Inaugural Ink Book Prize Announces Shortlist
Sixteen self-published authors are celebrating being shortlisted in the inaugural Ink Book Prize (https://www.inkbookprize.co.uk). The new prize, created to recognise and celebrate the outstanding literary work of self-published authors in the UK and Ireland to serve as a launchpad for emerging and established indie talent. Taking pride in championing unique voices and compelling storytelling, while promoting the entrepreneurial spirit of independent publishing, Ink Book Prize honours the vibrant world of self-published literature across four categories: Debut, Children’s Fiction, Non-Fiction and Adult Fiction.
The shortlisted authors will attend a private, invite-only networking event in London on 19th September 2024 to meet each other and the four unique winners will be presented with a trophy.
Over 50 books were entered into the Ink Book Prize earlier this year. The 2025 prize will be open for nominations from 1st April 2025 to 31st May 2025. The shortlist will be announced in August 2025 and the winners in September 2025.
Award-winning children’s and YA author Abiola Bello, co-founder of Ink Book Prize, said: “I started my author career by self-publishing my first book. Back then I felt like self-publishing was frowned upon and there weren’t many opportunities to celebrate self-published books. People don’t recognise how hard it is to self-publish and that needs to be acknowledged. So much has changed for indie authors and I’m so excited to have an awards that celebrate these brilliant books.”
Prize-winning publicist Helen Lewis, co-founder of Ink Book Prize, said: “I am a proud champion of self-published authors because they are typically so entrepreneurial, marketing-savvy, and creative. To have even entered our new prize elevates these authors ahead of the crowd – it shows they’re on the ball as to opportunities open to them, and ‘in it to win it’. My hope is that this shortlist helps elevate these wonderful books to new heights and proves that self-publishing is not always the ‘plan b’ option for authors – it’s a very worthy first choice for incredibly talented writers – and deserves to be shown more respect.”
The Ink Book Prize Shortlist 2024
NON-FICTION
Fertility: Mindset and Meltdowns: How to Manage Your Emotions While Trying to Conceive by Lisa Ashworth (Cherish Editions)
Generation Hope: How Inclusive Economics Can Help Us All Thrive by Arunjay Katakam (Otterpine Publishers)
In Search of Lost Glitter by Sarah Nicholas (Resolute Books)
Secret Garden: A Journey To Find A Better You by Tricia Frances (Red Road)
FICTION – ADULT
Bloodstream of Moonlight by Roxan Burley (Independently Published)
The Push Over by Daney Parker (Independently Published)
Thirty-Eight Days of Rain by Eva Asprakis (Independently Published)
Wheel of Fortune by C.F. Dunn (Resolute Books)
FICTION – CHILDREN’S
Santa Steals Christmas by Eve Nairn-Magnante, illustrated by Nicholas Child (EV3 Limited)
Slow Down Amaya by Natasha Iregbu, illustrated by Natacha Galbano (Snowdrop Publishing)
The Moose That Saved Christmas by Emily Lloyd-Gale, illustrated by Lorna Humphreys (Emily F Lloyd-Gale Books)
Time Tub Travellers and the Silk Thief by Claire Linney, illustrated by Oyinye Iwo (Maryland Press)
DEBUT
Bloodstream of Moonlight by Roxan Burley (Independently Published)
In Search of Lost Glitter by Sarah Nicholas (Resolute Books)
Santa Steals Christmas by Eve Nairn-Magnante, illustrated by Nicholas Child (EV3 Limited)
Time Tub Travellers and the Silk Thief by Claire Linney, illustrated by Oyinye Iwo (Maryland Press)
