PenCraft Book Awards Submission

Children's books play a crucial role in early development, and picture books or highly illustrated stories hold particular value for young readers. These books combine visual and textual elements in a way that engages different learning styles and abilities, making them essential tools for growth and imagination.

The PenCraft Book Awards have had the privilege of recognizing countless exceptional children's books over the years. One remarkable standout is Children Who Dance in the Rain by Susan Justice. This captivating title claimed 1st place in the 2023 Children – Concept category and proudly holds the status of an Amazon bestseller. Since its award-winning debut in 2023, the book has amassed over 500 glowing reviews on Amazon, solidifying its place as a beloved favorite among readers. It’s one of many outstanding children's books we’ve encountered, reaffirming the power of well-crafted stories to inspire and educate young minds.

Many previous PenCraft Book Award winners have gone on to achieve significant popularity, for example: Baby Dragon's Big Sneeze by Sheryl Bass, illustrated by Remesh Ram, is a delightful children's book that we were thrilled to give it a PenCraft Book Award. This charming story has resonated with readers, garnering over 340 glowing reviews on Amazon. One reviewer beautifully summarized its appeal, saying, "I'm always on the lookout for age-appropriate books with messages of love, tolerance, kindness, and empathy. This book delivers all of these in abundance and rhymes beautifully! The colorful illustrations are wonderfully drawn and sure to captivate a preschooler's attention. I'm so excited to add Baby Dragon's Big Sneeze to our library!"

Another standout winner of a PenCraft Book Award is We Walk Through the Forest by Lisa Ferland, illustrated by Yana Popova. This enchanting book has earned over 305 Amazon reviews and continues to delight readers with its heartfelt story and whimsical illustrations. Both of these exceptional books embody the very best of children's literature, combining meaningful messages with captivating artistry..

We hope your entry will be a PenCraft Book Award winner and that it will excel as other winning books have in the pass.

In conclusion, we hope that your book will seamlessly combine captivating visuals with compelling text, creating an experience that not only engages young readers but also supports a wide range of learning styles and abilities.

Young adult books and their many subgenres hold a unique and lasting significance. They go beyond the teen years, tackling universal themes like love, identity, and overcoming adversity. These stories resonate deeply with young readers, offering a mirror for self-reflection, fostering personal growth, and helping them navigate the complexities of the world. YA fiction has also emerged as the fastest-growing book category over the past five years, cementing its role as a vital and impactful part of literature.

The PenCraft Book Awards has proudly celebrated numerous exceptional young adult books over the years, and one standout among them is Thaddeus of Beewicke: Book 1 of 3 from The College of Sorcerers Collection by Louis Sauvain. This captivating novel earned our 1st place award in the Young Adult - Coming of Age category in 2023. With over 250 glowing reviews on Amazon, Thaddeus of Beewicke continues to enchant readers, solidifying its place as a must-read in the genre.

In 2017, during the inaugural year of the PenCraft Book Awards, Aaron Safronoff submitted his book to AuthorsReading for a review. This led to his entry in the very first PenCraft Book Award competition. His novel, Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall, won that year and has since captivated readers, amassing over 325 reviews on Amazon—a remarkable achievement for Aaron Safronoff. We are proud to have recognized the brilliance of his work in our 2017 competition and we celebrate its continued success.

Another standout honoree is A Daughter of the Trolls by McKenzie Catron, the winner of the 2024 PenCraft Book Award in the Young Adult - Fantasy/Sci-Fi category. This mesmerizing novel marks the beginning of the Numina Parables series, inviting readers on an enchanting journey through a vividly imagined world.

This captivating book has garnered over 201 glowing Amazon reviews, enchanting readers with its heartfelt and moving story. A true gem of young adult literature, it masterfully weaves meaningful messages into a narrative that continues to resonate and inspire.

We hope your young adult entry will be another PenCraft Book Award winner that  will excel as other winning books have in the past.

Fiction ranks as the second most popular literary genre, celebrated for its vast and loyal readership. At the PenCraft Book Awards, we’ve had the honor of recognizing exceptionally talented authors who craft compelling fictional stories. We hope we can add your book to this list of exceptional winners. Not one of this winners are published by the big five publishing houses.

In 2018, we were introduced to a remarkable book published by Black Rose Writing: The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple. This heartfelt novel earned 1st Place in our “Fiction-Drama” category, and its impact has only grown since. Today, it boasts over 42,592 reviews on Amazon—a true testament to its literary excellence and enduring appeal.

Also in 2018, A Grave Misunderstanding: A Simon Grave Mystery by Len Boswell achieved significant recognition, winning a prestigious PenCraft First Place Award for Literary Excellence in the Mystery genre. Since then, the book has reached impressive milestones, amassing over 1,472 reviews on Amazon and continuing to captivate readers.

Shattered Triangle by William P. Messenger is a gripping suspense novel that has captivated readers everywhere. With a compelling plot full of twists and turns, it’s no surprise the book earned 1st place in the 2018 PenCraft Awards. Boasting 1,126 Amazon reviews, this masterfully written story has resonated with fans of the genre, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.

In 2019, we received a remarkable book titled Managed Care by Joe Barrett. This laugh-out-loud comedy is a celebration of poor decisions made for the right reasons. Managed Care tells the offbeat and heartwarming story of three misfits navigating life on the fringes of suburban society. The book captured the hearts of our judges and was honored with PenCraft’s Best Fiction Book of the Year award in 2019. Since then, it has earned over 3,222 reviews on Amazon and continues to sell impressively well.

Another big winner in 2019 was 1st Place Psychological Thriller winner Kimberly Belle with her gripping and suspenseful novel, “Dear Wife.” This chilling story has captivated tens of thousands of readers with its twist-filled plot and haunting characters, earning it widespread acclaim. The book has garnered an impressive 9,366 reviews on Amazon and over 46,250 ratings on Goodreads, solidifying its place as a must-read for thriller enthusiasts. With its fast-paced narrative and shocking surprises, “Dear Wife” continues to leave readers on the edge of their seats.

The 2020 Best Book of the Year winner was The Winter Sisters by Tim Westover. This captivating novel, celebrated for its rich storytelling and historical detail, garnered over 1,678 reviews on Amazon, with readers praising its depth and charm. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is Westover's generosity—he donated a significant portion of his income from the book’s sales to support various charitable causes, making both a literary and philanthropic impact.

The 2020 1st Place PenCraft Award Winner in the Psychological Thriller category was Danielle Esplin's highly acclaimed novel, “Give it Back.” This gripping psychological thriller captivated readers with its intricate plot and compelling characters, earning widespread praise. As of this date, the book has received an impressive 3,575 reviews on Amazon, reflecting its popularity and impact among fans of the genre.

T.J. Champitto’s thrilling novel, The Medina Device,. emerged as a standout in 2020, captivating readers with its gripping storyline and unforgettable characters. The book claimed 1st place in the fiction category, a testament to its exceptional storytelling and wide appeal. In addition to this achievement, it was honored with the prestigious 2020 Maxy Award, further solidifying its reputation as a must-read. Since its release, The Medina Device has garnered an impressive 1,197 reviews on Amazon, with readers praising its fast-paced action and intricate plot, cementing its place as a crowd favorite and a modern literary success..

Another big winner of our PenCraft Book Awards was in 2021 for the gripping novel, “Furious: Sailing into Terror,” by Jeffrey James Higgins. This thrilling book took home 1st Place in the highly competitive Suspense Category, showcasing its exceptional storytelling and edge-of-your-seat plot. Since winning the award, it has quickly gained a massive readership, earning widespread praise for its intense narrative and compelling characters. The book now boasts more than 1,674 reviews on Amazon, cementing its place as a standout in the suspense genre.

