Holiday Gift Guide

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WHO CAN ENTER?

Print and audiobook can be submitted by: • Independent publishers • University presses • Association presses • Hybrid publishers • Self-published authors If you are a big five publishing house, you must submit your books to our fall competition, NYCBigBookAward.com, which has a separate committee and entry fee.

DEADLINE APPROACHING

Outside of the big five publishing houses, any publisher or author may submit to both competitions, IndependentPressAward.com (every spring); and NYCBigBookAward.com (every fall). See webpages for complete details.

WHEN CAN I ENTER the Independent Press Award?

We are on a rolling submission, approximately every two and a half months, with two hard deadlines: (1) March 2024 to August 30, 2024; (2) September 1, 2024 to December 30, 2024 All entries must be received no later than December 30, 2024. This final deadline will not be extended.

What if I miss the deadline? Enter our fall program NYCBigBookAward.com as we take books until August 30th.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS Decide which books (copyright date within the past three years is recommended but not required) to enter into this year’s competition.

2 Calculate the total entry fee.

Choose which categories, https://www.independentpressaward.com/categories, to enter each book into. You may enter a book into as many categories as you’d like. The fee for the first category is $125. Any additional book categories for that same book is $75 per category.

• SINGLE BOOK, MULTIPLE CATEGORIES: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Childrens category, the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200.

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Educational and Book Cover Design Childrens category, the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200, and “Book Two” in Mystery and New Fiction (first-time published), the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200, so $200 + 200 = $400 in total book entry fees.

3 Download a form from this page, OR submit the entry form online on this page, https://www.independentpressaward.com/online-entry-form-1 4

Please submit two copies of your book for entry into two or more categories.

For a single-category entry, one copy is sufficient.

Audiobooks, a single copy of the completed Entry form (can use online form) must be submitted along with an Audible gift code.

IF COMPLETING ENTRY FORM ONLINE and sending a book directly from Amazon.com or other retailer/printer, NO PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED to accompany the book(s).

In addition, we are now accepting books digitally: Complete form, pay online and send your PDF or .epub to: Gabby@IndependentPressAward.com

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Pay via PayPal button on the website or mail a check, along with your books and ship to:

ENTRY FEE $125 per title/per category, plus $75 for any additional category

www.IndependentPressAward.com

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INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD 63 Clinton Road Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 USA www.nycbigbookaward.com

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Publisher’s Letter

“

No matter who you are, if you search hard enough, you will

find something that you can

give of yourself.” What an incredible mantra to live by. Giving value, being valued, and making something greater of yourself to those around you is something I can’t think could

be a better purpose of living. That is why I led with this quote on this month’s front cover, as it is the message that Allen Northcutt’s “The Legend of Chris Moose” delivers in spades.

During the holidays, with all its hustle and bustle, and commercialism, it’s important to remember that us mere mortal humans are just that: human. And, with spirit, we can give of ourselves and make those important to us happy, while making ourselves feel fulfilled for a more meaningful life. I’ve always found books as a source of inspiration for this spirit.

In this issue, find over 400 select titles that will make those around you happy, and dare I say, you a hero. Be sure to pick up a few titles for yourself. All of these are award-winning books that have an amazing story to tell, something that will stay with you long after the book has been read.

If a book intrigues you, check if the author has been on The GAB TALKS. Gabby’s interviews are insightful, revealing untold stories and valuable wisdom from award-winning authors. Gabby has a talent for eliciting candid conversations, uncovering hidden stories and practical advice from acclaimed writers. Everytime I listen to a GAB TALKS podcast, I learn something new about these award-winning authors and wisdom that I can take away and apply to my own life.

You may be an author, publisher, or wanting to be, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t invite you to our BookCAMP 2025. Here, we spend three days with industry experts, learning, sharing and networking.

This year’s event will take place on May 2-4, 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located by the Newark International Airport on 128 Frontage Road. Take a closer look at what we are offering in the centerfold of this issue, and I hope this motivates you to be a part of this fantastic event. I hope to see you there!

Ted Olczak Publisher

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Call for entries for the Independent Press Award Newly featured author interviews on The GAB TALKS Publisher’s Letter GAB TALKS with Allen Northcutt, author of The Legend of Chris Moose Great Holiday Books for the Season IPA BookCAMP 2025 Call for book submissions for the NYC Big Book Award Award-winning books BookCAMP's Publishing Services Directory Printed Word Review: A Pangolin Slept on Buddha’s Lap: A Novel about the Wonders of Wildlife and the Trials of Conversation by Madeleine Dale

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express permission from the publisher.

The magazine Independent Press Award and NYC Big Book Award present is published eight times per year and has been issued the following ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.: Format: Online Format: ISSN 2836-9157; and the Print Format: ISSN 2836-9149. Any questions or comments, please contact the Publisher Ted Olczak at Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who provides us credit may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher. To submit your book for review, send to: Printed Word Reviews, 63 Clinton Rd, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028. Allow 8 - 12 weeks.

Unpaid reviews are not guaranteed. More details available on our website at www.printedwordreviews.com/

To submit your book, visit our websites: Spring 2025: Independent Press Award, www.independentpressaward.com/ Books must be received by December 30, 2024.

Allows independent publishers and authors to participate. Self-publishers are welcomed.

Fall 2025: NYC Big Book Award, www.nycbigbookaward.com/ Any publisher, including the Big Five Publishers to University Presses or any author anywhere is encouraged to submit. (More consumer focused; different judging) Books must be received by August 30, 2025.

To advertise, please contact Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com, or visit our website, www.independentpressaward.com/advertise

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a. Four issues of BookCamp Magazine included at NO CHARGE with an annual membership. b.

Small Press and Fall Trade Book Fairs? (AUGUST 2025 special supplement) c. other publishing professionals. d. Sign up now & receive an ADDITIONAL BONUSES as we add them throughout the year! (Outside of the United States /International digital magazine only). https://www.independentpressaward.com/membership

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Allen Northcutt Author: The Legend of Chris Moose

The Legend of Chris Moose: A Christmas Story is Allen Northcutt’s debut children’s book and it’s bound to be a holiday classic!

A Louisville Kentucky native Allen joined the Marine Corps after college. He flew fighter jets in Vietnam and completed 191 combat missions in 10 months. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, for heroism during an aerial flight in support of military operations, 11 Air Medals and the National Defense Award.

In addition to being a decorated fighter pilot, Allen is also a retired investment banker. His enduring passions are the outdoors, adventure recreation, competitive sports, and spending quality time with family and old friends.

Allen wrote the first draft of The Legend of Chris Moose on Christmas Eve in 1982 while dealing with the many issues of raising a learning-disabled child. The manuscript sat in a drawer for twenty-nine years. Motivation to resurrect Chris Moose came from friends’ encouragement and the belief that Chris Moose could become the first new perennial Christmas character in the past fifty years.

Gabby: The Legend of Chris Moose is your debut children’s book. You wrote the first draft in 1982. What inspired you on that particular Christmas Eve to write the book?

Allen: I had a good friend that I helicopter skied with. Donnie Weber, he’s an architect. Christy Morris, a prolific artist, worked for him. Donnie did the sketches, Christy did all the drawings. We looked at it and Allen: I was separated from my wife and made some very, very minor corrections.

I was living in a tenant house with a bare We hoped it could be the story that all parlight bulb where the toilet, the sink, the ents or grandparents read to their little five shower and the bed were all in one room. and six year olds on Christmas Eve, just like Frosty the Snowman.

I was living on $600 a month after I had paid the mortgage and my children’s school. I Gabby: The Legend of Chris Moose introneeded to do something to make some mon- duces 11 woodland animals, including the ey. main protagonist, a moose. Not a stretch I had a girlfriend who I rode horses with.

She had a nickname for all these animals.

I thought, why don’t I write a story about Christmas Eve with all the animals with their nicknames? I’m not an author. I’m not a poet. I’m not any of that. But after sitting there by myself and drinking a half a bottle of bourbon, it just flowed.

Gabby: It sat in a drawer for 29 years and now it is a proper book filled with engaging, colorful, and interesting illustrations. Describe the evolution? www.IndependentPressAward.com

ized it and put in a real kitchen. It was a cattle farm. I turned it into a horse farm.

Gabby: I understand you host competitions.

The farm’s mantra is to give back to the community. In fact it has become a very important part of your community.

Allen: It really has. We have a three day event in September: dressage, cross country and stadium jumping. People come from

that the focus is on animals. In 1989, you purchased a 97 acre farm called Flying Cross Farm.

Allen: We went up to the horse races near Cincinnati, and we were driving back on the two lane road U.S. 42. We drove by this farm called Holiday Hill Farm. It was for sale.

It had a 50 year old log cabin on it and a barn. It was 110 acres then, but I sold 13 off, so it’s now 97. I fell in love with the farm, so all over the country: Pennsylvania,VirginI made an offer. My wife and I moved out ia, Maryland, Michigan, Georgia, Alabama, there. We remodeled the log cabin, modern- Southern Tennessee and Kentucky. We can

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take 250 entries and we have a big party on Saturday night.

Gabby: You’re a Kentucky native.

This past spring, you attended your 75th Kentucky Derby.

Allen: Yes and I was supposed to gallop my horse, 45 minutes before the Derby in my fox riding red coat, but that did not happen.

Gabby: What is the most important lesson that you learned in life?

Allen: Without family and friends, you’re nobody. Every morning when I wake up, I turn to my wife Jerry and say, what are we to do today that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives?

Gabby: What is your hope for the The Legend of Chris Moose and what is the lesson to be learned from the lovely holiday story?

Allen: I would like it to become a legendary story that people read to their children every Christmas.

The lesson is: no matter who you are, if you search hard enough, you will find something that you can give of yourself.

Listen to the entire interview on independentpressaward.com/thegabtalksaudioonly/the-legend-of-chris-moose To learn more about The Legend of Chris Moose: A Christmas Story, visit OldStonePress.com

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Business (workplace behavior)

Childrens-African American Fiction

Seeking Fairness at Work: Cracking the New Code of Greater Employee Engagement, Retention & Satisfaction

My Mom is a Construction Manager The Darden Kids Discover “My Mom is a Construction Manager” - An Empowering Story for Kids and Parents Alike!

