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BookCAMP Magazine, Vol 4 Issue 2

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2026 DISTIN GU IS

INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD

DEPENDENT • IN PR

D HE

ITE • INDE VOR PE FA ND E

AWARD ESS PR NT

ER

WARD SA ES

2026 W IN N

CALL FOR ENTRIES

“Book publishers have always counted on awards to highlight the best offerings in a genre or category, that’s true now more than ever.” —David Nudo, Fmr. Dir. of The New York Times Book Review

We invite all Independent Authors & Publishers

Open to mid-size and small press; self-published; independent publishers & authors.

**NOW ACCEPTING BOOKS DIGITALLY** Book Award Entry, 3 ways to enter ONLINE:

What if I miss the deadline? Enter our www.NYCBigBookAward.com program, final books must be entered and received by August 15th.

1) Complete the online form, www.independentpressaward.com/online-entry-form-1 2) Pay online 3) Email your PDF or .epub to: Gabby@IndependentPressAward.com ONLINE & MAIL (no paperwork): 1) Complete the online form, www.independentpressaward.com/online-entry-form-1 2) Pay online 3) Mail your book with NO PAPERWORK directly from Amazon, Walmart, or other retailer directly to our address OR submit your entry by mail: 1) Complete entry form, click to download. 2) Include a check or proof of payment Make checks payable to: Independent Press Award and mail to: ADDRESS FOR BOOK ENTRIES: Independent Press Award Attn: Gabby Olczak 63 Clinton Rd Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 (973) 969-1899 Last rolling deadline is November 30 and final December 15, 2025. FINAL DEADLINE: Final applications and books to be received by DECEMBER 15, 2025 Winners of the annual award program are announced every Spring. Winners are notified by late January 2026. Awards Dinner is April 25, 2026.

APPLY TODAY

www.independentpressaward.com

www.IndependentPressAward.com

Some FAQs If I complete the online application, do I need to send a print book? Your choice to email Gabby@IndependentPressAward.com a PDF or ePub file, or have a book sent directly from Amazon or other major retailer. Is there a restriction on publication date? No, there is absolutely no restriction on the date your book was published as we are concerned with the best book. Do you take pre-publication manuscripts? Yes as long as the actual publication date is before our official date of announcement on March 20th. (Winners & Favorites will be notified in January.) How is the book judged? Judging is done by committee and point system. Although we do not provide that feedback, we offer a paid book review option at a discount. If you’d like a book review, you can order one via FALCON REVIEW, www.printedwordreviews.com/falcon-review. What is provided upon winning? As a Winner or Distinguished Favorite comes with many benefits. We want to showcase your award-winning title, and help you get in front of your audience. We help you with your award-winning book and provide a number of items including free Winner or Distinguished Favorite (2nd place) banners in two different sizes (300x250 and 728x90 are typically supplied, if you need another size is not charge, please ask, any customization is a charge.); free digital certificate of recognition which can be printed on any paper size; we list your title in our Announcement issue (50,000 digital copies, some print); free second listing of author & title in our Holiday Gift Guide or Last Minute Gifts (50,000 digital); free press release template that you can customize, and will even help you get the word out! In addition, you can purchase self-adhesive seals to put on each book you have already printed. We promote on trade sites, emarketing, social media, advertising and send press releases that often result in coverage for winners and favorites. As a result, many authors get responses, and we have been personally contacted by news outlets such as Newsday and Readers Digest. We have satisfied authors who appreciate our support. Lastly, check out our promotion page to help get additional exposure to key book buying audiences, discounted magazine and billboard advertising, and even videos and reels. Books recognized as a Winner or Distinguished Favorite of the Independent Press Award® is a celebrated honor given by industry experts, and you’ll want everyone to know!

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Welcome to FRIDAY, APRIL 24th The creative building and marketing of a poetry series - and for any genre

NOON

BookCAMP 2026 Registration Opens 1:00PM

Presenter: Lee Woodman in the Mercer Room

PR Strategies to Sell More Books

Poet Lee Woodman will demonstrate how she created the umbrella, “SCAPES” for her poetry collections and how it spurs marketing. Her session at BookCAMP will show how she brings color and personality to a body of work. Woodman will share craft ideas that apply to all genres for place, character, and narrative, and discuss key elements of branding and outreach. Focus will include promotion calendars, blurbs and reviews, dynamic websites, presentations, mailings, and the importance of being a good writing citizen.

