labels of Empire: Textile Trademarks, Windows into India in the Time of the Raj, by Susan Meller, Edited by Susan Homer (Goff Books)
FINALISTS:
- A Purposeful Reading Journey with a Metacognitive Approach, by Dr. Natasha Cox-Magno, Edited by Richard Siegel, Illustrated by Free Pix and Cuties (Dr. Wallace Ting of School Rubric Inc.)
- Be Data Analytical: How to Use Analytics to Turn Data into Value, by Jordan Morrow (Kogan Page)
- Campus Nightmares (Vol. 2) Steering Classes off Cliffs: 10 Ways Professors Sabotage Their Students to Crash and Burn, by David Fairchild and Elyse Kunzler (Four Doors Publishing)
- Culture Clubs: The Real Fate of Societies, by Susan Minsos, Edited by Nancy Mackenzie (Three Rascals Press)
- Shayla Boo and You All About My Hearing, by Vielka L. Montout, M.Ed. (Self-Published)
- FANTASY
-
WINNER ($100):
- Black Talon, by Jaime Castle and Andy Peloquin (Aethon Books)
FINALISTS:
- Hills of Heather and Bone, by K.E.Andrews, Edited by Maddy D (Sonder and Morii Publishing)
- The Befallen, by Cambria Williams (Immortal Works)
- The Blood-Born Dragon: Book One of the Everlands Cycle, by JC Rycroft (BattleWarrior Press)
- The Ferryman and the Sea Witch, by D. Wallace Peach (D. Wallace Peach)
- The Jinn Daughter, by Rania Hanna (Hoopoe and Imprint of AUC Press)
- FIRST NOVEL (40,000 TO 70,000 WORDS)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- The Rocking Chair Prophet, by Matthew Kelly (Blue Sparrow)
- Water Music: A Cape Cod Story, by Marcia Peck (Sea Crow Press)
FINALISTS:
- Amanda's Journey - A DNA Adventure, by Ellie Brooks (WheatMark)
- The Fifth Chamber, by Anne Gudger, Edited by Vanessa Daunais (Jaded Ibis Press)
- The Invisible Red String: A love story that transcends time, place, and circumstance, by Peter Berlin and Ann Zachariah (The Publishing Genie)
- The Painter's Butterfly, by Rebecca Weber, Illustrated by Sarah Ann Doughty (Kinkajou Press)
- Unspoken, by Tammy Ottenbreit (Your Nickel's Worth Publishing)
- Whispering Winds of Appalachia, by John Ellington, Edited by Joe Pierson, Illustrated by Sarah Lahay (John P. Ellington)
- FIRST NOVEL (70,000 TO 90,000 WORDS)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Abilene, by Dare DeLano (Mint Hill Books an imprint of Main Street Rag Publishing Co.)
FINALISTS:
- Evergreen -- A Novel, by Anne Crown (Byzantium Sky Press)
- Karma of the Sun, by Brandon Ying Kit Boey (CamCat Books)
- Never, by Joel F Johnson (Arbitrary Press)
- No More Empty Spaces, A Novel, by D. J. Green (She Writes Press)
- The Starre, the Moone, the Sunne, by Ron Destro (Contempo Publishing)
- Uncommon Scents, by Bruce Berls & Jim Rowson (Self-Published)
- Wings and Wounds: The Dragon Doc Tales Book 1, by Dr. S.K. Burkman, Edited by Stacey Goitia, Illustrated by J.M. Burkman (Self-Published - Snapdragon Publishing Company, LLC)
- FIRST NOVEL (OVER 90,000 WORDS)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Country of Under, by Brooke Shaffner, Edited by Ashley Miller and others at Mason Jar Press (Mason Jar Press)
FINALISTS:
- Here. I. Am., by Gordon Adler, Edited by Kerry Stapley; Other Contributors: Dan Pitts (Designer); Becca Hart (Project Manager) (Beaver's Pond Press)
- Lalji's Nairobi: A Rags to Riches Novel set in British Colonial India and Africa, by Nitin Nanji (Amazon)
- Last of the Famous International Playboys, by Adam Lenain; Other Contributors: Cover Design: Katarina Naskovski (Christmas Lake Press)
- Of White Ashes, by Constance Hays Matsumoto and Kent Matsumoto (Loyola University Maryland-Apprentice House Press)
- Pheidippides Didn't Die, by Autumn Konopka (Manuscripts Press)
- Where the Bad Ones Go, by Thomas Joseph (Thomas Joseph)
- FIRST NOVEL (UNDER 50,000 WORDS)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Covered in Flour, by Charles Presti (Independently Published)
FINALISTS:
- Are You Really Listening?, by Bernice Simpson, Edited by Brandy Patton, Illustrated by Alexandra Hartwell, Keri Kubota, Tiara Butler (Archway Publishing)
- I wish I could forget, by Paul Smith (Tellwell)
- Marz Starchild: Across the Universe and Back Again, by Sofia Segarra-Orenstein, Illustrated by Remesh Ram (Hasta En La Luna Publishing and Media Group, LLC)
- On the Point of a Star, by Kathryn May Shields, Illustrated by Moran Reudor (Self-Published - Wonder All Around)
- The Woodcutter's Children, by Jane C. Van Tuyl (Self-Published)
- GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL (70,000 TO 100,000 WORDS)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- No More Empty Spaces, A Novel, by D. J. Green (She Writes Press)
- Something Better, by Joanna Monahan, Edited by Blue Ink Press (Blue Ink Press, LLC)
FINALISTS:
- Abilene, by Dare DeLano (Mint Hill Books an imprint of Main Street Rag Publishing Co.)
