NYC Big Book and Independent Press Award-winning Notables

Nonfiction & Memoirs

Deadly Dilemma: A Memoir (Anthony Gurley): This nonfiction work explores intense personal challenges and high-stakes decisions, earning recognition as a NYC Distinguished Favorite.

Latina Madrina: Stories, Lessons, and Hard Truths From A Brown Latina In Tech (Julissa S. Germosén), WINNER in Women's Issues, is a powerful, award-winning guide that blends a raw narrative with strategic career advice to navigate tech industry hurdles.

A Fraction Stronger (Mark Berridge): An inspiring IPA winner that details the author’s journey of recovery and resilience after a life-altering accident.

Dancing on My Own Two Feet (Jenn Todling): Recognized in New Nonfiction and Motivational categories, this memoir follows a journey toward independence and a fresh start.

My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns, and High Heels (Tom LeNoble): This Distinguished Favorite offers a vulnerable look at shifting between professional success and medical struggles.

Fiction & Genre Blends

The Secret War of 1834 (B. B. LeClere): A Distinguished Favorite in the Cross-Genre category that weaves historical intrigue with unique narrative elements.

A Widow's Wish (Caytlyn Brooke): Taking the WINNER spot in Erotica, this story explores themes of desire and longing following a loss.

The Immortal Witness (Clifton Wilcox): This Distinguished Favorite provides an expansive and immersive journey through the Epic Fantasy genre.

Harvest of Eyes (Clifton Wilcox): A chilling Distinguished Favorite that delves into the unsettling and macabre world of Horror.

I, Monster (Clifton Wilcox): Recognized in Military Fiction, this story examines the darker side of conflict and the human psyche.

Cool’s Last Stand (Clifton Wilcox): A Young Adult fiction piece that captures the pivotal moments and struggles of youth.

The Case Against Jasper (Clifton Wilcox): Another Young Adult standout that balances mystery with the complexities of adolescent life.

More Than You Know (Gary E Smith): A WINNER in the Political Thriller category, delivering high-stakes suspense and intricate plotting.

Invaders of the Heartland (James Bultema): This WINNER in Crime Fiction explores gritty investigations and local mysteries.

Arctic Red (James Bultema): A WINNER in Military Fiction that transports readers to a cold, high-pressure tactical environment.

Ghosts of the Past (Mark Downer): A General Fiction WINNER involving a dangerous search for lost WWII art treasures.

Hazardous Lies (Stephen J. Wallace): Recognized as both a WINNER in Thriller and a Distinguished Favorite in Techno-thriller for its fast-paced, high-tech tension.

Walking on Nathan's Grave (R. Luce): A General Fiction WINNER that takes readers on a metaphysical journey between heaven and hell.

Children’s & Young Adult

Georgia's No-Nonsense Nose (Carla Crane Osborne): This multi-award winner took top honors for Book Cover Design and Children's Fiction for its charming and practical storytelling.

Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends (Jen Kirkley): A Distinguished Favorite that teaches children the value of friendship and kindness.

Birdie's Picnic Party (Jessica McAnelly): A Distinguished Favorite Picture Book that cleverly introduces food safety concepts to children ages 4–8.

Nurse Florence® Series (Michael Dow, RN, MS): These WINNING educational books, including a visually impaired edition, provide medical knowledge to children in an accessible way.

The Central Park Irregulars (Paul Cicchini): A Middle Grade WINNER that offers a spirited adventure set in the heart of New York City.

The Sons & The Stars (Rey A. Banda): An inspirational Distinguished Favorite that uses celestial themes to encourage young readers.

Sticky Pineapple And The Little Precious Gems (Stephanie Boag): A Distinguished Favorite in Children's Education that helps kids understand how they came into the world.

Health, Self-Help & Spirituality

Adjusted Reality (Dr. Sherry McAllister): A WINNER in Health & Fitness that focuses on optimizing longevity and "whole-being" wellness.

Restore Me! But Privately Please (Dr. Susan Agbenoto): A WINNER in Christian Nonfiction that addresses the need for personal restoration and spiritual healing.

Guidance from the Universe (Jill Amy Sager): A Distinguished Favorite in Mind, Body, Spirit that offers hopeful messages for navigating daily obstacles.

In Quietness, Confidence, & Strength (Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery): A Distinguished Favorite focused on deepening relationships through the power of prayer.

Dismantling Racism (Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery): This Distinguished Favorite explores healing the internal and external divisions caused by racial separation.

9 Habits of Happy Retirees (Sarah Barry): A WINNER in Self-help that provides practical advice for a fulfilling and joyful retirement.

SECOND CHANCES (Sheetal Ohri): A WINNER in Relationships that explores the possibility of renewal and growth in personal bonds.

Custodial Battle (Sheetal Ohri): A Distinguished Favorite focused on the motivational struggles of an immigrant mother fighting for her children.

Sticky Pineapple And A Powerful Mind (Stephanie Boag): A WINNER in the Pregnancy and Childbirth category, emphasizing a positive mindset during the wait for a baby.

Professional, Educational & Career

Transitioning Your Federal Resume to Private Industry (Kathryn Troutman): A WINNING Reference guide for veterans and government employees entering the private sector.

Federal Resume Guidebook, 8th Edition (Kathryn Troutman): A Distinguished Favorite that remains a staple resource for navigating government career paths.

The Art of Being a School Counselor (Nancy Regas): A WINNER and Distinguished Favorite that explores the vital role and techniques of educational counseling.

Backstage Grace (Yolanda Simmons): A Distinguished Favorite career guide on how to serve others with poise, heart, and professional excellence.

Creative Arts, Poetry & Miscellaneous

So Much to Drool About (Barbara Stone): A WINNER in the Gift Books category that celebrates living large with a playful perspective.

The Book of Lost Innocence (Glenn Taylor): A Distinguished Favorite Anthology that collects diverse stories centered on the theme of lost innocence.

Uplift (Jessica Mann): A Nature WINNER that highlights the beauty and restorative power of the natural world.

Dracula: Finding of a Shadow (Lisa Monde): A WINNER in the Audiobook-Fiction category, bringing a fresh theatrical take to the classic vampire legend.

Teach Me How to Die (Lisa Monde): A Distinguished Favorite collection of short stories and a novella exploring mortality and human connection.

Soaring to New Lows (Margaux Dunbar Hession): A WINNER in Addiction & Recovery that uses humor to detail the chaotic journey of a rock star’s wife.

A Land Filled With Horses (Robyn Rominger): A WINNER in the Animals/Pets category that celebrates the bond between humans and horses.

Avoiding Muddy Foxholes (Jim Loveless): A WINNER in Military Nonfiction recounting the intense experiences of an American bombardier.

P.E.A.C.E. (Yolanda Simmons): A Distinguished Favorite poetry collection exploring spiritual evolution, time, and personal transition.

Framed as a fictional memoir, Hunting the Red Fox (W. Kenneth Tyler, Jr.) follows Perry Barnes as he recounts his journey from a WWII special operations trainee to a 1950s professional golfer and gentleman jewel thief seeking redemption and a lost love.