The PenCraft Book Awards has announced the runner-up winners for its 2025 competition, recognizing a wide array of literary talent in its ninth annual awards program. The selection process this year was notably challenging due to the high volume of outstanding submissions, which showcased significant diversity and depth in storytelling. According to David Hearne, the organization is proud to celebrate these authors and their achievements, noting that their work serves as a testament to their craft and promises to enrich readers with new perspectives.
The runner-up list encompasses over 100 titles across numerous genres, demonstrating the breadth of contemporary publishing. In children's literature, recognized works include "Treasure of the North" by Minda Gomez and "Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision" by R. Karl Hebenstreit in the 4th-6th grade category, along with titles like "Dot's Spots" by Lisa Mueller and "Sally's Musical Tale" by Rosie J. Pova in children's animal books. Other children's categories feature books addressing emotions, early childhood education, fantasy, and preschool themes.
Fiction categories reveal a robust selection of runner-ups. In fantasy, titles such as "A Memory of Song" by Scott Palmer, "Eruption I: The Scene Chronicles" by B.C. Young, and "The Dryad's Crown" by David Hopkins were recognized. Historical fiction includes works like "Starlight in the Dawn" by Naveen Sridhar and "The Rabbi's Knight" by Michael Cooper. The mystery and thriller categories are well-represented with books including "Villain in the Vineyard" by Judy L Murray, "Zero Knowledge" by Arnaud Pascolo, and "ENEMIES DOMESTIC" by John DeDakis.
Non-fiction runner-ups cover a diverse range of subjects. Business and finance titles include "Seeking Fairness at Work" by Hanna Hasl-Kelchner and "Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI" by Faisal Hoque. Other non-fiction categories feature works on education, general topics, health, memoir, motivational subjects, and self-help. The awards also recognized poetry and music with "Inaccurate Histories" by Alise Versella, and romance with titles like "Waiting for Sunset" by STARR AYERS. Young adult categories include coming-of-age stories, fantasy, and general fiction.
The announcement underscores the PenCraft Book Awards' mission to be an inclusive literary contest that celebrates all authors, aiming to inspire, entertain, and provide every writer a fair chance at recognition. As Hearne explains, the awards help struggling authors gain visibility and sales, with the goal of showcasing talented new authors and their stories. The organization was created to counter exclusivity in literary competitions by eliminating barriers related to publishers or high entry fees, thereby leveling the playing field for authors worldwide. More information about the awards can be found at https://pencraftaward.com.
For the literary industry, this recognition provides valuable exposure for emerging and established authors alike, potentially influencing publishing trends and reader discovery. The emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility in the awards process may encourage broader participation in literary contests and support a more diverse publishing ecosystem. For readers, the extensive list of runner-ups serves as a curated guide to noteworthy new books across genres, highlighting narratives that explore the human experience from various angles. The awards' focus on craftsmanship and storytelling excellence reinforces the enduring importance of quality literature in an increasingly digital age.