Hanna Hasl-Kelchner “Seeking Fairness at Work” examines the unwritten rules at work—rules that, when broken, demotivate employees, keeping them from doing their best work and companies from reaching their full potential.

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Available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online bookstores.

Join the Darden kids as they proudly share the incredible journey of their mom, Akilah Darden—an award-winning construction manager and business owner! Through their eyes, experience how their mother’s hard work and determination through illustrations of real projects their mom has built, showing them that dreams, no matter how big, can come true.

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Recognized business strategist Hanna Hasl-Kelchner, MBA, JD explains the five most common workplace norms that betray fairness, leaving employees feeling dispirited, disengaged, and headed for the door by examining the crucial role the implied social contract plays in workplace culture and organizational behavior, and how it dovetails with our most fundamental motivational needs as human beings.

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This inspiring story encourages children to believe in their limitless potential and teaches the value of perseverance, ambition, and breaking barriers. Perfect for families looking for a motivational story that uplifts and empowers dreamers of all ages!

Using evidence-based science, academic research, interviews, and real-life stories, HaslKelchner identifies over 100 Fairness Factors and analyzes why traditional means of improving employee engagement, retention and satisfaction inevitably fall short and what to do instead.

If your child dreams big, “My Mom is a Construction Manager” will show them that no goal is out of reach—even if it’s never been done before!

ISBN: 979-8990029903 • $18.99 Available on Amazon.

ISBN: 979-8985407082 • $26.99

www.seekingfairnessatwork.com

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores.

https://akilahdarden.com/

Children’s Fiction: Ages 4-7 Hilarious Holiday Happenings

Death and Dying

Written by Madelyn Simon, Illustrated by Michael Sherman (6th Book in The Poppy the Toucan Series)

Are You Ready?: How to Build a Legacy to Die For

“Hilarious Holiday Happenings,” the 6th in the Poppy the Toucan Series, is the perfect holiday season book for your young reader!

What’s your legacy?

Dr. Kimberly Harms

This book is written to help you build a legacy while you are living, to help you die well when the time comes, and then to help you leave a loving remembrance to your survivors.

Poppy and her Mungo Bungo friends plan a terrific holiday party and everyone is busy thinking up their dream gift. Once the party arrives, however, they learn the true magic of the holiday season.

We all know the importance of life insurance to make certain our loved ones are financially secure after we pass on, but what can we do to ensure they are emotionally secure without us?

ISBN: 979-8343220681 • $13.99 Available on Amazon (Contact MadelynSimonNYC@Gmail.com for wholesale)

www.madelynsimon.com

Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For is designed to help us do just that. It is a book in three parts, including a workbook. Don’t wait to get ready. Our graduation from life comes unexpectedly. This book will help you be prepared to graduate with honors.

ISBN: 978-1960876188 • $20.99

CHILDRENS-HOLIDAY

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and online booksellers www.drkimberlyharms.com/books/

Five Mile Charlie: A Five Mile Christmas (Five Mile Charlie, 3) Kimberly Adams Carly and Charlie discovered that Grumps was a lone coyote who had been separated from his pack in the city. Together with the magical bees and the magic of Christmas, Grumps receives the gift of warmth and new friendships!

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Literary Fiction

Literary Fiction/General Fiction

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Joshua S. Narins

One chose to live a lie. . .

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Joshua S. Narins

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In the ensuing seventy-two hours, a father’s legend, a family’s ancestral lore, and two brothers will all collide.

Set in the rough-hewn woods of northern Maine, Clear-Cuts is a tense fast-paced New England narrative, piercing and resolute in tone, relentless and unwavering in storytelling.

One chance to finally make sense of it all.

False Neutral transports readers directly to the intersection of the current path traveled and the road not taken.

A raw, visceral, unflinching tale about the ties that bind coming unbound.

Set primarily in Boston’s Back Bay and the North End, False Neutral is a taut focused New England narrative told in Mr. Narins’ trademark compact time signature.

2024 DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE - NYC BIG BOOK AWARD / 2024 DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE - INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD / 2023 FINALIST - THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS, U.K.

Conveyed in a simple elegant voice, False Neutral is a unique story with inimitable characters, perfect for fiction fans seeking a story that will not only speak but resonate.

2024 DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE - NYC BIG BOOK AWARD * 2022 FINALIST - THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS, UK

ISBN: 979-8986427041 • $8.49 Available: Paperbacks: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org For Retailers: IngramSpark • E-Books: Amazon, Kobo, Nook Publisher: SAM SQUARED PUBLISHING, LLC www.JoshuaSNarinsAuthor.com

ISBN: 979-8986427003 • $14.99 Available: Paperbacks: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org For Retailers: IngramSpark • E-Books: Amazon, Kobo, Nook Publisher: SAM SQUARED PUBLISHING, LLC www.JoshuaSNarinsAuthor.com

MEDICAL The Doctor’s Voice - Empowering Solutions to Physicians’ Frustrations, Burnout and Healthcare Inefficiencies

Literary Fiction What Not To Forgive

Dr. Pietro Emanuele Garbelli

Loring Walawander

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Discover the Secret to Eliminating Burnout, Improving Well-Being, and Building A Better Future For Healthcare!

This dramatic exploration of trauma, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships is set against a backdrop of poignant and often harrowing experiences.

The primary characters, Chase and Tekla, journey through personal growth and forgiveness in unexpected and moving ways. Chase’s struggle with the loss of his wife, JoAnn, and his attempt to scatter her ashes in a symbolic final goodbye in the Swiss Alps provides a raw and emotional pulse. Tekla, a veteran grappling with PTSD, exposes her scars of war, and her struggle for normalcy and love amidst mental and physical trauma. Walawander’s prose is both robust and nuanced, with a delicate balancing of toughness and vulnerability. The characters and narratives skillfully intertwine personal and emotional journeys. Those who appreciate stories that explore the depths of human resilience and the painful yet transformative process of healing will find this a meaningful read. After all, forgiveness is a difficult thing.

Do you feel exhausted, stuck and unfulfilled?

You are not alone.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors leaving the medical profession has become a global problem that can no longer be ignored.

In The Doctor’s Voice, Dr. Pietro Emanuele Garbelli, a specialist in Acute Internal Medicine, clinical director and thriving healthcare consultant, explores common sources of frustration with practical steps that can help medical professionals reclaim their lives and transform the healthcare field for the better.

ISBN: 978-1665730068 • $26.23 Available on Amazon.

https://drgarbelli.com/

Print $14.99 ISBN: 979-8-218-38241-4 Digital $7.99 ISBN: 979-8-218-38242-1 Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ingram Spark www.livelargebooks.net

memoir Countermelodies: A Memoir in Sonata Form Ernestine Whitman

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Coming of age story about the powerful relationship between a protegee and her mentor, and the devastating effects when that mentor betrays her by withdrawing his support just when she needs it most.

ISBN: 978-1647427230 • $17.99 Amazon, Barnes & Noble, https://www.thebookstoreappleton.com/ and online bookstores. https://ernestinewhitman.ag-sites.net/index.htm www.IndependentPressAward.com

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Holiday Books Great

for the Seasons

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t the closing of this magazine issue, millions around the world will be celebrating Diwali, the “festival of lights” celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. Also known as Deepavali, the celebration of Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This year’s NYC Big Book Award winner “A Kids Book About Diwali” by Chhavi Arya Bhargava is a great way to learn more about this beautiful celebration and how you can participate.

For those of you celebrating Christmas, Old Stone Press delivers an instant classic. Allen Northcutt’s “The Legend of Chris Moose” is a heartwarming book that tells a universal truth that we all have value and have something to give to others.

The story is about a kind and gentle moose named Ugly. Despite his name and appearance, Ugly possesses a big heart and a positive spirit.

The story takes place during the Christmas season, as Ugly joins a group of woodland creatures on a journey to celebrate Christmas with the Bear family. Along the way, he faces teasing and bullying due to his appearance, but he remains steadfast in his kindness and generosity.

When the group arrives at the Bear’s house, they discover that the Christmas tree has been forgotten.

In a selfless act, Ugly sacrifices his own antlers to create a beautiful Christmas tree, transforming the festive atmosphere and winning the hearts of everyone present.

Through this act of kindness, Ugly teaches the other animals a valuable lesson about judging others by their appearance and the importance of inner beauty. The story concludes with Ugly being renamed “Chris Moose” by the group, symbolizing the Christmas spirit he embodies.

“The Legend of Chris Moose” is a delightful tale that promotes themes of kindness, acceptance, and the true meaning of Christmas. It is a perfect book for all ages to enjoy during the holiday season and beyond.

For our friends that celebrate Hanukkah, “Hanukkah Bear” is a perfect children’s book written by Eric A. Kimmel. It’s a story of a bear who wakes up to the delicious smell of latkes and follows his nose to Bubba Brayna’s house. Bubba Brayna is a kind and generous woman who makes the best latkes in the village, and she welcomes the bear to her home for Hanukkah.

The bear enjoys the latkes and the company of Bubba Brayna, and he learns about the traditions of Hanukkah from her. He also learns the dreidel song and how to play the dreidel game. At the end of the story, the bear thanks Bubba Brayna for her kindness and invites her to visit him in his den for the next holiday.

“Hanukkah Bear” is a beautiful story about the spirit of Hanukkah and the importance of friendship and kindness. Recommended for young children who are learning about Hanukkah, or for anyone who wants to celebrate the holiday in a special way.

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Military Fiction Cheerful Obedience Patrick McLaughlin

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A story of duty, loyalty, and ultimately, survival.

Navigating the stormy seas of the 1960s wasn’t easy, especially if Vietnam was on your horizon.

Ignoring his 2-S selective service deferment, Conor Patrick McKall volunteers for the draft, and Uncle Sam promptly deposits him in the Big Green Machine. In nine short months, he’s made an infantry squad leader.

In the “boonies,” life is lived one day at a time.

Joining McKall’s squad is Jack “Red” Sheridan whose near-death encounter with a black panther presents challenges to his credibility from other members of Lima Platoon.

When McKall stands with Sheridan, an unbreakable bond develops. They meet Red Cross Donut Dollies and together experience the infamous Black Virgin Mountain where the good guys control the top and the bad guys the rest.