Presenter: Brian Feinblum in the Warren/Salem Rooms Brian has worked in book publishting, public relations, and marketing for three decades. He has helped thousands of authors, from first-time, self-published writers to New York Times best-selling authors, including Dr. Ruth, Stephen Covey, Ken Blanchard, Mark Victor Hansen, and Comedian George Wallace. In this session, Brian shares winning strategies and discusses how you can sell more books.

2:30PM

Next Level Printing – Taking Your Book from POD to PRO

Performative Readings: Techniques You Need (So They Don't Suck!)

Presenter: Dave Sheets in the Warren/Salem Rooms

Presenter: Lancelot Schaubert in the Mercer Room

In 2026, printing your book is the last thing you want to think about. Right? Selling eBooks is great. Hiding behind the screen is the best sales strategy…or is it? What if printing your book gave you a strategic advantage? Should you learn to communicate with printers to maximize your sales? What if print books are a strategic part of your publishing future?

In his dynamic presentation, Lancelot Schaubert, author of Bell Hammers, challenges the notion that authors should merely "read" their work. Beginning with a live performance of his own prose, Schaubert dissects the fundamental difference between a literary manuscript meant for the eye and an oral manuscript designed for the ear. He argues that most readings fail because writers lack the tools of theater actors, rhetoricians, and preachers who understand how to command a room. By focusing on the intersection of an authentic voice and a deep understanding of the present audience, Schaubert teaches authors how to bridge the gap between the page and the stage. Ultimately, he reframes the public reading as an intimate act of connection, positing that "there isn’t an audience—there is only one reader" multiplied.

Join Dave Sheets for a Q&A session about all things print. Digital, offset, short run, long run. What is the most important print terminology to know? How do I work with traditional book printers? What are the best print strategies for my book? How do I leverage print to increase my book sales? You name it, let’s tackle it. With more than 30 years of printing experience, Dave helps hundreds of indie authors produce print books each year.

1:45PM

From the OG: An Author’s Progress: Walls and Passages

Going Beyond the Book with Movies and Shows

Presenter: David Benjamin in the Mercer Room

Presenter: Michael Evans in the Warren/Salem Rooms

A “writerly” talk. In the spirit of the conference, the OG intends to emphasize the practical lessons that an author learns—and puts to use—from every setback and step forward.

You used to need Hollywood, director approval, and big budgets to bring your story to life. Now you just need your laptop, your story, and a passion. I'll be sharing with you the simple 3 step process to turn your story into a movie with AI, and how Creatorwood can help you not only make beautiful films but share them with viewers all over the world.

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Every professional writer’s career is unique to the individual. But there are milestones along the way—and lessons for fellow authors—that are virtually universal. I refer to these as walls and passages. Each wall, stopping the writer in his or her tracks, seems insurmountable. Each passage, through which the determined writer presses on to the next wall, is a combination of learning,

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creativity and perseverance. In my writing career, I can count twelve walls that I’ve either climbed over, circumvented, punched through or just ignored. This presentation is a brief chronicle of those walls and passages, with emphasis on how many authors face similar obstacles and what a writer must be ready to do to scale those barricades and keep going.

distinct imprints: Catalyst, Flare, and Powers Squared; and a background "midwifing" nearly a thousand books as an editor and MFA professor, Powers offers a wealth of professional versatility. Speakers in this session explore how hybrid publishing blends the creative control of indie publishing with the rigorous standards of traditional houses.

The GAB TALKS Shorts

Independent Publishing Model Where Authors Have Full Ownership, Full Royalties, and Full Creative Control

Interviewer: Gabby Olczak The GAB TALKS is a podcast and interview series hosted by Gabby Olczak, the President of the Independent Press Award and the NYC Big Book Award. The show serves as a dedicated platform for celebrating and amplifying the voices of independent authors and publishers.

Presenter: Tony Chellini (Video presentation) in the Warren/Salem Rooms

3:15PM

In this video presentation, Tony Chellini introduces a revolutionary framework designed for the modern author-entrepreneur. Why settle for a fraction of your earnings when you can act as the CEO of your own brand?

