The 2024 contests run from April 1st–May 31st and authors from any state or province are able to participate!
Each genre winner shall receive $2,500 and two honorable mentions will receive $500. All winners will also receive:
- Inclusion in Library Journal’s “Best of Books” December issue
- Honors at the Indie Author Project Awards Reception at ALA
- Opportunities to promote their book(s) at public libraries
- Opportunities to earn royalties through the IAP Select Commercial Collections, opens a new window (ePUB format required for eligibility)
Additionally, an author will be selected from the winners across all genres as the 2025 Indie Author of the Year, opens a new window. This winner will receive all of the rewards mentioned above, plus:
- $5,000 monetary prize
- Audiobook production
- Ongoing marketing and promotional opportunities
This year, the awards will honor the best indie-published ebooks in seven genres:
- Mystery/Thrillers
- Romance
- SciFi/Fantasy
- Historical Fiction
- General/Contemporary Fiction
- Memoir
- Young Adult
Hey, Local Authors!
Find out how to get your book into the library collection.
A History of Food with Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson
Apr 2nd | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online Event
Virtually step into the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History with Curator Paula Johnson as she discusses the book…
Confronting My Son’s Killer with Diane Foley & Colum McCann
Apr 9th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online Event
Join us for a one-of-a-kind conversation with National Book Award-winner Colum McCann as he is joined by Diane Foley, the inspiration…
An Examination of Power, Love, and Art with Xochitl Gonzalez
Apr 17th | 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Online Event
We cannot wait for you to join us as we chat with award-winning and bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez about her newest novel Anita…
Spice Up Your Craft
Spice Your Craft
My Librarian: The Art of Writing
A selection of books about writing to help you "win" National Novel Writing Month or improve your writing any time of the year.
Be Novel - Creative Writing Hints
Consider these titles that celebrate creativity while focusing on practical advice.
So, You Want to be a Novelist
These selections can help ground you in the process of writing long-form fiction.
My Librarian: Wisdom for Writing
Books and resources that aid both beginning and established writers in improving their craft.