International Book Awards - Honoring Excellence in Independent & Mainstream Publishing

Page Contents

Welcome Letter
Entry Fees & Deadline
Payment Options
Submission Checklist
Entry Form
Official 2026 Categories

Welcome to The 2026 International Book Awards!

Over our 17-year history, thousands of self-published and indie authors have leveraged the promotional power of their International Book Award to increase online recognition, enhance their title’s credibility, and garner more attention in the crowded book buying marketplace.

When we started out nearly two decades ago, there were only a handful of book awards online. Now? There are thousands of contests, some of which pop up and fade out in a year's time. A history of solid results is extremely important when considering entering an award program, and for seventeen years, the International Book Awards have delivered.

Who has won a prestigious International Book Award or Best Book Award (our older, sister award program) over our long history? Some of the biggest names in the industry! Pope Francis, George Saunders, Vanessa Williams, Kitty Kelley, Anne Geddes, Daymond John, Mark Nepo and many others. Click on our Award Laureate page for an expanded list.

The publishing industry is rapidly evolving. A printed book is no longer just a printed book.

Fiction and non-fiction books have the potential to be turned into interactive e-books, television and movie programs, documentaries, reality-based programming, video games, graphic novels, web series, live workshops, and so much more.

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, we have the unique advantage of gaining access to both the publishing and entertainment industries like no other book award program currently operating.

You’ve put tremendous time and energy into your work. By winning an International Book Award, you permanently build your credibility as an established author!

Enter Your 2021–2026 Titles! Open to all books with an ISBN and published 2021 through 2026 (galley copies welcome).

2010–2020 titles are welcome in our sister program, The 2026 American Legacy Book Awards !

Entry Fee: $74 per book/per category

E-mail Submission Now Available! Details below & on page 2 of your entry form.

We Pick Winners! Many titles that have placed in our award program have gone on to place in other contests geared toward the independent press. View the 2025 International Book Awards Press Release. View the Full Results of the 2025 Competition.

Social Media Exposure on our Facebook Page! Our Facebook pages have over 132,000 book lovers!

A History of Excellence! Over the last 20 years, the American Book Fest has featured over twenty thousand books from mainstream, indie and self-publishers. We will continue to promote books to the national and international book-buying public! View the 2010–2024 International Book Awards Archive

WINNERS & FINALISTS IN EACH CATEGORY RECEIVE:

Results Announced on American Book Fest's Social Media Pages (132,000+ Fans/Friends)

Promote Your Title as an Award-Winning Book: As a winner or finalist, you will have the right to highlight your award on your book cover, website, and marketing material. Award Stickers and Premium Certificates will be available for purchase for all winners and finalists in each category.

High-Res Digital Logos: Unlike other award programs, our digital logos are free to use on your book cover, website, social media, and marketing material.

Marketing Tips & Ideas to Promote Your Award: The announcement e-mail includes links and ideas for you to maximize the impact of your award. It’s time to think outside the box and make your book relevant again!

Our International Book Awards Team is here to support you, answer any questions, and help you make the very best decisions that will enhance your book's standing in the marketplace.

"On a personal note aside, just to let you know how impressive and appreciated your responsiveness and help with clarifying procedures is to people participating in your IBA program. Thanks for your time and good counsel." —Carol Altman

We welcome your questions and comments.

To Your Continued Success,

International Book Award Team

http://www.InternationalBookAwards.com

LOS ANGELES | PHOENIX
Questions? E-mail Us

“Thank you for the time and effort you and your team put in organizing and conducting these books awards. In these changing times for the entire publishing industry, I think these awards really can help consumers understand higher quality publications available in the marketplace.”
—Daniel Jackman, Director, Global Insight Communications, LLC

ENTRY FEES AND DEADLINE

$89 — $74 per title/per category (Expires May 31, 2025)

Example: One book in two categories equals $148.00

E-mail Submission Now Available! Details are below in "Submission Checklist."
Results will be announced online in June 2026.
Titles must have a 2021-2026 publication date, published in English or Spanish with an ISBN or ASIN number.
2010–2020 titles are welcome in our sister program, The American Legacy Book Awards
Entry Deadline: March 31, 2026.
Galley copies are welcome.
If paying via check: All entry fees must be paid by check or money order in U.S. Dollars (“USD” must be pre-printed on all international checks or money orders) or process your payment online below.
All sales are final. All entry books will be donated or recycled after the competition.
All PDF Files & E-books are permanently deleted after the competition.
Questions? Please e-mail us.

“Winning the ‘Self Help Book of the Year’ from your company has really made a big difference.”
—Steve Olsher

“I did a book signing at the Book Expo of America today. A lot of people approached me because they saw the sticker from the International Book Awards. This definitely picked me up some recognition so thank you much!”
—Mike Saxton

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Please include a check or money order with your entry submission payable to "ABF" or "American Book Fest". "USD" must be pre-printed on the check or money order.

You can also securely process your entry fee at the link below.

“AMERBOOKFES” or “AMERICANBOOKFEST” will appear on your credit card statement

Questions? Please e-mail us.