ISBN: 979-8350901634 • $17.99 Available on Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and online bookstores.

https://pmmclaughlin.com/

Military Nonfiction From Vicksburg to Bennett Place: The Long March to Victory T.W. Harvey

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From Vicksburg to Bennett Place: The Long March to Victory relates that Captain Porter served as the aide-decamp to Brigadier General Mortimer Leggett, assisting the general as Major General Ulysses S. Grant’s Army of Tennessee moved south from Shiloh and fought in the Vicksburg and Atlanta campaigns. Once successful, the army, now under the command of Major General William Tecumseh Sherman, marched to the sea and then north through the Carolinas. Two weeks after Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Grant, Joseph Johnston surrendered to Sherman at Bennett Place in No. Carolina, effectively ending the war. Captain George Porter lived through it all.

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ISBN: 979-8988013969 • $19.95 Available on Amazon and TWHarvey.net www.twharvey.net

Mind, Body, Spirit Your Creator Matrix: How to Use Optimal Wellness and Quantum Healing to Master Your Story and Create Your Reality

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“Your Creator Matrix” is the interconnected framework that links your mind, body, and spirit on all levels (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) with the Unified Field.

When we master our stories—the deeply-held narratives and beliefs that influence all of our choices and creations— and learn how to digest our life experiences in new ways, we gain the power to choose new future timelines and manifest the wellness, abundance, and love we truly desire.

In this thought-provoking book, Cathleen shows us how through quantum physics and the new sciences of epigenetics, glycobiology, and nutrigenetics can support us to create optimal cellular health, digest and assimilate our old storylines, nourish ourselves at all levels for optimal wellness, and begin to operate fully as the Creator in our lives for the good of all.

ISBN: 978-1955811637 • $39.99 Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores. http://www.worldchangers.media/cathleen-beerkens-your-creator-matrix www.IndependentPressAward.com

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Self-help: Motivational Lifeline: Recovering Your Mental Wellness Through Uncovering Your Creative Brilliance

mystery Missed Cue Lynn Slaughter

Lane Gardner

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Part memoir, part toolkit, Award-winning Arts Educator and Motivational Speaker, Lane Gardner, weaves together heart-breaking tales of abuse, gripping shortstories of self-discovery and breathtaking moments of clarity as she recounts her soul-crushing early life in a fundamentalist religious cult.

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When ballerina Lydia Miseau dies onstage in the final dress rehearsal of Romeo and Juliet, homicide detective Caitlin O’Connor is faced with the most complicated case of her career. She strongly suspects that someone murdered the ballerina, and her investigation uncovers several people close to the star who had reasons to kill her. But the autopsy reveals no apparent cause of death. If Lydia Miseau was murdered, who did it, and how?

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Creative expression became her lifeline, initially to escape the horrors of her childhood, and later to carry her safely through the healing process and back to her true self.

Meantime, there’s Caitlin’s hot mess of a personal life.

She has a bad habit of getting involved with married men. She knows it’s wrong, so why does she keep entangling herself in unhealthy relationships? She’s finally decided to go into therapy to find out.

This book is an invitation into her irreverent, soulful and often deeply intimate world of learning how to reclaim her brilliance, while she masterfully teaches the reader how to do the same for themselves.

ISBN: 979-8886531534 • $16.99

ISBN: 978-1948382663 • $15.95

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores.

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores.

www.lynnslaughter.com

https://lanegardner.com/

Self-help: Spiritual

Personal Finance Wealth Your Way: A Simple Path To Financial Freedom

Wholehearted Confidence

Cosmo P DeStefano

In these challenging and complex times, we need a new definition of confidence.

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Fleur Chambers

Gain clarity, learn good money habits, and make wiser money decisions. In Wealth Your Way, bestselling author Cosmo DeStefano demystifies the language of wealth while also exploring the psychology of money and the behavioral challenges of growing your wealth—shining a light with “an energetic, helpful and very readable guide” (Kirkus Reviews) to your financial well-being.

Learn how to define goals, save, invest, and plan with purpose to strengthen your financial situation. Small, consistent steps in the right direction rarely finish in the wrong place. Let’s chart a course to financial freedom with practical advice using all the tools in your financial toolbox. It’s time to get on the path to Wealth Your Way. AWARD 2

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Fleur Chambers, bestselling author, multi-awardwinning meditation teacher and creator of The Happy Habit, provides an exciting and necessary roadmap for anyone who wants to challenge the stereotypes, feel comfortable in their own skin and quietly proud of the unique contribution they are making to the world.

It’s time to embrace Wholehearted Confidence - our capacity to befriend our insecurities, grow through our challenges, live from our values, feel at ease amidst uncertainty and believe in our capacity to create change.

ISBN: 978-1544529844 • $13.99

ISBN: 978-0645867046 • $36.95

Available on Amazon, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and online bookstores. www.cosmodestefano.substack.com/

www.thehappyhabit.com.au/the-book-wholehearted-confidence

Available on Amazon.

Social/Political Change Empire of Eunuchs: How the Republican Party Betrayed America

Pregnancy and Childbirth The Destination Birth

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Describes the failure of Republicans to confront the Left and the Democrat Party from the perspective of a conservative, America-First, traditionalist who has himself run for office.

Rather than challenge the vicious Left and meet sword with sword, Republicans cowered, ran for cover, or even worse, enabled them, thus making it worse. They have won just as many elections as Democrats at the national level and far more at the state level, over the last four decades, yet the country is dismally broken, culturally, morally, and financially.

The author reviews the pitiable path the Republicans have chosen, defines also the horrendous depravity of the Left, and then offers, in the final section, a direction forward for conservatives – and the country.

The Destination Birth is a must read for parents-to-be or any family looking for a quick, easy, and humor-filled story.

ISBN: 979-8988374206 • $13.99

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores.

https://thedestinationbirth.com/

ISBN: 979-8990266902 • $21.99 Available on Amazon. www.IndependentPressAward.com

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reason to attend bookcamp •

Network with Publishers, Agents, Authors

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Learn about other award-winning authors’ journeys

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Gain strategies to sell more books

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Learn best social media practices

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GAB TALKS interviews

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What advertising works best?

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Award Winning Author

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Speak directly to experts who can help solve your specific book challenge

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Insider’s Track to Successful Book Publishing

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Affordable Book Plans

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When (and when not) to use AI

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Independent Bookstore Strategies

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Past presidential candidate speaks about Artificial Intelligence

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Nontraditional bookselling

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Book to movie screen opportunities

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Bestseller Marketing Tips

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BONUS cocktail mixer on May 2nd!

speakers include: Amy Rivers Award-winning author & social media expert

Brian Feinblum BookMarketing Buzz

brian jud

Amy Rivers is an award-winning novelist, as well as the Director of Writing Heights Writers Association. Her psychological suspense novels incorporate important social issues with a focus on the complexities of human behavior. Amy has 90,000 Instagram followers.

Brian has worked in book publishing, public relations, and marketing for three decades. He has helped thousands of authors, from first-time, self-published writers to New York Times best-selling authors, including Dr. Ruth, Stephen Covey, Ken Blanchard, Mark Victor Hansen, and Comedian George Wallace.

Brian Jud is an author, book-marketing consultant, speaker, seminar leader, television host and president of Premium Book Company that sells books to non-bookstore buyers on a non-returnable, commission basis.

Premium Book Company

Brian is the author of How to Make Real Money Selling Books (Without Worrying About Returns) This is the ultimate do-it-yourself guide to selling your books to non-bookstore buyers in large quantities, with no returns. He also wrote Beyond the Bookstore (a Publishers Weekly® book), a primer on non-bookstore marketing.

Kenichi Sugurha

Platform program on Roku TV for access on multiple streaming services, an Independent Press Publisher with national distribution; provides expert authors with a hybrid / partner publisher model.

Roku TV platform/ SelectBooks

Ted Olczak Independent Press Award / NYC Big Book Award BookCAMP magazine

Zoltan Istvan Past presidential candidate; expert on Artificial Intelligence

Strong marketing professional skilled in Copywriting, Web Content Writing, Publicity, Proofreading, and Editing.

Olczak is a career-long publishing professional, Master’s Degree in Marketing Management in Book and Magazine Publishing from New York University. His experience includes Independent Press Award, NYC Big Book Award; Publishers Weekly; National Business/Lifestyle Magazines (FORTUNE, Money, Delta, United, and 14 others); helped New York Magazine create its sister visitor publication IN-New York Magazine; Publisher of New York City Weddingpages for four years, created playbill and newsstand products. Forecasting, budgeting, excellent sales, marketing and event sales track history. Motivated by and interested in “the challenge” & building businesses to succeed.

With his popular 2016 US presidential run as a science candidate, bestselling book The Transhumanist Wager, and speeches at institutions like the World Bank, BMW World, and the United Kingdom’s Parliament, Zoltan Istvan has spearheaded the effort to transform transhumanism into a thriving worldwide phenomenon. He is often cited as one of the leaders of the radical science movement.

As an entrepreneur, Zoltan has started several businesses, including his wineries, which span three continents. He lives in San Francisco with his physician wife and two daughters. He has philosophy degrees from Columbia University and the University of Oxford.

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www.IndependentPressAward.com

www.nycbigbookaward.com

What attendees had to say: Thanks so much for all your work organizing BookCAMP, and everything you and Gabby do to help authors!

“I had a fantastic time at the Awards banquet and felt truly spoiled!

Thank you so much for the fantastic evening!

It was a night to remember.”

-Megan Henry

–Laurisa Brandt

Just a quick note of thanks for conducting an excellent BookCAMP and a very nice Awards dinner. I’m grateful also for the introductions to — and lessons from — Kenichi & Jared, plus the other acquaintances I was able to make.

“Just a wonderful event. Thank you for everything.”

–John Warner

–David Benjamin “Ted,...thanks for your support and the event you created...for all the work you put into the event. Jenny and I loved it... Thanks once again.”

–Ernesto Atkinson

showcasing?