Coffee Break in the Morris/Bergen/Passaic Rooms 3:30PM

The Chellini model is built on three uncompromising pillars: 1) Full Ownership: You retain 100% of your copyrights and master files. Your intellectual property remains your asset forever. 2) Full Royalties: Eliminate the "publisher’s cut." After retail and printing costs, you keep 100% of the net profit. 3) Full Creative Control: From editorial direction to final cover art, you have the final word.

Hybrid Publishing Conversation Panel: Jessica Powers, Gloria Mindock, Dave Sheets Moderator: Ted Olczak in the Warren/Salem Rooms

Bridge the gap between DIY struggles and restrictive traditional deals. Discover how to leverage professional-grade services to launch a world-class book while maintaining total independence.

On the panel of the Hybrid Publishing Conversation, Jessica Powers draws on her multifaceted career as the founder of Catalyst Press and an award-winning author of nine books to demystify the "middle path" of the industry. With three

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Green Light: The Final Fixes That Make Publishers Say Yes

5:15PM

Revision Strategies: How to Read Your Manuscript Like an Editor

Presenter: Megan Sells in the Mercer Room This class gives writers a behind-the-scenes look at what publishers want—and what often holds good manuscripts back. Participants will learn how to make final edits that elevate a manuscript from “almost” to “offer.” We’ll cover structure, pacing, market fit, and subtle craft choices that show editorial readiness.

Presenter: Kristen Tate in the Mercer Room Most authors know revision is essential—but knowing what to revise and how to approach it systematically can feel overwhelming. This session provides a practical three-level framework for evaluating and revising your manuscript: story structure, scene construction, and sentence craft. You'll learn concrete tools like the story spreadsheet for diagnosing structural issues, techniques for "folding" interiority into scenes to deepen character development, and strategies for crafting cumulative sentences that add texture and sophistication to your prose. Whether you're revising your second novel or your tenth, you'll leave with actionable methods for reading your manuscript with an editor's critical eye—and the confidence to revise strategically rather than randomly.

4:15PM

Meet the Experts, 1-on-1, small group meetings in the Morris/Bergen/Passaic Rooms Intro to Audiobooks with Audible’s ACX

Presenter: Rick Krueger in the Warren/Salem Rooms

Nontraditional and Nonreturnable Bookselling: Sell Your Book to Target and Other Big Box Stores

Rick will explain Audible’s ACX best practices, platform usage, and other key topics.

Presenter: Brian Jud in the Warren/Salem Rooms Brian Jud is an author, book-marketing consultant, speaker, seminar leader, television host and president of Premium Book Company that sells books to nonbookstore buyers on a non-returnable, commission basis. Brian is the author of

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How to Make Real Money Selling Books (Without Worrying About Returns) This is the ultimate do-it-yourself guide to selling your books to non-bookstore buyers in large quantities, with no returns.

essentially becomes invisible to search engines and retailers. By adhering to BISG best practices, authors can ensure their work moves efficiently through the book supply chain and into the hands of readers.

6:00PM

Business Formation, Contracts and Trademarks

Networking, wine reception and hors d'oeuvres (ticket holders) in Morris/Bergen/Passaic rooms

Presenter: Isabella S. Olczak in the Mercer Room Attorney Isabella S. Olczak’s presentation, “Business Formation, Contracts, and Trademarks in the World of Publishing,” provides a roadmap for authors looking to professionalize their creative careers. Olczak emphasizes that protecting your literary assets begins with choosing the right business structure, whether a Sole Proprietorship or an LLC, to manage taxes and liability. She further demystifies some of the contract complexities, highlighting critical clauses that may include the grant of rights, royalty structures, and “reversion of rights” which determine how long a publisher controls your work. Finally, she clarifies the nuances of trademark law, explaining how authors can protect series titles and brand names through federal registration to distinguish themselves in a crowded marketplace.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25th • all day coffee 9:30AM

