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Kirkus Indie Award Badge

Honoring Extraordinary Achievement by Independent Authors

Enter the Indie Awards →

DEADLINE APPROACHING
May 31, 2026

INDEPENDENT RECOGNITION

About the Kirkus Indie Awards

Anyone can publish a book. Being recognized is what sets exceptional authors apart.

Kirkus Indie Awards celebrate the excellence, breadth, and depth of independently published books. Authors whose titles have been reviewed by Kirkus Reviews Indie may submit their books for consideration. Six finalists in each of eight categories— History & Biography, Memoir, Literary Fiction, Mysteries & Thrillers, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Romance, Picture Books, and Children’s Literature— will be announced on July 7, 2026.

Winners in each category will be revealed on August 27, 2026.

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THE PERKS OF VICTORY

What Winning Unlocks

Winning a Kirkus Indie Award isn't just an honor—it's a signal to the publishing world that your work stands out, earning recognition from readers, booksellers, librarians, agents, and industry leaders.

As part of that recognition, winners receive a $500 Author Services credit, which can be applied toward select Kirkus services to support the next stage of their publishing journey.

Award recipients are also granted a $7,500 advertising credit, providing promotional exposure across Kirkus channels trusted by the institutions and professionals who influence discovery and acquisition.

Winners are invited to attend the 2026 Kirkus Prize ceremony, joining fellow award recipients, judges, and publishing leaders at one of the industry's most prestigious literary celebrations.

Select winners will also receive an agent consultation, offering one-on-one professional insight and guidance on career direction and long-term opportunities.

This is recognition that doesn't sit on a shelf—it works for you.

How It Works

Step 1

START YOUR SUBMISSION

Click the “Enter the Indie Awards” button and sign in to your Kirkus account.

Step 2

SELECT YOUR TITLE

Choose the eligible title you would like to submit, and then select the category you wish to enter. You may submit a title to more than one category.

Step 3

COMPLETE YOUR SUBMISSION

Purchase your entry. After completing your purchase, you will be directed to the awards page on kirkus.com where your title will appear as a contender.

Step 4

CELEBRATE FINALISTS AND WINNERS

Finalists will be announced on July 7, 2026, and winners will be announced on August 27, 2026, on kirkus.com and in Kirkus Reviews magazine. All contenders will also be notified by email.

A LEGACY OF CRITIQUE

Eligibility Requirements

  • All titles must have a published Kirkus Indie Review to be submitted.
  • There are no publication date restrictions on entries.
  • Multiple category entries are allowed for single titles.
  • Authors may submit multiple titles, as long as all of them have published Kirkus Indie Reviews.
  • Print and digital formats are accepted.

Pricing

$199 per category, per title

A single entry fee for professional recognition, career-boosting exposure, and benefits valued far beyond the cost of entry

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Now Accepting Entries for
the 2026 Kirkus Indie Awards

Enter the Kirkus Indie Awards, and put your work forward for
serious, professional consideration.

Enter the Indie Awards

Have questions? Contact our awards coordinator

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