Download the planning kit for May 2 - 4, 2025 here in New Jersey again. https://www.independentpressaward.com/sponsorships What Speakers and Vendors had to say about this year’s BookCAMP: As a speaker, the event was profitable, and if all those who saivd they would join my program actually do so, it will be excellent. From all I could see you did a wonderful job in organization and execution. –Brian Jud Great meeting you at your BookCAMP event over the weekend. I enjoyed being a panelist on the first day. I could not believe that was the first year because it was so well-organized and polished. –Jeff Rivera “So glad to have been your first presenter at the first BookCAMP. You have a wonderful model and it will succeed because you are a people person…I am your guy no matter where you want to go.” –Brian Feinblum The BookCAMP 2025 event is a three day trade show taking place May 2nd - 4th, 2025, where independent authors, publishers, industry experts gathered to learn, trade experiences and network. Designed specifically for indie authors & publishers to improve their bookselling strategies. Topics that range from publicity, distribution through bookstores, libraries, big box stores such as Costco, Target, etc, to the impact of audiobooks on print books sales.

www.IndependentPressAward.com

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until December 31, 2024 join us for $399 THREE DAY All Sessions Pass (Early bird pricing) • $495 until March 31, 2025 $550 until May 1st, 2025 • $700 on May 2, 2025

register https://www.independentpressaward.com/ipabookcamp take advantage of the special rate here: online and https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/SMSZLB26WP3DA Or complete the form below, make check payable to Printed Word Reviews and mail to:

may 2-4,2025

Your Name: Your email: Additional Attendees:

Printed Word Reviews Attn: Ted Olczak, BookCAMP 2025 63 Clinton Rd Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 (718) 938-4590

I want to meet with experts on: ☐ Sales & marketing

☐ Editing / Proofreading

☐ Publicity

☐ Ghost writing

☐ Book distribution

☐ Design/Formatting

☐ Artificial Intelligence

☐ Book Covers

☐ Social Media

☐ Metadata

☐ Literary Agent

☐ Printing

☐ Business Plans

☐ Amazon page

☐ Book to Movie

☐ Selling to big chain stores

have access to all sessions: •

All Keynote Presentations

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Literary agents

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All Breakout Sessions

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Book to movie screen (a few sessions)

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Artificial Intelligence uses; writing & marketing

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Saturday and Sunday Opening and WrapUp/Closing Sessions

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“Meet the Expert” one-on-one consultations with a field expert

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Some meals provided Lunch, coffee, tea, snacks and breakfast

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“40 Under 40 in Publishing” ceremony

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Friday Cocktail Reception

Access to Sponsor Tables in the main ballroom

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How to get the most out of the show session

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Discounted tickets to the IPA / NYC Big Book Awards dinner & ceremony

For more information, please visit www.IPABookCAMP.com or contact Ted Olczak at (718) 938-4590 or via email at Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com www.IndependentPressAward.com

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CALLING ALL PUBLISHERS AND AUTHORS FROM ANYWHERE

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WHO CAN ENTER? Print and audiobooks can be submitted by: • • • • • •

independent publishers hybrid publishers self-published authors university presses association presses small, medium and big house presses

*including any of the big five publishing houses and their imprints

Outside of the big five publishing houses, any publisher or author may submit to both competitions, IndependentPressAward.com (every spring); and NYCBigBookAward.com (every fall).

See webpages for complete details.

WHEN CAN I ENTER the NYC Big Book Award?

We are on a rolling submission, approximately every two and a half months, with two hard deadlines: (1) September 1, 2024 to December 30, 2024 (2) March 1, 2025 to August 30, 2025 Final entries must be received no later than August 30, 2025. This final deadline will not be extended.

What if I miss the deadline? Enter our spring program Independent Press Award as we take books until December 2025 for IndependentPressAward.com.

ENTRY FEE $99 per title/per category, plus $79 for any additional category

www.IndependentPressAward.com

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STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS 1. Decide which books or audiobooks (copyright date within the past three years is recommended to enter into this year’s competition.

2. Calculate the total entry fee.

Choose which categories, https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/categories to enter each book into. You may enter a book into as many categories as you’d like. The fee for the first category is $99. Any additional book categories for that same book is $79 per category. SINGLE BOOK, MULTIPLE CATEGORIES: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Children’s category, the entry fee is $99 + $79 = $178.

MULTIPLE BOOKS: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Children’s category, the entry fee is $99 + $79 = $178, and “Book Two” in Mystery and New Fiction (first-time published), the entry fee is $99 + $79 = $178, so $178 + $178 = $356 in total book entry fees.

3. Download a form from this page, https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/submitviamail OR submit the entry form online on this page, https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/submit-online Complete form 4. Duplicate each Entry Label if you are entering multiple categories.

For print books, a copy of the completed Entry Label must be placed inside the front cover of every book submitted. Up to four physical copies tor entry into four or more categories.

Audiobooks. a single copy of the completed Entry Label must be submitted along with either an Audible gift code or Authors’ Direct code. IF SUBMITTING ONLINE and sending a book directly from Amazon.com or other retailer/printer, NO PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED. 5. Pay via PayPal button on the website or mail a check, along with your books and printed entry form, and ship to: NYC BIG BOOK AWARD 63 Clinton Road Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 USA

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Women’s Fiction

Well-being Forever, Now

Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want

Haleh Shahrzad Darya’s life takes an unexpected turn when she marries a man against her better judgment, holding on to the hope of a joyful and lasting future. However, the illusion of their perfect life begins to unravel as her husband’s infidelity and deceit come to light, leaving her life and heart in pieces.

Maria Baltazzi, PhD, MFA AWARD 2024 E R

ISBN: 978-1961532526 • $19.99

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Drawing from her Emmy-winning career and transformative travels across all seven continents, Maria introduces a unique approach to creating a fulfilling life. You’ll explore what happiness means to you through camera phone photo journaling and reflective prompts.

Each chapter delves into one of Maria’s eight acclaimed Happiness Essentials—practical steps inspired by beloved movies, world events, and a wholebeing approach (mind, body, and spirit). To deepen your journey, download the Take a Shot at Happiness app as a companion along the way.

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Unlock your story of happiness this Thanksgiving with Take a Shot at Happiness, a nine-time award-winning guide to living with purpose and joy. Winner of the NYC Big Book Award in Wellbeing, this book by Happiness Explorer Maria Baltazzi invites you to reflect on what truly matters and step into the role of writer, director, and producer of the life you want.

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This season, give thanks by discovering what brings you joy. Take a Shot at Happiness is more than a book—it’s your roadmap to a life lived in gratitude, purpose, and cherished moments.

ISBN: 978-1637588604 • $18.99 Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and online bookstores.

www.mariabaltazzi.com

Would you stand up to your family to protect your sister’s freedom?

Teresa Heartchild

When an idealistic activist objects to her siblings’ plan to ship their disabled sister off to a nursing home, she’s forced to choose between family and her sister’s freedom.

#FreeingTeresa #TrueStory #DisabilityRights Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me by Franke James www.IndependentPressAward.com

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Print, e-book and a full-cast audiobook NYC Big Book Award Winner: AUDIOBOOK-NONFICTION SOCIAL/POLITICAL CHANGE FreeingTeresa.com www.nycbigbookaward.com 2024-10-07 9:53 AM

Action/Adventure

Audiobook-Children’s

Board Books

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur

by Lori Schneider, MD

A New Game

by A.M. Adair Addiction & Recovery WINNER Hooked

by Talitha Fosh DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

HIT: Once Upon a Field

by James Walker Adult Coloring Books WINNER Let Your Light So Shine: A Prayer Coloring Book

by Samantha Snyder African American Fiction WINNER Where The Heart of A Woman Lies A Taste and Touch Series

by Angela Harris African American Nonfiction WINNER Shattered

by Jenell M. Jones M.Ed. African-American Nonfiction (Poetry) DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

We Alive, Beloved

by Frederick Joseph Animals-Pets WINNER Between the Mountains

by Jeremy Campbell Anthology WINNER L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 40

by L. Ron Hubbard, Jody Lynn Nye, Greg Benford, SM Stirling, Nancy Kress, Stephannie Tallent, Galen Westlake, John Eric Schleicher, Rosalyn Robilliard, Sky McKinnon, James Davies, Lance Robinson, Kal M, Lisa Silverthorne, Jack Nash, Tom Vandermolen, Amir Agoora Arts & Entertainment WINNER Soulforce: How to Discover Your Artistic Purpose, Create More Freely, and Make Art that Matters

by Joseph Arnold www.IndependentPressAward.com

N Is for New York City

by Adina Oberman DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Audiobook-Fiction WINNER Love ad Lib

by Evie Alexander DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Play Outside With Me

by Kat Chen

Start with Strategy: Craft Your Personal Real Estate Portfolio for Lasting Financial Freedom

by Dave Meyer

Wonder: A Song of the Seasons

by Julia Key DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

The Cicada Spring: A Potomac Shores Novel

by Carolyn McBride

Mary Marianna, Great Owl, and the Chess Master

by William Morkill

Audiobook-Nonfiction

TIP’s Magical Journey

by Barbara Mishkin

WINNER Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me

by Franke James

Book Cover Design-Fiction

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

The Dream Collector, Book II “Sabrine & Vincent van Gogh”

by R.W. Meek

WINNER

Every 9 Minutes, A Memoir

by Christina Vitagliano

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope

by Jennifer Cramer-Miller

Ares

by Jayson Adams

Zen and the Art of Navigating College: An Inquiry into the True Nature of Education and the Power of SelfDiscover

by Peter Klein

Empire Builder: The Road to a Billion

by Adam E. Coffey Get It Made: Build Your Clothing Line from Idea to Reality

by Mindy Martell

WINNER

Enigma Tracer

by Breakfield and Burkey

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Let’s Count New York City: An NYC Counting Board Book

by Adina Oberman

Book Cover Design-Childrens

Birth of the Fae: Locked out of Heaven, 3rd Ed.

by Danielle M. Orsino

From Invisible to Icon: How to Become a Known Expert in Your Industry

by John Fareed

Cheat

by David Benjamin Violet’s Violin

by Laurie Jameson-Sims

The Chameleon Founder

by Matteo Mosca The New American Dream: A Simple Roadmap to Purchasing Investment Properties

by Steven Andrews Business-General WINNER Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations

by Jack Skeels DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Be Human, Lead Human: How to Connect People and Performance

by Jennifer Nash Seeking Fairness at Work: Cracking the New Code of Greater Employee Engagement, Retention & Satisfaction

by Hanna Hasl-Kelchner The Art of Slicing Work: How To Navigate Unpredictable Projects

by Anton Skornyakov The Trusted Learning Advisor

by Keith Keating

Autobiography

Book Cover Design-Nonfiction

WINNER

WINNER

Business-Motivational

Becoming Home: Journeying Through the Rooms of My Past to Reclaim My Story

by Ashleigh Stevens

WINNER

Always Moving Forward

by David A. Jones DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Book Interior Design Nonfiction

