Four incredible self-published authors from across the UK and Ireland won the third annual Ink Book Prize last night (September 15th) an award created to celebrate the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of independent publishing.

Ink Book Prize 2026
Fiction Winner
Tuesday by Lou Gibbons

Ink Book Prize 2026
Debut Winner
Build Your Table: Find Career Clarity, Make Bold Pivots, and Thrive by Beverly Vanterpool

Ink Book Prize 2026
Non-Fiction Winner
Sassy Godmother’s Pearls of Wisdom: 50 Ways to Navigate Your Life by Susie Hall

Ink Book Prize 2026
Children’s Fiction Winner
Little Gronak’s Inner Space by Sabrina Ann Faria, illustrated by Rosa Faria Lawrence

Announced at a private prize-giving celebration in London on September 15th, the winners were chosen from the 12 shortlisted authors by independent judges across the four categories. Each winner was awarded a bespoke Ink Book Prize trophy.
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.
More than 100 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.
Bestselling 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. It’s a huge achievement to win the Ink Book Prize.”
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. Winning a prize like this shows the quality of self-published books in 2026. The market has changed, and it’s getting better and better for indie authors to produce brilliant books and build remarkable careers.”