Latest news with #ReaderViewsLiteraryAwards
Associated Press
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
2025 Reader Views Literary Awards for Independent Authors Now Open for Submissions
All entries receive a full editorial review and 20-point evaluation. Cash prizes, visibility, and sponsored awards for indie authors. AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, May 1, 2025 / / -- For over two decades, the Reader Views Literary Awards have celebrated the best in independent publishing, becoming a hallmark of excellence in the self-publishing world. Hosted annually by Reader Views, a respected book review and author publicity service, the program is open to all indie authors, regardless of country of residence, as long as the book is published in English and intended for the North American market. Books published by major publishers, their imprints, or subsidiaries are not eligible. Categories span Children's and Adult fiction and non-fiction, with several sponsored awards offering cash grand prizes and promotional packages. 'Our sponsors are passionate advocates for indie authors,' says Managing Editor Sheri Hoyte, 'giving back in meaningful ways through prizes and visibility.' Sponsors for the 2025 awards include: AutoCrit, B.A. Bellec's Production Studio, Book by Book Publicity, Conversations Media Group, Marquette Fiction, Written Word Media, Women in Publishing Summit, Barefoot Librarian, First Chapter Plus, Live Write Thrive, Love Book Tours, Veneration Editorial, and Inside Scoop Live. Meet our Sponsors. 📅 Early Bird Registration: May 1 – October 31, 2025 📅 Final Entry Deadline: December 15, 2025 Entries are evaluated by the Reader Views editorial staff and a diverse team of reviewers — avid readers, industry professionals, educators, and subject-matter experts — all representative of an author's target reading audience. Judging criteria includes content and originality, design and presentation, innovation, social relevance, production quality, enjoyment/impact, plot/storyline, and overall resourcefulness. 'Our review team is deeply committed to supporting indie authors,' says Hoyte. 'They approach every title with care and enthusiasm, providing thoughtful, constructive feedback and championing books that deserve the spotlight.' Every entry receives a full review, which is published on the Reader Views website — a rare guarantee in today's competitive awards landscape. In addition to the review, each author receives a 20-point evaluation scorecard outlining how their book performed across key judging criteria. Winners and finalists will be announced in Spring 2026. 'Independent authors are creating incredible work, without the support of traditional publishing systems,' Hoyte adds. 'This program shines a light on the standout books and authors raising the bar in indie publishing.' To learn more or enter your book, visit: Submissions open May 1, 2025 — mark your calendar and get ready! About Reader Views Reader Views is a long-standing book review and publicity service that has supported thousands of indie and small press authors since its founding in 2005. Each year, the team reviews thousands of books from independently published authors around the world. Services include editorial reviews, press releases, podcast interviews, author features, book trailers, and more. Learn more about Reader Views and their work at Sheri Hoyte Reader Views email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Associated Press
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
'AI: OPENING' wins the 2024 Reader Views Grand Prize Gold Award in Fiction
This psychological thriller by George Saint Georges earns one of the top prizes in the Annual Reader Views Literary Awards program. 'It's one of the most bizarre, thought-provoking page-turners I've ever read… You'll find yourself studying every word, image, and passage like an archaeological excavation.' — Reader Views AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, April 2, 2025 / / -- Reader Views announces Ai: Opening by George Saint Georges as one of the overall grand prize winners in the 2024 Reader Views Literary Awards. Saint Georges' novel is celebrated for its captivating puzzle-like narrative, exploration of secret societies, and thought-provoking themes, distinguishing it as one of the standout entries in this year's competition. The novel takes home the gold award, an honor accompanied by a cash prize and special marketing promotions. Set on the enigmatic Island of Ai, Ai: Opening follows college senior Walt Walls as he stumbles upon dark secrets hidden beneath Credence University. As Walt uncovers the island's disturbing truths, the novel unravels themes of identity, deception, and unseen forces that shape human nature. Chelsy Scherba with Reader Views said of the story, 'Ai: Opening offers a gripping narrative that masterfully blends suspense, psychological complexity, and an immersive atmosphere. Saint Georges keeps readers engaged with unexpected twists and thought-provoking themes.' The Book Review Directory shares, 'Saint Georges's narrative is a true psychological thriller in every sense of the word. When an author takes the mundane and juxtaposes it with the terrifying in often subtle ways, the recipe cooks up a tale rife with persistent tension on the page that is hard to put down.' St Georges reflects, 'I wanted to challenge readers to question appearances and explore the complexities of the human mind and the world we live in. Receiving this award is an incredible honor, and I encourage readers to find that they are the solution and realize that they can make a difference in the life of one child.' AI: OPENING (ISBN: 979-8991300919, Oh No Publishing, 2024) will be available exclusively at the author's website until its global release May 30, 2025. ABOUT THE AUTHOR George Saint Georges is a contemporary author known for exploring the intersections of identity, society, and the human psyche in his work. His passion is to challenge readers to think critically about the world around them. Learn more and connect with George Saint Georges at THE READER VIEWS LITERARY AWARDS PROGRAM helps level the playing field for self-published authors, allowing readers to recognize the most creative and exciting new books in the industry. The program is recognized industry wide as one of the most respected literary awards programs for independent authors. Top honors include cash prizes totaling $2,500. Learn more at Sheri Hoyte Legal Disclaimer:
Associated Press
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Award-Winning Memoir, TOO MUCH, Delivers a Powerful Journey Through Addiction, Redemption, and Whistleblowing
Cindy Lee Neighbors shares a fearless account of the fight against addiction, mental illness, and systemic failures within military medicine. AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, March 10, 2025 / / -- Too Much, the compelling debut memoir by Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors, takes readers on an unfiltered journey through the challenges of addiction, mental health struggles, and the realities of military medicine. Published by CLN Publishing LLC in 2024, 'Too Much' has already earned critical acclaim, winning the Gold Medal in the Humanities category and securing a Finalist spot in the Memoir category in the 2024-2025 Reader Views Literary Awards. In this deeply personal account, Neighbors shares the story of her journey through medical training, military service, and the personal and professional struggles that shaped her path. Her story begins on a Hawaiian beach, where she awaits the outcome of her case within the Army's judicial system. As she reflects on her experiences, flashbacks reveal a history of challenges, difficult choices, and the toxic work environment that contributed to her struggles. Yet, 'Too Much' is not just about hardship—it is about resilience, self-discovery, and ultimately, transformation. A pivotal moment changes everything when a commander urges her to set aside fiction and instead 'tell her story.' Taking that advice, she begins to confront both personal struggles and the systemic issues within military medicine. Too Much blends raw personal reflection with a larger mission, transforming adversity into a powerful call for change. Critics have praised Neighbors' raw and immersive writing, comparing her style to Jack Kerouac's On the Road—a journey through the complexities of the human mind and the search for purpose. 'Neighbors' writing is stunningly personal, and she handles the first-person point of view as a natural,' says Reader Views reviewer J.L. Askew. 'She has written a true expression of one person bound by mental illness and breaking free.' 'Too Much' is a powerful reflection on mental health, ambition, and self-acceptance. Neighbors' willingness to share both her struggles and her victories creates an unforgettable portrait of resilience and personal growth. With its poignant themes and unflinching honesty, Too Much is a must-read for those seeking an inspiring story of redemption and transformation. If just one reader finds hope in her journey, Neighbors considers her story a success. 'Too Much' is available now on Amazon and other major booksellers. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors is a retired US Army physician and writer whose work centers on mental health advocacy. Her debut memoir, Too Much, chronicles her experiences navigating mental health challenges and a toxic work environment within military medicine. She is also a passionate children's book author, with her debut title, Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors, and the creator of the coloring book series Adventures in Surgeryland. Cindy's mission is to inspire others to overcome adversity and find their voice through storytelling. Sheri Hoyte Legal Disclaimer:
Associated Press
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Teri M. Brown Wins Reader Views Historical Fiction Award Two Years in a Row
'Daughters of Green Mountain Gap' depicts three generations of mountain women who are healers with conflicting views on modern medicine. CALABASH, NC, UNITED STATES, March 10, 2025 / / -- In the mountains of North Carolina, wise woman Maggie comes into conflict with her daughter, Carrie Ann, an educated nurse, over the practicalities of traditional medicine in Teri M. Brown's new novel 'Daughters of Green Mountain Gap' (ISBN: 9798891320567, Atmosphere Press 2024). Teri M. Brown has won the Tyler R. Tichelaar Award for Best Historical Fiction in this year's Reader Views Literary Awards for her novel 'Daughters of Green Mountain Gap.' She is the first author to win the award twice and also consecutively, having won last year for her novel 'An Enemy Like Me.' 'Daughters of Green Mountain Gap' is the story of three women in one family who are all devoted to healing but in different ways. It delves into generational conflict, divided family loyalties, and the power of healing both literally and metaphorically. Set in the early 1890s, the novel depicts a time when modern medicine began to replace homeopathic remedies. Maggie is a traditional healer, known as a 'granny woman.' In the backwoods of North Carolina, she uses herbs and wise women's methods to help her neighbors, along with knowledge from the local Cherokee. Her daughter, Carrie Ann, is a nurse, trained at a college, who views her mother's methods not only as magical wishing but dangerous when chosen over modern medicine. Caught between the two women is Josie Mae, Carrie Ann's daughter, who has been largely raised by her grandmother. Josie Mae feels closer to her grandmother and believes in her healing methods, but she is torn by a desire for her mother's