Encounter with the Future

by Anika Pavel

WINNER

Biography-General

Love Stories & Bejeweled Snakes: Era to Era: The Unofficial Concert Guide

by Sheri L Neilson

WINNER Transhuman Citizen: Zoltan Istvan’s Hunt for Immortality

by Ben Murnane

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Wholehearted Confidence

by Fleur Chambers

Biography-Historical

Business-Entrepreneurship & Small Business

WINNER The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton

by Nancy Thornton Navarro, Adriana Thornton-Cornejo with Philip Mershon

WINNER

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Clarity: Business Wisdom to Work Less and Achieve More

by Jim Vaselopulos DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Faith Over Fear: How to Adopt a Success Mindset

by Mandy Schaniel New Step: The Making of an Entrepreneur and Her Multi-Million Dollar Company

by Abby Lou Walker Speakership is Leadership

by Margaret Watts Romney Tell Me My Story: Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self

by Dimple D. Dhabalia

www.nycbigbookaward.com

Chick-Lit

The Generous Leader

by Joe Davis Cancer WINNER The Cancer Resolution?

by Mark Lintern

WINNER

Rewriting Illness: A View of My Own

by Elizabeth Benedict Career

My Mom is a Construction Manager

by The Darden Kids

Can We Get a Rhinoceros?

by Christian Kueng and Nana Melkadze

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

I Respectfully Disagree

by Justin Jones-Fosu

Cat Love

by K.R. Ward

Own Your Work Journey! The Path to Meaningful Work and Happiness in the Age of Smart Technology and Radical Change

by Edward D. Hess

Desert Friends: Travels With the Pack

by Linda Harkey and Mike Minick

Remove, Replace, Restart: The Essential Maintenance Manual for Your Engine for Success

by Christian Greiser

Ode to a Pug

by Jill Rosen

A Cup of Tea on the Commode

by Mark Steven Porro DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Giving Care

by Sue Mell Chapter Books WINNER The Great Animal Escape

by Linda Harkey DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Danger in the Hills: A NOLO Story

by Liz Fahey, Uncle Jerry

www.IndependentPressAward.com

Together

by Jere Silber

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

WINNER

WINNER

The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie: School is Cool... Attendance Matters

by Dr. Sherrie Poitier-Liscombe

The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie

by Dr. Sherrie Poitier-Liscombe

I Wish I’d Known This: 6 CareerAccelerating Secrets for Women Leaders

by Brenda Wensil and Kathryn Heath

Caregiving

How to Train Your Amygdala

by Anna Housley Juster, Ph.D., LICSW

WINNER

Childrens-Animals/Pets

Thrive in Color: How to Master SelfAdvocacy and Command Your Career as an Underrepresented Professional

by Devika Brij

A Purpose for Patches

by Gail L. Oxford

Childrens-African American Fiction

WINNER

The Modern-Day Assistant: Build Your Influence and Boost Your Potential

by Lucy Brazier

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Love ad Lib

by Evie Alexander

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Extreme Healing: Reclaim Your Life and Learn to Love Your Body

by Mari Ruddy

Poppy through the Paintings

by Julie Lucht

Childrens-Educational series WINNER Nurse Florence® for Beginning Readers: How Do Our Fingernails Grow?

by Michael Dow, RN, MS Nurse Florence® for Beginning Readers: How Do We Feel Dizzy?

by Michael Dow, RN, MS Nurse Florence® for Beginning Readers: How Do We Feel Hot and Cold Things?

by Michael Dow, RN, MS

Obscura the Cat Sees Beyond

by Ben Franchi

Who is living next Door?; The Life of Riley Series Book 3

by Deborah Tant

WINNER Little Miss Linda: Bad Girls of Montgomery

by Dr. Linda J. M. Holloway Childrens-Death and Dying WINNER

WINNER Mimi & the Gold Baton

by Cheryl Olsten

WINNER

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WINNER Annabelle Bee and the Butterfly Tree

by Debra Raso O’Connor DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie 2 Tolerance

by Dr. Sherrie Poitier-Liscombe

WINNER

Childrens-Humor WINNER

Childrens-Inspirational

Childrens-Fiction

Childrens-Educational

Childrens-Friendship

Nurse Florence® for Beginning Readers: How Does Our Hair Grow?

by Michael Dow, RN, MS

The Plastic Tree and His Friends

by Nicholad Rozak

Little Miss Linda Copes WIth Divorce

by Linda J. M. Holloway

Where’d the Color Go?

by Joey Mullen

Tongue Teasers: Laugh-Along Songbook Origins - A Taste of the Poems Before the Music

by Dr. D.W. Knight

Butterfly Whispers

by Leanne Murner

WINNER

I Love Harriet Kippley

by Jenny Lynn Pease

Nurse Florence® for Beginning Readers: How Do We Smell Things?

by Michael Dow, RN, MS

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Childrens-Divorce

Five Mile Charlie: The Return of Farmer Bud

by Kimberly Adams

Five Mile Charlie: A Five Mile Christmas (Five Mile Charlie, 3)

by Kimberly Adams

The Light of Your Eyes

by Donna Lee Sonnenberg

My Protest: If I Could Peek Into Heaven ... To See What My Daddy Is Doing

by Linda Bessellieu, Tawana Bessellieu, Jaliyah Bessellieu-Webb

Five Mile Charlie: Charlie Goes to the Library

by Kimberly Adams

Nurse Florence® for Beginning Readers: How Do We Hear Things?

by Michael Dow, RN, MS

WINNER

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Five Mile Charlie: A Special Pony for Carly

by Kimberly Adams

Childrens-Holiday

Childrens-Environment

Here With You

by Kellie Kaminskas

Belle And Chloe: Reflections In The Mirror

by Isabela Sardas, Ph.D.

Nurse Florence® for Beginning Readers: How Do We Feel Touch?

by Michael Dow, RN, MS

Nurse Florence® for Beginning Readers: How Do We See Things?

by Michael Dow, RN, MS

Childrens-Cultural & Social Issues

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

WINNER I’m Beautiful Because I Am

by Azizi Tuere DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Aaron The Different- A Story of Courage, Acceptance, and Belonging

by Etty Burk When I’m the President

by Samantha Pillay Your Magic

by Kylee McGrane-Zarnoch Childrens-Motivational WINNER Mary Marianna, Great Owl, and the Chess Master

by William Morkill

www.nycbigbookaward.com

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Let’s Celebrate You! A Graduation Keepsake for Little Graduates

by Junia Wonders Yay... It’s My First Day of School

by Mr. B’s Books Your Heart’s Voice

by Renée Greene Murphy MS Ed Childrens-Music WINNER The Accidental Orchestra

by Aniela Emma Chaudhuri DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Picnic Pandaemonium

by Aniela Emma Chaudhuri Childrens-Nonfiction WINNER All About Smart Manufacturing

by Mike Nager DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Good Morning Big Apple

by Dr. Lynsey Victoria My Protest: Please Don’t Erase Our History!

by Linda Bessellieu, Tawana Bessellieu, Jaliyah Bessellieu-Webb Childrens-Religion WINNER A Kids Book About Diwali

by Chhavi Arya Bhargava DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Bless Ye the Lord: Praise Song of the Three Holy Children

by Frances Tyrrell The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie: Teen Prayerbook

by Dr. Sherrie Poitier-Liscombe The Night of Christmas Miracles

by Pam Soddu The Wisdom of Solomon

by Demi Christian-Fiction WINNER Infidel Wars: Cleansed Book One

by Donna E. Lane DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Drop the Armor: Release the Past, Ignite Your Faith, and Unlock an Extraordinary Life

by Christine Jewell A Simple Foundation: 5 Universal Principles for Building a Great Relationship with God

by Larry Heitz

WINNER

WINNER

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Basics with Babish

by Andrew Rea

A Wretch Like Me: A Modern Day Mary Magdalene Saved by Grace

by Nancy Major The Magnificence of the 3

by Timeout A Taumua

Light, Fire, & Abundance: Harness the Power of Food and Mindful Cooking to Nourish the Body and Soul

by Misty Bell Stiers

The Quest for Family

by Jessica Clancy

Too Many Eggs

by Mimi Smith-Dvorak

Christian-Nonfiction (Poetry)

Crime Fiction

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

WINNER

Eternal Love: A Poetic Pathway to God’s Heart and Mind

by C. Peggy Atoche

Bright Young Women

by Jessica Knoll DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Songs for the Spirit / Canciones para el Espiritu

by Robert L. Giron / Spanish trans.