- I Will Leave You Never, by Ann Putnam (She Writes Press)
- Mending What Is Broken, by Robert McKean (Livingston Press)
- Street, by A. D. Metcalfe; Other Contributors: Cover artist: Nathalie Erika Langner (Calumet Editions)
- The Patron Saints of Grocery: A Novel, by Adam Jonathan Kaat (Inspired Forever Books)
- These Things Happen, by Michael Eon (Girl Friday Books)
- Those People Behind Us, by Mary Camarillo (She Writes Press)
- GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL (OVER 100,000 WORDS)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Pheidippides Didn't Die, by Autumn Konopka (Manuscripts Press)
FINALISTS:
- Akmaral, by Judith Lindbergh (Regal House Publishing)
- Boomsters: An Unexpected Adventure, by David Marks (Wheatmark)
- Falcon in the Dive, by Leah Angstman (Regal House Publishing)
- No Lifeguard on Duty - a novel, by Paul C. Bomba (Bumper Car Books)
- Where the Bad Ones Go, by Thomas Joseph (Thomas Joseph)
- GENERAL FICTION/NOVEL (UNDER 70,000 WORDS)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- The Last Man off the Mountain, by Daris Howard (Publishing Inspiration)
- The Maui Murders: Death and Romance on the Valley Isle, by Marty Martins (Manō Paele Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- A Persistent Echo, by Brian Kaufman (Black Rose Writing)
- Bistro Nights, by David Benjamin, Illustrated by Junko Yoshida (Last Kid Books)
- L'Air du Temps (1985), by Diane Josefowicz (Regal House)
- Second Life: Because the First One is Not Yet Finished, by James Sniechowski, Edited by Judith Sherven (JayEss Publishing)
- Staked: A Vampire's Tale, by Kim Catanzarite (Forster Publishing)
- The Rocking Chair Prophet, by Matthew Kelly (Blue Sparrow)
- The Valiant, by Tracy Renee Stefan; Other Contributors: Cover photo by Tracy Renee Stefan (Tracy Renee Stefan)
- GENERAL NON-FICTION
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Love Stories & Bejeweled Snakes: Era to Era The Unofficial Concert Handbook, by Sheri L. Neilson, Edited by S J Task (Evidence Publishing)
- Wine and the White House: A History, by Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. (The White House Historical Association)
FINALISTS:
- A Schizoid at Smith: How Overparenting Leads to Underachieving, by Blair Sorrel, Edited by Alex Kale, Erin Larsen, Illustrated by Ronaldo Alves (Atmosphere Press)
- Every Note Tells a Story - The Transformative Power of Music in Visual Media, by Shie Rozow, Edited by Kendra Muntz (Self-Published)
- Is Social Justice Just? by Robert M. Whaples, Edited by Multiple Editors (Independent Institute)
- Legacy of Darkness and Light: Our Cultural Icons and Their God Complex, by Michael Gellert, Edited by Hannah Woodlan; Other Contributors: Lauren Sheldon (Koehler Books)
- The Greatest Burden The Greatest Blessing: Caregiving stories of hope, humility, and love, by Mark J. Resnick, Alan E. Rubel, Michael D. Tenaglia; Other Contributors: Forewords by Rasheda Ali-Walsh and one by Brett Miller (Self-Published - Mark J. Resnick Media)
- When Cultures Meet the key to working successfully with diverse cultures, by Kirtika van Hunen-Malla, Edited by Think Dippy, Roger Noël Smith, Illustrated by Kirtika van Hunen-Malla (Between2Cultures)
- While I Walk: Solo Adventuring In The Vast, Beautiful World, by Rachel Durchslag (Foss and Flora Publications)
- GIFT
-
WINNER ($100):
- The Rescue of Eddie & Elliott - A Bald Eaglet Adventure, by Keith Ross; Other Contributors: Shelly Ament (Keith's Frame of Mind)
FINALISTS:
- Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story, by Denise Lee Branco (Strolling Hills Publishing, LLC)
- Growing Gratitude, Welcome to Summer's Garden, by Tricia Sybersma, Illustrated by Rachel Rossano (CLM Publishing Cayman Islands)
- Love You, Mean It (Sometimes): The Madness of Motherhood, by Libby Hilsendager, Illustrated by L. Thomas Peterson (Wise Ink)
- Siege of Herons - Collective Nouns Alphabetically, by Ramona Wildeman, Illustrated by Lou Dahl (Ramona Wildeman)
- The Gift of Me: A 15-Year Family Journal, by Trish Kiel (Red Cork Publishing)
- GRAPHIC NOVEL
-
WINNER ($100):
- The Mushroom Knight Vol. 1, by Oliver Bly, Edited by Christina Harrington, Illustrated by Oliver Bly (Mad Cave Studios)
FINALISTS:
- A Girl Called Echo Omnibus, by katherena vermette, Illustrated by Scott B. Henderson & Donovan Yaciuk (HighWater Press)
- As I Enfold You in Petals, The Spirit of Denendeh, Vol. 2, by Richard Van Camp, Illustrated by Scott B. Henderson, Donovan Yaciuk, Nickolej Villiger (HighWater Press)
- Blackwax Boulevard Is Listening, by Dmitri Jackson (Frotoon Press)
- Hound, by Sam Romesburg, Sam Freeman, Edited by James Emmett, Illustrated by Rodrigo Vázquez (Mad Cave Studios)
- The Dirty Parts of the Bible: A Graphic Novel, by Sam Torode, Illustrated by Tina Ritchie (Sam Torode Book Arts)
- HEALTH/WELLNESS (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Fulfilled. 52 Prescriptions for Healing, Health, and Happiness, by Dr. Bernadette Anderson, Edited by Ammie Elliott; Other Contributors: Book Cover, Stephanie Matthews (Woodhall Press)
- Nothing But The Tooth: An Insider's Guide to Dental Health, by Teresa Yang, DDS (Rowman & Littlefield)
FINALISTS:
- A Petit Mal: A Mother's Healing Love Song, by Ana Maria Caballero (The Black Spring Press Group)
- How War Kills: The Overlooked Threats to Our Health, by Yara Asi, Edited by Bea Jackson (Johns Hopkins University Press)
- Keenagers: Telling a New Story about Aging, by Corinne Auman (New Degree Press)
- Restore Your Life from Chronic Pain, by Dr Mark Weisberg (Mango Publishing)
- The Biggest Secret In Women's Health: Stigma, Indifference, Outrage, and Optimism, by Sherrie Palm, Edited by Jo Maenzanise, Illustrated by Sherrie Palm (POP Publishing and Distribution)
- HISTORICAL (FICTION) (PRE 1900'S)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Becoming Benedict Arnold: A Traitor's Tale, by Stephen Yoch (WiseInk)
- The Maids of Biddenden, by GD Harper (Ginger Cat)
FINALISTS:
- A Persistent Echo, by Brian Kaufman (Black Rose Writing)
- At the Peace, by Bernard M Brodsky (Archway Publishing)
- Falcon in the Dive, by Leah Angstman (Regal House Publishing)
- I, Christine, by Marcia Maxwell (Marcia Maxwell)
- The Starre, the Moone, the Sunne, by Ron Destro (Contempo Publishing)
- The Witch of Wethersfield: A Cunning Woman, by Katherine Spada Basto, Edited by Carol Gaskin (Painted Turtle Press)
- Vincent's Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh, by Donna Russo (Next Chapter Publishing)
- HISTORICAL (FICTION) (1900'S)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Momentum: Montessori, a Life in Motion, by E.G. Slade (Atmosphere Press)
- Of White Ashes, by Constance Hays Matsumoto and Kent Matsumoto (Loyola University Maryland-Apprentice House Press)
FINALISTS:
- Covered in Flour, by Charles Presti (Independently Published)
- Lalji's Nairobi: A Rags to Riches Novel set in British Colonial India and Africa, by Nitin Nanji (Amazon)
- Levinson of Harvard, by L.M. Vincent (Self-Published)
- Tatae's Promise: Based on the true story of a young woman's escape from Auschwitz, by Sherry Maysonave & Moises J. Goldman (DartFrog Books)
- THE RISK: Forbidden Love Behind the Iron Curtain, by Dorothe D. Kress, Edited by Rebecca Inch-Partridge, Illustrated by William Kress (Dorothe D. Kress)
- Unspoken, by Tammy Ottenbreit (Your Nickel's Worth Publishing)
- HISTORICAL (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Driving Force: Automobiles and the New American City, 1900-1930, by Darryl Holter and Stephen Gee; Other Contributors: J. Eric Lynxwiler (Designer) (Angel City Press)
- Furnishing the White House: The Decorative Arts Collection, by Betty C. Monkman, William G. Allman, Lydia S. Tederick, Melissa C. Naulin (The White House Historical Association)
FINALISTS:
- Broken: The Suspicious Death of Alydar and the End of Horse Racing's Golden Age, by Fred M. Kray (Self-Published)
- Legendary Masters of the Martial Arts: Unraveling Fact from Fiction, by Augustus John Roe (YMAA Publication Center)
- Reclaiming Two-Spirits: Sexuality, Spiritual Renewal & Sovereignty in Native America, by Gregory D. Smithers (Beacon Press)
- The Codex of the Endangered Species Act, Volume I: The First Fifty Years, by Lowell E. Baier with Christopher E. Segal (Rowman and Littlefield)
- The Road to Glenlough, by Christy Gillespie (The House on the Hill)
- HORROR
-
WINNER ($100):
- Unshod, Cackling, and Naked, by Tamika Thompson (Unnerving Books)
FINALISTS:
- Carousel, by Sarah McKnight, Edited by Mel Grant, Rob Loveless, Maria Simbra, Ann Howley, J.V. Hilliard (Amazon KDP)
- Obsolescence: A Dark Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Anthology, by Alan Lastufka and Kristina Horner (Shortwave Publishing)
- River of Wrath, by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor (Vesuvian Books)
- The Burn Street Haunting, by Richard Gadz (Deixis Press)
- They Are Cursed Like You, by Holley Cornetto & S.O. Green (Eerie River Publishing)
- HUMOR/COMEDY
-
WINNER ($100):
- The Pamela Papers: A Mostly E-pistolary Story of Academic Pandemic Pandemonium, by Nancy McCabe, Edited by Jon Roemer (Outpost 19)
FINALISTS:
- A Feeding Frenzy in Washington, by George Franklin (Self-Published)
- Blackwax Boulevard Is Listening, by Dmitri Jackson (Frotoon Press)
- Corn Stories: The Detasseler's Bible, by JJ McNiece, Illustrated by JJ McNiece (Eclectic Collective Press)
- I Love You All, Please Leave: Essays on COVID Lockdowns and Psych Lockups, by Victoria Carlisle, Edited by Editorial production: Abi Pollokoff, Illustrated by Cover design: Emily Weigel; Other Contributors: Project management: Kristin Duran (Victoria Carlisle Press, Oakland)
- Worldwide Crush, by Kristin Nilsen (SparkPress)
- ILLUSTRATIONS
-
WINNER ($100):
- The White House: An Historic Guide, Deluxe edition, by The White House Historical Association; Other Contributors: Pentagram (The White House Historical Association)
FINALISTS:
- Craig Frazier | Drawn, by Craig Frazier, Illustrated by Craig Frazier (Goff Books)
- Cries from the Moana, by 'Atu Emberson-Bain with Melino Bain-Vete & Siale Bain-Vete, Illustrated by Auntie Fonu (Hakautapu Publishing)
- Dream Rut: Navigating Your Path Forward, by Yumiko Shimabukuro, Illustrated by Jieyu Deng (WiseInk Publishing)
- Treasure Found: An Art Journey, by Cinthia James, Illustrated by Cinthia James (Self-Published)
- World War Warriors: Amazing Aerocatures™ of World War II Aircraft, by Hank Caruso, Illustrated by Hank Caruso (Lombardy Studios)
- INSPIRATIONAL (FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- East of Evil, by Joni M. Fisher, Edited by Victoria Curran (Joni M. Fisher)
FINALISTS:
- Confluence, by Mary Elizabeth Gillilan (Independent Writers Studio Press)
- King Of The Fireflies, by Tim Michel, Illustrated by Tim Michel (Self-Published)
- Running As Fast As I Can, by John David Graham (Don Quixote Press)
- The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol, by Jeremy Sherr, Illustrated by Talya Baldwin (Self-Published)
- What Once Was Lost, by Anne Polli (Self-Published)
- INSPIRATIONAL (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Cowboy Coffee: A Reconciliation Conversation, by Heather Beaver, Edited by Jennifer McIntyre, Laura Kaiser; Other Contributors: Kaitlin Littlechild - sensitivity reader, Sharon Rose Kneeshaw - cover design (Heather Beaver)
- Is There Evidence For God ... an Economist Searches for Answers, by Robert Genetski (Robert Genetski)
FINALISTS:
- Behind The Curtain: Remarkable Stories of What Really Happens in Medicine, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Ashley Hannani (NA)
- Beyond NDEs, The Next Step in Near-Death Experience Research, by Lynn K. Russell (Lynn K. Russell)
- Big Steps, Little Steps: Moving Forward in our Walk with God, by M. Esther Lovejoy, Edited by Deb Butterfield (Cross River Media) (Cross River Media)
- The Blossoming of Women: A Workbook on Growing from Older to Elder, by Karen Roberts with Dana Jaffe, Edited by Dana Jaffe, Gail Kearns, Illustrated by Tim Hauf, photographer; Other Contributors: Gail Kearns, project manager (Gaia & Friends Inc.)
- The Wisdom Answer, Equipping Teens Living in a Culture of Deception, An Interactive Journal Based on Proverbs 1-9, by Lenora E Trembath (Amazon)
- You Are Not Your Mother: Releasing Generational Trauma and Shame, by Karen C.L. Anderson (Mango Publishing Group)
- LGBTQ+ (LESBIAN/GAY/BISEXUAL/TRANSGENDER/QUEER+)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Boy Wander - A Coming of Age Memoir, by Jobert E. Abueva (Rattling Good Yarns Press)
- The Strange Story of Stanley Suspect, by JC Compton, Edited by Spectrum Books (Spectrum Books)
FINALISTS:
- Entwined: Essays on Polyamory and Creating Home, by Alex Alberto (Quilted Press)
- Francois: A Memoir, by Kyle Thomas Smith (StreetLegal Press)
- It's fun to be a person I don't know, by Chachi Hauser (University of Nebraska Press)
- Obie's Adventures in the Berkshires, by Susie Rich and Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, Edited by Taylor Morris and Kent Sorsky, Illustrated by Lisa Marie Brennan; Other Contributors: Howard Johnson (layout) and Lisa Akoury-Ross (publisher) (SDP Publishing Solutions, LLC)
- Second Chances: A Mystery Romance, by Deborah Donaldson (Bardolf & Company)
- Slamming Bricks: An Anthology 3rd Edition, Edited by Avery Brooks (Western Colorado Writers' Forum via Blurb Books)
- The Lost Archive, by Lynn C. Miller (University of Wisconsin Press)
- LIFESTYLE/HOME/HOW TO
-
WINNER ($100):
- Skilletheads: A Guide to Collecting and Restoring Cast-Iron Cookware, by Ashley L. Jones; Other Contributors: Kelli Heil, Illustrator (Red Lightning Books)
FINALISTS:
- A Pandemic Gardening Journal, by Matt Puchalski, Edited by Mary K. Donnelly (Conover Lane)
- Publish Your Purpose: A Step-By-Step Guide to Write, Publish, and Grow Your Big Idea, Edited by Malka Wickramatilake, Nancy Graham-Tillman (Publish Your Purpose)
- Take a Kid Fishing; An Adult's Guide for Introducing Youngsters to the World of Angling, by Captain Rob Modys (Middle River Press)
- The Guide To Getting Off Your Butt & Cleaning, by Angela Varga (Self-Published)
- The Organized Home for New Parents: Create Routine-Ready Spaces for Your Baby's First Years, by Ría Safford, Edited by Avalon Marissa Radys (Blue Star Press)
- The Underdog's Guide to Scholarships: Get Big Money for Your Dream College, by Abi Olvera (Pareto Works)
- MEMOIRS (CAREER)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Always Moving Forward: A memoir of friends, family, and building Humana, by David A. Jones with Bob Hill, Edited by David A. Jones, Jr., and Jill Johnson-Keeney; Other Contributors: Julia Comer, book designer (Old Stone Press)
FINALISTS:
- Backstage Pass: A Business Book That's Far From Conventional, by Harvey Lee (Definition Books)
- Chop That Sh*t Up! Leadership and Life Lessons Learned in the Military, by CSM Daniel L. Pinion, USA (RET) (Koehler Books)
- Roy White: From Compton to the Bronx, by Roy White, Paul Semendinger (Artemesia Publishing, LLC)
- The Gift Shop at the DMZ: A Therapist Travels with the Military, by Maureen Hicks (Maureen Hicks)
- The Heart-Centered Leadership Playbook: How to Master the Art of Heart in Life and Leadership, by Deborah Crowe (Manuscripts Press)
- MEMOIRS (HISTORICAL/LEGACY)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Beyond the Border: A Korean's Journey Between the North and South, by Tae-hyok Kim and Nicole Kim Rogers (Independently Published)
- Race Consciousness: A Personal and Political Journey, by Carol E. Leutner (MegaShift Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- As the Rivers Merge: A Story of Love, War and Perseverance Across Continents, by Daniel Mamah (Fish Eagle Press)
- Crash Harrison - Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death, by Deana J. Driver, Edited by Deana Driver (DriverWorks Ink)
- In the Wake of Madness: My Family's Escape from the Nazis, by Bettie Lennett Denny (Amsterdam Publishers)
- Maybe Tomorrow, by Patricia McCain, Edited by BookBaby (Bookbaby)
- The Politzer Saga, by Linda Ambrus Broenniman, Edited by Herta Feely, Chrysalis Editorial, Illustrated by Levente Toth and Beatrix Kiss (Bethesda Communications Group)
- Where the Wind Never Sleeps: A Memoir from the High Plains of Montana, by Ruth M. Sherwood (Sweetgrass Books)
- MEMOIRS (OTHER)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Svenska Fortitude - Memoirs of John Ostlund, A Swedish Immigrant Pioneer in Minnesota., by Jenny Ostlund-Evens, Illustrated by Jenny Ostlund-Evens (Jenny Ostlund-Evens)
- While I Walk: Solo Adventuring In The Vast, Beautiful World, by Rachel Durchslag (Foss and Flora Publications)
FINALISTS:
- Lost & Found: Reflections on Travel, Career, Love and Family, by Dustin Grinnell (Peter Lang)
- Silence to Strength, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith (Kegedonce Press)
- Solo Passage: 13 Quests, 13 Questions, by Glenda Goodrich, Edited by She Writes Press, Illustrated by Glenda Goodrich (She Writes Press)
- The China Bulldog And Other Tales of a Small-Town Girl, by Judy Dykstra-Brown (Self-Published)
- You Promised To Do No Harm: A True Story of Love, Loss, and the Horror of Healthcare Disparity for One African-American Family, by Jonnie Ramsey Brown (Lioncrest Publishing)
- MEMOIRS (OVERCOMING ADVERSITY/TRAGEDY)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Where Yellow Flowers Bloom: A Journey of Hope Through Unimaginable Loss, by Kim Cantin (Precocity Press)
- Who Am I; Mending a Lost Identity, by Anvil Long (Quaero, LLC)
FINALISTS:
- Capsized: A short memoir of a life upturned, by Ava Kato (Self-Published)
- Fostering Resilience: Anecdotes and Affirmations from a Therapist and Fellow Human, by Angie Vanderwees (Tellwell Talent)
- Not Nicholson: The Story of a First Daughter, An Adoption Search and Reunion Memoir, by Ann M Haralambie (Wheatmark)
- Searching for Steve, by Joel Harris (Loyola University Maryland's Apprentice House Press)
- The Miracle Child: Traumatic Brain Injury and Me, by Kelly and Michael Lang (Koehler Books)
- The Unopened Present, by Richard V. Battle (Headline Books)
- Ukuaq: A Woman's Arctic Memoir, by Dorothee Komangapik (Crowe Creations)
- MEMOIRS (PERSONAL STRUGGLE/HEALTH ISSUES)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Home is Within You: A Memoir of Recovery and Redemption, by Nadia Davis, Edited by Laura Dailey, Professional Editorial; Other Contributors: Kristin Duran, Project Management (Girl Friday Books)
- The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike, by Risa August (Feather and Sage Press)
FINALISTS:
- Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope, by Jennifer Cramer-Miller (She Writes Press)
- Ivy Lodge: A Memoir of Translation and Discovery, by Linda Murphy Marshall (She Writes Press)
- The Grace of a Nightingale: A Memoir of Vulnerability, Hope and Love, by Mary Anne Willow, Edited by Helen Fazal, Illustrated by Monomo & Co (Mary Anne Willow)
- The Luckiest Unlucky Person I Know: A Practical Memoir, by Kristin Smith Westbrook, Illustrated by Kristin Smith Westbrook (New Degree Press)
- Twin A: A Memoir, by Amit Majmudar (Slant Books)
- We Used to Dance: Loving Judy, My Disabled Twin, by Debbie Chein Morris (She Writes Press)
- MILITARY
-
WINNER ($100):
- Becoming Benedict Arnold: A Traitor's Tale, by Stephen Yoch (WiseInk)
FINALISTS:
- 3003 Days of Mike & Me / And the Wars Between Us, by Martha Voutas Donegan, Edited by Marcia Rockwood; Other Contributors: Letters by Mike Creamer, Afterword by John Bryson Chane, DD (1495 Books)
- Crash Harrison - Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death, by Deana J. Driver, Edited by Deana Driver (DriverWorks Ink)
- Di Di Mau: A True Story About Tigers, Rock Apes, the Jungle, and War, by Darren Walton; Other Contributors: Michael Coffino co-author (Batt Publishing)
- Drafted! My Year in Vietnam, by Morgan Miller (W. Brand Publishing)
- The Big Red One: D-Day, June 6, 1944, by Gerald D. Swick, Edited by Dana Lombardy, Illustrated by Keith Rocco (Lombardy Studios)
- The Rebel Pianist of Majdanek, by Nicola Pittam (Mardle Books)
- MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT
-
WINNER ($100):
- A Petit Mal: A Mother's Healing Love Song, by Ana Maria Caballero (The Black Spring Press Group)
FINALISTS:
- Belle And Chloe: Reflections In The Mirror, by Isabela Sardas, Ph.D. (Archway Publishing)
- Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life, by Jennifer Roig-Francolí, Edited by Margaret Harrell (Creative Muse Publishing)
- The Ocean Inside Me - A Spiritual Memoir on Healing Racial Trauma, by R.G. Shore (Northwest Wisdom Publications)
- The Riddle of Alchemy, by Paul Kiritsis, Edited by James Baron, Illustrated by Marie Muravski (Matra Books)
- The Sex Course, by Trina E. Read, Edited by Dani LeClaire, Bobbi Beatty, Aimee Walker, Sophia Dembling (Sensual Tastes Publishing)
- The Tao of Twins: A Heroine's Journey, by Margery Runyan (Margery Runyan Books)
- Turtle Wisdom: Coming Home to Yourself, by Donna DeNomme, Illustrated by Sue Lion; Other Contributors: Graphic Designer Sue Lion (Your Wisdom Story Publishing)
- MOTIVATIONAL
-
WINNER ($100):
- The Hero's Ultrajourney Into Your Soul: Six Simple & Vital Habits to Ignite the Adventure of a Lifetime, by Duane Nelson, Edited by WanderingWordsMedia.com (Ultrajourney, LLC)
FINALISTS:
- Awaken to Your Amazing Potential, by Laura Ponticello (Divine Phoenix)
- Choose to Soar: Navigating Disruption in Business and Life, by Annie Meehan, Illustrated by Gregory Meehan (AM Speaking & Consulting)
- Creative Flow: Tap and Express Your Juicy Essence, by Jenny Hahn, Illustrated by Jenny Hahn (Creative Nectar Publishing)
- Inner Child Healing: Heal Your Wounds. Train Your Mind. Create a New You., by Wen Peetes (Rebel For A Spell Press)
- It's Just A Hiccup - Reclaiming Your Identity, by Corinne Wilkinson, Trish Exton-Parder, Edited by Scotia Coast Communications, Illustrated by Cheeky Canvas Creative Studio (Self-Published / Printed by Friesens Corporation)
- The Million Dollar Soup The Recipe For A Meaningful Life, by Janet-Lynn Morrison (Hasmark Publishing International)
- The Unopened Present, by Richard V. Battle (Headline Books)
- MULTICULTURAL (FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Her: The Flame Tree, by Khanh Ha (Gival Press)
FINALISTS:
- All I See is Violence, by Angie Elita Newell (Greenleaf Book Group)
- Cast Away, by Kase Johnstun (Torrey House Press)
- Our Daughter, Who Art In America, by Mukana Press (Mukana Press)
- The Heron Catchers, by David Joiner (Stone Bridge Press)
- The Place of the White Heron, by Alejandro Morales (Tia Chucha Press)
- MYSTERY
-
WINNER ($100):
- Finding Imogene, by Teri Case (BZCE Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- Final Belongings, by Sarah Beauchemin (Self-Published - Bowker.com)
- Ghosting My Friend: A Funderburke and Kaiming Mystery, by Chris Chan, Edited by Shawn Simmons (Level Best Books)
- Holy Orders, by Ci Ci Soleil (Becah Reads Books)
- Ringing in Your Ears, by Matthew Fiander (Main Street Rag/Mint Hill Books)
- You've Been Summoned: An Interactive Mystery, by Lindsey Lamar, Edited by Bella Clayton-Sherwood; Other Contributors: Cover Design: Jeff Miller (ex42)
- NEW AGE
-
WINNER ($100):
- Wisdom of Place: Recovering the Sacred Origins of Landscape, by Chip Sullivan and Elizabeth Boults (ORO Editions)
FINALISTS:
- A Healing Journey, From 9/11 Beyond the Pandemic, by Gilda Morina Syverson (The Bridge in conjunction with Divine Phoenix)
- Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness, by Jane Kim Yu, Edited by Dr. Melissa Caudle (Absolute Author Publishing House)
- Sacred Wild: The Spiritual World of Animals, Including Pets, and its Interconnectedness with Ours, by Miki Jacobs, Edited by Toni Keefe, Illustrated by Clayton Jacobs (Self-Published)
- The Contentment Dividend: Meditations for Realizing Your True Self, by Michael Goddart (Clear Path Press)
- The Faith Frequency - The Awkwardly Authentic Story of a Supernatural Ho, by Jane Baker, Edited by Monica Seals; Other Contributors: Aasman Iqbal (Colibrian) - cover concept and design (Jane Baker)
- The Ruby Heart of the Dragon: Sun Signs for Our Times, by Mark Borax (Dinanda Books)
- The Woo Woo Way: Unblock Your Chakras and Transform Your Life, by Sandy Evenson (Spotlight Publishing House)
- NOVELLA (UNDER 40,000 WORDS)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Assassins Are Us, by Kimberly Van Sickle (Atmosphere Press)
FINALISTS:
- Apple, Table, Penny . . . Murder, by Carol L. Wright (Cozy Den Press)
- Love and Joy Come to You, by Rose Card-Faux, Illustrated by Passant Ablal (Mammoth Creek Books)
- Marz Starchild: Across the Universe and Back Again, by Sofia Segarra-Orenstein, Illustrated by Remesh Ram (Hasta En La Luna Publishing and Media Group, LLC)
- Naked Came the Detective, by Glendall C. Jackson III (GCJ3 Enterprises)
- The Seas of Time, by D. Wallace Peach, Edited by Anneli Purchase; Other Contributors: Cover by Staci Troilo (D. Wallace Peach)
- PARANORMAL
-
WINNER ($100):
- Vein Pursuits, by Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle (Blackstone Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- Djinn, by Craig DiLouie (ZING Communications, Inc.)
- imPerfect Gods - A Darkly Funny Supernatural Suspense Mystery, by C.N. Rowan, Edited by Miranda Grant (Main Rock Publishing)
- Mirror Witch: Daughters of Hecate (Book 1), by Phoebe Walker (City Owl Press)
- Personal Demons, by L. R. Braden (Bell Bridge Books)
- Stolen, by V. M. Nelson, Edited by Courtney Andersson, Lara Kennedy, Liz Gilbeau; Other Contributors: Cover designer: Stefanie Saw at Seventhstar Arts (VMNelson Books, LLC)
- PARENTING/FAMILY (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Nurture: How to Raise Kids Who Love Food, Their Bodies, and Themselves, by Heidi Schauster (Hummingbird Press)
FINALISTS:
- Autism: Maximize Potential with MNRI® Reflex Integration, by Svetlana Masgutova, Ph.D., and Denis Masgutov, M.A., Edited by Zoey O'Toole (Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute)
- Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow, by Holly Swenson (Burning Soul Press)
- Text Messages To My Sons: Connecting Deeply In A World Of Devices, by Tammy J Cohen, Edited by Pen For Hire; Other Contributors: Covers Designer: Anna Baginski Cosa Carina Designs (Self-Published)
- To Carry Wonder: A Memoir and Guide to Adventures in Pregnancy and Beyond, by Emese C. Parker (Larkwell Press)
- Understanding the NICU: What Parents of Preemies and Other Hospitalized Newborns Need to Know, Edited by Meera Meerkov, MD, FAAP, Gary M. Weiner, MD, FAAP and Jeanette Zaichkin, RN, MN, NNP-BC (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- POETRY
-
WINNER ($100):
- Pomes: Writing Like There's No Tomorrow, by Douglas Lowry, Edited by Ralph W. Kuncl; Other Contributors: Cover designers: Gwen Rhoads and Marcia Lowry (Meliora Press, an imprint of University of Rochester Press)
FINALISTS:
- A Journey to St. Thomas: Tales for Our Time, by Josiah Hatch III, Illustrated by Cathy Morrison (Fulcrum Publishing)
- Blooming: Poetry for Seasons of Change, by Chiara Mason, Edited by Elise Volkman, Illustrated by Tracy Hetherington (The Self Publishing Agency Inc.)
- Duet in the Little Blue Church, New and Selected Poems, by Sharon Chmielarz (Nodin Press)
- Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness, by Jane Kim Yu, Edited by Dr. Melissa Caudle (Absolute Author Publishing House)
- Still, the Sky, by Tom Pearson, Edited by Anne McPeak (Ransom Poet Publishers)
- The First Fifty Years: A Jubilee in Prose and Poetry Honoring Women Rabbis, by Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, Jessica Greenbaum, and Rabbi Hara E. Person (CCAR Press)
- The Lost Art of Love, by Wheston Chancellor Grove (A Pale Lad Production)
- REGIONAL (FICTION)
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Ladies' Day, by Lisa Williams Kline, Edited by Helga Schier (CamCat Books)
- The Sea Turtle, by Greg M. Dodd (Rolos Tuesday)
FINALISTS:
- 'Til All These Things Be Done: A Novel, by Suzanne Moyers (She Writes Press)
- Abilene, by Dare DeLano (Mint Hill Books an imprint of Main Street Rag Publishing Co.)
