It’s hard to believe summer is winding down and we’re already heading into fall, right? But that means it’s time for me to share my regular reminder about upcoming indie book award opportunities with my readers!
Most of these indie book awards have upcoming fall deadlines, but I’ve also included a few you can submit to early in December. So, there’s still time to submit to a book award in 2026!
In case you missed my blog on awards with summer deadlines, there’s still a few with September submission periods too.
Four Indie Book Awards with October Submission Deadlines
1. North American Book Awards
This indie book award accepts submissions from both traditional and independently published books and entries are judged by a volunteer panel. You can submit your book physically or digitally and the categories include many fiction and nonfiction options, along with poetry and children’s literature. Winners receive physical and digital medals, and exposure through promotion.
Deadline: October 1, 2026
Fee: $95
Link: North American Book Awards
2. Christian Indie Awards
As you may have guessed from the name of these indie book awards, their focus is Christian literature. But the category range may surprise you! They recently expanded their categories to welcome a broad range of fiction and nonfiction. From Sci-fi and Fantasy to memoir, to educational books and devotionals. The prizes include trophies and promotional perks.
Deadline: October 1, 2026
Fee: $109
Link: Christian Indie Awards
3. Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition
This contest is run by Shelf Media Group, who also own Shelf Unbound, which is a well-known review magazine dedicated to independently published books. One of the perks of submitting to this indie book award is that along with winners, even notable books are featured in their magazine. Their focus is on exceptional quality and innovative voices.
Deadline: October 1, 2026
Fee: $150
Link: Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition
4. Story Circle Book Awards: An Indie Book Award for Women Writers
The Story Circle Network is all about supporting and celebrating women writers. They host both writing contests and the Sarton and Gilda Prize literary awards. The Sarton accepts memoir, nonfiction and novels and the Gilda is for humor writing, specifically.
Winners and finalists are featured in interviews in their journal and their books are placed in their virtual member’s library.
Deadline: October 31, 2026
Fee: $110
Link: Story Circle Network
Two Awards with November Deadlines
5. American Writing Awards
This is a relatively new indie book award and the main perk is a much lower entry fee than is standard. They also accept unpublished manuscripts! These awards were established in 2021 by a small group of authors and their aim is to help indie authors gain recognition and influence in the industry. Winners receive reviews, plus other marketing and promotional assistance.
Deadline: November 8, 2026
Fee: $39
Link: American Writing Awards
6. Feathered Quill Book Awards
This smaller indie book award is sponsored by Feathered Quill Book Reviews to honor and celebrate excellence in the indie publishing industry. They offer over 24 category/ genre options and winners receive promotion, interviews and medals.
Deadline: November 30, 2026
Fee: $120
Link: Feathered Quill
Submit to these Indie Book Awards in December to Catch the Early Deadlines
7. Eric Hoffer Book Award
Winning an Eric Hoffer EIP Award will get your book into the hands of those in the industry. The judges range from other authors, to librarians, agents, and editors. There are 19 categories including Business, Self-Help, Art, and Poetry, as well as Fiction and Nonfiction. Because entries are judged by industry experts, this award holds clout and opportunity. They offer a $5,000 grand prize and awards and medals specifically for debut authors.
Deadline: Early Bird is December 10, 2026. Final is January 21, 2027
Fee: $60/$75
Link: Hoffer Awards
8. Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY)
The IPPYs are a globally prominent indie book award contest that accepts submissions in a wide range of categories, including regional categories. Winners receive medals, special recognition, and a full year of marketing and promotional support.
Deadline: Early is December 16, 2026. Final is March 4, 2027.
Fee: $89/$99
Link: IPPY Awards
9. Maxy Awards
Not only do the Maxy Awards accept unpublished manuscripts, they also accept books with any publication date. Sometimes, it’s true that it’s never too late to submit to a book award! There are several submission categories and they offer a chance at a cash prize as well.
Deadline: Early entry is December 31, 2026. Final is February 28, 2027
Fee: $69/$84
Link: Maxy Awards
There’s Always a Chance to Submit to an Indie Book Award!
Hopefully there’s something on this list of indie book awards that fits your book and your budget. If not, there are always other opportunities to submit that are just around the corner. It’s all about timing and doing a bit of research.
Take note that there are even quite a few book awards that don’t have publication date limitations, and some that accept unpublished manuscripts. This gives almost everyone a chance to win a book award!
I believe book awards have so many benefits that make submitting worth your time and marketing budget, and that’s why I always encourage my clients to submit their books.
But what is it that makes submitting worth it, you ask? You can read about five big benefits that book awards offer here.
So, will you submit your book before the year is over? Let me know in the comments!