Javier Prieto Martinez

The Voice of the Dog

by David Benjamin Cross Genre

Coffee-table Book

WINNER

WINNER

Zodiac Pets

by Eric Giroux

My Silver Lining : Healing through Art (Bilingual edition)

by Jennifer Troice

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Coloring Books

Dear Arlo – Letters to my Grandson

by Olga Campbell

WINNER

Cultural & Social Issues

Glitter the Unicorn Loves to Color at the Beach

by Callie Chapman

WINNER The Olive Tree

by Mariam Elhouli

Comics and Graphic Novels WINNER

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

ANANKE: The Prologue

by Natalie Raffaele

Single at Heart: The Power, Freedom, and Heart-Filling Joy of Single Life

by Dr. Bella DePaulo

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Death and Dying

Habibti Pada: Shou Ismeek?

by Ameen Beydoun

WINNER

Cookbooks - International

The Truth About Horses

by Christy Cashman

WINNER

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Islands In A Common Sea: Stories Of Farming, Fishing & Food Around The World

by Jenny Jefferies

Are You Ready?: How to Build a Legacy to Die For

by Dr. Kimberly Harms Diet and Nutrition

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Made in Taiwan

by Clarissa Wei

Christian-Nonfiction

Tasting History

by Max Miller

www.IndependentPressAward.com

Divorce

A Gift from the Heart, Johnny Carrabba

by Johnny Carrabba

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

The Royal Order of the Last Coin

by Joyce Crawford

WINNER

Cookbooks-General

WINNER Why Did I Just Eat That?: How to Let Go of Emotional Eating and Heal Your Relationship with Food

by Lisa D. Ellis MS RDN CDN LCSW CEDS-C

20

Crush Your Divorce & Keep Your Faith

by Bree Sullivan-Howell, J.D. Education WINNER Wisest Learners (Parent Edition): Unlock the Secrets to Your Child’s Academic Success

by Dr. Wallace Panlilio II and Dr. Artyom Zinchenko DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Erasing the Finish Line

by Ana Homayoun Transforming Schools: A TraumaInformed Approach to Teaching, Learning, and Healing

by Marcia Ranglin-Vassell Environment WINNER The Codex of the Endangered Species Act, Volume I: The First Fifty Years

by Lowell E. Baier with Christopher E. Segal The Codex of the Endangered Species Act, Volume II: The Next Fifty Years

by Edited by Lowell E. Baier, John F. Organ, and Christopher E. Segal Epic Fantasy WINNER And They Marched Up: A Novel from the Saga of Fallen Leaves

by J.L. Feuerstack And They Went Up: A Novel from the Saga of Fallen Leaves

by J.L. Feuerstack Erotica WINNER Saga of the Swedish Water Spirit

by Caroline Helenasdotter Fantasy WINNER Stone & Sky

by Z.S. Diamanti DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Amoura Awakened

by Meg Kramer Star-Torn Sky

by Anna Hunter The StarWriters Club

by Mary K Savarese

www.nycbigbookaward.com

Grief

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

WINNER

WINNER

Dress Your Essence: How to find your true personal style and express your beauty as a sacred work of art

by Jennifer Butler

Witnessing Grief; Inviting Trauma and Loss to Our Coaching Conversations, An Enneagram Perspective

by Holly Ann Margl

Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues and Heroes Behind New York Place Names

by Rebecca Bratspies

Finance

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

WINNER

WINNER

From Two to One: Surviving the Loss of a Loved One

by Rosina Leigh Eller

Hidden Women: Mines, Temples and Parklands in Celtic Europe

by Jacqueline Widmar Stewart

Fashion

Investing in U.S. Financial History: Understanding the Past to Forecast the Future

by Mark J. Higgins CFA CFP® Fine Arts WINNER My Silver Lining : Healing through Art (Bilingual edition)

by Jennifer Troice DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Stolen Moments / Momentos Robados

by Ernesto Atkinson Friendship WINNER Eyes on the Horizon

by Carrie Lynn Fazzolari DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Campfire Confessions

by Kristine Ochu General Fiction WINNER Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way

by Jeffrey Blount DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Clear-Cuts

by Joshua S. Narins Driving for Justice

by Justin K. Kojok Hold Circulation: Trial and Redemption - A Call Numbers novel

by Syntell Smith The Blue Iris

by Rachel Stone The Truth About Horses

by Christy Cashman UMA: Champion of the Seven Dojo: A Modern Story of Tradition and Victory

by Kris Wilder and Lawrence A. Kane Gift Books WINNER Food & Drink: Modernist Cuisine Photography

by Nathan Myhrvold

www.IndependentPressAward.com

History: World

Holiday

The Cards You’re Dealt: How To Deal When Life Gets Real (A Tarot Guidebook)

by Theresa Reed

WINNER Banning Santa

by Mikael Carlson

The Transformational Nature of Grief: A Pocket Guide Embracing the Light of Your Soul

by Cara Hope Clark

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie’s Story

by Denise Lee Branco

Hispanic/Latin

Home & Garden

WINNER

WINNER

Incident at San Miguel

by A. J. Sidransky

Feng Shui, A Homeowner’s Guide to Abundance

by Jane Langof

Historical Fiction WINNER Out of the Darkness: A Novel (Courageous Series)

by David A. Jacinto

Humor WINNER

The Dream Collector, Book II, Sabrine & Vincent van Gogh

by R.W. Meek

And Now There’s Zelda

by Carolyn Clarke DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

The Last Floridian

by Pete Clements The Map Colorist: A Novel

by Rebecca D’Harlingue

Cranky Superpowers: Life Lessons Learned from the Common Crankatsuris Chronicles

by Steven Joseph

The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine

by M. B. Zucker

Up Your HOA Hole

by B.J. Irons Humor (Poetry)

Violet’s Violin

by Laurie Jameson-Sims

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Sonnets From Suburbia: Romance Dance

by Penny Peyser

Wages of Empire

by Michael J Cooper History: United States WINNER

Inspiration

The Codex of the Endangered Species Act, Volume I: The First Fifty Years

by Lowell E. Baier with Christopher E. Segal

WINNER 911 from your Soul

by Jeanine Thompson

21

The Uyghurs: Kashgar before the Catastrophe

by George F. Thompson DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

MetalGhost: Kashif and the Echoes From a Past Life

by Ali Mohammad Rizwan Judaism WINNER Still the Soul Survives

by Pamela Goldstein DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Amerikaland

by Danny Goodman Incident at San Miguel

by A. J. Sidransky

WINNER

Grocery Shopping Secrets

by Carol Ann Kates

KENNEDY GIRL

by Caitlin Hicks

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

Heart of Fire: A Novel of the Ancient Olympics

by Adam Alexander Haviaras

A Brighter TOMORROW

by Lori Schneider, MD Islamic

Juvenile Fiction

How-to

Free Spirits

by Mary Hutchings Reed

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Horror

Death of Heaven

by JZ Murdock

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Inspiration (Poetry)

Erift’s Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest

by J.T. Tenera Juvenile Nonfiction WINNER Determined To Be Extraordinary

by Dawn Heimer Leadership WINNER Big Bets

by Rajiv Shah DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go, Third Edition

by Beverly Kaye and Julie Winkle Giulioni Inception Mindset: The Contextual Art and Science of Leading in a Permanently Complex World

by Robert Radi, Ph.D. Lead without Burnout: Growth with Less Stress for You and Your Team

by Ryan Renteria The Culture of Burnout: Why Your Exhaustion is Not Your Fault

by Kristen Donnelly & Erin Hinson The Startup CTO’s Handbook

by Zach Goldberg

www.nycbigbookaward.com

The Steadfast Leader: Control Anxiety, Make Confident Decisions, and Focus Your Team Using the New Science of Leadership

by Randy Brazie and Geoffrey VanderPal LGBTQ Fiction WINNER The Photograph

by Eve M. Riley DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

At the Heart of War: Danaus & Jayden

by Danielle M. Orsino Castro Street Blues: A Covid Comedy of Gay San Francisco

by Jack Fritscher Drag Wars: Fangula vs Pridezilla

by Robert A. Karl Liddy-Jean Marketing Queen

by Mari SanGiovanni Off the Menu

by Alaina Erdell Sailing to Noon

by Hoyt Rogers The Goldies: 50th High School Reunion

by Robert A. Karl The Strange Story of Stanley Suspect

by JC Compton LGBTQ Fiction for Children & Young Adults WINNER The Kind Kindergarten Class

by Sara Madden LGBTQ Nonfiction (Audiobook) WINNER I’m Not Dead...Yet: How I Turned My Misfortunes Into Strengths

by Dr. Joshua J. Caraballo Literary Fiction WINNER Shark Heart

by Emily Habeck DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Bistro Nights

by David Benjamin Charlie’s Ladder

by Carl Reinelt False Neutral

by Joshua S. Narins Rouge

by Mona Awad What Not To Forgive

by Loring Walawander www.IndependentPressAward.com

Middle Grade

Where I Can Breathe

by Hays Blinckmann

WINNER

Marketing & Public Relations

Future Hack

by Dana Klisanin

WINNER Cultural Intelligence for Marketers

by Anastasia Kārkliņa Gabriel

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

JJ and Frijolito

by Victoria Cepeda

Medical WINNER

Treasures in a Bottle

by April Henley

The Doctor’s Voice - Empowering Solutions to Physicians’ Frustrations, Burnout and Healthcare Inefficiencies

by Dr. Pietro Emanuele Garbelli

Military Fiction WINNER Cheerful Obedience

by Patrick McLaughlin

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Fever of Unknown Origin, A True Tale of Medicine, Mystery, and Magic

by Judith M Ford

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Beyond the Bukubuk Tree: A World War II Novel of Love and Loss

by Loretta Goldberg

Medical Mystery/Thriller WINNER

Sea of Red

by James Bultema

The Desperation of Marla Adams

by Patrick Hanford

Military Nonfiction

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

WINNER

Kidney Kartel

by Kate and Allen Griggs

Mission Transition: Navigating the Opportunities and Obstacles of Your Post-Military Career

by Matthew J. Louis

Memoir WINNER

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Countermelodies: A Memoir in Sonata Form

by Ernestine Whitman

From Vicksburg to Bennett Place: The Long March to Victory

by T.W. Harvey

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Mind, Body, Spirit

Angel Finally Found His Wings

by Ronald Hunter

WINNER

Bright Eyes: Surviving Our Monsters and Learning to Live without Them - A Memoir

by Bridey Thelen-Heidel

Yin Yang: The Elusive Symbol That Explains the World

by Jack Rasmussen DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Connections - The Power of Connecting with Strangers

by Irene Sardais, Ph.D.

be. love.

by Christin Collins

Getting Sauced—How I Learned Everything I Know About Food from Working in TV

by Karen S. Katz

Higher Love: A Psychedelic Travel Memoir of Heartbreak and Healing

by Anne Kiehl Friedman Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: How to Inspire by Being Inspired

by Yosi Amram, PhD

Scriptless: A Memoir

by Carol McMillan Whispers from the Valley of the Yak: A Memoir of Coming Full Circle

by Jacquelyn Lenox Tuxill

Your Creator Matrix: How to Use Optimal Wellness and Quantum Healing to Master Your Story and Create Your Reality

by Cathleen Beerkens

Men’s Health WINNER

Motivational

The Better Man: A Guide to Consent, Stronger Relationships, and Hotter Sex

by Eric FitzMedrud Ph.D.

