About Us
About Us
Recognizing Excellence in
Independent Publishing Since 1996
Welcome to the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY Awards). Established in 1996, we celebrate the incredible talent in the independent publishing world. Our program is open to independent authors and publishers from around the globe, honoring books created for an English-speaking audience.
We define “independent” as:
- Independently owned and operated publishers (no title limit)
- Publishers operated by foundations or universities (no title limit)
- Long-established independent publishers now part of conglomerates but still operating autonomously and producing fewer than 100 titles per year
The IPPYs are here to shine a spotlight on the exceptional work being done by independent, university, and self-published authors. Since our inaugural contest, over 6,000 books have proudly received the prestigious “IPPY” distinction, enjoying the recognition, credibility, and sales boost that come with winning a book award.
We celebrate the courage, innovation, and creativity that drive change in the publishing industry. Our judging process takes into account the independent spirit and unique challenges faced by publishers of all sizes and budgets. We award gold, silver, and bronze medals across national, regional, and eBook categories.
Join us in recognizing and uplifting the amazing voices in independent publishing.
Our History
The IPPYs started back in 1996 to honor the very best in independently published books. Over the last 25+ years, we’ve grown and evolved alongside the industry, embracing the rise of self-publishing and the increasing need to recognize the amazing work of indie authors.
With more than 100 categories today, the IPPYs continue celebrating the creativity and diversity of independent publishers. Curious about the history and impact of the IPPY Awards? Click the button below to learn more.
Our Entrants
With thousands of entries received each year, our commitment to this industry and the talented individuals who lead it continues to grow. Since our inaugural contest to now, we’ve seen thousands of books, all of which keep getting better as the years go on.
Our entrants consistently produce moving, entertaining, and powerful books that showcase what indie authors are capable of. When we started, small press books were often seen as lesser than those from big publishing houses, both in content and execution. But today, indie books are respected and even recognized with major publishing awards (as they should be!).
Self-publishers have made incredible strides, too, breaking down the stigma that once dismissed their work as inferior or unprofessional. It’s been such a joy to collaborate with these innovative and creative individuals and to witness the success that indies have carved out for themselves in recent years.
In the media
Check out videos and interviews about the IPPY Book Awards.
Our Staff