Metadata: What Is It, and Why Authors Cannot Live Without It Presenter: Brian O'Leary in the Warren/Salem Rooms In this presentation, Brian O’Leary, Executive Director of the Book Industry Study Group (BISG), demystifies the digital "DNA" that powers the modern book market. O’Leary emphasizes that metadata (the data describing a book, from ISBNs and BISAC codes to cover art and blurbs) is the primary driver of discoverability. He argues that in a crowded marketplace, an author's success depends on the accuracy and depth of this information; without robust metadata, a book

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10:15AM

Most writers are held back by unconscious core beliefs and old emotional wounds, playing a career "key signature" they never chose. To break through, you must stop reacting to the past and start proactively investing in yourself. Success isn't accidental; it’s a deliberate commitment to personal growth, branding, visibility, and continuous skill-building. By auditing your internal narrative, you align your mindset with the professional results you want to see.

Podcasts & Podcasting: Build Your Platform & Expand Your Reach Presenter: Becky Parker Geist in the Warren/Salem Rooms

11:05AM

In her presentation, Becky Parker Geist leverages her extensive background as the Founder and CEO of Pro Audio Voices to show authors how to amplify their influence through audio. As a veteran of the industry and President of the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association, Geist focuses on helping creators navigate the complexities of production and marketing while maintaining creative control. She highlights the strategic synergy between audiobooks and podcasts, drawing on her experience with the AMPlify Audiobooks platform, an equitable alternative designed to provide authors with higher royalties and direct listener connections. By sharing insights from her own podcast, Audiobook Connection, Geist provides a roadmap for authors to transform their written words into "exceptional audio experiences" that build lasting authority and visibility.

KEYNOTE: Climb Greater Heights: How Award-Winning Authors Build Global Movements from One Powerful Book Presenter: Tony Jeton Selimi in the Morris/Bergen/Passaic Rooms As someone who has sold over a million books globally, spoken on stages including TEDx, the United Nations, the London Book Fair, and the Business Book Awards, Tony Selimi has made it his mission to show authors how to transform a book into a million-dollar business catalyst.

Million Dollar Mindset: How Authors Need to Think to Achieve Real Sales

Over the past decade, Selimi's clients, including authors, coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs, have collectively generated over $1B in revenue, thanks to the systems, strategies, and personal breakthroughs he and his clients create together.

Presenter: Ann Mracek in the Mercer Room

Beyond coaching and speaking, Selimi also designed and launched AI-powered scorecard technology specifically to help authors, consultants, and thought leaders generate leads and build scalable ecosystems from their books.

Achieving real sales as an indie author requires trading old habits for a Million Dollar Mindset.

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NOON

depth. This craft-forward session will give writers the tools to confidently choose (and manipulate) POV for maximum narrative impact. Whether you’re writing memoir or multi-POV fantasy, you’ll walk away with clearer structure and stronger voice.

Meet the Sponsors in the Morris/Bergen/Passaic Rooms Buffet Lunch in the Morris/Bergen/Passaic Rooms

2:00PM

Indie Book to Movie Panel Panelists: Eddie Gamarra,

1:00PM

Kate Orsini, Elizabeth BlakeThomas, Michael Evans

How Indies Can Turn Their Book into a Movie

in the Warren/Salem Rooms

Ask direct questions to panelists on how to turn your book into a movie.

Presenter: Eddie Gamarra

with Kate Orsini

in the Warren/Salem Rooms Is your book a movie? What steps do you need to take to make it so? In this session, seasoned veteran Eddie Garmarra, known for The Maze Runner (2014), Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018) and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015), and Actress and writer Kate Orsini, https://www.kateorsini.com/credits, speak directly to process.

Writer’s Block: How to Deal with It So You Can Get Writing Presenter: Gloria Mindock in the Mercer Room

Mastering Point of View: How to Choose, Control, and Break the Rules

Gloria Mindock is editor of Červená Barva Press. She is an award-winning author of six poetry collections, two translations into Romanian and Serbian, and three chapbooks. Her poems have been published and translated into twelve languages.

Presenter: Megan Sells in the Mercer Room Point of view isn’t just a choice between first or third— it’s a powerful engine for voice, tension, and emotional

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2:30PM

you total creative freedom, success requires a professional edge to stand out against traditional publishers. This session bridges that gap, teaching you how to master the essential stages of self-publishing, refine your manuscript to industry standards, and leverage powerful tools and services, like BookBaby, to ensure your work makes a lasting impact in the global market.

