The PenCraft Seasonal Book Awards for Winter 2026 has announced 63 winning books across fiction and nonfiction categories, celebrating a diverse array of authors and literary works. The awards aim to provide recognition for authors whose books might otherwise be overlooked in a crowded market, with the competition judging submissions based solely on literary merit regardless of publishing method. According to Editor-in-Chief David Hearne, the awards help authors get their books noticed and sold, introducing talented writers and their creations to a wider audience.
The winning selections span numerous genres, including children's literature, Christian fiction, general fiction, nonfiction, poetry, romance, and young adult fiction. Notable winners include Allen Wolf, whose romance novel The Sound of Violet has been adapted into a film; Mark Dickson, author of the political thriller Enemy at the Helm; and former football star Todd Marinovich, recognized for his biography Marinovich. The awards also highlighted works like The Golden Age of Bull$hit by Mario Tufano in business/finance nonfiction and Compassionate Accountability by Nate Regier, published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
In the children's genre, winners included The Turquoise Butterfly by Dale Atkins, published by Mascot Kids, and The Snow Globe by Katherine Lockwood from Acorn Cottage Press. Fiction categories showcased a wide range, from Richard Scott Sacks' adventure novel Drinking from the Stream, published by Koehler Books, to Tejas Desai's short story collection Bad Americans: Part I from The New Wei LLC. The awards also recognized independent and self-published works, such as Balance Walking and Fall Prevention by Tracy Markley and The Pursuit of Badasserie by Lynn Howard and Amanda Furgiuele.
The PenCraft Book Awards, founded in 2016, operates with a mission to create a fair and inclusive platform for authors. All submissions—whether self-published, from small presses, or traditionally published—are judged equally based on criteria including creativity, storytelling strength, reader engagement, and overall literary quality. This approach ensures that the awards focus on talent and originality rather than an author's prior reputation. The organization states that literature serves as a powerful source of insight and inspiration, allowing readers to encounter new perspectives and broaden their understanding.
For the publishing industry, awards like PenCraft's can significantly impact book visibility and sales, particularly for independent authors and smaller presses. By highlighting works across genres—from business nonfiction to fantasy fiction—the awards help curate quality content for readers and may influence trends in literary consumption. The recognition also validates authors' creative efforts, potentially encouraging further literary production. As the awards continue to evolve, their commitment to supporting authors worldwide remains a cornerstone, aiming to foster a literary environment where diverse voices can thrive and reach appreciative audiences.
