Twelve self-published authors from across the UK and Ireland have been shortlisted for the third annual Ink Book Prize, an award created to celebrate the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of independent publishing.
Founded in 2024 by publishing entrepreneurs Abiola Bello and Helen Lewis, the prize champions exceptional self-published books across four categories: Debut, Children’s Fiction, Non-Fiction and Adult Fiction.
Created in response to the growing quality, ambition and cultural impact of indie publishing, the Ink Book Prize shines a spotlight on authors who are building readerships, careers and communities outside traditional publishing routes.
The shortlisted authors will attend an exclusive winners’ celebration in London on 25 June 2026, where four category winners will each receive a bespoke Ink Book Prize trophy. The event will also mark the 15th anniversary celebrations of Literally PR, one of the UK’s leading book marketing and author branding agencies and sponsor of the prize.
More than 50 books were entered into this year’s competition, with submissions spanning memoir, commercial fiction, children’s literature, self-development, fantasy, historical fiction and contemporary storytelling.
The 2027 Ink Book Prize will open for submissions in February 2027 and will be open to books self-published in the UK and Ireland during 2026.
Award-winning author Abiola Bello, co-founder of Ink Book Prize, said: “I started my author career by self-publishing my first book. Back then, self-publishing was often dismissed and there were very few opportunities celebrating indie authors and their achievements. People don’t always realise how much work, resilience and belief it takes to self-publish successfully.
The industry has evolved enormously, and the Ink Book Prize exists to spotlight the incredible talent, creativity and professionalism within the indie author community. Every year we discover brilliant new voices and stories that deserve recognition.”
Prize-winning publicist and co-founder Helen Lewis added: “I have always been passionate about championing self-published authors because they are often some of the most entrepreneurial, determined and creative people in publishing.
Entering a prize like this already says something important about an author. It shows they are proactive, ambitious and committed to giving their book the very best chance to succeed. Publishing is incredibly competitive, regardless of the route you take, and independent authors are building remarkable careers through passion, persistence and belief in their work.”
The Ink Book Prize Shortlist 2026
NON-FICTION
Bridging Time 1944-2024: Letters to my father by Patricia Townsend
Build Your Table: Find Career Clarity, Make Bold Pivots, and Thrive – Even When the System Isn’t Built for You (Build Your Power series) by Beverly Vanterpool
Mysteries of the Other Side – The Hidden Story Book 1 by George Begg
Sassy Godmother’s Pearls of Wisdom: 50 Ways to Navigate Your Life by Susie Hall
FICTION – ADULT
Deady by Daney Parker
Hamilton’s Deepcatch by Douglas Roberts
Marianne by Alice McVeigh
Tuesday by Lou Gibbons
FICTION – CHILDREN’S
Little Gronak’s Inner Space by Sabrina Ann Faria
Maya’s Sri Lankan Spice Trail of Tails (Maya’s Worldly Wonders series) by Sharika Chauhan
Pirate Penguin by Hunter McNeil-Ali and Nicci Martin (Illustrator)
Sophia Starr and a Dog to Love by Sarah Lipman
DEBUT
Build Your Table: Find Career Clarity, Make Bold Pivots, and Thrive – Even When the System Isn’t Built for You (Build Your Power series) by Beverly Vanterpool
Little Gronak’s Inner Space by Sabrina Ann Faria
Pirate Penguin by Hunter McNeil-Ali and Nicci Martin (Illustrator)
Sassy Godmother’s Pearls of Wisdom: 50 Ways to Navigate Your Life by Susie Hall