love and approval. The conflict is further fueled because Maggie was unable to heal her husband's cancer, and Carrie Ann has never forgiven her mother for not taking him to the hospital. Beyond the generational conflict, the novel raises poignant questions about why bad things happen to good people, why death takes some and leaves others behind, and the roles of faith and intuition. Tyler R. Tichelaar, winner of the 2009 Reader Views Best Historical Fiction Award for his novel 'Narrow Lives' and the award sponsor since 2010, says, ''Daughters of Green Mountain Gap' accomplishes what literature's true purpose is—to depict the human experience in its most meaningful and complicated ways. I felt for all of the characters and appreciated all their perspectives. Teri M. Brown is not afraid of the gray areas in life and how we can find healing and forgiveness when we embrace them.' Reader Views reviews more than 2,000 books each year by self-published and small press authors. Its Annual Literary Awards recognize the very best of these up-and-coming authors. 'Daughters of Green Mountain Gap' joins a series of previous historical fiction winners on such diverse topics as eighteenth-century pirates, opera composers, the Civil War, World War II, the Vietnam War, the founding of Louisiana, and witchcraft in Puritan New England. And 'Daughters of Green Mountain Gap' clearly deserves all the recognition it is receiving. Ashley Hooker of Reader Views states the novel 'offers the solution that there is a place and purpose for the old and the new…. I related to this concept as I am an Appalachian girl who has spent her life exploring how my granny survived and sought to reconcile that knowledge with what the 21st century has taught me.' So far, the novel has racked up twenty awards, including the 2025 Feathered Quill Book Award for Women's Fiction, the 2024 Readers Favorite Award for Historical Fiction, and the 2024 International Impact Book Award. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Born in Athens, Greece as an Air Force brat, Teri M. Brown now calls the North Carolina coast home. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author who loves word games, reading, bumming on the beach, taking photos, singing in the shower, hunting for bargains, ballroom dancing, playing bridge, and mentoring others. She is also the author of 'Sunflowers Beneath the Snow,' 'An Enemy Like Me,' and the just released '10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure.' 'Daughters of Green Mountain Gap' (ISBN: 9798891320567, Atmosphere Press 2024) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit Publicity contact: . Sheri Hoyte email us here Legal Disclaimer:
Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
'THE TYRANT KING: THE REVENGE OF THE FALLEN' wins the 2024 Reader Views Grand Prize Silver Award in Fiction
The debut fantasy novel by Michael Robling earns one of the top prizes in the prestigious annual awards program. AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, March 4, 2025 / / -- Reader Views announces The Tyrant King: The Revenge of the Fallen by Michael Robling as one of the overall grand prize winners in the 2024 Reader Views Literary Awards. Robling's inaugural novel is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling, unique characters, and engaging themes, distinguishing it as one of the standout entries in this year's competition. The novel takes home the silver award, an honor accompanied by a cash prize and special marketing promotions. The Tyrant King: The Revenge of the Fallen transports readers to a fantastical realm where anthropomorphic dinosaur kingdoms vie for power. The story follows Prince Thadarack, a young Scythekin warrior-in-training, and his unlikely friendship with Gwon, a Gigakin carnivore raised among herbivores. As tensions rise and ancient rivalries resurface, the pair must navigate personal struggles and tribal politics to prevent their world from all-out destruction. Terri Stepek with Reader Views praised the novel, stating, 'It is not possible to overstate how well-written, tightly plotted, and fabulously crafted this novel is. This may be Michael Robling's debut novel, but it won't be the last time we hear from him. The world-building here is first-rate, inviting readers to become completely immersed in this world where dinosaurs talk, live in tribal villages, and make friends (or enemies).' Reflecting on the award, Robling shared, 'Receiving this honor from Reader Views is a profound affirmation of my journey as a first-time author. The Tyrant King is a labor of love, born from my passion for fantasy and storytelling. I hope it inspires readers to explore new worlds and embrace the power of imagination. As an independently published author, I am beyond grateful for this opportunity.' The Tyrant King: The Revenge of the Fallen (ISBN: 979-8989960804, Independently Published, 2024) is available on Amazon. ABOUT THE AUTHOR A lifelong fan of fantasy literature and dinosaurs, Michael Robling found inspiration for his book while playing with his children, Adalynn and Jackson, using their collection of dinosaur figures. Unable to find a story featuring anthropomorphic dinosaur kingdoms, he decided to create one himself. The novel is the first installment in a planned trilogy, with the second book expected to be released in early 2026. Robling enjoys connecting with readers, especially fellow dinosaur enthusiasts. Learn more and reach out to Michael Robling at The Reader Views Literary Awards Program helps level the playing field for self-published and independently published authors, providing recognition for outstanding books across all genres. Celebrating creativity and excellence, the program is respected industry-wide and awards top honors with cash prizes totaling $2,500. Learn more at Sheri Hoyte X LinkedIn Other Legal Disclaimer:
