Welcome to The 2025 International Book Awards! Sponsored by American Book Fest™ based in Los Angeles & Phoenix
Over our 16-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 over a decade ago, there were only a handful of book awards online. Now? There are hundreds 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 sixteen 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! Amy Tan, Anne Lamott, Vanessa Williams, Shark Tank’s Daymon John, Brad Thor, Pope Francis, Kitty Kelley, Anne Geddes, Clive Barker, Julie Andrews, 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 2020–2025 Titles! Open to all books with an ISBN and published 2020 through 2025 (galley copies welcome).
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 2010–2023 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
“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 November 30, 2024)
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 2025.
Eligible titles must have a 2020–2025 publication date, be published in English and have an ISBN number.
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.
“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
"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 (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.
2025 OFFICIAL CATEGORIES* *For books published 2020-2025 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
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