Who, Why and How: Preparing to Secure a Literary Agent Presenter: Mark Owen Gottlieb in the Warren/Salem Rooms

3:15PM

This strategic presentation reframes the literary agent search from a quest for validation into a high-level business partnership. Moving beyond the basics, the session targets authors with established momentum, those with awards, fellowships, or a consistent publishing record, who are ready to treat their career as a long-term arc. You will learn that in 2026, an agent’s true value lies in rights management, strategic positioning, and career defense rather than just "getting published." The "How" focuses on preparing a single flagship project with market-aware positioning and navigating targeted outreach through warm paths. By identifying when to seek representation and when to leverage alternative paths like small presses or direct-to-reader models, you ensure that your next move is driven by strategy rather than ego. Ultimately, this talk proves that the best time to secure an agent is when your work is strong—and your professional direction is even stronger.

Meet the Experts, 1-on-1, small group meetings in the Morris/Bergen/Passaic Rooms Coffee Break in the Morris/Bergen/Passaic Rooms 3:45PM

Scaling Your Business: "Track to Transcend"; Value Ladder— MFSB's Solution to Business Scale Presenter: Jimmy Newson in the Warren/ Salem Rooms Jimmy Newson, known as the Impact Influencer, is an international speaker, highly dynamic event host, and a distinguished strategy architect dedicated to transforming the global small-business landscape. He is the Founder and CEO of Moving Forward Small Business (MFSB), a membership-based organization with a profound mission: to reduce the global small-business failure rate by one million by 2050. He achieves this by helping businesses leverage innovation, technology, and strategy to crush their goals and achieve tremendous growth. As an official SaaS Founder, Jimmy Newson presents the "Track to Transcend";

From Manuscript to Marketplace, 3 Steps for Self-Publishing Success Presenter: Avery Bacchues in the Mercer Room Navigating the path from a completed draft to a thriving commercial release has never been more achievable than in 2026. While the indie route grants

Authors! Fed up with the “big box” printers?

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Value Ladder, the core mechanism by which MFSB helps businesses scale.

Lastly, we discuss how to best capitalize on reviews and awards, and what is and is not automatic in translating them to book sales.

Jimmy is an expert in digital marketing, strategy, and growth, validated by industry certifications from Google, HubSpot, SEMrush, Cascade, and Trainual. His deep knowledge is combined with an engaging, high-energy delivery that has earned him the nickname "Anti-Snooze Button Speaker". He consistently receives rave reviews for his ability to make audiences "think and participate."

4:15PM

KEYNOTE: The Human Aspect In Artificial Intelligence. Presenter (and Book Signing) : Nadim

3:45PM

Sadek

Book Reviews and Awards, Do They Make a Difference in Book Sales?

in the Morris/Bergen/Passaic Rooms In his keynote presentation, “A Journey Through Collaborative Creativity,” Nadim Sadek, CEO of Shimmr AI, navigates the complex and often polarizing landscape of artificial intelligence in the arts. Refusing to be a ‘blind apologist,’ Sadek candidly addresses ‘why we should quake,’ acknowledging legitimate fears like de-skilling, cultural homogenization, and the rise of AI slop.

Presenter: Ted Olczak in the Mercer Room We’ll take a close look at what can move the needle for book sales, and specifically is there any correlation of a book review (good or bad) or award that makes a difference in book sales.

However, he pivots toward a profound shift in the human-machine relationship, moving away from a fight for dominance toward a symbiotic partnership. Sadek argues that AI can unlock the creative potential of eight billion creatives, providing a voice to the millions who have never had the tools to express themselves. Ultimately, he presents an optimistic vision where AI acts as a catalyst for a global explosion of new philosophies, art forms, and shared human experiences.

As we know there are a combination of factors for book sales, with reviews and awards playing a significant, though sometimes nuanced, role. From preorder sales to book signings, we’ll discuss their role in marketing, promotion, and new opportunities. We’ll discuss the effect of little to no book reviews and awards, and if there can there be too many. And what to do if an author’s book receives a bad review. We’ll touch on media appearances and mentions, social media, book covers and positioning against competitive titles.

