Call for Entries: 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Written By Stacey Clair

Entries are now open for the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, presented by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group (IBPPG) in conjunction with literary agent Marilyn Allen.

This is the largest international awards program exclusively for independent authors and publishers. Whether you’re a self-published author, e-book publisher, small press, mid-sized independent publisher, or university press, you are invited to enter if you have a book written in English that was released - or has a copyright date - in 2024, 2025, or 2026.


Why Enter?
$10,000+ in prizes, including:

  • $1,500 + trophy for Best Fiction Book

  • $1,500 + trophy for Best Non-Fiction Book

  • $750 + trophy for second-place in each category

  • $500 + trophy for third-place in each category

  • $100 cash prize + gold medal for all 80+ category winners

  • Medals for every Finalist book

    Plus, all Winners and Finalists receive:

  • An invitation to the gala awards reception

  • A full year of exposure on our website

  • Your listing in the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Catalog, shared with thousands of media contacts, librarians, booksellers, and industry pros

  • The opportunity to display our Winner/Finalist award stickers on your book

  • And the credibility, discoverability, and sales potential that come with being an award-winning author

But that’s not all:
The top 80 books will be sent for review by Marilyn Allen (or a co-agent), a respected New York literary agent with decades of experience at HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and more. Her clients have included bestsellers like Stephen King, Ken Follett, and Mary Higgins Clark. Whether you're looking for recognition, or the possibility of literary representation—this program is designed to elevate your work.

About the Awards:
Founded by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards is the largest international awards program for indie authors and publishers. It's also the only awards program of its kind to offer this level of prizes, recognition, and industry exposure.

Don’t miss your chance to enter: https://indiebookawards.com/

The final deadline for the 2026 Awards Program is February 13, 2026.

Stacey Clair
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