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2026 cycle
The exact criteria judges score against, published before entries open so you can see what you are being measured on.
Each criterion is scored 1–10 by every judge assigned to the category. Weighted totals are averaged across judges who scored; a judge who declares a conflict is recused and their entry contributes nothing rather than a zero.
Novels and novellas distinguished by voice, language, character, and thematic depth.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Contemporary and general-interest novels that do not sit primarily within another genre.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Crime, detective, cozy, police procedural, and other mystery-led fiction.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
High-stakes thrillers and suspense novels driven by tension, danger, and pace.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Romance novels in which the central love story ends with an emotionally satisfying resolution.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Epic, urban, historical, dark, romantic, and contemporary fantasy.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Speculative fiction grounded in science, technology, futurism, space, or alternate realities.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Supernatural, psychological, gothic, folk, body, and other horror fiction.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Fiction set principally in a documented historical period.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Fiction centering LGBTQ+ characters, lives, communities, or themes.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Single-author collections of short fiction.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window. The entry must be a collection rather than one standalone story.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Short-form fiction with the sustained arc of a novel.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window. The submitted work must contain 15,000 to 40,000 words.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Book-length fiction or nonfiction told through sequential art.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window. Writer, illustrator, and other principal creators must be credited.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | The clarity and strength of the visual idea. | ×2 |
| Visual execution | Illustration, typography, composition, and technical finish. | ×2 |
| Text and image integration | How successfully visual and written elements work together. | ×1.5 |
| Audience fit | Suitability, appeal, and legibility for the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Reproduction, consistency, binding, and digital presentation. | ×1 |
Illustrated books in which words and pictures work together for readers aged eight and under.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window. Illustrator credit is required and is included in the award.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | The clarity and strength of the visual idea. | ×2 |
| Visual execution | Illustration, typography, composition, and technical finish. | ×2 |
| Text and image integration | How successfully visual and written elements work together. | ×1.5 |
| Audience fit | Suitability, appeal, and legibility for the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Reproduction, consistency, binding, and digital presentation. | ×1 |
Fiction or narrative nonfiction created for newly independent readers.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window. The intended readership must be approximately ages five to nine.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Fiction written primarily for readers aged eight to twelve.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Fiction written primarily for teen readers.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Accessible nonfiction not more specifically covered by another category.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Clarity, voice, accessibility, and command of the prose. | ×2 |
| Research and authority | Accuracy, sourcing, expertise, and support for factual claims. | ×2 |
| Structure | Organization, progression, and usefulness to the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Insight and originality | The value and distinctiveness of the book’s contribution. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, references, and presentation. | ×1 |
First-person life writing, including personal, family, career, travel, and recovery narratives.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Clarity, voice, accessibility, and command of the prose. | ×2 |
| Research and authority | Accuracy, sourcing, expertise, and support for factual claims. | ×2 |
| Structure | Organization, progression, and usefulness to the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Insight and originality | The value and distinctiveness of the book’s contribution. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, references, and presentation. | ×1 |
Book-length accounts of another person’s life grounded in documented research.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Clarity, voice, accessibility, and command of the prose. | ×2 |
| Research and authority | Accuracy, sourcing, expertise, and support for factual claims. | ×2 |
| Structure | Organization, progression, and usefulness to the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Insight and originality | The value and distinctiveness of the book’s contribution. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, references, and presentation. | ×1 |
Entrepreneurship, leadership, management, workplace, sales, and professional development.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Clarity, voice, accessibility, and command of the prose. | ×2 |
| Research and authority | Accuracy, sourcing, expertise, and support for factual claims. | ×2 |
| Structure | Organization, progression, and usefulness to the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Insight and originality | The value and distinctiveness of the book’s contribution. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, references, and presentation. | ×1 |
Physical health, mental health, medicine, fitness, nutrition, and wellbeing.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window. Medical and health claims must be responsibly sourced and must not promise guaranteed outcomes.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Clarity, voice, accessibility, and command of the prose. | ×2 |
| Research and authority | Accuracy, sourcing, expertise, and support for factual claims. | ×2 |
| Structure | Organization, progression, and usefulness to the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Insight and originality | The value and distinctiveness of the book’s contribution. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, references, and presentation. | ×1 |
Documented accounts and interpretations of historical people, periods, and events.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Clarity, voice, accessibility, and command of the prose. | ×2 |
| Research and authority | Accuracy, sourcing, expertise, and support for factual claims. | ×2 |
| Structure | Organization, progression, and usefulness to the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Insight and originality | The value and distinctiveness of the book’s contribution. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, references, and presentation. | ×1 |
