Atlanta, GA [12/9/25] — The Indie Author Project (IAP), a publishing community initiative that empowers independent authors and connects them with libraries and readers across North America, is pleased to announce the 2026 Indie Author Project Annual Contest. The contest is free to enter and open for submissions from April 1 through May 31, 2026, for independently published ebooks from authors across the U.S. and Canada.

This year’s contest continues its genre-focused format and introduces an exciting new category: Children’s Picture Books, expanding opportunities for indie creators writing and illustrating for young readers ages 2-8.

Recognizing the Best in Independent Publishing

The Indie Author Project contest highlights exceptional independently published ebooks across nine categories:

• Mystery/Thrillers
• Romance
• Sci-Fi
• Fantasy
• Historical Fiction
• General/Contemporary Fiction
• Memoir
• Young Adult
• Children’s Picture Books (New!)

Each category will have one winner and two runners-up, selected by committees of volunteer librarians across North America. Librarians evaluate submissions for writing quality, storycraft, appeal to library audiences, and excellence within each genre.

Prizes include:

• $2,500 for each category winner
• $500 for each runner-up
• Eligibility for the prestigious Indie Author of the Year Award, chosen by a panel of industry professionals

A New Children’s Picture Book Category for 2026

Responding to growing interest and the vibrant creativity of indie authors and illustrators, IAP is proud to launch a dedicated category recognizing excellence in early childhood storytelling.

Eligible picture books must:

• Be intended for ages 2-8
• Contain 0-1,000 words
• Include 24-40 pages
• Feature illustrations that are original, licensed, or in the public domain
• Be submitted as a complete, fully illustrated PDF or EPUB

Judges will be looking for strong visual storytelling, age-appropriate and engaging narrative content, excellent read-aloud quality, seamless cohesion between text and illustration, and fresh, memorable originality with emotional resonance.

Free to Enter & Open to Indie Authors Across North America

The contest is completely free to enter and is open to independently published or self-published authors who retain rights to their work. Submissions are accepted directly through the Indie Author Project website: https://indieauthorproject.com/authors/

Libraries looking to support local authors can access promotional templates and outreach tools to help spread the word.

Library professionals are invited to participate as volunteer judges.

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About Indie Author Project

The Indie Author Project (IAP) is a publishing and library-focused initiative that elevates self-published authors, expands digital collections for libraries, and connects readers with exceptional indie writing. In partnership with Lyrasis, Library Journal, and literary organizations across North America, IAP supports creative discovery, celebrates independent voices, and promotes a diverse and thriving literary ecosystem.