In 2022, Chasing Rabbits by Rodolfo Del Toro was honored with PenCraft’s Best Fiction Book of the Year award, a testament to its captivating storytelling and wide appeal. Since its release, the book has continued to perform exceptionally well, garnering over 1,408 glowing Amazon reviews from readers who praise its complex characters and engaging plot. Rodolfo Del Toro has solidified his place as a standout author in modern fiction, with this novel continuing to attract new audiences worldwide.

2023 brought us another standout Best Book of the Year winner with Paul Levine’s gripping thriller, Early Grave. This compelling novel is a standalone addition to the Jake Lassiter Legal Thrillers series, known for its sharp storytelling and unforgettable characters. Early Grave keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its twists, legal drama, and fast-paced action. With over 3,668 glowing Amazon reviews, it’s clear this book has resonated with fans of the genre and newcomers alike, solidifying Levine’s place as a master of legal thrillers.

In 2024, Kathleen Donnelly, a former police officer with firsthand knowledge of law enforcement, submitted her gripping novel, Hunting the Truth: A Thrilling K-9 Suspense from the acclaimed National Forest K-9 series (Book 2). This thrilling story, featuring expertly crafted suspense and a deep dive into the bond between K-9 units and their handlers, captured the hearts of readers and won our prestigious 2024 PenCraft’s BEST BOOK of the YEAR award. Following this recognition, the book has achieved remarkable success, boasting over 2,123 glowing Amazon reviews and continuing to grow in popularity among fans of crime and suspense fiction. Like many of our past winners, Kathleen’s work stands as a testament to outstanding storytelling and resonates deeply with readers.

Nonfiction encompasses a diverse range of genres, each offering factual accounts designed to inform, educate, or inspire. Among the most popular categories are biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs, which provide intimate glimpses into the lives and experiences of individuals, shedding light on their unique journeys. History books delve into past events and their enduring influence on the present, while self-help books equip readers with tools and strategies for personal development. True crime engages audiences with compelling narratives of real-life criminal cases, while creative nonfiction artfully combines factual storytelling with literary techniques to craft captivating narratives. Together, these genres provide valuable insights into real-world events, personal experiences, and a wide array of subjects, solidifying nonfiction’s importance within the literary world.

The PenCraft Book Awards proudly honor the remarkable talents of authors who masterfully create captivating nonfiction narratives. These writers infuse their work with authenticity, depth, and meticulous research, drawing readers in with their powerful storytelling. We look forward to the opportunity to include your nonfiction book among our distinguished winners—a celebration of the vital contributions nonfiction authors make to the literary world.

Our 2022 Best Nonfiction Book of the Year award was proudly given to Michael Hebert for his compelling book “Ever Vigilant: Tales of the Vietnam War.” This powerful account of the Vietnam War captured the attention of readers worldwide, offering a vivid glimpse into the challenges and sacrifices of that era. The book enjoyed widespread success, resonating with history enthusiasts and veterans alike, and has since accumulated over 1,196 reviews on Amazon, many praising its authenticity and emotional depth.

The PenCraft Book Awards crowned Swift Sword: The True Story of the Marines of MIKE 3/5 in Vietnam, 4 September 1967 by Doyle Glass as the top nonfiction book of 2023, earning the prestigious title of BEST NONFICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR. Garnering over 2,241 reviews on Amazon, this compelling work has also achieved Amazon Best Seller status and claimed #1 spot in the Vietnam book genre’s top 100 multiple times.

In 2023, The Silver Waterfall: A Novel of the Battle of Midway. earned 1st Place in the historical fiction category, further cementing its place as a highly acclaimed work. Authored by Kevin Miller, this gripping World War II novel delves deeply into the devastating human toll of the Battle of Midway on those who fought it. This powerful story has also received notable recognition, including the 2021 Silver Medal in Historical Fiction from the Military Writers' Society of America and the 2020 ABF American Fiction Award in the Military category. With over 1,583 reviews on Amazon, it continues to captivate readers worldwide.