Science writing, natural history, ecology, climate, conservation, and environmental studies.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Clarity, voice, accessibility, and command of the prose. | ×2 |
| Research and authority | Accuracy, sourcing, expertise, and support for factual claims. | ×2 |
| Structure | Organization, progression, and usefulness to the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Insight and originality | The value and distinctiveness of the book’s contribution. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, references, and presentation. | ×1 |
Practical books supporting personal growth, habits, motivation, and life skills.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Clarity, voice, accessibility, and command of the prose. | ×2 |
| Research and authority | Accuracy, sourcing, expertise, and support for factual claims. | ×2 |
| Structure | Organization, progression, and usefulness to the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Insight and originality | The value and distinctiveness of the book’s contribution. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, references, and presentation. | ×1 |
Practical and narrative nonfiction about parenting, caregiving, and family life.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Clarity, voice, accessibility, and command of the prose. | ×2 |
| Research and authority | Accuracy, sourcing, expertise, and support for factual claims. | ×2 |
| Structure | Organization, progression, and usefulness to the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Insight and originality | The value and distinctiveness of the book’s contribution. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, references, and presentation. | ×1 |
Travel narrative, place-based writing, and practical travel guides.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Clarity, voice, accessibility, and command of the prose. | ×2 |
| Research and authority | Accuracy, sourcing, expertise, and support for factual claims. | ×2 |
| Structure | Organization, progression, and usefulness to the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Insight and originality | The value and distinctiveness of the book’s contribution. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, references, and presentation. | ×1 |
Recipe collections, culinary history, food culture, and technique-led books.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window. Recipes and factual claims must be original, credited, or used with permission.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | The clarity and strength of the visual idea. | ×2 |
| Visual execution | Illustration, typography, composition, and technical finish. | ×2 |
| Text and image integration | How successfully visual and written elements work together. | ×1.5 |
| Audience fit | Suitability, appeal, and legibility for the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Reproduction, consistency, binding, and digital presentation. | ×1 |
Faith, theology, spiritual practice, and reflective writing for general readers.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Clarity, voice, accessibility, and command of the prose. | ×2 |
| Research and authority | Accuracy, sourcing, expertise, and support for factual claims. | ×2 |
| Structure | Organization, progression, and usefulness to the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Insight and originality | The value and distinctiveness of the book’s contribution. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, references, and presentation. | ×1 |
Single-author poetry collections, chapbooks, and book-length sequences.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window. Anthologies by multiple authors are not eligible.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Language and craft | Precision, imagery, rhythm, and control of form. | ×2 |
| Voice | Distinctiveness, confidence, and emotional authority. | ×2 |
| Collection cohesion | Ordering, thematic development, and the shape of the collection. | ×1.5 |
| Originality | Freshness of perspective and poetic approach. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
Front-cover design judged independently of the book’s interior.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window. The designer and illustrator, where applicable, must be credited and share the award.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | The clarity and strength of the visual idea. | ×2 |
| Visual execution | Illustration, typography, composition, and technical finish. | ×2 |
| Text and image integration | How successfully visual and written elements work together. | ×1.5 |
| Audience fit | Suitability, appeal, and legibility for the intended reader. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Reproduction, consistency, binding, and digital presentation. | ×1 |
Narration, interpretation, and production of an independently published audiobook.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window. Submit the complete audiobook and ensure every narrator and producer is credited.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Narration performance | Clarity, pacing, characterization, and emotional delivery. | ×2 |
| Interpretation | How effectively the performance serves the text. | ×2 |
| Audio production | Recording quality, editing, mastering, and consistency. | ×1.5 |
| Listener engagement | The production’s ability to sustain attention and immersion. | ×1.5 |
| Packaging and metadata | Cover, credits, sample, and retail presentation. | ×1 |
An author’s first full-length published book in any eligible form or genre.
Eligibility
Open to self-published, independently published, university-press, and small-press books. The first English-language edition must fall within the cycle’s published eligibility window. The named author must not have published a previous full-length book under any name.
| Criterion | What it measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Writing quality | Control, clarity, voice, and sentence-level craft. | ×2 |
| Story and structure | Plot, pacing, character development, and narrative shape. | ×2 |
| Originality | The freshness and distinctiveness of the work. | ×1.5 |
| Category achievement | How successfully the book delivers for its intended readers. | ×1.5 |
| Production quality | Editing, proofing, typography, and presentation. | ×1 |
The Indie Book Awards recognize independently published books that demonstrate notable achievement in storytelling, originality, execution, presentation, and overall reader experience. Eligible books are reviewed within their respective categories. The judging process considers factors including: Quality of writing and storytelling Originality and strength of concept Character development and reader engagement Editing, structure, and overall execution Cover and interior presentation where relevant Suitability and achievement within the book's genre or category Overall impression and lasting impact Following the initial review period, a shortlist is selected for each category. Shortlisted titles undergo a final evaluation before category winners are determined. Judging is based on the merits of the submitted work. Commercial sales, author popularity, publisher size, and marketing expenditure do not determine the outcome. The shortlist will be announced on November 30, 2026, with winners announced on December 10, 2026