Guidelines

Everything You Need to Know about Entering the 2026 IPPY Awards

Everything you need to know about entering the IPPY Awards

The IPPY Awards are all about celebrating the diversity and excellence in the independent publishing world. Open to authors and publishers from around the globe, these awards recognize fantastic books written in English for the North American market.

We’ve got everything you need to know about eligibility, entry fees, submission guidelines, deadlines, and the judging process here. Have any additional questions? Send us a message today.

Enter Online
Enter By Mail

Submit Your Entry

Via online form or mail-in entry.

Mail or Upload Your Books

All books must be uploaded or postmarked by March 26, 2026. 

Your Book Will Be Checked-In

Our team processes entries by hand, so please allow a few business days for processing. You’ll receive an email confirmation once it’s complete.

 

Judging Starts

Judging starts on April 9, 2026. 

Medalists Announced

Medalists will be announced via email on June 4, 2026 by 4 PM ET.

Celebration

All medalists are invited to a virtual celebration on June 18, 2026.

WHO MAY ENTER

Independent publishers, university presses, self-publishers and independent authors throughout North America, as well as overseas publishers and authors who publish books intended for an English speaking audience are eligible. Authors are welcome to enter their books themselves.

We define “independent” as:

  • Independently owned and operated
  • Operated by a foundation or university
  • Long-time independents that became conglomerated but operate autonomously and publish fewer than 100 titles a year.

ELIGIBILITY

Books released with 2024-2026 copyrights are eligible. While the contest is for published books, an ISBN is not required. Galley copies may be submitted if finished copies are not yet available.

eBooks are eligible in all general categories, where they will be judged alongside print books.

The use of AI is discouraged and may factor into the judges’ final decision.

HOW TO ENTER

There are two ways to enter the awards:

1. Online: Enter and pay by credit card here 

2. By Mail: Print and fill out the entry form, then send it with your payment by check.

Once you submit your entry, we'll confirm it via email and keep you updated with judging progress and results announcements. So, be sure to provide a valid email address and add info@ippyawards.com to your contacts.

FEES & DEADLINES

You may submit a title in multiple categories, but an entry fee is required for each category entered. 

Entry Deadlines:

  • Early-Bird Deadline 1: October 15, 2025 - $79 per category
  • Early-Bird Deadline 2: December 17, 2025 - $89 per category
  • Final Deadline: March 26, 2026 - $99 per category

All entries must be submitted online or postmarked by the final entry deadline of March 26, 2026. There is a ten-day grace period for books to arrive after the entry deadline, and judging begins on April 9, 2026.

WHAT TO SEND

Submission requirements vary by category entered.

  • General Categories: Choose the submission method that best showcases your work:
    • Option 1 - Mail a Physical Copy: Send one copy of your title per category entered to the shipping address below. Be sure to print this page and include it with your book(s). If you are shipping your book(s) directly from a distributor, the printed page is not required. We will match your book to your entry in our system. Judges will only see the book itself, so please don’t send any press kits, reviews, bookmarks, etc.
    • Option 2 - Upload files (PDF only) after entry
  • eBook Categories: Upload files (PDF only) after entry (physical will not be accepted).
  • Audiobook Categories: Enter a gift code from your platform of choice after entry (audio files will not be accepted).
  • International Submissions: We strongly recommend submitting an eBook over mailing a physical book to help avoid shipping delays and additional fees. All physical international shipments must be sent DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). Any package sent with duties or taxes due on delivery will be refused or returned to the sender.

Mail submissions to:
Jenkins Group
1129 Woodmere Ave - Suite B
Traverse City, MI 49686

If you have an issue with your upload, please email your PDF to digital@ippyawards.com with your order number in the subject line.

All books submitted become the property of Jenkins Group and will be donated after each award cycle. eBook files will be deleted after judging and the announcement of results.

JUDGING PROCESS & ANNOUNCEMENT

Judging will be based on the quality of content, design, and production with an emphasis on originality, innovation, and social relevance in each category. Our judging panel includes experts from the fields of editing, design, reviewing, bookselling, and library. Three to six medalists per category (gold, silver, and bronze) will be announced via email on June 4, 2026 by 4 PM ET. Official results will go live on our website on June 10, 2026 at 2 PM ET.

Medalist Packets

Each medalist receives a medal, a personalized certificate, and 20 seals to get started. Additional award seals are available in rolls of 250 and 1,000. High-resolution versions of the seal artwork are also available for purchase for book covers and promotional materials. View merchandise here.

AWARDS CEREMONY

All medalists are invited to join the awards ceremony that will be held virtually on June 18, 2026.

It’s made a huge difference in my sales, and was the key factor in convincing me to go to a second printing. The IPPY gold seal looks great on the new cover, and I think it’s opening some doors to publication reviews.

Ed Spivey

Author of A Hamster is Missing in Washington D.C., Humor category Gold Medalist.

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