The Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards are prestigious annual awards that recognize the best books published by independent publishers, including university presses and self-published authors. First introduced by Foreword Reviews in 1998, these awards celebrate excellence in independently produced books across a wide range of genres and categories, including fiction, non-fiction, children's books, and poetry. The awards aim to shine a spotlight on independent authors and publishers, helping them reach a wider audience and gain recognition for their contributions to the literary world.
Books are judged by a panel of librarians, booksellers, and reviewers, ensuring that selections are both critically sound and appealing to general readers. The awards highlight books that are innovative, creative, and well-crafted, offering a diverse selection of quality literature that might otherwise go unnoticed in the mainstream publishing industry.
The Foreword INDIES are considered a significant marker of achievement in independent publishing, helping readers discover fresh voices and original perspectives outside the traditional publishing giants.