- Falcon in the Dive, by Leah Angstman (Regal House Publishing)
- My Year at the Good Bean Cafe, by EA Luetkemeyer, Edited by Lucky Valley Press (Self-Published - Laughing Buddha Books)
- The House on Butterfly Street, by Mhani Alaoui (Interlink Publishing Group, Inc. / Interlink Books)
- The Witch of Wethersfield: A Cunning Woman, by Katherine Spada Basto, Edited by Carol Gaskin (Painted Turtle Press)
- REGIONAL (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Points of View: A Guide on Saskatchewan Projectile Points with Indigenous Perspectives, by Multiple Authors, Edited by Faith Boser, Illustrated by Cheyanne Lepka, Tim Neal; Other Contributors: Production Manager - Tomasin Playford (Saskatchewan Archaeological Society)
FINALISTS:
- Connecticut Cryptids: A Field Guide to the Weird & Wonderful Creatures of the Nutmeg State, by Patrick Scalisi, Illustrated by Valerie Ruby-Omen (Connecticut Cryptids)
- Flower Bugs: A Guide to Flower-Associated True Bugs of the Midwest, by Angella Moorehouse (Pollination Press)
- France Revisited, by George J. Hill (Heritage Books, Inc.)
- Site Lines: Lost in New York 1954 - 2022, by Jill Gill (Goff Books)
- The Underground Railroad in Ohio, by Kathy Schulz (The History Press)
- The Wisconsin Farm They Built: Tales of Family and Fortitude, by Corey A. Geiger (Arcadia and The History Press)
- RELATIONSHIPS (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- The Connection Playbook: A Practical Guide to Building Deep, Meaningful, Harmonious Relationships, by Andy Chaleff (Meaningful Relations)
FINALISTS:
- How to Date a Foreigner: Why Do They Behave So Differently and How to Navigate It, by Sylvia Halter, Edited by Mike Ettel, Julie Helliwell, Zsuzsanna Hegybíró (Culturez Publishing)
- Prince Charming is Dead...or in Rehab! A Guide to Dating in the Real World, by Janice Sterling Gaunt (Outskirts Press, Inc.)
- Second Chance at Love: A Practical Guide to Remarriage After Loss, by Shirley Quiring Mozena, James P. Mozena (SCM Publishing)
- Secrets of Strong Couples, by David and Julie Bulitt (Mango Publishing)
- Unveiling 11 Relationship Styles - Secrets Nobody Told You: Reinventing Dating and Friendship Apps: Insights from Evolution, Science, and Psychology, by Ahmad Aljazeeri (TerriTie Limited)
- RELIGIOUS (FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- The Doctor of Bellechester - Dr. M.E. Senty Series Book 1, by Margaret A. Blenkush, Edited by Courtney King Bain, Illustrated by Lisa Kosmo - Book Cover; Other Contributors: Tina Brackins - Project Manager (Pond Reads Press)
FINALISTS:
- Babylon: A Novel of Jewish Captivity, by Michelle Cameron (Wicked Son)
- The Perfect Season, by Stephen Roth (Self-Published)
- The Twitter Gospels, by David H. Parish (Atmosphere Press)
- This Life Of Mine, by Victoria Lynn, Edited by Micaiah Keough, Abigayle Claire, Illustrated by August L. Buehrer (Glory Writers Press)
- Welcome to Bellechester - Dr. M.E. Senty Series - Book 2, by Margaret A. Blenkush, Edited by Kerry Stapley, Illustrated by Lisa Kosmo - Front Cover; Other Contributors: Evan Allgood, Project Manager (Pond Reads Press)
- ROMANCE (FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- The Palace at Dusk: A Novel, by Angela Terry (Girl Friday Books)
FINALISTS:
- 180 Days, by Alfredo Botello (Koehler Books)
- Between the Sky and the Sea, by Lisa Williams Kline, Edited by Courtney Brown (Dragonblade Publishing)
- Casalvento: House of the Wind, by Gudrun Cuillo (Greenleaf Book Group)
- Love ad Lib, by Evie Alexander, Edited by Margaret Amatt, Illustrated by Matt Wellsted (Emlin Press)
- Ruler of the Waves, by Aiden Ainslie, Edited by Mary Hargreaves of Jericho Writers (Self-Published)
- SCIENCE FICTION
-
WINNER ($100):
- The Control Problem, by Norah Woodsey (Norah Woodsey)
FINALISTS:
- Bigfoot vs. Aliens, by Kyle Sullivan, Edited by Andrea Reuter (Hazy Dell Press)
- Boom, by David Fairchild (Four Doors Publishing)
- Hibernaculum, by Anthony Doyle, Edited by Dianne Pearce and David Yurkovich, Illustrated by Anthony Doyle (Out Of This World Press)
- Strange Timing: A Story From the Files of Alexander Strange, by J.C. Bruce (Tropic Press)
- The Catalyst, The Black Table series, by Anttimatti Pennanen, Edited by Kim Smith (Anttimatti Pennanen)
- SCIENCE/NATURE/ENVIRONMENT
-
WINNER ($100):
- Flower Bugs: A Guide to Flower-Associated True Bugs of the Midwest, by Angella Moorehouse (Pollination Press)
FINALISTS:
- Earth's Emergency Room: Saving Species as the Planet and Politics Get Hotter, by Lowell E. Baier (Rowman and Littlefield)
- Kudish in the Kaatskills Volume II, by Dr. Michael Kudish, Edited by Terry Bradshaw, Illustrated by David Turan, Nikki McGrath (Michael Kudish Natural History Preserve, Inc.)
- Permaculture Gardening for the Absolute Beginner: Follow Nature's Map to Grow Your Own Organic Food with Confidence and Transform Any Backyard Into a Thriving Ecosystem, by Josie Beckham (All We Need Publishing)
- Romeo The Friendly Wolf, A True Alaska Tale, by Nick Jans, Illustrated by Nick Jans; Other Contributors: Matt Knutson layout/design (Nick Jans)
- The Raven Mother, Mothers of Xsan, Book 6, by Hetxw'ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson), Illustrated by Natasha Donovan (HighWater Press)
- SECOND NOVEL
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Falcon in the Dive, by Leah Angstman (Regal House Publishing)
- The Wish, by Lena Gibson, Edited by Tracy Thillmann (Black Rose Writing)
FINALISTS:
- Family Ties Family Lies, by Jacqueline Boulden (Pine Place Press)
- Momentum: Montessori, a Life in Motion, by E.G. Slade (Atmosphere Press)
- The Old Corsair, by Michael DeStefano, Edited by Susan A. Hughes (Book Baby)
- The Pearl Plot, by Vicky Ramakka (Artemesia Publishing, LLC)
- The Stories We Cannot Tell, by Leslie A. Rasmussen (Touchpoint Press)
- SELF-HELP (NON-FICTION)
-
WINNER ($100):
- Therapeutic Mindfulness: A Healing Skill, Not a Coping Skill, by Ruth Fearnow (Micleru Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- Creative Flow: Tap and Express Your Juicy Essence, by Jenny Hahn, Illustrated by Jenny Hahn (Creative Nectar Publishing)
- How to Date a Foreigner: Why Do They Behave So Differently and How to Navigate It, by Sylvia Halter, Edited by Mike Ettel, Julie Helliwell, Zsuzsanna Hegybíró (Culturez Publishing)
- Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness, by Jane Kim Yu, Edited by Dr. Melissa Caudle (Absolute Author Publishing House)
- Normal Broken, by Kelly Cervantes (BenBella Books)
- The Artist's CURSE | On Being An Artist, Navigating The Art Market & The Art World, by Steve Sabella (emaginity)
- The Blossoming of Women: A Workbook on Growing from Older to Elder, by Karen Roberts with Dana Jaffe, Edited by Dana Jaffe, Gail Kearns, Illustrated by Tim Hauf, photographer; Other Contributors: Gail Kearns, project manager (Gaia & Friends Inc.)
- SERIES (FICTION) MINIMUM THREE BOOKS, ONE MUST BE WITHIN CURRENT YEAR GUIDELINES
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Jasmine Falls Love Stories Series (Books 1-3), by Lucy Day (Blue Crow Books)
- Northern Lakes Mystery Series, by Jeff Nania (Feet Wet Writing)
FINALISTS:
- Discretion Series, by J Hoolihan Clayton (Dog Soldier Press)
- King of the Mountain, Love at Lake Clyde Book 1; Master of the Wild, Love at Lake Clyde Book 2; Ruler of the Waves, Love at Lake Clyde Book 3, by Aiden Ainslie, Edited by Mary Hargreaves of Jericho Writers (Self-Published)
- The Eden Trilogy, by Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg (She Writes Press)
- The Fin-Tastic Cleanup, The Fin-Tastic Rescue, The Fin-Tastic Arctic, by Laura Mancuso, Illustrated by Jenna Guidi (Mascot Books)
- Trophies of Grace Series: Book 1 - A Beam of Hope, Book 2 - A Stash of Faith, Book 3 - A Glimpse of Mercy, by Betty J Hassler (WestBow Press)
- SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS
-
WINNER ($100):
- Wolfsong, by Kathryn Silver-Hajo (ELJ Editions)
FINALISTS:
- A Paper Orchestra, by Michael Jamin (3 Girls Jumping)
- Becoming Mirsky, by Paul Beckman (Cervena Barva)
- Drink Wine and Be Beautiful, by Kimberly Sullivan (Self-Published)
- Idiot Men, by Scott Gould (Vine Leaves Press)
- Las Criaturas, by Leticia Urieta, Illustrated by Elaine Almeida (Flowersong Press)
- The Melting Grandmother and Other Short Works, by David Benjamin (Last Kid Books)
- SOCIAL CHANGE
-
WINNER ($100):
- Keenagers: Telling a New Story about Aging, by Corinne Auman (New Degree Press)
FINALISTS:
- From Hardship to Hope: Crossing the great divides of age, race, wealth, equity, and health, by Judith Gwinn Adrian & Jaylin M. Stueber, Illustrated by Phil Salamone (HenschelHAUS Publisher)
- It's Not (All) Your Fault, by Sharon Podobnik (Manuscripts, LLC)
- Misplaced Childhood: A True Story of Resiliency and Child Advocacy, by Joan Ulsher, Edited by Krista Foss and Jenna Kalinsky (Rehm Press)
- Mothers Vol. 1, by Ben Burgess Jr. (Legacy Books, LLC)
- The Lucky One, by D. DeCairos Grandmaitre, Edited by Lisa Zanyk, Illustrated by Dillon Mathieu (Traveller & Companion)
- The Solutionists: How Businesses Can Fix the Future, by Solitaire Townsend (Kogan Page)
- SOCIAL JUSTICE
-
WINNER ($100):
- Crossing Borders: The Search For Dignity In Palestine, by Christa Bruhn (Little Creek Press)
FINALISTS:
- All Rise: Resistance and Rebellion in South Africa, by Richard Conyngham, Illustrated by Dada Khanyisa, Tumi Mamabolo, Saaid Rahbeeni, Mark Modimola, Andre Trantraal, Nathan Trantraal, Liz Clarke (Catalyst Press)
- Coming Out as Dalit: A Memoir of Surviving India's Caste System, by Yashica Dutt (Beacon Press)
- Humanizing Immigration: How to Transform Our Racist and Unjust System, by Bill Ong Hing (Beacon Press)
- In a Whole New Way: Undoing Mass Incarceration by a Path Untraveled, Edited by George Carrano and Jonathan Fisher (Prospecta Press)
- Not My Fault, by S.B Frasca (BookBaby)
- SPECIALTY/NOVELTY BOOK
-
WINNER ($100):
- World War Warriors: Amazing Aerocatures™ of World War II Aircraft, by Hank Caruso, Illustrated by Hank Caruso (Lombardy Studios)
FINALISTS:
- Big Rig Family Truckster: Adventures in Camper Truckin', by Jennifer Mazzetta (Self-Published - Gatekeeper Press)
- My Crumby Guide to Baking and Friendship Making, by Shannon Addison, Edited by Alexi Alfieri (Rising, Inc.)
- Snow Angel, by Tricia Sybersma, Illustrated by Rachel Rossano (Tricia Sybersma)
- Tex the Explorer and The Jared Box Project, by Ellie Smith, Illustrated by Eyen Johnson (KDP)
- Wings of Freedom Flügel der Freiheit: The Story of the Berlin Airlift Die Geschichte der Berliner Luftbrücke, by Bibi LeBlanc, Edited by Bibi LeBlanc, Illustrated by Culture To Color (Culture To Color)
- SPIRITUALITY
-
WINNER ($100):
- Earth & Soul: Reconnecting amid Climate Chaos, by Leah Rampy (Bold Story Press)
FINALISTS:
- From Bonham to Buddha and Back: The Slow Enlightenment of the Hard Rock Drummer, by Clementine Moss (Zepparella Inc.)