Cory Mortensen’s memoir, The Buddha and the Bee: Biking through America's Forgotten Roadways on an Accidental Journey of Discovery, has been a standout favorite among readers. With over 915 glowing reviews on Amazon, its popularity speaks for itself. In 2023, it earned PenCraft’s 1st Place in the nonfiction – memoir category, cementing its place as a must-read.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sally A. Hoedel released her meticulously researched book, Elvis: Destined to Die Young. This acclaimed work, earned PenCraft’s Best Nonfiction Book of the Year award in 2021, became a standout success among Elvis fans, amassing nearly 1,000 reviews on Amazon. Through a deeply compelling narrative, the book examines the numerous health challenges that shaped Elvis Presley’s life. It also sheds light on his personal struggles to care for his loved ones while meeting the relentless demands of his adoring fans. Hoedel’s fresh and insightful perspective offers a deeply human portrayal of the King of Rock and Roll, revealing a side of him few have seen.

We look forward to the opportunity to include your nonfiction book among our prestigious list of outstanding winners.

Christian fiction is a genre of literature that features characters, settings, and storylines rooted in Christian beliefs and values. It often explores themes of faith, redemption, and morality, with a worldview that aligns with Christian teachings. While some Christian fiction includes explicit religious elements, others focus on more subtle expressions of faith, like hope or forgiveness.

The PenCraft Award for Best Fiction Book of 2020 was awarded to Krishna Rose’s Woman in Red: Magdalene Speaks. This captivating novel is a well-researched and compelling work of fiction that offers a profound reinterpretation of gospel, history, and culture from two thousand years ago. Whether you're a believer or an atheist, its richly imaginative narrative is sure to provoke thought and challenge perspectives. Fresh, engaging, and intellectually powerful, the book delves into one of Christianity's most influential symbols with remarkable depth. With over 868 reviews on Amazon, its popularity among readers speaks for itself.

Kathleen Reid's Sunrise in Florence was the proud winner of the 2021 First Place award in the Christian Romance category. This captivating novel is a true delight for readers who cherish tales of Italy, fine art, and adventure. It weaves a heartfelt story about dreams and the unexpected discoveries they can lead to. A favorite among Christian Romance enthusiasts, the book has garnered over 288 glowing Amazon reviews, cementing its widespread appeal. 

"Outside of Grace" by Anna Daugherty earned first place in PenCraft's 2023 Christian Fiction category. As the debut novel in the Grace Church Series, it delivers a poignant and honest exploration of a widespread issue impacting young people and others grappling with challenges they feel unprepared to face. With 706 Amazon reviews and counting, Outside of Grace stands out as an exceptional first novel, showcasing Daugherty's remarkable storytelling talent.

Deb Preston's Learning on the Fly and Laughing Till I Cry: A Journal of Mothering My Daughter From Ages One to Seven achieved remarkable success, earning 1st Place in the Christian – Living category. With 241 glowing Amazon reviews, this book has garnered significant popularity.

The heartfelt memoir chronicles Deb's parenting journey as a reserved, practical mother raising her creative and delightfully entertaining daughter from ages one to seven. Through relatable, journal-style entries, Preston captures the challenges and joys of motherhood, depicting her evolution from an overly perfectionist mom to a chaotic yet loving "hot mess" before settling into a balanced, even-keeled approach to parenting. With humor and authenticity, this book is a must-read for anyone navigating the early years of parenthood.

In 2022, Forging the Sword: An Action-Adventure Fantasy with Historical Elements by Akorede Adekoya and A.K. Howard won First Place in the Christian Fantasy/Sci-Fi genre. This captivating novel weaves spirituality and fantasy into a remarkable narrative, blending kings, knights, dragons, wizards, and biblical figures. Combining the wonder of science fiction with the depth of biblical truths, Forging the Sword invites readers on an unforgettable journey where faith and imagination merge effortlessly. With over 570 Amazon reviews, it stands as a testament to its widespread appeal and impact.