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5:00PM

BookCAMP 2026 closes

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INDEPENDENT. BY DESIGN.

Built on integrity and trust. A decade of independent publishing Thousands of authors supported Millions in royalties paid 100% rights. Full royalties. Complete control. Global distribution for life. A dedicated publishing team.

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Literary Excellence Takes Center Stage: Printed Word Reviews Hosts Successful Author Showcase at AWP 2026

Following a high-energy weekend at the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Conference, Printed Word Reviews (PWR) is celebrating the success of its exclusive author signing series held on Saturday, March 7th, at the Baltimore Convention Center. Booth 521 became a hub of literary activity as readers, aspiring writers, and industry professionals gathered to engage with a diverse lineup of nationally recognized and award-winning authors. From visionary fiction to transformative memoirs and emotional intelligence guides, the event highlighted the vibrant breadth of the contemporary indie and established publishing scenes.

Truth About Horses and signed galleys of her new book Beulah, set in the Appalachian Mountains. The noon session concluded with empowering signings from Laura Muirhead (Queen Code: The Book) and Natasha Sumner, whose work resonated with attendees seeking personal growth. Beyond the books, the PWR booth served as a focal point for the AWP community. Throughout the conference, hundreds of attendees entered the PWR Giveaway, which featured over $1,000 in prizes designed to support and inspire the writing life. Instead of one, six day passes were awarded to writers and authors.

Highlights from the Signing Table: The day kicked off with Eric Goebelbecker, whose Great War of the Worlds series captivated fans of historical sci-fi. He was joined by Dr. Susan Agbenoto, who shared insights from her deeply personal works Restore Me! But Privately Please and New Wine.

“The energy at AWP this year was incredible,” said a Ted Olczak for Printed Word Reviews. Although the Saturday crowd waned early, Olczak said “Seeing the direct connection between these talented authors and their readers is exactly why we do what we do. It wasn't just about signing books; it was about fostering a community that champions exceptional storytelling.”

Mid-day crowds engaged with H.L. Howard, discussing the intersection of music and emotion found in A Journey Must Be Taken: Playlist, while Christy Cashman drew a significant following with her acclaimed title The

Eric Goebelbecker

Dr. Susan Agbenoto

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H.L. Howard

Christy Cashman

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Laura Muirhead

Natasha Sumner

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BookCAMP's Publishing Services Directory AUDIOBOOKS

NYC Big Book Award, Gabby Olczak, President Every fall; awards authors and publishers of all persuasions: independent, self, and traditionally published books. www.nycBigBookAward.com • gabby@nycBigBookAwards.com

Turn your story into an audiobook with Audible’s Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) service for independent creators. As the all-in-one marketplace, we’ll help you create your audiobook, reach a global audience, track your insights, and optimize earnings. All you need is an eBook version of your story to get started. Learn more at ACX.com.

The Children's Bookworm Award is an annual literary prize designed to celebrate excellence in children’s literature by honoring authors and illustrators who captivate young readers' imaginations. It typically highlights works that promote a lifelong love of reading, with winners often selected through a combination of critic reviews and direct feedback from children themselves. www.childrensbookwormaward.com/

Pro Audio Voices, a Portland based company serving clients internationally as a go-to place for exceptional audiobook production and marketing, and producer of the AMPlify Audiobook app, which offers the highest royalties and most control to authors of audiobooks of any platform in the industry. AMPlify Audiobooks is currently available for iPhone and Android. For more information, visit https://proaudiovoices.com/

BOOK TO MOVIE Creatorwood turns books, scripts, and any written story into movies and shows with AI. Bring your story to life 1,000x cheaper and faster than traditional means and sell it directly to viewers on our streaming platform. Visit creatorwood.com/ for more information.

AUTHOR SERVICES Atmosphere Press is a selective, hybrid publisher dedicated to creating beautiful, professional books with care and collaboration. Offering expert editing, design, distribution, and marketing support, Atmosphere empowers writers to retain their rights and creative control while earning high royalties, achieving high-quality publication, and worldwide reach. Learn more at www.atmospherepress.com.

