James Patterson is partnering with Bookshop.org to launch a new literary award for debut authors, People magazine reports.
The prolific novelist and the online bookseller have established the James Patterson and Bookshop.org Prize, which will honor debut English-language books. The first award will go to a book published in the U.S. during the 2025 calendar year.
Bookshop.org, founded in 2020, allows readers to select a specific independent bookstore to profit from their purchases. Profits from customers who don’t select a particular store are divided among more than 2,000 indie retailers who partner with the online bookseller.
“James Patterson has been a huge ally of independent bookstores for years, for good reason—he understands how badly we need their enthusiastic work to support reading, authors and community,” Bookshop.org CEO Andy Hunter said. “Bookshop.org and James Patterson are dedicated to making sure we all live in a future that includes local bookstores, and we are thrilled to partner with him on the James Patterson and Bookshop.org Prize.”
Patterson told People, “I’ve been a longtime supporter of indie bookstores—and emerging authors. Creating this award that recognizes both the booksellers that are getting books into the hands of readers and, of course, the books themselves, was a no-brainer to me. I’m excited to see which titles are nominated by those who, in my opinion, are the real experts!”
The prize will come with a $15,000 cash award, with a runner-up receiving $10,000. The longlist for the inaugural prize will be revealed on Feb. 9, 2026, with the shortlist unveiled on March 16, and the winner announced on April 6, Independent Bookstore Day.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