Christian nonfiction is a genre of books that explores topics related to the Christian faith, offering perspectives and insights based on real-life experiences or factual accounts. These books often integrate biblical principles and teachings into everyday life, providing guidance, inspiration, and encouragement to readers. They can cover a wide range of subjects, including practical Christian living, Bible study, explorations of God's character, and inspirational memoirs.

A Mission Without Borders: Why a Father and Son Risked it All for the People of Ukraine by Chad Robichaux won 1st Place Christian – Nonfiction in 2024. This inspiring true story follows US elite special operations veterans who risk their lives to fight for freedom and aid the people of Ukraine in their time of need. Through their journey, they discover the transformative power of faith, the meaning of sacrifice, and the enduring strength of hope. The book has resonated with readers worldwide, garnering over 124 Amazon reviews since its release in 2024. It delves into not only the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but also broader issues of courage, humanity, and the role of faith in times of crisis, making it a timely and thought-provoking read.

The 2024 1st place winner in the Nonfiction – Religion/Philosophy category is Ellen Edmondson’s A Place of Love & Light: A Journey Back to Compassion, Authenticity, and Making a Positive Contribution to the World. Garnering over 200 Amazon reviews, this book has solidified its reputation as a standout in the Religion/Philosophy genre.

Edmondson’s work is a profound exploration of living authentically, aligning with your higher purpose, and creating a meaningful impact in the world. This spiritually uplifting and deeply moving book invites readers to reconnect with their inner selves and strengthen their bond with the divine, offering a transformative journey toward compassion and purpose.

Romance novels consistently rank among the most popular genres, boasting a vast and devoted readership. At the PenCraft Book Awards, we’ve had the privilege of recognizing some incredibly talented romance authors. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were fortunate to receive a submission from Tricia O’Malley, a true force in the romance genre. Her book, One Way Ticket, immediately stood out, and it quickly became clear we had a major winner on our hands.

O’Malley’s novel earned PenCraft’s 2021 Best Book of the Year Award and has captivated readers worldwide, boasting over 4,338 reviews on Amazon. Remarkably, O'Malley has achieved extraordinary success without the support of major publishers, with all her books enjoying exceptional sales. A prolific author with over 25 bestselling novels to her name, she has not only won a PenCraft Best Book of the Year Award but has also secured spots on the NY Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists.

Another one of the standout winners in the romance genre was Jen Lyon, a previously unknown author whose novel The Senator's Wife claimed the 2023 award for Best Fictional Book of the Year. The novel is part of Lyon’s captivating "The Senator's Wife Series," which has garnered widespread acclaim. The debut book in the series received over 2,733 Amazon book reviews, while each subsequent installment has also been met with enthusiasm, consistently earning over 2,200 Amazon reviews.

These two romance authors maintained full control of their publishing journey, surpassing many well-known romance writers backed by the major Big Five publishers.

We are honored to receive books from such talented authors, and these two exemplify how independent publishing can achieve remarkable success in the literary world.

If your book doesn’t seem to fit neatly into one of the common genres, one of these less conventional categories might be the perfect fit for you. These categories are often home to bold, unique stories that defy traditional classification, and some of our most notable literary winners have emerged from them. For instance, during the second year of the PenCraft Book Award Competition for Literary Excellence, Kishan Paul’s audiobook, The Second Wife, won the prestigious Grand Prize. Her gripping storytelling and compelling characters captivated the judges and set her work apart from the rest. Today, her novel boasts over 1,325 reviews on Amazon, a true testament to its widespread impact and appeal. We’re incredibly proud to have recognized her remarkable talent early on, validating her work among the very best. Meeting Kishan and her husband at the award ceremony was a highlight of the event, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the memorable celebration of her achievements. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of storytelling and the role of the PenCraft Awards in shining a light on exceptional talent .