EDITING SERVICES Write On, Inc., Nonfiction Book Editor Editing for indie authors writing on business/leadership, self-help, true crime. Work with a seasoned editor who literally wrote the award-winning book: Cover to Cover: What First-Time Authors Need to Know about Editing. Sample edit, assessment and project pricing for the level of edit your book needs and deserves. Free ebook and more information on editorial services. www.WriteOnInc.com

Bookbaby is a full-service self-publishing company based in Pennsauken, New Jersey. It operates as a "one-stop shop" for independent authors, providing everything needed to turn a raw manuscript into a professional book without the need for a traditional publishing house. BookBaby has high-quality in-house printing services and a "hand-holding" approach for authors who want professional guidance.www.bookbaby.com/.

MEMBERSHIPS Membership isn’t just a status; it’s an invitation to a life-long poetry community. By joining The Poetry Society of New York, you gain more than perks—you become a key player in shaping a more vibrant, accessible poetry landscape. Members of PSNY become poetry insiders who receive members-only experiences, platforms to share work, and an ongoing poetry conversation with some of the most iconic poets in the country. www.poetrysocietyny.org/membership.

Book Launchers is your self-publishing partner. We’ve helped over 800 experts and entrepreneurs turn big ideas into brand-building nonfiction books—without getting lost in the publishing maze. From writing support and professional editing to standout design and smart launch strategy, we handle the heavy lifting. Our Author Launch Kit AI-powered marketing software gives authors the tools, coaching, and momentum to launch with confidence and sell. Learn more at BookLaunchers.com.

PSNY The Poetry Society of New York is an artist-led non-profit that creates fun, innovative poetry experiences. Our mission is to bring the transformative impact of poetry to those seeking a more creative life. Visit us at www.poetrysocietyny.org/.

Catalyst Press was founded in 2017 as a literary spark. Publishing genre and literary fiction, non-fiction and memoir, graphic novels, and picture books, our authors explore stories and places in ways that make our global community feel more connected. We believe change begins one page at a time. Contact Jessica Powers at jlpowers@catalystpress.org or visit www.catalystpress.org

The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) is the leading U.S. trade association dedicated to maintaining technical standards and best practices for the publishing supply chain. Founded in 1976, it facilitates collaboration between publishers, manufacturers, and retailers to improve efficiency, manage BISAC subject codes, and advance metadata and rights management research. NEW Agent, Author and student membership rates. Visit www.bisg.org/membership-information for more details.

Gatekeeper Press. Gatekeeper Press is a premium full-service publishing partner empowering indie authors with expert guidance, 100% rights, 100% royalties, and global distribution for life. From editing and design to marketing, we help authors publish professionally and confidently. Gatekeeper Press — Where Authors Are Family. Website: www. gatekeeperpress.com/online-consultation/

REVIEWS Falcon Reviews: Reviews call a significant amount of attention to your book. By purchasing a FALCON Review by Printed Word Reviews, you will have the opportunity to get noticed by agents, book buyers, FALCON publishers and other industry influencers. Receive an affordable book R E V I E W review that can generously boost your writing career. www.independentpressaward.com/falconreviews

Indie Author Book Services Dave Sheets has spent almost 30 years in publishing working with many of the top book publishers, distributors, and printers in the industry. His company Indie Author Book Services primarily works with independent authors. Every year, he works with hundreds of authors helping to create books that entertain and inform readers across the globe, with services including ghost writing, coaching, editing, design, interior layout, eBooks, and printing. believersbookservices.com/indieauthor/

SALES & MARKETING YOUR AD COULD BE HERE reaching over 10,000 authors and publishers Or here: https://issuu.com/independentpressaward reaching over 10,000 librarians and booksellers, 20,000 additional book lovers and consumers. Contact the Publisher Ted Olczak Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com

SHIMMR drives discoverability & sales by creating and deploying Automated Advertising campaigns that continuously self-optimize. https://shimmr.ai/ BOOK AWARDS

Want attention of over 10,000 librarians and booksellers as well as 20,000 additional book lovers and consumers. Contact the Publisher Ted Olczak Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com

Independent Press Award, Gabby Olczak, President Every spring; awards independent authors and publishers. www.independentpressaward.com/ • gabby@IndependentPressAward.com www.IndependentPressAward.com

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