- Good Grief, by April Bulmer (Ardith Publishing)
- Heaven Underfoot, by Diana Woodcock, Illustrated by Jana Potashnik (Codhill Press)
- Mescalito Riding His White Horse, Inspired by the Musical Adventures of Peter Rowan, by Mike Fiorito, Illustrated by Pat Messina Singer (John Hunt Publishing)
- The Ocean Inside Me - A Spiritual Memoir on Healing Racial Trauma, by R.G. Shore (Northwest Wisdom Publications)
- The Year of Mourning: A Jewish Journey, by Rabbi Lisa D. Grant and Cantor Lisa B. Segal (CCAR Press)
- SUSPENSE
-
WINNER ($100):
- Danger Revealed, by Teresa LaBella (Purple Porcupine Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- A Shot at Justice, by Karla M. Jay (Book Circle Press)
- Guidance To Death (Book 1 of the Frank Adams Investigator series), by Daniel V. Meier Jr., Edited by Caleb Guard, BQB Publishing (BQB Publishing)
- Judge Not: A Sam Tate Mystery, by Nikki Stern (Ruthenia Press)
- Mr. Penny-Farthing, by Eric Avedissian, Illustrated by Francois Vaillancourt (Shadow Spark Publishing)
- The Maui Murders: Death and Romance on the Valley Isle, by Marty Martins (Manō Paele Publishing)
- THRILLER
-
WINNER ($100):
- The Panacea Project, by Catherine Devore Johnson (Greenleaf Book Group)
FINALISTS:
- Body Merchants, by Elaine Bossik, Illustrated by Ray Bossik (Portable Shopper, LLC)
- Guidance To Death (Book 1 of the Frank Adams Investigator series), by Daniel V. Meier Jr., Edited by Caleb Guard, BQB Publishing (BQB Publishing)
- In Your Mind's Eye, by Gary Nanson (Defiance Press and Publishing)
- Nunzio's Way, by Nick Chiarkas (HenschelHAUS - Three Towers Press)
- The Legacy, by C. L. Tolbert (Level Best Books)
- TRAVEL/TRAVEL GUIDE
-
WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Immersion: A Linguist's Memoir, by Linda Murphy Marshall (She Writes Press)
- Park Place: Out West, by David Heberlein; Other Contributors: Scott Herring (George F. Thompson Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- Café Society: Time Suspended, The Cafés and Bistros of Paris, by Joanie Osburn, Edited by Noa Bar; Other Contributors: Foreword by: Alain Fontaine (Goff Books)
- Hatcher Pass Bouldering Guide, by David Funatake & Kelsey Gray (Reinventing the Nomad)
- Honeymoon at Sea, by Jennifer Silva Redmond (RE:BOOKS)
- The James River in Richmond - Your NEW Guide to Enjoying America's Best Urban Waterway, by John Bryan; Other Contributors: Sen. Tim Kaine (Introduction), Jon Lugbill (Foreword), Bill Street (Afterword) (Self-Published - Charles Creek Publishing)
- Travel to Transform: Awaken the Global Citizen in You and Thrive in the Modern World, by Freeman Fung (Conscious Travellers Publishing)
- WanderLOST: Stories from the Winding Road Toward Significance, by J. Daniel Sims (Circle Books)
- TRUE CRIME
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WINNERS ($100): TIE
- A Peek Under the Hood: Heroin, Hope & Operation Tune-Up, by Michael Pevarnik (Rootstock Publishing)
- Casino Redux: Unveiling the Global Casino Network of Chinese Organized Crime, by Anthony Cabot (WGRA Press)
FINALISTS:
- Behold the Monster: Confronting America's Most Prolific Serial Killer, by Jillian Lauren (Sourcebooks)
- He Said, She S.A.I.D.: (Sexual Allegations in Divorce) and Then He Went to Jail, by Bruce W. McLaughlin (Law Offices of Bruce W. McLaughlin)
- Housewife Assassin: The Woman Who Tried To Kill President Ford, by Geri Spieler (Diversion Books)
- I Am Abigail: A Texas Woman's Childhood Nightmare - And Her Escape From Hell as a Sex Slave/Survivor, by Jamie Collins, Edited by Autumn Jade Monroe, Illustrated by Kris Gallagher (Bold Whisper Books, LLC)
- Saint Bloodbath, by Frederick Douglass Reynolds (DeltonRamsey, LLC)
- WOMEN'S ISSUES (NON-FICTION)
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WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Scarred: A Feminist Journey Through Pain, by L. Ayu Saraswati (NYU Press)
- Unrestricted: How I Stepped Off the Tightrope, Learned to Say No, and Silenced Anorexia, by Dawn Brockett (Harridan & Strumpet)
FINALISTS:
- The Vital Spark: Reclaim Your Outlaw Energies and Find Your Feminine Fire, by Lisa Marchiano (Sounds True)
- Undomesticated Women Anecdotal Evidence from the Road, by Anna Blake, Edited by Crissi McDonald, Writing Refinery; Other Contributors: JD Design, cover and interior (Prairie Moon Press)
- Why Women Aren't Winning at Health (but can), by Anca Griffiths, Alyson J. McGregor, MD, & Marjorie Jenkins, MD, Edited by Bryna Haynes (WorldChangers Media)
- Wisdom of Wildly Creative Women - Real Stories From Inspirational, Artistic, and Empowered Women, by Angela LoMenzo; Other Contributors: Photography by James LoMenzo (Mango Publishing Group)
- Women In Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation, by Mary Chung Hayashi (MKC Press)
- WOMEN'S LITERATURE (NON-FICTION)
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WINNER ($100):
- Women In Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation, by Mary Chung Hayashi (MKC Press)
FINALISTS:
- Difficult Beauty: Rambles, Rants and Intimate Conversations, by Lauren Crux, Edited by Lauren Crux and Victoria May, Illustrated by Lauren Crux, photography; Other Contributors: Victoria May, cover design (Many Names Press)
- Healing Visions, by Meg Boscov; Other Contributors: Michelle Charles Barnes, Designer (Matter Press)
- Make Money your Thing: Ditch the Shame and Design your Dream Life, by Kalee Boisvert (RE:Books)
- Places We Left Behind: a memoir-in-miniature, by Jennifer Lang (Vine Leaves Press)
- Queen of the Clouds: Joan Merriam Smith and Jerrie Mock's Epic Quest to Become the First Woman to Fly Solo Around the World, by Taylor C. Phillips, Edited by M.R. Street (Turtle Cove Press)
- YOUNG ADULT (FICTION) (12 YEARS TO 16 YEARS)
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WINNERS ($100): TIE
- Marco the Great and the History of Numberville, by SK Bennett, Edited by Carla DuPont, Illustrated by Rylee Heavner (MathBait)
- To Whom it May Concern: They Tell Me You're My Mother, by Kim Orendor (Idun, an imprint of W. Brand Publishing)
FINALISTS:
- Annie Sky Shattered in Time, by Bettina Szedlak (KDP, Barnes & Noble)
- Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm, by Kimberly Behre Kenna (Black Rose Writing)
- Legendary Black (Frederick Black and the Ties that Bind), by Philip J Gabriel (KDP)
- Temper the Dark, by L Ryan Storms, Edited by Sorchia DuBois (RaineStorms Press)
- The Painter's Butterfly, by Rebecca Weber, Illustrated by Sarah Ann Doughty (Kinkajou Press)
- The Secrets of Olthamol: A Dark History, by Jed Saba, Edited by Jeff Prahl (Amazon Direct Publishing)
- Vaulting through Time, by Nancy McCabe, Edited by Kayla Webb (CamCat)
- YOUNG AUTHOR (WRITTEN BY UNDER AGE 25)
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WINNER ($100):
- If We Say Goodbye, by Jasmine Little (Little Jean Books)
FINALISTS:
- A Dream of Magic, by Claire Zhong, Illustrated by Grace Xiang (Independently Published)
- Home, by Trinity Lemm, Edited by Olivia Kuch and Libby Shogren (Self-Published)
- Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, by Hermione Lee, Edited by Hermione Lee (Self-Published)
- She Smells of Turmeric, by Natasha Sondakh, Edited by Anne Kelley, Casey Mahalik, Stephanie McKibben, Michelle Felich (New Degree Press)
- Thirteen Years of Thoughts: A Book of Poetry, by Galilea Valverde, Edited by Malva Izquierdo, Illustrated by Resha Hanson (Coffee Seed Books Publishing)
- YOUNG NEW ADULT (FICTION) (17 YEARS AND UP)
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WINNER ($100):
- Cut From Stone, by Brendan O'Meara, Edited by Hannah VanVels Ausbury, Illustrated by Daniel Schmelling (Independently Published)
FINALISTS:
- Annie Sky Shattered in Time, by Bettina Szedlak (KDP, Barnes & Noble)
- Ava's New World: A Dystopian Sci-fi Odyssey, by Ashish K Saxena (Amazon)
- Home, by Trinity Lemm, Edited by Olivia Kuch and Libby Shogren (Self-Published)
- Slightest in the House, by Barbara Casey (Speaking Volumes Publishing)
- The Last Brass Ring, by Liz Hill (Hovey Publishing)
- The Witch of Wethersfield: A Cunning Woman, by Katherine Spada Basto, Edited by Carol Gaskin (Painted Turtle Press)