The PenCraft Seasonal Book Awards for Winter 2026 has announced 63 winning books across fiction, nonfiction, and children's literature, celebrating authors who demonstrate creativity, compelling storytelling, and fresh perspectives. This recognition matters because it provides visibility for writers who might otherwise be overlooked in an increasingly crowded publishing landscape, where thousands of new titles compete for reader attention each season.
The awards highlight diverse voices and genres, from Allen Wolf's romance The Sound of Violet, which was adapted into a film, to Mark Dickson's political thriller Enemy at the Helm, which resonates with contemporary turbulence, and former football star Todd Marinovich's sports biography. According to Editor-in-Chief David Hearne, the awards help struggling authors get their books noticed and sold, introducing readers to talented new writers and their extraordinary creations. The competition evaluates all submissions equally, whether self-published, from small presses, or traditionally published, focusing purely on literary merit rather than an author's prior reputation.
For readers and the publishing industry, these awards serve as a curated guide to quality literature across multiple categories. Winners include children's books like The Turquoise Butterfly by Dale Atkins, published by Mascot Kids!, which addresses emotional development, and The Snow Globe by Katherine Lockwood from Acorn Cottage Press. In fiction, notable winners span genres from adventure, such as Richard Scott Sacks' Drinking from the Stream published by Koehler Books, to science fiction like W.W. Hennemann's Call the Wind Mariah from Dystopian Future Press, and thrillers including Boardroom Assassin by Ron Hare.
Nonfiction winners address timely topics, from business and finance with Mario Tufano's The Golden Age of Bull$hit by GABS Media, LLC, to health and wellness with Tracy Markley's Balance Walking and Fall Prevention. The awards also recognize poetry and music, such as Erin Murphy's Human Resources from Grayson Books, and romance, including Alice McVeigh's Marianne: A Sense and Sensibility Sequel published by Warleigh Hall Press. Young adult literature features works like S A Melia's Heirs of Empire from Dickson House and Gracie Dix's Journey to Superhero School by Toast Industries.
The implications of these awards extend beyond recognition, potentially influencing book sales, library acquisitions, and literary trends. By spotlighting a wide range of genres and authors, PenCraft promotes diversity in storytelling, encouraging readers to explore new perspectives and supporting the broader ecosystem of independent and small-press publishing. As literature continues to serve as a source of insight and inspiration, these awards underscore the enduring importance of recognizing and celebrating literary excellence in all its forms.