"Thank you, IBA Awards Committee, for your courage and integrity in recognizing books that expose the truth to make a difference.”
—Randall Dale Chipkar, Author

“I was deeply honored that my book, The Great Pain Deception, was a Finalist in 2 categories for the International Book Awards. This award meant more to me because there were no politics involved or constant sales pitches asking for "extra dues." They were consummate professionals throughout the process. The International Book Awards gives the smallest publishers the same chance as the big publishing houses. They proved this to me when I saw my book ahead of some of the largest publishing houses. The quality of work and the message conveyed is what they look for. Who it comes from doesn't matter, and to me, that makes this award more of an honor to receive. Thank you!”
—Steven Ozanich, Author

SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

Choose One Option Below

(This list is on your entry form as well)

Submitting Via E-mail:

Process your entry fee online.
E-mail “iba@amerbookfest.com” a copy of your filled out entry form as well as a PDF copy of your book.
Include your e-mail address that was used to process your entry fee payment online (bottom of page one of the entry form).
If your PDF is too large to send via e-mail, we recommend using WeTransfer.com (a free service).
“AMERBOOKFES” or “AMERICANBOOKFEST” will appear on your credit card statement.

Submitting Via Snail Mail:

ONE copy of your book per category entered (Galley copies are welcome).
A completed Page One Entry Form for each title (You keep Page Two for your records.)
A check or money order (payable in U.S. Dollars; “USD” must be pre-printed on all international checks or money orders) for the entry fees, payable to “ABF” or “American Book Fest.”
If paying online, include a copy of your payment confirmation e-mail or the e-mail address you used to place the order.
“AMERBOOKFES” or “AMERICANBOOKFEST” will appear on your credit card statement.

“The work that you and your team are doing to provide greater opportunity for independent authors and publishers is well appreciated.”

—Carroll Blair, International Book Award Finalist

“Thank you for sponsoring the International Book Awards. Marketing for my novel, Simon Says, will be greatly enhanced as a winner.”

—William Poe, International Book Award Winner

“This honor really helps with my book marketing. Thanks so much for your hard work and professionalism!”
—Mary Hollowell

ENTRY FORM

Please fill out an entry form for each title entered, print out and include the completed form with your submission. Be sure to review the "Submission Checklist" on each entry form. Questions? Please e-mail us.

2026 Entry Form

OFFICIAL 2026 CATEGORIES

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LEGACY CATEGORIES FOR OLDER TITLES*
*For books published 2010-2020 with an ISBN

NEW AWARD PROGRAM FOR OLDER TITLES!
Looking for more award opportunities and expanded categories for your older titles?
Click Here to learn more about the 2026 American Legacy Book Awards

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2026 OFFICIAL CATEGORIES*
*For books published 2021-2026 with an ISBN

Animals/Pets – General
Animals/Pets – Narrative Nonfiction

Anthologies – Nonfiction

Art

Autobiography/Memoirs

Best Cover Design – Fiction
Best Cover Design – Nonfiction
Best Interior Design
Best New Fiction
Best New Non-Fiction

Biography – General

Business – General
Business – Careers
Business – Entrepreneurship & Small Business
Business – Management & Leadership
Business – Marketing & Advertising
Business – Motivational
Business – Personal Finance/Investing
Business – Real Estate
Business – Reference
Business – Sales
Business – Technology
Business – Writing/Publishing

Children’s Educational
Children's Fiction
Children's Mind/Body/Spirit
Children's Nonfiction
Children's Novelty & Gift Book
Children’s Picture Book – Hardcover Fiction
Children’s Picture Book – Hardcover Nonfiction
Children’s Picture Book – Softcover Fiction
Children’s Picture Book – Softcover Nonfiction
Children's Religious

Cookbooks – General

Current Events

Education/Academic

Fiction – General
Fiction – African-American
Fiction – Anthologies
Fiction – Cross-Genre
Fiction – Fantasy
Fiction – Historical
Fiction – Horror
Fiction – Inspirational
Fiction – LGBTQ+
Fiction – Literary
Fiction – Multicultural
Fiction – Mystery/Suspense
Fiction – Novella (17,500 to 40,000 words)
Fiction – Religious
Fiction – Romance
Fiction – Science Fiction
Fiction – Short Story
Fiction – Thriller/Adventure
Fiction – Visionary
Fiction – Women’s Fiction
Fiction – Young Adult

Health – General
Health – Addiction & Recovery
Health – Aging/50+
Health – Alternative Medicine
Health – Cancer
Health – Death & Dying
Health – Diet & Exercise
Health – Psychology/Mental Health
Health – Women’s Health

History – General
History – Military
History – United States

Home & Garden

Humor/Comedy/Satire

LGBTQ+ – Nonfiction

Multicultural – Nonfiction

New Age – Nonfiction

Nonfiction – General
Nonfiction – Creative
Nonfiction – Cross-Genre
Nonfiction – Inspirational
Nonfiction – Narrative

Novelty & Gift Book

Parenting & Family

Performing Arts – Film, Theater, Dance, Music

Photography

Poetry – General
Poetry – Anthologies
Poetry – Contemporary
Poetry – Narrative
Poetry – Religious

Religion – General
Religion – Christian Inspirational
Religion – Christianity
Religion – Eastern

Science

Self-Help – General
Self-Help – Motivational
Self-Help – Relationships

Social Change

Spirituality – General
Spirituality – Inspirational

Sports

Travel – Guides & Essays

True Crime – Nonfiction

Young Adult – Nonfiction

Women’s Issues / Women’s Studies

Home

2026 Call For Entries

2025 Press Release

2025 Award Announcement

Award Laureates

IBA Testimonials

About Us

Award Archive

2024 Award Announcement

2023 Award Announcement

2022 Award Announcement

2021 Award Announcement

2020 Award Announcement

2019 Award Announcement

2018 Award Announcement

2017 Award Announcement

2016 Award Announcement

2015 Award Announcement

2014 Award Announcement

2013 Award Announcement

2012 Award Announcement

2011 Award Announcement

2010 Award Announcement