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Be the Weight Behind the Spear

by Dr. Josh McConkey Fabulous

by Anne Pollard Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go

by Amanda McKoy Flanagan Multicultural-Fiction WINNER UMA: Champion of the Seven Dojo: A Modern Story of Tradition and Victory

by Kris Wilder and Lawrence A. Kane Music WINNER Tuned In - Memoirs of a Piano Man: Behind the Scenes with Music Legends and Finding the Artist Within

by Jim Wilson Mystery WINNER Missed Cue

by Lynn Slaughter DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Cheat

by David Benjamin In the Blood

by Gary E Smith Parrot Sanctuary: A Witherston Murder Mystery

by Betty Jean Craige Past Imperfect

by Josh Cohen Preacher Stalls the Second Coming (Evan Wycliff #4)

by Gerald Everett Jones Prelude to Murder

by Erica Miner Raven’s Grave

by Charlotte Stuart Nature WINNER The Codex of the Endangered Species Act, Volume II: The Next Fifty Years

by Edited by Lowell E. Baier, John F. Organ, and Christopher E. Segal DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Solo Passage: 13 Quests, 13 Questions

by Glenda Goodrich

WINNER Nothing is Missing

by Nicole Walters

22

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New Adult Fiction

Novella

WINNER

WINNER

The Summer Before

by Dianne C. Braley DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Wild Asses of the Mojave Desert

by Lis Anna-Langston New Adult Nonfiction WINNER Outside Voices: A Memoir of the Berkeley Revolution

by Joan Gelfand

AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest

by Mary Ann Bernal

New Nonfiction WINNER Broken Water: An Extraordinary True Story

by Barbara Lane DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

A Single Desperate Prayer

by Ludmila Ritz And She Was Never the Same Again: A Multigenerational Memoir

by Natasha Pryde Trujillo Ph.D. Backstage Pass: A Business Book That’s Far From Conventional

by Harvey Lee Deputy While Immigrant

by Tom Peine The Male Nurse Survival Guide

by Chris Lengle

Picture Books - Ages 4-8 WINNER Harriet’s Hungry Worms

by Samantha Smith

WINNER Wealth Your Way: A Simple Path To Financial Freedom

by Cosmo P DeStefano

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Grandma’s House is Haunted

by Stephen G. Bowling

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Guac, the Avocado Bird

by Julie Branch-Evans

Pillars of Wealth: How to Make, Save, and Invest Your Money to Achieve Financial Freedom

by David Greene

Maya Moves to a New Country

by Pearl Gifty Alimo

The Wisest Investment: Teaching Your Kids to Be Responsible, Independent and Money-Smart for Life (US Edition)

by Robin Taub

Perky Panda Helps Us Make Friends

by Maria La Selva Poppy Says “It’s Okay, You’re Okay!”

by Madelyn Simon and Michael Sherman

Personal Growth WINNER

Quiet Violet Finds Her Voice

by Gabrielle Nidus

Take Less. Do More.: Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker

by Glen Van Peski

Wonder: A Song of the Seasons

by Julia Key Picture Books - All Ages WINNER

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Petals from Mars: A Memoir of Resilience and Triumph over Adversity

by Judie Dziezak

Tap and Rap, Move and Groove

by Connie Bergstein Dow DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

The Anxious Hippie

by Lucie Dickenson

Bentley’s Fantabulous Idea Special Edition

by Miki Taylor

The Gift of Sensitivity

by Elena V. Amber

The Trichotomy of A Temporary Office Worker

by Addie R. Marrow Nonprofit

Philosophy

WINNER

WINNER

www.IndependentPressAward.com

The Uyghurs: Kashgar before the Catastrophe

by George F. Thompson

WINNER

What Do You Really Want?: 7 Questions That Can Unlock the Answers to a Life Full of Abundance, Meaning, and Connection

by Cayla Craft

Brooklyn Goes Home, The Rise and Fall of American Greyhound Racing and the Dog that Inspired a Movement

by Christine A. Dorchak and Carey M. Theil

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Parenting and Family

Personal Finance

Wish me Luck

by Gayle De Blake

Food & Drink: Modernist Cuisine Photography

by Nathan Myhrvold

What Happens in Montana

by Kim McCollum

WINNER

A Pangolin Slept on Buddha’s Lap: A Novel About the Wonders of Wildlife and the Trials of Conservation

by Madeleine Dale

WINNER

WINNER

New Fiction

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Photography

Paranormal Mystery

The B.A.B.Y. Book: Best Advice for Baby & You

by Karen L. Brewer, BSN, RNC-MNN

Amerikaland

by Danny Goodman

The Innovative Animal: Unveiling the Hidden Pattern within All Natural & Human Innovations

by Nizar M. Benazzouz PhD

Tuxedo Baby and His Annoying Cousins

by Victoria Smith Picture Books - Preschool WINNER Luna Blanca!

by David Lane Poetry

Infrequent Frequencies, Rare Resonance:

by G.E. Poole

WINNER Grief Touched the Sky at Night

by Gloria Mindock

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

23

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

A little book of unspoken history

by Elif Sezen Back to the Woods

by Cynthia Cruz Bone Country

by Linda Nemec Foster I Have Decided to Remain Vertical

by Gayelene Carbis Prairie Roots

by James Lowell Hall The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems

by Roni Rosenthal Whale Aria

by Rajiv Mohabir What the Light Leaves Hidden

by Terry Kennedy Political Thriller WINNER Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy

by Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

By Means of Peace

by Don Johnston Pre-teen Fiction WINNER The Climate Diaries: Book One: The Academy

by Aaron Arsenault Pregnancy and Childbirth WINNER How to Have a Healthy Baby

by Dagmar Ganser DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Postpartum 30: Thirty Days to a Nurtured Fourth Trimester

by Kristal Lau The Destination Birth

by Alex Bisset Psychiatry/Psychology WINNER How You Think and Feel Changes Your Body: Dynamic Body Psychology

by Douglas Peterson DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

A Schizoid at Smith: How Overparenting Leads to Underachieving

by Blair Sorrel

www.nycbigbookaward.com

Race Relations WINNER Fat Girl Sings: Discovering, Embracing, and Leveraging Racial Identity on the Football Field, in Business, and in Life

by Ray Schoenke Racism WINNER The Faces of Racism True Stories and Direct Experiences with Racism

by Vladimir Prempin Reference WINNER Hiring Veterans: How To Leverage Military Talent For Organizational Growth

by Matthew J. Louis DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Leadership Anatomy: Deconstruct Theories for Victory

by Dr. Satpreet Singh The Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What’s Right

by Stephen Martin Kohn, Esq. Regional-Nonfiction WINNER Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues and Heroes Behind New York Place Names

by Rebecca Bratspies Relationships WINNER Speaking with the Heart: Transforming Your Relationship and Communication with Compassion and Connection

by Dr. Heather Browne, PsyD, LMFT DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Raging Fire of Love: What I’ve Learned from Jesus, the Jews, and the Prophet

by Kelly James Clark

Arc

by M.E. Lange

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Darwin’s Dilemma

by Don Stuart

Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible

by Chris Morehouse

Hounds of Gaia

by Sean M. Tirman

Sold Out: When You Sacrifice Your Life

by Manu Philip

In the Throes

by Mathias B. Freese

The Essential Martin Lings

by Reza Shah-Kazemi

Richard: The Dragon’s Curse

by Michael W Hickman

Romance

Salvage

by Arnie Koss

WINNER

The Space Traveller’s Lover

by Omara Williams

An Unholy Affair

by Evie Alexander Romantic Comedy

Self-help: General

WINNER

WINNER TUNE IN: How To Make Smarter Decisions In a Noisy World

by Nuala Walsh

When Happily Ever After Fails: A Novel

by Courtney Deane DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Tex Miller Is Dead

by Kelly Elizabeth Huston

Breaking the Cycle: The 6 Stages of Healing from Childhood Family Trauma

by Kaytee (Kaytlyn) Gillis

Romantic Suspense / Thriller WINNER

Sacred Celebrations: Designing Rituals to Navigate Life’s Milestone Transitions

by Elizabeth Barbour

A Girl, Stuck

by Kelly Elizabeth Huston DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

A Journey Must Be Taken-Playlist

by H.L. Howard Sweeter Than Life

by LaKeisha LaKay

The Digital-First Customer Experience: Seven Design Strategies from the World’s Leading Brands

by Joe Wheeler

Strength in Motion: The Next Chapter of Stroke

by Terence Ang

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

The Night Blooming

by Sally and Jonah Ismael

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

And Their Numbers Grew

by Naomi Craig and Donna E. Lane Religion-Nonfiction WINNER

www.IndependentPressAward.com

Self-help: Spiritual WINNER Wholehearted Confidence

by Fleur Chambers

Science Fiction WINNER

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Universe of Lost Messages

by Janet Stilson

20 Ways to Increase Your Psychic Abilities

by John Russell

24

The Better Man: A Guide to Consent, Stronger Relationships, and Hotter Sex

by Eric FitzMedrud, Ph.D. Short Stories WINNER The Hive and the Honey

by Paul Yoon DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

How Boys Learn

by Jeff Kirchick Monarch: Stories

by Emily Jon Tobias

WINNER

Lifeline: Recovering Your Mental Wellness Through Uncovering Your Creative Brilliance

by Lane Gardner

Legendeering: The Brand-New (but Tried and True) Video Communication Strategy to Humanize Your Business

by Tom Langan

WINNER

The Cosmic Alarm Clock: Wake Up to Your Extraordinary Life

by Shari Aldrich

Religion-Fiction

Miracle at Angels Bend: A Contemporary Tale of Finding Joy through Jesus Christ

by R. Christian Bohlen

Sexuality

Small Books

Sales & Marketing

WINNER

The Healing Moment: 7 Paths to Turn Messes into Miracles of Love

by Dr. Donna Marks

WINNER

Dragonflies: A Novel Based on What Men Think of Women

by Bruce Miller and Jennifer Mayne

WINNER

Dream Rut: Navigating Your Path Forward

by Yumiko Shimabukuro

Self-help: Motivational

Face-Lift: Embracing Hope Through Your Heartaches

by Holly Curby

The Poison Garden

by Mary Oldham

Dear Durga: A Mom’s Guide to Activate Courage and Emerge Victorious

by Shanita Liu

The Melting Grandmother, and Other Short Works

by David Benjamin

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

The Damned: Blood Lake

by C.J. Hylton

A Place of Love & Light: A Journey Back to Compassion, Authenticity, and Making a Positive Contribution to the World

by Ellen Edmondson

The High-Impact Manager: Your Blueprint for Bringing Out the Best in Your Team

by Justin Patton Social/Political Change WINNER Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me

by Franke James DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Empire of Eunuchs: How the Republican Party Betrayed America

by Richard M. Moss, MD Every 9 Minutes, A Memoir

by Christina Vitagliano Specialty Books WINNER DevOps Automation Cookbook

by Ekambar Kumar Singirikonda DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

www.nycbigbookaward.com

Quote Acrostic Favorites: Features 50 Rewarding Puzzles

by Charles Preston

The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie Teen Life Series: Bullying

by Dr. Sherrie Poitier-Liscombe

Spirituality

The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie Teen Life Series: Depression

by Dr. Sherrie Poitier-Liscombe and Brittany Poitier

WINNER A Medium’s Story

by Kerrie Erwin DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

A Touch of Light, Opening to the Love that is You and All Creation

by Ann Naimark Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness

by Jane Kim Yu K9 Spirit Guides: The Healing Power of Man’s Best Friend

by Heather Leigh Strom The Afterlife Experience - How Our Association With Nature’s Elements Shapes the Outcome

by Bud Megargee There Is No Death: Evidence of the Spirit World - Spirits & Orbs

by Susanne Arens Sports WINNER Where the Seams Meet

by Patrick Holcomb

Talking to Crows

by Stefan T Wong Well-being WINNER Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want

by Maria Baltazzi

Thriller WINNER

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Major Jake Fortina and the Tier One Threat

by Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke

The Centered Heart: Evidence-Based, Mind-Body Practices to Stress Less and Improve Cardiac Health

by Susi Amendola

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Western Fiction

A Change in Destiny, Dark Choices

by Janet K. Shawgo

WINNER

The Last Time I Saw Her

by D. F. Kennedy

Where No Man Pursueth

by Micheal E. Jimerson

The Resident Agent

by David A. Charters

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Two Degrees: A Climate Change Novel

by William Michael Ried

WINNER

WINNER

Cul-de-Sac

by Liz Crowe

High Priestess and Empress, Book Two, Arcana Oracle Series

by Susan Wands

The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie Teen Life Series: Mental Health Makes the Difference

by Dr. Sherrie Poitier-Liscombe

Travel

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Dream Fisher

by Pete Beebe

The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie Teen Life Series: It’s About the Attendance

by Dr. Sherrie Poitier-Liscombe

Suspense

Five Days in Bogota

by Linda Moore

Dinner at God’s House

by Todd B. Lieman

Lena-tu-ha, An Apache Maiden

by Isherbomb Sagebrush Knight: A Fanciful Journey

by Everett Riggs

Exploring Wine Regions - California Central Coast

by Michael C. Higgins, PhD True Crime WINNER

Technology WINNER The Metaverse Economy: How Finance Professionals Can Make Sense of Web3

by Arunkumar Krishnakumar & Theodora Lau Teen

Urban Fantasy

WINNER

WINNER

The Amulet Series: Brighde Reborn

by Leslie Sommers and Janice Sommers DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Implosion

by Joe Connor Teen Series WINNER

www.IndependentPressAward.com

The Cicada Spring: A Potomac Shores Novel

by Carolyn McBride

The Monarchs

by Mark Sabbas

Forever, Now

by Haleh Shahrzad Women’s Health

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

The 7 Secrets to Creating a Life You Love: A Practical Guide for Women in Leadership

by Monique de Maio DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Outside Voices: A Memoir of the Berkeley Revolution

by Joan Gelfand Believe Me

by Andrea Powell The Feminine Way: Reclaim Your Feminine Energy to Create a Life of Pleasure, Aliveness, and Vitality

by Amy Natalie Pamensky The Principal’s Principles

by Tyler Wittkofsky

WINNER

The Anchor Knot: Securing the knot of truth

by DonnaLee Overly

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

See Sadie Jane Run

by Kelly Elizabeth Huston

Visionary Fiction

Women’s Issues

World Literature

Forever, Now

by Haleh Shahrzad

Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper

by Gary Natoli

A Woman’s Guide to Inner Child Healing: Overcome Trauma, Recognize Your Feelings, Learn to Let the Past Go, and Become the Best Version of Yourself

by Gloria Zhang

Women’s Fiction

Adopted

by Robert Oberle

Gangsterland: A Tour Through the Dark Heart of Jazz-Age New York City

by David Pietrusza

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

The 7 Secrets to Creating a Life You Love: A Practical Guide for Women in Leadership

by Monique de Maio

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Outside Voices: A Memoir of the Berkeley Revolution

by Joan Gelfand

Scorched Earth: This Hallowed Ground Book Two

by Donna E. Lane

Into the Desert

by Xuemo

A Peek Under the Hood: Heroin, Hope & Operation Tune-Up

by Michael Pevarnik

Postpartum 30: Thirty Days to a Nurtured Fourth Trimester

by Kristal Lau

Curses of the Kingdom of Xixia

by Xuemo DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

The Roots That Clutch

by Beth Ann Hooper Writing and Publishing WINNER Publish Your Purpose: A Step-By-Step Guide to Write, Publish, and Grow Your Big Idea

by Jenn T. Grace Young Adult Fiction WINNER Amoura Awakened

by Meg Kramer DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

WINNER

25

www.nycbigbookaward.com

Benjamin Weiss and the Divine Prophecy

by J.A. Robertson

DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE

Forever Violet: From Stony Hill to Broadway

by Frances R Schmidt

Determined To Be Extraordinary

by Dawn Heimer

Young Adult Nonfiction

Breksta’s Academy

by Natasha Quay Falling Star: Book Three in the Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart Series

by Michele Kwasniewski

Nurse Dorothea presents Why Coping Skills Work and What are Some That Can Be Done Anytime and Anywhere

by Michael Dow, RN, MS

Nurse Dorothea presents A Comprehensive Discussion on Mental Well-Being

by Michael Dow, RN, MS

WINNER Love Stories & Bejeweled Snakes: Era to Era: The Unofficial Concert Guide

by Sheri L. Neilson

Nurse Dorothea presents Managing Impulsivity

by Michael Dow, RN, MS

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Work with a sea soned editor who literally wrote the award-winning book: Cover to Cover: What First-Time Authors Need to Know about Editing. Sample edit, assessment and project pricing for the level of edit your book needs and deserves.

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REVIEWS Falcon Reviews: Reviews call a significant amount of attention to your book. By purchasing a FALCON Review by Printed Word Reviews, you will have the opportunity to get noticed by agents, book buyers, publishers and other industry influencers. Receive an affordable book review that can generously boost your writing career. www.independentpressaward.com/falconreviews

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PRINTED WORD REVIEWS:

A Pangolin Slept on Buddha’s Lap:

T

A Novel about the Wonders of Wildlife and the Trials of Conversation

by Madeleine Dale

he meticulously worded title - A Pangolin Slept on Buddha’s Lap: A Novel about the Wonders of Wildlife and the Trials of Conversation - contains everything the reader needs to know about this book. Its beautiful cover filled with oranges and greens invoke the naturalism on display throughout the story. In short, it prepares the reader for a timely discussion of our relationship with nature and the perils that await us.

A Pangolin Slept on Buddha’s Lap: A Novel about the Wonders of Wildlife and the Trials of Conversation by Madeleine Dale juxtaposes the importance of wildlife conservation with the ambitious drive so often associated with human nature. The protagonist, Wolf Vandengetz, is good at his job as a research scientist. Unfortunately, he’s too good and his talent for blending into the landscape - both literally and figuratively - earns him a promotion, taking him away from the pride of lions that he has built his life around. In his place is Moira, a postdoc, who makes a bad impression immediately upon her arrival to replace him as she shares a few changes she wants to make after Wolf leaves.

This opening dovetails nicely with Wolf’s new obsession as the book opens: a new male lion is trying to take down the old sire and become a new leader of the pride. Moira’s arrival gives Wolf a similar taste of this as she tries to usurp not only his research but his place studying the Serengeti. Shortly after, Wolf leaves his beloved lions behind and heads to Nepal to head a program that works to save endangered pangolins.

Wolf’s new environment may be different physically, but the same problems abound - reminding the reader of the complexity that comes with raising awareness for threatened species using capitalist methods. Establishing these opposing dichotomies early on in the novel works beautifully throughout the rest of the narrative, as it invites the reader to consider the answer isn’t as easy as we believe, which is a lesson Wolf learns as well.

EcoWild, the organization Wolf works for that claims to center its resources toward environmental activism, is constantly in the background as the reason for Wolf’s globe-hopping adventure and the lurking presence of gala benefits, donors, board

members, and pseudo-celebrity researchers. Wildlife conservation costs money, yet Wolf struggles with the performative aspects needed to keep the research alive. The novel carries a hint of intrigue worthy of a good thriller as Wolf begins to unravel the politics and players that threaten the pangolin and its future: corruption, greed, and poachers.

Wolf is a worthwhile protagonist for the novel’s complex narrative.

He represents the traditional, natural way to approach conservation - as a collaborative effort for the greater good.

Wolf makes numerous attempts to decolonize conservation efforts - the reader is introduced to his value system at the beginning as he tries to maintain natural methods of tracking the lion pride while working with the Maasai - but is constantly at odds with those trying to advance their own ambition. We see Wolf at odds with Armand Barda, director of EcoWild, when he remarks to himself that Armand is motivated by the prestige of the organization rather than the wildlife. Later on, when Wolf is called to help defeat the poachers, he struggles with the idea of using force when his true motivation lies in putting the pangolins first before the needs of people, including those wanting to help.

Visceral language and powerful imagery are the highlights of this novel. Madeleine Dale’s talent for descriptive narration and strong character development are the perfect match for a story that emphasizes the delicate balance between humans and nature. This book is a fascinating exploration into the fragile ecosystems that bind us together as the reader and Wolf serve as both participants and observers throughout the book. The idea that fortune changes quickly, for both human and animal, is not lost on the reader as uncomfortable conversations surrounding conversation efforts disguised as personal pride take center stage. A Pangolin Slept on Buddha’s Lap: A Novel about the Wonders of Wildlife and the Trials of Conversation by Madeleine Dale is a passionate call to action to be proactive in a world that emphasizes survival and reactive behavior.

If you are interested in reviewing, please contact the publisher Ted Olczak at Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com

www.IndependentPressAward.com

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