History

History

1996

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

The IPPY Awards kicked off in 1996 with a simple mission: to recognize and promote independently published books. Over 25 years later, that mission is still going strong. While the publishing landscape has changed dramatically, we’re still dedicated to shining a spotlight on the best indie titles each year.

 

When we first started, small presses struggled for media attention, and self-publishing was often seen as a last resort. Fast forward to today, and indie publishers are thriving like never before, while self-publishing has exploded with countless authors taking charge of their own stories.

Amid all the noise and new services out there, we’re here to remind you why we do what we do: to celebrate those deserving but often unsung titles and connect them with booksellers, librarians, and readers worldwide.

THE GROWTH OF THE IPPYS

In 1996, Small Press (now Independent Publisher) saw a gap in the recognition of indie books. At the time, major book awards and “best of the year” lists were dominated by the same big-name titles, leaving independent publishers out in the cold. We were one of the few platforms championing indie presses, and our readers encouraged us to create an award that truly celebrated their creativity and unique voices.

That first year, we had 325 entries and about 20 categories, designed to recognize the diversity of indie publishing. We wanted to ensure books that might not fit the mainstream mold—whether niche topics or unique formats—had a chance to shine. Today, indie books get more attention, but we’re still here to honor the best of the best in independent publishing.

2024
Ippy Awards Event

THE IPPYS TODAY

As our entries grew over the years, we realized that some categories were too broad, making it tough for judges to compare different kinds of books. For example, how do you fairly judge a fast-paced thriller against a lyrical novel about grief? The solution was simple: expand the categories to better reflect the diversity of indie publishing.

We’ve grown from 20 categories in our first year to over 100 today, thanks to feedback from both judges and entrants. We believe that recognizing authors within their specific genres is the best way to honor their work. And with more creativity coming from indie publishers every year, we’re ready to evolve and celebrate new genres as they emerge!

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